Cabs in Rome (How to ID real ones)

Posted by aquamarinesteph (Southeastern USA) on 05/10/19 05:26 AM

I did a quick search on the website, and the first few hits on the search function were from several years ago. I KNOW that I've seen something on this question much more recently. In fact, I could swear I asked this question myself, but anyway - here goes.

We will be in Rome later this spring. All I need to do is take a cab from the airport (FCO) to my hotel near the main train station. I have forgotten what I need to look for to make sure that my cab is an official cab, and I want to make sure I have the correct details before I climb into the wrong vehicle. Is it the color of the cab? (White?) Numbers located somewhere? (Window?) A sticker on the windshield or door? (The SPQR?)

I know this is a repeat question, so I do apologize for that in advance. And I know I can find this information in older guide books, but life changes quickly. That's why I wanted to ask everyone here, because odds are good that somebody here has done this very recently and can give the most correct and up to date information.

Thank you!!! :-)

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

05/10/19 05:52 AM

16187 posts

https://sites.google.com/site/sctappromeforcruisetravelers/contenuto-della-app/about-rome/using-taxis-in-rome

If you go to the taxi stand you’ll see only real ones. If a fake one tried to pull a fast one and go there the real taxi drivers would eat them alive..

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

05/10/19 12:01 PM

8185 posts

As Roberto mentioned, work your way to the official taxi queue. Where people get sidetracked is when approached by people when exiting the terminal directing them elsewhere, offering to help them "skip the line" or "no waiting", a deal, etc.

Posted by Herfnerd

Charlotte, NC

05/10/19 01:37 PM

238 posts

The easiest way is to turn right when you leave the arrival hall and make your way to the taxi stand where you will see rows of the official, white, metered taxi cabs lined up. There might be an attendant that will help to point you to the next cab in line, although there seems to be an honor system of who gets the next fare

As Paul posted, the only issue is that you will have to make your way past the gauntlet of "drivers" showing you their "licenses" around their necks and quoting you fares into Rome for less than the flat 48 euro rate the official cabs will take you within the Aurelian walls for. Don't do it - just say no and keep walking to the stand.

Posted by Michael

Seattle, WA, USA

05/10/19 06:35 PM

7737 posts

Since your hotel is right by Termini train station, you could just take the nonstop Leonardo Express train from the airport to Termini. 30 minutes, 12 euros. The taxi will cost 48 euros and is subject to the vagaries of traffic. Your call.

Posted by aquamarinesteph OP

Southeastern USA

05/10/19 11:03 PM

996 posts

Thanks all!

The main problem I have with taking anything but a taxi stem from a trip to England where we apparently didn't do something right with our luggage on the London train and were glared at. I realize being glared at isn't the end of the world, but I'd like to do it right the first time. I don't know where to PUT my luggage (if it won't fit at my feet, and due to US flight regulations, we always end up with one checked bag for liquids). So while I'd rather save the $$$, I don't want to do something wrong in a country where I am just a visitor.

Thanks again!!!

Posted by samuelito

Sunnyvale, CA

05/10/19 11:31 PM

149 posts

Leonardo Express has plenty of racks for luggages.

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

05/11/19 06:46 AM

15798 posts

Your story reminded me of an incident on the tube from Heathrow to the city. I was travelling with a friend (originally from the UK and a very proper Brit) and her two 12-year old granddaughters. We had a lot of luggage with us and one of the girls was putting a suitcase on the train when the door closed behind her, leaving the last bag sitting on the platform. This was especially problematic since we were only one night in London before leaving the next afternoon for a 2-week cruise. I quickly pulled the emergency brake before the train moved. It caused a 10-15 minute delay and a dirty look or two from grumbling passengers, but the conductor was sympathetic when he found out what the problem had been.

The most amusing part was my friend chastising me afterward for daring to interrupt the train service, though she had no answer to "what would have happened if I hadn't?"

Anyway the Leonardo Express is very good. It may be worth the comfort and convenience to take a taxi and depending on the time of day (traffic congestion?) and how many passengers, how much luggage, it may not be much more expensive. Any taxi at the official taxi rank is fine.