Uber In Rome: Airport Pickup And Drop-Off

Rome has Uber services, but they are not the standard, low-cost option available in other cities. Uber in Rome is a limo service, offering only the more expensive options like Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van. Uber is, therefore, a more costly way of travelling to and from the airport than regular taxis, which have a flat rate from the airport to the city centre. However, some travellers prefer Uber because it is convenient, offers English-speaking drivers, and provides a tracked journey with a receipt.

Uber is available at Rome Airport

Yes, Uber is available at Rome Airport, but it comes with a few caveats. Firstly, it is important to note that Uber in Rome is a limo service, offering only the more expensive options like Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van. This means that using Uber from the airport will likely be more costly than a regular taxi or other transportation options.

Secondly, the pickup system at the airport can be unsatisfactory. You may need to walk a considerable distance with your luggage to find a legal pickup location for your driver. Additionally, Uber drivers at the airport have been known to engage in fraudulent practices, such as cancelling trips and deducting cancellation fees, as some pickup locations may be unclear even to airport staff.

If you decide to use Uber, it is recommended to book in advance, as this will ensure a driver is waiting for you at the airport, saving you the time and hassle of lining up for a taxi. The Uber app allows you to pay for your ride in advance, track your trip via GPS, and receive a receipt by email, providing peace of mind and convenience.

However, if you are looking for more economical options, there are several alternatives to Uber at Rome Airport. Official taxi stands offer a flat rate of €48 to the city centre, and private car transfers can be even cheaper, with some offering rates as low as €45. Additionally, the Leonardo Express train provides a direct connection to Roma Termini Station for only $20.

Uber is expensive at Rome Airport

Uber is available at Rome Airport, but it is expensive. In fact, it is so expensive that it is about double the price of a regular taxi. This is because, in Rome, Uber is a limo service, offering Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van.

One user reported that they were charged over €100 for an Uber from Fiumicino Airport. This is compared to the standard taxi fare of €48 from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Centre. Another user reported that they were offered an unofficial taxi fare for €60 to the centre of Rome, but they took an official taxi for €48.

There are other options available that are cheaper than Uber. For example, Welcome Pickups is a service that combines the advantages of Uber, such as being able to book in advance, pay online, and know who your driver is, with the price of a regular taxi. The Leonardo Express train is another option, connecting Rome Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini Station for about $20 each way.

If you are looking for a taxi alternative that offers similar conveniences to Uber, the Freeway app and 'mytaxi' app are recommended by some travellers. These apps are similar to Uber, but may offer better prices.

Uber alternatives at Rome Airport

While Uber is available at Rome Airport, it is not the standard, low-cost version of the ride-hailing app that many users will be familiar with. Due to a court decision in 2015, Uber can only offer its more expensive options, such as Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van, which are limo services. As a result, Uber is a more expensive option for travellers, with surcharges that can make it twice the price of a regular taxi.

There are several alternatives to Uber at Rome Airport, including:

Taxi Stands

Official taxi stands are available at Rome Airport, and they offer a flat fare of €48 to the city centre. This option is generally reliable, with some travellers reporting minimal wait times. However, it is important to note that taxi drivers in Rome do not have the best reputation for honesty, and you may encounter issues with language barriers when calling to book a taxi.

Welcome Pickups

Welcome Pickups is an alternative that combines the convenience of Uber with the price of a regular taxi. It offers transparent pricing, online payment options, and English-speaking drivers who will meet you at the airport gate. They will also wait for your plane for up to an hour in case of delays.

Free Now (formerly MyTaxi)

The Free Now app, previously known as MyTaxi, allows users to call and pay for a taxi. You can pre-register a credit card or PayPal account, and the app also allows you to rate your driver. However, unlike Uber, the meter starts running as soon as you book the taxi, which can increase the overall cost.

Public Transportation

Rome has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, trams, and trains. The train to Roma Termini Station costs around $20 for a 30-minute journey, while the express train to Termini station costs €14.

Uber vs. taxis at Rome Airport

Rome's Fiumicino Airport offers a range of transfer options to get you from the airport to the city centre. The two most popular options are Uber and local taxis, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Uber

Uber is available at Rome Airport, but it is important to note that only the more expensive Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van services are operational. These are limo services, so you can expect a luxurious experience, but at a higher cost. Uber's prices are often higher than those of regular taxis, with a fixed price of 60 Euros to get from the airport to the city centre. Uber does offer the convenience of booking in advance and paying online, and you can be sure of an English-speaking driver. However, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for your driver to arrive, and there have been reports of issues with finding the designated Uber parking area at the airport.

Taxis

Official taxis at Rome Airport charge a flat rate of 48 Euros to get to the city centre. They can be found at the designated taxi stands, and while you may have to wait for a driver to show up, it shouldn't take longer than 10-15 minutes. Taxis are generally clean and safe, and while not all drivers speak English, many have basic English skills. It is important to ensure that the meter is running to avoid being overcharged, and be wary of anyone trying to sell you an unofficial "cheap ride" from the airport, as these are often scams.

Alternatives

If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider taking the train. The Leonardo Express train connects Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini Station for around $20 each way, and runs every half hour. There is also a shuttle bus service to Ciampino Airport for €7 one way, although this journey will take around 40 minutes.

Uber pickup locations at Rome Airport

Uber is available for pickups at Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO). Uber is a limo-only service in Rome, and UberBlack is the only option available at the airport. The cost of an Uber trip from FCO Airport depends on factors such as the type of ride requested, the length and duration of the trip, tolls, and current demand. You can see an estimate of the price before requesting by entering your pickup and drop-off locations. Uber also offers the option to schedule a ride up to 90 days in advance.

However, it is important to note that Uber has faced some challenges at Fiumicino Airport. In the past, passengers have reported difficulties in locating the "Uber parking" area, which even airport staff may not be aware of. This has resulted in drivers cancelling trips and passengers being charged cancellation fees. As an alternative, passengers can use taxi apps like 'mytaxi' or 'Freeway', which may offer better prices and more reliable service at the airport.

Frequently asked questions