Taxi or private driver from FCO (Rome) airport to city center

[Irish110]

I'm trying to decide whether to arrange transport before I get to Rome or just take a taxi at the airport. Has anyone taken a cab from the airport to the city center and how was your experience? I know to look for the official white taxi cabs in Rome. Is it easy to spot these at the airport? I understand you can just walk out the door at the airport and taxis are lined up along the way. A private driver will meet you inside the airport but you will have to walk to where the car is parked in a designated area. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences.

[cruisemom42]

I have used a taxi from the rank outside the airport. No problem. Be sure to tell them you want the fixed fare of 48 euro from the airport to any hotel within the city walls. (I like to be up-front so they know I am aware of it....)

 

When you exit the airport, the taxis are lined up just on the other side of the drop-off lane. Very handy.

 

[tbenson81]

Taxi for sure. Very easy and lined up at the door. If you are paying via credit card, make sure to tell the guy directing the cabs. We waited an extra minute or 2 because most wanted cash payment.

[Irish110]

Thank you both for the taxi recommendation and the tips about the fixed rate and for paying by credit card. 

 

[slidergirl]

everyone is spot on here.  Unless you have a overriding reason why you must have a private driver, the taxis from FCO into Rome are just fine.   Also, you could look into the train if you are able to manage your own luggage.  Then, take a taxi from the train station to your destination.  

[Tapi]

We did the private driver simply out of convenience and peace of mind (we didn’t know if we’d need to wait in a lengthy line for a taxi as we’ve had to do in other cities, or what the setup would be). Our driver was waiting for us with a sign as we exited customs. He grabbed our luggage and escorted us to our awaiting car. We also prepaid for the ride online when we made the reservation. Super easy, fast and hassle free. 

[CynBeth6]

The other members of my family do not want to take the train from Civi after we get off the ship to Rome Termini before our train from there to Venice. Is it easy to get a taxi at the cruise port and if so is there a flat fee?  Or would it be better to book a private car?

[CruiserBruce]

How many members in your family?

 

As frequently mentioned here, taxi will likely be one of the most expensive ways to do this. No, there isn't a flat rate. But a private transport might be the best way to do it, depending on the number in your party.

[CynBeth6]

It is 3 adults and we will each have 1 suitcase plus carryon bag.

[CruiserBruce]

9 hours ago, CynBeth6 said:

It is 3 adults and we will each have 1 suitcase plus carryon bag.

I will stay with the suggestion for a private car. It will be the most efficient use of your time.

[VMax1700]

try connecting with other cruisers on your ship who want to get into Rome by joining your Roll Call.  A shared transfer is a great way to get into Rome without the expense of a private car.

[euro cruiser]

As a general rule, taxis are the better option for local (within a city) trips and car services are better for longer trips that go from one city or town to another (called extraurbano in Italian).

 

The exception to this rule is when there are fixed fares in place for taxis, like those to/from the Rome airport, or in Naples where there is a robust fixed fare system.

 

For example, if you wanted to go from the port at Civitavecchia to Santa Marinella, a beach town six miles away, a taxi would be a better option than a car service.  On the other hand, for the long ride to Termini (60 miles), especially with a number of people and luggage, a car service will better suit your needs and probably be less expensive.  (Note that while there is a fixed taxi fare from the airport to the port, there is no fixed fare between the port and the city so it would be all on the meter.)

Edited December 14, 2019 by euro cruiser

[bennybear]

We like Rome cabs for transfers.  But not sure why you wouldn’t just take the train all the way as that seem simpler  logistically,  not to mention at least 100 euros cheaper. 

Edited December 14, 2019 by bennybear

[CynBeth6]

My DM is coming with us and it is hard for her to get on and off trains so she only wants to go on one the few times we absolutely have to take one.  Do we have to arrange a private car ahead of time or do any wait at the cruise terminal? If we have to arrange ahead of time do we have to book online or is there a number to call from the US?

[euro cruiser]

You must arrange this ahead of time.  There are several car service companies that regulars here highly recommend, all of them can be booked on line.

[Mr. Click]

We have used Rom Cabs every time we have been there. They are great. Always on time, always nice clean vehicles.  They will quote you a flat rate.  Join your CC roll  call and see if you can find some others to share the rid with you to cut the costs.  Rome Cabs does charge a bit extra for extra stops in the city.  It was 10 Euros extra last year.  The last time we were picked up by them at the port it was raining and our driver was right there with umbrellas for everyone as we came out of the little tunnel.

[Mr. Click]

We used Rome Cabs.  Private driver, meets us in the terminal. 50 Euros to the center city hotel, well worth the extra 2 euros to me.

[pepedpue1]

Is it just as easy to get from Rome to the airport using Rome Cabs and the same fare?  We're coming from the port to Rome and then Rome to the airport after a couple days.