We’re going to be in Rome for a few days in May. For longer distances is it best to use a taxi or ride sharing service?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
9220 posts
There is no Uber or Lyft in Italy
You can grab a taxi only at taxi stands-can’t flag one down
Most major sights have nearby taxi stand
Or you can have your hotel call for a taxi or use one of the taxi apps
Please do not tip taxi drivers!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
18100 posts
Depends on where you're coming from and where you're going but sometimes the Metro works well for longer hops. We used it a couple of times without issue. Never needed a taxi or bus but again, it depends on the distance you're trying to cover and how long/far you're able to walk.
(Adding per Hiredman's post below): we bought inexpensive individual (BIT Metrebus Roma) tickets when we used the metro. Bought a few and tucked them away for when we might want them. Easypeasy. They also come in multi-BIT amounts. )
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
2016 posts
There is effectively no Uber or ride share in Rome.
Buses, metro and tram are the best ways to get around town and certainly walking in the core area is number one. There are taxi apps - in Rome Free Now and ITTaxi are best - you can use to call taxis to your location but taxis can be expensive depending on traffic. And there is always traffic.
Google Maps does an okay job of showing you public transport options the dedicated City Mapper app does a better job. Buses are tap on with a credit card - everyone needs their own - always tap and keep your card handy in case you get checked. The machines light up with a big green circle when you tap them. There are tappers front and back but not being able to get to one is not an acceptable excuse to the transit police. We only ran into one that didn't work in our time there and the one at the back of the bus did.
Embrace the chaos, enjoy Rome,
=Tod
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Is it best to pay taxi driver directly or use the app?
Posted by
Rome, Italy
320 posts
I'm a bit confused as to why people are saying there is no Uber in Rome. I live in Rome, and there is definitely Uber. No Lyft, though, but Uber exists and is commonly used.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
18100 posts
What's meant by no Uber is that it's not Uber as we know it here in the States. Roberto does a good job of explaining the difference in this thread from last fall:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/safety-of-taxis-uber-lyft-in-rome