Any reason to reserve a cab at FCO for transfer to Rome hotel?

[Turtles06]

We'll be flying into FCO on a Wednesday morning in November, heading to a hotel in the Centro Storico in Rome for a pre-cruise visit. I know that cabs into the city are a fixed price (pretty sure it's 50 euros now). Is there any particular reason to book a cab (or a hotel car) in advance for this transfer, or is it no big deal to grab a cab at the airport?

 

If I do go ahead and book, is there any particular reason not to do so through my hotel as opposed to a company like Rome Cabs? (The hotel price is 50 euros.)

 

As always, I appreciate the great help and advice on here from the Rome travel vets!

[CruiserBruce]

There will be a virtual sea of cabs when you come out of the terminal.

[Tommy3putts]

I used RomeCabs for all four of my xfers in a June. Great service. The driver was waiting for me at FCO. 50 euros.

[24butterfly]

When you do get a taxi, go outside to the stand, and MAKE SURE YOU ARE QUOTED A PRICE BEFOREHAND. A reputable taxi driver will have a chart and be able to show you how much it will cost to get to the area of your hotel.

[cruisemom42]

There is no reason to pre-reserve if you simply need a regular cab (not oversized) and just want to go to a hotel in the Centro Storico. There is no shortage of cabs and there is a fixed rate. Just be sure you state (and your driver understands) that you want the fixed rate before you head off.

[Pet Nit Noy]

Is there any particular reason to book a cab (or a hotel car) in advance for this transfer, or is it no big deal to grab a cab at the airport?

 

If I do go ahead and book, is there any particular reason not to do so through my hotel as opposed to a company like Rome Cabs? (The hotel price is 50 euros.)

 

If you use a transfer service, the driver will be there waiting for you inside the arrival hall. You'll see him holding a sign with your name on it, among a sea of other drivers also holding signs. He'll typically take most of your rolling luggage from you and, if you need to stop at either the rest rooms or an ATM, efficiently escort you to those places within the terminal.

 

If these additional services are appealing and useful to you, then I recommend a pre-booked transfer with a sedan service. (Someone with experience using Rome Cabs is invited to jump in here. I don't know if companies with the word "taxi" in their names offer this meeting service.)

 

If you can handle all your pieces of luggage and don't mind a bit of detective work to find an ATM or the taxi queue, then you'll be fine using an on-site taxi. Just follow the good advice you've already gotten from other posters.

[CintiPam]

No reason at all IMO. A set rate is a set rate.

[Keith1010]

No reason at all.

 

I would use a private service but that is a personal decision.

 

Keith

[KirkNC]

We just use a cab, never had a problem.

[Turtles06]

Thank you all for the responses!

[Amerryscot]

When you do get a taxi, go outside to the stand, and MAKE SURE YOU ARE QUOTED A PRICE BEFOREHAND. A reputable taxi driver will have a chart and be able to show you how much it will cost to get to the area of your hotel.

 

Definitely. Best piece of advice.

[LondonTowner]

There are loads of taxis waiting at the rank outside the airport. There is also a sign advising of the set rate into central Rome. Double check with the driver and point to the sign. Easy.

[Hlitner]

The current fixed price for a taxi from FCO to Central Rome is 48 Euros. For those looking to save money there several options including buses and trains (the regional train is a lot cheaper then the Leonardo Express).

 

As to reputable transfer services, Rome Cabs (our personal favorite) charges about 50 Euros (up to 3 persons plus luggage).

 

Hank

Edited August 14, 2014 by Hlitner

[iancal]

Last year we were in and out of Rome several times on an extended trip.

 

We actually found bus transportation very good. We only had carry on so it worked out well. The fare each time was 4E. Two different companies. Outside and to the right of the baggage area. One stop in town, and then on at Termini. We were staying hear Termini so it worked well for us.

[2ptu/000]

Since the taxi driver might have limited English, take something with the name and address of your hotel to show him. We do this any time we are in a country where we don't speak the language.