Taxi safety Airport to Hotel in Rome

Solo female here. I’ve done this as well as taking numerous taxis around the city. I’m more comfortable in a taxi than a city bus.

There is a fixed rate from FCO into the city. From the airport website;

Fixed fares (each way) for some destination, including all supplements, are as follows:
• Rome city center (within the Aurelian Walls): € 50,00
• Magliana - Parco dei Medici: € 31,00
• New Rome Fair: € 26,00
• Ciampino airport: € 52,00
• Tiburtina Station: € 57,00
• Ostiense Station: € 47,00
• Civitavecchia Porto: € 125,00

If your plane arrives at night, the fare may be slightly more.

Have a great trip!

Taxi cabs are infinitely safer (albeit more expensive) than any other form of transportation in Italy. They are licensed professional drivers who have to undergo strict background checks and exams before they can be licensed. The only risk you run is that the driver might tell you they can’t momentarily accept credit cards because their POS machine is malfunctioning. It’s actually an excuse, because they prefer to be paid in cash to avoid taxes.

Mass transit is not unsafe, but if there is a place where your wallet or purse risks to be pickpocketed it is certainly a crowded bus or subway train. The overwhelming majority of pickpockets in Italy happen aboard mass transit (and also street markets frequented by tourists).

I've been to Rome several times and worry far less about taxis or public transit there than in the US. Roberto gave us good information about the taxi drivers in Rome.
It's also a good suggestion to write down the name and address of your hotel, not just for a taxi driver but also for yourself. I recall a story a few years back about two young women in Paris who were so busy enjoying themselves that they didn't remember the name of their hotel when ready to return for the night. Fortunately, they were assisted by someone and all was well. After reading that story, I made sure to carry that information with me no matter which city I was in. Good advice.
You will do fine and have a great time.

so I'm a little worried.

If I were you, I'd begin my first international travel without worries. I'd hire a private driver in advance, likeRomeCabs.

You'll pay 10 € more than going by taxi (no tips!), but RomeCabs will know your flight # and their driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals even if your flight is delayed for hours.

When you think it's late in the day, remember that Romans start dining after 20:00.

Taxis are perfectly safe. just be sure to use one of the official taxis at the taxi rank -- not a free lancer wandering around that tries to solicite your business in the terminal. For a few euros more, you can hire a private driver to meet you inside the terminal, assist you with your bags, and wisk you straight to the hotel. After a long flight, having some jet lag, and being on new turf, the extra few euros are, in my opinion, well worth it. The service we've always used is Rome Cabs. It is a private car service despite the name. Just google their site and see what you think. We always send an email detailing our needs and get a reply within 24 hours. If they can't serve you, they can probably suggest another service and I'd not hesitate to follow their suggestion.

I often travel as a solo traveler and would not hesitate to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. I did this last September in Rome. Simply follow the signs to the official taxi rank. Stand in line, you will be assigned to a driver. I usually have the hotel name and address written out on a card I can give the driver to eliminate any language/pronunciation issues on my part. It is a set rate.

....I've never used a taxi or any kind of transport where a stranger was driving and I was the passenger, so I'm a little worried.....

If might help if you could articulate your concerns. Are you concerned about physical violence? Getting lost? A dishonest cab driver? If we knew your concerns we might be able to give some specific tips.

Great ideas--Thanks so much for the very helpful responses. I'll check out the Romecabs site as suggested and most likely go with that option. Seems well worth the extra money just for peace of mind. Once I get more comfortable with the ins and outs of travel, I expect things to be wonderful. Now I'm off for my daily 2 mile fast walk in preparation for all the walking anticipated on the upcoming tour!....Thank you all.

"Now I'm off for my daily 2 mile fast walk in preparation for all the walking anticipated on the upcoming tour!....Thank you all."

Add in some stairs or hills! Rome is hilly!

I agree with the others. Honestly, I fly from the West and am just not a clear thinker when I arrive in Europe. I always take a taxi and just don't worry about the expense. If you feel more comfortable with Rome Cabs, book thru them. I did that with a first trip to Italy in 2013 with 5 of us and it worked fine. I think if you book thru Rome Cabs you can pay ahead on line so even less to worry about.

Have a wonderful time! RS is a terrific way to start your international travel "career", hahaha. The unfortunate thing is you will be hooked on RS tours and this forum and it will suck all your free time and money.

I’ve treated myself to a few of those pre-booked, meet-you-in-the-terminal transfer companies when arriving to a new location after long flights to Asia. It is very pleasant to see someone waiting with your name, all ready to whisk you to the hotel! I wouldn’t hesitate to endorse this decision for you. Vacations should be enjoyed!

I was in Rome, solo, in late April. I also did not feel like dealing with the airport train, despite having taken public transit from various European airports over the years. I followed the directions to the official taxi stand, and was quickly ushered into a cab by a very nice driver--white taxi, make sure the plaque on the side says Roma, NOT Fiumicino, and confirm that it's a flat 50 euros--everything went well, and I took a taxi back to the airport that was also perfectly fine.