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Uber-type Travel

In Rome is there something like Uber and is it safe for my husband and I to use? I can't walk all over the city and will need transportation that is easy on my knees.

Posted by
1662 posts

Hi Debbie,

Look for the official Rome taxi. https://sites.google.com/site/sctappromeforcruisetravelers/contenuto-della-app/about-rome/using-taxis-in-rome

A lot of the main attractions are fairly close. If you're up to it & don't want to cab it, you can take a city bus to most places in & around Rome for 1,50€ each (good for 100 minutes & a transfer.) Buy tix at Tabacchi, corner marts.& some gift shops. Once you're on the bus, look for the machine & immediately validate your ticket.

Transit Inspectors have increased their presence on buses - they stop them, board as a team of about 4, & ask for each passenger's ticket or bus pass. If it's not stamped properly, you could or most likely would get a fine. The extreme, which happened once to me & a few others, was the machines on the bus were invalid. No fine. Inspector said to write stop you boarded, time & bus# on the back of your ticket. If possible, add the bus's ID# (found on the outside of bus)

Bus #64 is one of the busiest lines in Rome. It gets very tight - people cram on. If you're not on a deadline, wait 5 minutes, another one comes, & another, etc. Bus #40 is the Express in Rome - goes to The Vatican/St. Peter's minus a few stops.

A metro ride is the same price but good for one ride. Put your ticket in the slot (don't forget to grab it), go through, & you are on your way to the train.

Tips for traveling either by taxi, bus or metro - lessen stress: Keep your bags - purse, camera bag, etc. on your person. This way you're less apt to forget it on the seat. No tipping for cab is expected.

"Regarding bags" - If you haven't done so already, check out different cross body or messenger style bags. TJMaxx has a ton to choose from. I favor Kipling for their lightweight, good material, good straps, a lot of pockets & a good zipper. Cute bags.

Also, there is a company called "Hedgren." They make unisex bags. A bit on the high price end, but I found a nice black one at TJM for cheap. It's smaller than my purse/tote I used for Italy. I stored all the extras I mentioned above including my PP. But, I went in December, so I had my coat to conceal the smaller, cross body bag.

PacSafe is another manufacturer, but their bags can start out a bit heavier due to the metal in the strap as well as the metal slash proof panels of the bag.

Men carry small "messenger" bags or day packs. You don't want to put anything of great value in a back pack or day bag. You can't see it. Men in USA are used to carrying their wallets and/or phone in back pockets or side pockets. Don't do this.

It would be very rare to find violence or mugging like you hear about in the States. Pickpockets will seize the opportunity to tip toe in & out with your stuff. You most likely won't feel a thing. Some are "that good."

Don't tempt them or give them opportunity. We can forget things while out & about, go on with our "normal routine" & find wallets or purses missing/stolen.

It's best to secure day money, a credit card, your phone/Ipad in a bag that has strong material, a strong strap & a good zipper across the top. Consider a money belt, a neck wallet or similar to (deep) store extra money, a credit card & your passport if you choose to carry it.

Never hang a bag on the back of a chair or set it on the table. Thefts of that nature have been decreasing, but why risk it?

You mentioned knee problems. If you want, you can take a folding metal cane. It does not count against a personal item on the plane. You're allowed to take it into attractions. Those that have security such as Vaticano & St. Peter's, gets a scan. A folding cane is secure, has double bungee cording. Yes, it is a little heavy to carry around while touring, but, you have to 'weigh' what's important to you. If you do take one, make sure you secure the cane with a tie or thick band. You don't want it to accidentally disengage.

Posted by
1662 posts

Adding another thought.

I realize your OP was really about Uber travel or similar.

Perhaps you know: Rome has a lot of cobble stone of course. One or two may be protruding - I saw this. Or there are broken curbs and uneven sidewalks. Sometimes, balance can be thrown off.

I also took a little LED, plastic flashlight - lightweight, a $1 at Walmart in the camping section. It's small but packs a "big light." It came in very handy for me when I was unsure of footing in the dark or dim lights around Rome. It also helped if I cut through an alley way/side via to see what was up ahead of me.

Adding: this thread is similar to your question and has some other info you may find helpful
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/uber-in-italy-4ae50ec5-5d60-43e0-bafe-fb76d8dab8b3

Posted by
3112 posts

For door-to-door transportation in Rome there is also Uber Black, but it's essentially a chauffered sedan at the same expensive cost as hiring a chauffered sedan. The better option is what others have suggested, walking to a nearby taxi stand or calling a taxi for pick-up if there's no taxi stand within comfortable walking distance.