Rome Taxis

Taxicabs are plentiful in Rome, and rates are fairly reasonable: According to the World Taximeter International Taxi Fare Calculator for Rome, a typical weekday fare from Termini Station to the Spanish Steps is just over 7 euros. (The exact fare will depend on traffic, whether you're traveling on a Sunday or holiday, how much luggage you're carrying, etc.)

Taxis are easiest to find at taxi stands, railroad stations, and airports. You can also phone for a taxi.

Rome mini-taxi

ABOVE: A minitaxi near the Spanish Steps. INSET BELOW: Cabs at Termini Station.

Rome taxis at Termini Station Romaforyou.it has an Italian-language taxi page that may be helpful: Pick a zone (such as "Centro" or "Viminale - Colosseo - Esquilino") from the "Sceglia la Zona" window, click the "Invia" button, and review the list of taxi stands and their phone numbers. Or, if you prefer, just phone one of the taxi-company numbers on the main page and ask "Parla inglese?" ("par-la inglayzay") in the hope that the dispatcher speaks English.

Another good resource is Pauline Kenny's Rome Taxis page at Slow Travel Italy, which covers the basics and describes the author's personal experiences when using cabs.

Finally, Cooperativa Radotaxi 3570 has a bilingual Web site where you can reserve a cab online or with an SMS message. (The cooperative also has a new fleet of wheelchair-accessible taxis.)

Important:

Ignore the touts at Termini Station or the airport and use only licensed, metered cabs. Licensed taxis are painted white, have "taxi" lights on the roof, and have Comune di Roma decals (with the taxi's license number) on the doors.
Some taxis are small, while others are midsized sedans, station wagons, or minivans. If you're traveling with bulky luggage and you phone for a taxi, be sure to explain that you need a cab with room for your bags.
If you think you're being cheated, or if you have any other problem with a cab driver, record the cab's license number and either call 060606 or submit an official taxi complaint form (PDF format).

Airport taxi service:

In October, 2006, the Comune di Roma introduced flat rates for rides in licensed taxis between Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport and the city center (any location within the Aurelian Walls). The fares, which include luggage, are:

Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) - Rome: €40
Ciampino Airport - Rome: €30

Private and shuttle transfers:

If you hate waiting in line at the airport for a cab, or if you're headed to or from the cruise port at Civitavecchia, see our Rome Airport and Cruise Transfers page for information on flat-rate car and shuttle transfers from our booking partner, Viator.