Rome Airport: Finding Taxis Upon Arrival

Rome is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, iconic landmarks, and famous pasta. The city is served by two airports: Fiumicino International Airport and Ciampino Airport. When arriving at either airport, it is important to be aware of transport options, including taxis, to get to your destination.

How to identify legitimate taxis at Rome airport

Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are served by legitimate taxi services, but there are also unlicensed drivers operating at the airports. Here are some tips to help you identify legitimate taxis and avoid falling victim to scams.

Firstly, it is important to know that official taxis are located at designated taxi ranks outside the arrivals terminal. These are the only official locations for taxis at the airports. You should never accept a ride from someone who approaches you inside the terminal, as these are likely to be unlicensed drivers. Legitimate taxi drivers do not solicit customers inside the terminal.

When you reach the taxi rank, look for a queue of white taxis with a "TAXI" sign on the roof. The symbol of the Municipality of reference (either Rome or Fiumicino) should be fixed to the front doors, and the licence number should be displayed on the doors, on the back, and inside the vehicle. The official vehicles serving Rome city centre are distinguished by an emblem on the side door that reads "Comune di Roma". If your destination is outside the Aurelian Walls, you may find taxis with the emblem "Comune di Fiumicino" at the rank.

If you are travelling to Rome city centre within the Aurelian Walls, there is a flat fixed fare of €48 from Fiumicino Airport and €30 from Ciampino Airport. This fare includes baggage and is for a maximum of four passengers. If your destination is outside the Aurelian Walls, the fare will be metered. Make sure you check that the correct tariff band is being applied and that the meter is turned on at the start of your journey.

To avoid being overcharged, it is recommended to have some euros in cash to pay for your fare. By law, taxis must accept credit card payments, but some drivers may claim that their machine is broken to avoid credit card processing fees. If you do pay by card, check that the driver has not charged you more than the agreed fare.

Flat-rate fares from Rome airport to the city centre

Rome's Fiumicino Airport offers licensed taxi services from the terminal taxi rank. The airport authorities have set a fixed fare of between €48 and €55 for travel between Fiumicino Airport and destinations in Rome's city centre, defined as within the Aurelian Walls. This price includes baggage and is for up to four passengers.

The taxi fare from the airport to the city centre is far less expensive than the journey from Ciampino Airport to Rome, which is set at €31. It is important to note that the taxi fare is fixed by the Municipality of Fiumicino at €60, so be sure to take a taxi from the City of Rome, which is cheaper.

The cars for the taxi service of the City of Rome are white and can be identified by the "TAXI" sign on the roof and the licence number on the doors, back, and inside the car.

An alternative to the licensed city cabs is to book a private transfer in advance. This option offers a fixed price, a vehicle suited to your needs, and a driver who will monitor your flight and be there when you exit the customs hall.

Tips to avoid being overcharged by taxi drivers

Rome's taxi drivers have a reputation for overcharging unsuspecting tourists, especially at the airports. Here are some tips to avoid being overcharged:

• Only take official taxis: In Rome, official taxis are white with a "TAXI" sign on the roof and a licence number on the doors, back, and inside the vehicle. They also have the symbol of the Municipality of reference fixed to the front doors.
• Know the fixed fares: The price from the airports to the city centre is set and non-negotiable. From Fiumicino Airport, the fixed fare is €55, while from Ciampino Airport, it's €40.
• Check the taxi's licence: Every taxi driver has a licence number displayed on the back of the cab and inside the back door, along with their name. Note down the licence number and ask for a receipt when you reach your destination.
• Use a taxi rank: It's best to find a taxi rank instead of flagging down a cab on the street. At Fiumicino Airport, the taxi rank is located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Arrival areas.
• Compare prices with ride-sharing apps: Consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber or taxi apps like MyTaxi or ITtaxi to compare prices and track your route.
• Be aware of supplements: If you're travelling with luggage, be aware that some taxi drivers may charge a supplement for each item of luggage, especially for metered rides.
• Report issues: If you encounter any problems or feel that you're being overcharged, don't hesitate to report it to the taxi company or the authorities. You can call the Carabinieri for assistance.

How to get a taxi from Rome back to the airport

When it's time to head back to Rome's Fiumicino or Ciampino airports at the end of your holiday, there are a few ways to get a taxi. If you're staying in a hotel, ask someone at the reception or concierge desk to call a taxi company for you. You can expect a quick waiting time, with an average pickup time of 5 to 10 minutes after making the call. If you're staying in a rented house or similar location, you can call a taxi company yourself and expect a similar waiting time.

Alternatively, use the internet or your phone's location apps to find the nearest official taxi rank. If it's within walking distance, you can take your luggage there and wait for a taxi to arrive. There are taxi ranks throughout the city, usually with at least one car waiting.

Remember to only take official, licensed taxis. These are white and have an emblem on the side door that reads "Comune di Roma". The license number should be displayed on the doors, back, and inside of the taxi.

You can also use the Uber app to request a taxi to or from the airport. This allows you to request and pay for your trip in one place and access customer support. You can view driver profiles and ratings, and you will be matched with a fully licensed taxi driver.

Pre-booking a taxi or private car service

Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are served by taxi services, but many travellers opt to pre-book a taxi or private car service in advance. This is a particularly attractive option for those who are travelling alone, in a group, with lots of luggage, or who are unfamiliar with Rome and wish to avoid the potential stress of navigating the local taxi system.

Avoiding Scams

Firstly, it is worth noting that Rome has a reputation for taxi scams. Unlicensed drivers hang out in the arrivals area and try to persuade tourists to ride with them by promising a quicker journey at a lower price than the regular taxis. These drivers often end up charging far more than an official taxi would. In addition, riding in an unlicensed car means you may not be insured in the event of an accident.

Finding Official Taxis

Official taxis are located at the taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal. They are white and have an emblem on the side door that reads "Comune di Roma". The official fare from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre (within the Aurelian Walls) is €48, while from Ciampino Airport it is €30.

Pre-Booking a Private Car Service

A private car service will give you a dedicated driver who will meet you once you have your luggage and drive you to Rome for a flat fare. These cars tend to be of higher quality, including limousines and sedans, but they will be more expensive than a regular taxi.

If you choose to pre-book a private car service, you can research companies online that operate at the airport. You can expect to pay around €60 for up to 2 people, or €70 for 3 or 4. Some companies offer flexible booking options, allowing you to pay a small deposit in advance and the remainder to the driver on the day.

Uber

You can also request a taxi from Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) using the Uber app. This option allows you to request a taxicab and pay for your trip all in one place, with 24/7 requesting available. However, Uber does not offer a flat rate from the airport to downtown Rome.

Frequently asked questions