Is There Uber In Rome? (How to Get Around In 2024)

Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Audrey

QUICK ANSWER: UBER IS IN ROME!

If you are planning a visit to Rome, you may wonder how you’ll get around from place to place. I bet you have a list of the top attractions and restaurants that you are excited to experience. Therefore, navigating the Eternal City is a top priority!

Although its availability is currently limited to mainly Rome and Milan, it is well known and widely used in the city of Rome. During my trip to Rome, I found that Uber provided a seamless option for my transportation needs, and I used it for the majority of my travels.

Short on time? here’s what to expect from this post!

• Uber is available, but is a pricier option
• For affordability without sacrificing convenience, you can order taxis via an app
• Public transportation is accessible and easy to use but may have frequent delays.

Check out my other Italy posts here:

Rome 3 Days: All The Best Attractions You Can’t Miss!

Is Rome Worth Visiting?: Make The Ultimate Verdict

Is Rome Safe? Important Safety Tips and Things to Know 

10 Things To Know About The Best Colosseum Tours In 2024

Venice In 2 Days: First Timers Will Fall In Love!

Is Uber in Rome? 🚓

Short answer: Yes! There is Uber in Rome. While it may not be the cheapest option, it is safe and easy to use, and its unparalleled convenience is the biggest benefit of using Uber during your visit to Rome.

👉 Interested in booking a private, affordable pickup from the airport to Rome? I recommend checking out Welcome Pickups to start your vacation seamlessly!

How Uber in Rome works

Currently, there are restrictions on how Uber is used in Rome. Unlike in the United States, where various vehicle options with different models and capacities are available, Rome currently only offers Uber Black, Lux, and Van services. Therefore, the standard, more affordable UberX option is not currently available due to the country’s current laws. It’s important to note that when you order an Uber in Rome, you’re essentially paying a premium for a private, sleeker, and fancier car.

Should I Uber in Rome?

When considering whether to use Uber in Rome, several factors may influence your decision.

First, Uber offers a convenient and reliable option for navigating the city, especially if you’re unfamiliar with public transportation or prefer direct pickup.

Additionally, Uber proves particularly useful during late hours or in areas with limited taxi availability. You can easily order a ride through the app without struggling with a language barrier.

Although Uber is widely utilized in Rome, it may not always represent the most cost-effective option, as only the higher-end options are available. It presents a viable choice if you’re on a time crunch or traveling in a group.

During my trip, I was part of a group of five and frequently used Uber because we consistently required a van. Ultimately, consider convenience, cost, and your individual preferences before deciding if Uber aligns with your Roman adventures.

Can I order an Uber to pick me up from the airport?

Yes, you can order an Uber to pick you up from the airport in Rome! Uber is legal in Rome, although some taxi drivers may try to tell you otherwise. Both Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport and Ciampino Airport allow Uber pickups.

However, it’s essential to note that there may be designated pickup points for rideshare services at the airport.

If you plan on ordering an Uber in Rome, check the airport’s website or inquire with airport staff to ensure you know where to request your Uber. Additionally, be aware that there may be surcharges or fees associated with airport pickups.

How much does Uber cost in Rome? (Prices)

Pros and Cons of Using Uber in Rome

Is there Lyft in Rome?

No, currently Lyft is not operating in Rome.

Comparing Taxi to Uber in Rome 🚕

Are taxis in Rome safe?

Taxis are also a popular method of transportation throughout Rome. Taxis in Rome are generally considered safe for tourists and locals alike. The city regulates licensed taxis, and drivers undergo background checks and training.

Are there any problems with taxis in Rome?

Taking taxis in Rome is generally safe. However, occasionally there can be problems with the driver refusing to use the meter, especially when picking up passengers at popular tourist sites or transportation hubs. It is essential to make sure that the meter is running and ask for a fare estimate when you first get into the taxi.

Some taxi drivers may also try to take a longer route to increase the fare, so it would be good to have a map route to ensure that they are being reasonable. Many people in Rome are not proficient in English, and the language barrier can lead to misunderstandings. Try to show the address written or use a translation app.

Lastly, if you are coming from the airport, do not accept the offer of taking a “cheap ride” to your hotel from the airport, they charge €40-50 per person! They will make you share the car with other strangers and you will have to make stops around the city dropping everyone else off. It is a scam and make sure that you avoid them.

Can I pay with a card in taxis in Rome?

Legally, all taxis should accept card payments. However, I found that most still only take cash.

If you can only pay with card, it’s best to ask the driver before they start driving. If they decline, take the next taxi or you can try ordering a taxi via an app.

Using FreeNow to order a taxi

It is cheaper to take a taxi than to use an Uber, and there is an app called FreeNow (previously MyTaxi) where you can order a taxi pickup via an app. Using this, you can skip waving down a taxi on the street. The app also has fare estimates and cashless payment options, much like Uber. It provides real-time tracking and will also show the driver and license plate.

How to order a taxi

Using an app: There are taxi apps such as FreeNow or It Taxi that currently compete with Uber. Both the apps are user-friendly, and FreeNow will display a cost estimate upfront.

By phone: You can definitely schedule a taxi pickup by calling a taxi company directly. However, consider that there may be a language barrier when communicating the pick-up and drop-off addresses.

Hail a taxi: You can go the old reliable way by hailing a taxi from the street! However, by law, taxis only stop in designated areas, so it may not be the most convenient option.

Pros and cons of using FreeNow/Taxi vs Uber

Don’t get scammed in a taxi: Tips to know

👍 Use only licensed taxis, which are white with a taxi sign on top. They also have an official number on the side of the car.

👍 Ask for a fare estimate before they start the drive.

👍 Make sure the meter is running to avoid invoking a dispute over the fare. Not using the meter is illegal!

👍 Know your route to avoid being taken on an unnecessarily longer route.

👍 Be aware of hidden extra charges, such as luggage fees, rides during nighttime hours, or journeys extending beyond the city limits.

👍 Be respectful, as with anyone and anything!

Public Transportation Options

Metro 🚊: Rome’s Metro system has three lines that connect to most of the city’s main attractions. They typically cost €1.50 for a single journey. You can also buy day or week passes if you plan on frequent stops.

Train 🚆: Trenitalia and Italo are rail networks that can be great options for long-distance travel to major cities. The train routes are quite scenic and show off Italy’s beautiful landscapes. Amenities offered include Wi-Fi and dining cars. If you plan on moving to other cities like Milan or Florence from Rome, definitely consider taking a train.

Bus 🚍: I found buses to be quite convenient. Over 350 bus lines cover the city. They now offer contactless payment so you can tap and pay with your phone! They run from 5:30 am until midnight typically, but some buses have night services.

Vespa 🛵: Renting a Vespa can be a super unique and cool experience to navigate the city! You will be able to easily pass through narrow alleys, and experience Italy like a local. You will also miss the hassle of looking for car parking on the street.

Walk 👟: Rome is 100% a walking city! Most of your attractions are close together and can be reached on foot. I found that we walked everywhere for the majority of our trip. On our first day, we went on a walking tour and explored most of the city’s highlights in just a few hours.

Alternative options to get from the airport to Termini station

Beyond the Uber and standard Taxi pick up, you can choose some other options to get to and from the airport.

Welcome Pickups

Welcome Pickups is similar to a cab but has similar advantages to Uber. You can pay online and you will know who your driver is and will be able to book a mini sedan or van if needed. They guarantee an English-speaking driver and you can provide your flight details in case of a delay.

The cost is around $75-100 (€69-94) per car, with the price ranging in the middle of a taxi and Uber. Interested? Learn more about Welcome Pickups here.

Trains

The Leonardo Express train will take you directly from the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Rome Termini Station. It costs around $20 or €14 one way. It runs every 30 minutes from 6:38 am to 11:38 pm every day and is non-stop. The trip duration is around 32 minutes.

A second train called the FL1 connects Fiumicino Airport with several drop-off points in Rome. It does not go to Termini station, but you can stop at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana, or Tiburtina stations. The cost of a ticket is €8, and trains leave every 15 minutes or so and take around 30 minutes to arrive.

Take note that these trains get frequently delayed depending on the circumstances, so plan accordingly.

Should I rent a car in Rome?

Honestly, I don’t recommend renting a car while in Rome unless you plan to make several day trips out of the city. Rome has cramped alleyways and parking can be quite difficult.

Also, the drivers in Rome can be a little crazy! There are no lanes on some of the streets so the drivers make their own.

On my first day in Rome, our taxi driver almost hit someone. Then, the other car pulled up right next to our driver and they started arguing with each other on the street as pedestrians walked by, right across their windows!

It was a very Italian experience, and a little hectic. I don’t think I could handle driving in the city myself, but you may be different.

What should I do in Rome?

If you are wondering what to do during your trip to Rome, check out my 3-day Rome Itinerary here. It covers all the essential attractions and offers other possible sites that you may want to check out if you have extra time! We saw all the top highlights of the city and still left some room for shopping and getting lost!

Where Should I Stay in Rome?

If this is your first time visiting Rome, I recommend staying in the Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori area. This is the town square, and a lot of main attractions like the Pantheon, Colosseum, and Crypta Babi are located near here, making it easy for you to walk to them.

Rome is definitely a walking city, and being close to most of the attractions will make it easy for you to head home and rest once your day is over. Not to mention, there are a ton of great restaurants in the area.

I’ve included my top recs below, all located in the central Pantheon/Piazza Navona/Campo de Fiori area for easy access to all the main attractions. Take a look and let me know what you think.

📍Best Budget Hotel: Hotel Labelle ⭐

Hotel Labelle is the best budget hotel that I found, located right in the city center and just a few minutes walk from Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon! The rooms are reasonably spacious, with air conditioning and an elevator to ease comfort.

👉🏻 Click here to book Hotel Labelle!

📍Best Mid-Ranged Hotel: Hiberia Hotel Rome ⭐⭐

Hiberia Hotel Rome provides stunning city views and free breakfast in addition to being in a superb location, just a 5-minute walk from the Colosseum.

👉🏻 Click here to book Hiberia Hotel Rome!

📍Best Luxury Hotel: Palazzo Galla ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Are you celebrating a special occasion and want something really luxurious? In that case, you need to stay at Palazzo Galla!

In addition to beautifully decorated rooms, this four-star hotel has a rooftop terrace with a view of the city that will take your breath away. With a bar and private parking right in the heart of Rome, this hotel will provide you with everything you could possibly need.

👉🏻 Click here to book Palazzo Galla!

Conclusion: Uber in Rome

Uber in Rome is widely available and offers unparalleled convenience. With the ability to request a ride from anywhere at any time, it became my go-to choice, especially after evenings out with my family.

However, it’s worth noting that Uber tends to be pricier compared to alternatives like taxi apps, which offer similar convenience at a lower cost. Consider the number of travelers, time available, and cost before you make an informed decision about using Uber in Rome. Happy travels!