Taxi Fares in Rome - Question

WiseOldBird_2

DH and I are going for a short break soon. Does anyone know what we should be paying per mile/km for a taxi? Don't want to be ripped off which I know frequently happens in Rome. Do you tip? If so, what percentage? Also any other tips for visitng Rome would be appreciated. Thanks.

nikibella

Hi,
first thing to know is that you should use only licensed taxis. They are white with a plaque with the registration number in the back and the usual taxi mark on the roof.
Second, unless you have agreed on a fixed fare, avoid to take taxis to and from the airport as it's very far from the city center and it may cost you more than 100 euro one way. If you can take the train to the central station (Termini) and from there a taxi to your final destination.
Taxis in Italy are quite expensive, for a standard trip in town never less than 10 euro. When you get in there is already a starting fare (from 2/3 euro daytime to over 5 euro night) and then approx 0.80 euro a km inside town, outside and in the night it's more expensive. There is also a fee for time and if there's heavy traffic it's the norm, approx. 20 euro an hour.
I find this link on taxi fares in Rone, it's in Italian but the numbers are the same
http://www.taxicam.it/tariffe/tariffe.htm

WiseOldBird_2

Thanks so much Nikibella for that comprehensive reply. Fortunately we have booked a coach from the airport which will drop us off at Termini Station, but it will be quite late at night and although the walk to the hotel is only about a mile or so, we wondered whether it would be safer to take a taxi. Other than that, I think we're using public transport. All of your info has helped us so much. Thanks again - you're a star.

emmedi

Termini station area can be rough at night (especially if they see you have baggage clearly saying "I'm a tourist"), so I would suggest you take a taxi to the hotel, even if it's not that far.

Once you know the area a bit, it should be ok to walk in the area at any time.

jaymac_2

I think we paid about 4 euros a day for a transport card for use on the buses, metro and trains in Rome. We even went out to Ostia Antiqua near the coast as part of the deal.

WiseOldBird_2

emmedi & jaymac - thanks for the tips. will keep in mind. much appreciated.

PandaPants_2

The metro card is your best bet, 1 euro each way or 5 euro for the full day. Most of the main attractions are on the A or B metro line with a short walk. I wouldnt even think about hiring a car, they are MENTAL drivers lol

fatboyonadiet

Getting the Roma pass might be better for 20 Euros it lets you use the metro unlimited for 3 days and gives entry to 3 attractions free of charge and discounted for any after that

SandLake

For transfers from the airport to a central hotel have a look at https://www.romecabs.com

They have had some very good reviews and I used them this past weekend and they were very good, the driver will actually meet you with your name on a plaque just after you go through customs and will help you with your luggage to his car.

Standard taxi fares were introduced recently, 30euros from CIA and 40euros from FCO, Romecabs are 45euros from either airport (for up to 2 people)

Slightly more expensive than a taxi but worth it - in my opinion

waster_2

I was in Rome last week. The Termini Station can look a bit seedy outside but I didi not feel threatened. Like anywhere else use common sense.

Did not use Taxis bit got the LDV Express from LDV Airport direct to the Roma Termini Station. Runs every 30 mins and takes approx 30 mins. Cost 11 Euros each way.

All the toursity attractions can be reached by the Metro although you may have a little walk of up to 10 mins to get to some. There are two Lines: RED = A and Blue = B. They only intersect at the Termini Station. Currently the Red line ceases at 21.00 hours as they are building a third line and that means the Red line cannot run. Replacement buses cover the route. Trains run every 5 - 8 mins. There are some new trains on the Red Line but otherwise they look grotty as they're covered in graffiti. Again I fewlt safe on the Metro even at midnight.

You can pay per journey. It is 1 Euro and that covers you for upto 75 mins from when you validate the ticket. Use on any buses and up to one metro or surban train trip within the time limit.

The BIG Ticket costs 4 Euros as covers unlimited travel on buses, metro and suburban trains for one day. The BIT ticket is the same as the BIG ticket but costs 11 Euros and is valid for 3 days. Tickets can be bought from the machines in the stations or otherwise from tobaconists and other outlets showing they sell tickets. They all charge the same price there is no mark up.

Tickest MUST be bought before travelling and MUST be validated in one of the machines as you enter either the Metro or Rail station or on the bus. If you get caught without a validadted ticket expect a hefty fine.

You will need at least 4 days to see the popular tourist attractions and be prepared to be drowned by history (and in some cases crowds). If you want to see the Pope he usually appears on Wednesday morning in St Peters Square in front of the Vatican. To get in the seats you need a free ticket that can be obatined via the Vatican website and picked up on the day. Otherwise you can still see him but he looks smaller and standing room only!!! The Vatican gets very busy and you will queue to go through the airport style security machines. If you want the audio tours you will need to take some ID as they keep that as a deposit. St Peter's is free but all the other bits including the Sistine Chapel you pay for. You will need best part of a day to do all. Get there early as some parts close at 17.00 or so and last admission is often 60 minutes prior to closing.

The rest are the usual Roman bits (Circus Maximus, Colleseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, etc) as well as Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps etc,.

Prices are not too different from UK for food, etc in restaurants, although if you want to buy wine to drink in your room that's probably only 60% of uk prices.

Enjoy

fatboyonadiet

Forgot to say there is another company that runs the buses from the airport to Termini and charges 6 Euros, all the others charge 8.

I agree with waster on Termini, I stayed just off there and had no issues at all, in fact location wise if I went again I would stay there no doubt.