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Travelling by taxi in Rome – tips and tricks

Yes, it’s a known fact – Rome taxi drivers like to take advantage of innocent tourists. Overcharging is as predictable as the heavy traffic. So how does one travel by taxi without being ripped off? Here are some tips to help you next time you’re about to embark on a taxi ride in Italy’s capital city

Step 1 – Take a reputable taxi!
Make sure you choose one of city’s official white taxis. This way, you’re less likely to have problems, as there are set fares for different routes. These taxis are identifiable by the LED light with the word ’taxi’ on it. You’ll also see the Rome City Council logo clearly on the front doors of the taxi as well as on the interior rear door on the left, where the taxi license number and the taxi driver’s name is also located. Keep anote of this in case of problems.

Step 2 – Use the taxi meter, don’t arrange a fare
One of the easiest ways to get ripped off is to arrange a fare beforehand, or travel blindly without the taxi meter being switched on. So make sure that everything is above board, and that the taxi meter is switched on at the start of the ride. The taxi meter is either located above the car’s dashboard or it’s on the upper part of the windscreen, so it’s clearly visible from the passenger seat. When you get to your destination, be double careful. Ask for a receipt. That way you have proof that you paid the driver as well as the proof of what you paid for the journey.

Step 3 – Have a good idea of the route to your destination
Take a look at a map so that you have an idea of where you’re going. Take note of recognizable sights en route so that when you’re travelling to your destination, you will have an idea of whether you’re going in the right direction or not.

How to find a taxi in Rome
Unlike in New York, London or Paris, you’re not going to get a taxi by whistling, gesticulating or doing all the other things one normally does to hail a taxi. Not in Rome. Taxi drivers in Rome don’t stop for passengers – it’s a fact. You see, many of Rome’s taxis have already received a message via radio and they’re en route to pick somebody up. Or you’re hailing a taxi that already has a passenger happily ensconced inside. Either way, your Roman taxi is busy and isn’t about to stop and pick you up.

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

So what’s a passenger to do? Here are some tips:
1. SMS for a licensed radio taxi. There are various numbers to call. Here are a few to try. Text your address (include the name of the city, Roma) and if you wish a time to be picked up and you will receive a response. The service then searches for the closest taxi and radios the taxi driver to pick you up. They then SMS you back to give you an estimated time of arrival for the taxi as well as the taxi’s number and name.
* Text 366 673 0000
* Send an SMS to the City Council’s taxi service on + 39 060609

2. You can also phone for a taxi, however this can be difficult because of the language barrier. However, Rome taxi companies are used to foreign accents, so this is an option. When you phone, make sure to state your address clearly. Don’t forget to include the name of the street and the number of the building. The taxi company will search and send the taxi closest to your location as well as how long it will take for the taxi to get to you.
Here are the telephone numbers of some of Rome’s radio taxi companies:
• Radio Taxi: +39 063750
• City Council’s Taxi: +39 060609
• Pronto Taxi: +39 066645
• Mondo Taxi: +39 068822
• Le Capitale: +39 064994
3. Head for your closest taxi stand. These are marked with an orange sign saying ‘taxi’. If there is a queue, then join the queue and wait your turn. If there is no queue, you may have to find out who is first in the queue.
Here is a list of some of the best taxi stands in Rome:
• Largo Argentina (in historic centre)
• Piazza Barberini
• Piazza del Popolo (in historic district)
• Piazza della Repubblica
• Piazza Venezia
• Termini Station

What you should be paying for a taxi fare in Rome
The going rate from a taxi stand
Currently, when the taxi picks you up, the meter will already register an amount, which is calculated as follows:
• During the day on weekdays (7am to 10pm) – € 2,80
• During the day on Sundays and public holidays (7am to 10pm) – € 4,00
• At night every day of the week (10pm to 7am) – € 5,80
Luggage costs
Passengers can travel with one suitcase. If you have more luggage, this is charged at € 1,00 per bag.
Costs to and from Rome’s airports
Transfer to and from Fiumicino Airport to or from a destination within the Aurelian Walls – € 40,00. Airport transfer to or from Ciampino within the Aurelian Walls – € 30,00
Waiting for the taxi
When you SMS or phone for a taxi, you will be told how long it will take for the taxi to arrive. The taxi meter runs from the time of your call or SMS, so you can expect to pay more when you call for a taxi than if you stand in a queue at a taxi stand.
If you are told the taxi will be arriving in 5 minutes, expect to pay an additional € 2,00. For a 10-minute wait, except to pay an additional € 4,00. If you have to wait more than 10 minutes, expect to pay an extra € 6,00
Calculating the cost of your fare in advance
There’s a very useful site you can use that helps you calculate what it will cost you in Rome to take a taxi. This is very useful in ensuring that you don’t get ripped off. Follow this link: http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Rome-Italy

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

No matter where you’re travelling in Rome, one of the most efficient ways to get there is to rent a private taxi with a driver. Renting a vehicle with a driver means that you can reach every destination on time, without any hassle. The driver knows the routes around Rome, is able to manage or avoid the traffic, depending on the time of day, and is unlikely to get lost. This means that if you’re on a business trip or need to get to a destination without any fuss, the driver will get you there. Everything is taken care of you just have to enjoy the ride.

TAXI RENTAL WITH DRIVER ROME

Effortless airport transfers
Whether you’re travelling to or from either of Rome’s two airports – the city’s international airport, Fiumicino, or the smaller Ciampino, used by budget airlines, renting a taxi with a driver takes away all the hassle. After a long trans-continental flight, you’re exhausted, and whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, having to navigate from the airport to your hotel in Rome can take a lot of time and effort. However, if you have pre-arranged a taxi with a driver, you will be met at the airport when you arrive in Rome, and taken to your hotel. You don’t have to worry about a thing. And when you leave Rome at the end of your trip, your pre-booked taxi with driver will ensure that you get to the airport on time and in comfort. That’s the perfect way to end a holiday.

Sightseeing outside of Rome
If you’re interested in visiting Castelli Romani, which are hill towns outside of Rome that are home to ancient Roman castles, the best way to get there is by car. Of course, you can rent a vehicle and drive there yourself, but you’re guaranteed to get there faster with a driver who knows exactly where to go. So if you’re pushed for time, or are unsure about travelling to by car in a strange country, the best way to get there is to hire a taxi with a driver. Of course, there are numerous other locations to visit just outside of Rome, and the best way to explore them, especially if you have limited time, is with a driver who knows how to get you there as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Travelling by train or ship?
If you’re travelling from Rome by train or by boat, your taxi with driver will ensure you get there on time, or can pick you up on arrival. There are numerous car rental companies that come with drivers to take you to and from Civitavecchia port, as well as to and from Termini Station.

Why rent a private taxi?
Of course, there’s a certain amount of cachet involved in having your own private taxi driver, but when you’re visiting Rome, there are a lot more advantages to renting a taxi with a driver, too. Aside from being able to relax knowing that you’re being taken care of, and enjoying a comfortable ride with no hassles about payment, you’re also assured of the taxi arriving on time to get you to your destination, and being there to fetch you when you need to be fetched as well. Reputable car rental companies also offer reliable, even luxurious vehicles to ensure your ride is as comfortable as possible.

So what does it cost?
The price differs depending on the number of passengers in the taxi, so this is an important point to remember when calculating the costs of a ride. It’s best to shop around with the different reputable car rental companies to find the best and most affordable deal.

 

6. Car, van, coach and bus rental in Rome

 

If you’re traveling in a group of between four and 69 passengers, whether on a school, corporate or private tour, why not consider hiring a luxury bus or coach to explore Rome? This way, travelling from the airport on your arrival, and through Rome for the duration of your stay, right up to travelling back to the airport on your return journey home, is all taken care of. You are sorted with transport for the duration of your trip. And this can also work out to be a very reasonably priced option.

Transportation+in+Rome

 

Best of all, you can arrange transport for the entire trip before you travel, giving you one less thing to worry about while you’re on holiday. Before you leave, you can arrange airport transfers to and from one of the two airports in Rome as well as plan itineraries for day tours or sightseeing trips in and around this famous city. So, by the time you go on holiday all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourselves.

 

Reputable vehicle hire companies usually offer a choice of vehicles to suit the size of the group. So, you can choose from a choice of sedans carrying up to five passengers, a minivan for up to 21 passengers, a mid-sized bus that seats a maximum of 43 people or a coach (even a double-decker if need be) for up to 69 people.

 

How to arrange coach hire in Rome

The most important thing to remember is to choose a reputable rental company that offers a wide selection of vehicles so that you can find exactly the right size car, bus or minivan to suit your group. Also, reputable companies not only offer excellent vehicles, but they also offer excellent service. And when you’re paying good money to hire a big car, minivan, coach or bus for the group, you except good service as part of the package.

 

Why renting a bus or coach in Rome is such a great travel option

  • You can arrange everything before you leave so that when you arrive it’s all pre-arranged and you can relax and have fun
  • Vehicle hire for a group is more affordable than hiring different modes of transport for airport transfers, sightseeing tours, special trips and taxi fares to different destinations in Rome
  • By organising the trips beforehand, you can make sure you are on time wherever you go
  • Using a reputable coach and vehicle rental company means you’re paying less for reliable vehicles and services. Vehicles will be recent, not old models, offering comfort (air-conditioning and comfy seats) and safety (seat belts, excellent brakes, etc) as well as entertainment (entertainment systems)
  • You can personalise the vehicle to suit the size of the group
  • Airport transfers to Rome’s two airports – Fiumicino (30km away) and Ciampino (12km from Rome) – can be expensive if done individually. By hiring a bus, minivan or coach, you’re saving a fortune and you’re guaranteed arriving on time to take your flight, and being fetched timeously, too
  • There are so many exciting sights to see in Rome, and you will have transport to visit all of them, saving you time, hassle and money.

 

 

 

 

TAXI SERVICE WITH DRIVER ROME

Rome’s taxi drivers – a breed apart?
Yes, Rome’s taxi drivers have a bad reputation, and those who overcharge tourists deserve it. But for the most part, the drivers take their profession seriously. They will get you from A to B as quickly as possible, although this may not be the shortest route, and will usually charge the correct rate, a combination of what you see on the taxi meter as well as additional luggage charges.

Extra costs – luggage
In most cases, only your first piece of luggage is free and any additional pieces will cost you €1, 00 each. In some cases, the taxi driver will only charge an extra € 1,00 per bag after the fourth piece of luggage, so discuss this with the driver before you embark on the journey.

Extra costs on the meter
Be aware that if you call or SMS for a taxi in Rome, and are given an estimated time of arrival for the taxi, you could be charged a rate for the time it takes for the taxi to reach you. This will be shown on the meter when it arrives to pick you up. However, a new law was put into place from mid-2012, permitting taxi drivers in Rome to charge a set fee of € 3,50 if you have called or sent an SMS for a taxi. In this case, the taxi driver switches on the meter when you get into the taxi, and just adds the extra € 3,50 onto your bill at the end, instead of calculating the cost of how long it took to reach you after you called for a taxi. Be sure to request a receipt of payment when you pay the taxi fare and make sure it includes the taxi’s license number on it.

Choose the right taxi
Rome’s official taxis are white, and have a sign on the roof emblazoned with the word ‘taxi’. You’ll also find the logo of the Rome City Council on the taxi’s doors. All of these official taxis also have taxi meters, and the taxi driver should always have the meter switched on for the duration of the journey. The only time taxi drivers don’t use the meters is in cases where there are set fees. These are used for travelling between the central part of the city, within the Aurelian Walls and the airport as well as between Rome’s central stations or the city’s two airports, Ciampino (used by budget airlines) and Fiumicino (Rome’s international airport).
Fare prices between Rome and the city’s two airports
To find out all the latest fare prices between Rome and the city’s two airports, from central Rome, between the Aurelian Walls, or from anywhere else in Rome, follow this link that includes details in both English and Italian:
http://www.comune.roma.it/PCR/resources/cms/documents/tariffario_taxi_luglio_2012.pdf

Why it’s important to use an official taxi service in Rome
Wherever you go in Europe you’ll be approached by people offering you a taxi service. Sadly, this is why Rome’s taxi drivers have such a bad name. Most often the unofficial taxi drivers are the ones that do their utmost to rip tourists off. Official taxi services in Rome follow a specific protocol, but unofficial taxi drivers do exactly what they want. This is why it’s so important to use Rome’s official taxis instead.
To use an official taxi in Rome, either SMS or call for one, or stand in line at a taxi rank. Don’t try to hail a taxi, because the official taxis don’t stop for passengers. And don’t accept offers from unofficial taxi drivers, unless you’re prepared to suffer the consequences.
What to do if you have complaints about an official taxi in Rome
Write down to taxi’s registration number (number on the number plate) so that you can report the taxi driver to the taxi service or fill in a special complaint form supplied by the taxi service
How to avoid problems with Rome’s taxi drivers
• Make sure you always have the correct change with you when you pay for your fare.
• Count carefully when you pay, to ensure you are giving the driver the correct amount of money. Remember: Italian lire are all of a similar colour, and you don’t want to give the driver too much or too little. (Underpaying will certainly cause a problem!)
• Be careful when disembarking and unloading your luggage to ensure that all your bags are unloaded.
• Give the driver a tip! Although tipping is not expected in Rome, tourists usually do tip taxi drivers. The best way to do this? Let the taxi driver ‘keep the change’.

 TAXI SERVICE WITH DRIVER ROME

 

Guide to using Rome’s public buses and trams

Rome offers a wide selection of public transport, including buses throughout the city. The bus system is very comprehensive and the buses run regularly, seven days a week, starting at 5.30 in the morning and continuing until midnight. There are also regular night buses that run throughout the night on major routes.

 

The major bus terminal is located right in front of Termini Station in Rome’s city centre. In fact, the station is the centre for all transport, and whatever mode of public transport you use to go sightseeing, you’ll find it at or around Termini Station.

Transportation+in+Rome

Guide to using Rome’s public buses and trams

Things To Do In Rome

admin  —  10:47 pm

Things To Do In Rome

When it comes to your summer vacation what better place to visit than the city of Rome.


1. Colosseum- Where the mighty Gladiators used to fight .

2. Vatican- The home of the Pope for hundreds of years even though Vatican is in the centre of Rome Vatican is an independent country in fact the smallest in the world.

3. Pantheon- Constructed nearly 2000 years ago Pantheon is one of the most renowned buildings in Rome.

4. Trevi Fountain- A Grand fountain in the centre of Rome you will not find a grander fountain anywhere else.

5. Piazza Del Popolo, Piazza surrounded by beautiful structures in Italian it means people square.

6. Piazza Navona-this is a popular square this was converted 100 Years ago from a stadium into a Piazza.

7. Spanish Steps-probably the most important steps in the world.

8. A visit to the Roman Forum Ruins.

9. Mausoleum Of Hadrian-constructed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian for himself.

10. Trastsevere-visit and experience the local day to day life.

 

Things To Do In Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy. Located on the Tiber River, this beautiful city’s history spans two and a half thousand years. Rome is regarded as one of the birthplaces of the western civilization.

Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate. This global city is also regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world and is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. This city will not disappoint shoppers.

Here is a brief overview of some popular tourist attractions in Rome.

Colosseum

This elliptical amphitheatre is at the heart of the city. Considered to be the largest ever (capable of seating 50,000 people) to be built by the Roman Empire, this structure stands as an example of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles.

Rome tourist attractions

Rome tourist attractions

The Forum

If you want to experience the ancient Roman Empire, you should visit the Forum. It was from here that the Roman leaders ran the empire. The Forum is now a public park. You will find many ruins here.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Burial site of St. Peter, this Late Renaissance Church is located within the Vatican City. This church has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world. This basilica is considered holy by Christians all over the world.

Vatican Museums

The famous Vatican Museums are located inside the Vatican City. These museums exhibit immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church over many centuries. You will find masterpieces of Renaissance art and marvelous sculptures here.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa as a temple for all the Gods of ancient Rome. This circular building’s dome is the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

The Gardens of Villa Borghese

These large landscape gardens house many museums. It is the second largest public park in Rome. The gardens, as they are now, were remade in the early part of the nineteenth century.

Travel Guide — Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain

Located in the Trevi district inRome, this fountain stands 26 meters high and is 20 meters wide. It is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The backdrop for the fountain is the Palazzo Poli.

Rome is an ideal blend of the ancient and the modern. It is rightly called the “Eternal City”. Visit to the above-mentioned Rome tourist attractions is bound to be an enriching, refreshing and a memorable experience.

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