Transportation in Rome, Italy

There's a saying 'once bitten, twice shy.' As far as taxis go in Rome we've been bitten numerous times. Shockingly there are some travel guides which tell you that taking taxis in Rome, are a cheap and efficient way to see the city. Unless you have money to burn or absolutely desperate not to use public transportation, we really would advise you to avoid using them.

There are some circumstances where obviously its more efficient: travel to and from airports, late night dinners and activities, experiencing Rome outside of the downtown area and traveling with children.

We've written some useful tips and other important information to avoid being the scammed:

How do they look?

• Approved taxis are always yellow or white, the word 'TAXI' is on the roof, the logo of the commune of Rome is clearly seen on the doors, the name and telephone number of the taxi company is seen on the side of the taxi.
• All approved taxis have a meter inside which displays the fare. MAKE SURE THE METER SAYS 'TARIFFA 1' and NOT 'TARIFFA 2'. Tariffa 2 is used after the taxi is outside the boundaries of the city limits and calculates the fare at a much quicker rate.

Where can I find them?

• There are taxi stands located all around the city center close to the major attractions: Termini Station, Largo Argentina, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Venezia, Piazza della Repubblica, Via Boncompagni.
• You can call taxis by using the following numbers (not advisable if you don't speak a word of Italian)  063570, 068822 or 066645.

Fares and Fixed Rates

• Taxis already start off with a predetermined price set on the meter even if you go to the taxi stands. If you choose to call a taxi, the number of minutes it takes the taxi to arrive will be the fare already on the meter.
• Monday - Saturday 7am - 10pm: Fare starts €2,80; Sunday and holidays: fare starts €4,00; Night fares: fare starts: €5,80
• Ciampino - Rome/ Rome- Ciampino - €30, Fiumicino-Rome/Rome-Fiumicino - €40

Scams

• At train stations and airports, those taxi drivers who verbally or visually solicit business are doing so illegally. Should you choose them, you may have to pay whatever exorbitant fare they ask for at the end of the ride. Approved taxis are neatly lined up outside of terminals displaying the above said characteristics.
• The first piece of luggage is free after that luggage with dimensions (cm53x25x50) €1,04 each.

What do I do if I feel I've been cheated?

• Honestly, its very difficult with the language barrier to argue your case to a dishonest taxi driver. Take the drivers license number of the taxi located on a metal plate on the inside side panel of the back doors, the code name of the taxi located on the outside panel of the back doors "Milano 42", "Napoli 72", e.t.c
• Make sure you get a receipt which they must produce if asked.
• Take the name of the cab company you used: 3570 or 8822.
• With the above information you can file a complaint with the taxi company seeking reimbursement.

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