Rome Taxis

ABOVE: A minitaxi near the Spanish Steps. INSET BELOW: Cabs at Termini Station, and an illuminated sign on a Rome taxi.

By Durant Imboden

Taxicabs are plentiful in Rome, and rates are fairly reasonable. (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.

A good source of basic information is How to Take a Taxi in Rome (without getting ripped off) from the "An American in Rome" blog.

When you need a cab, visit 3570, the site of Rome's radio-taxi cooperative, where you can reserve a cab on the Web, or--if you prefer--with a smartphone app.

The  Coop 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.

Airport taxi service:

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

• Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) - Rome: €48 (see more details)

• Ciampino Airport - Rome:  €30 (see more details)