Question about taxis and luggage to Rome City Center

[birdiebill]

We are planning a cruise out of Italy in November.  26 days with Med and Trans Atlantic.  We will probably have four pieces of luggage.  We would like to stay in the area near the Pantheon, but understand that is a traffic restricted area.  Hotel assured us that taxis can get to the hotel easily.  Having never been to Italy, we have no idea how large the taxis are.  Are they large enough to carry us and all our luggage?  We can book a pre-cruise through the cruise line that includes transfers and hotel, but that is more expensive and does not give us a hotel near the Pantheon.  Hotel recommendation?  We are considering Hotel Del Senato.  Thanks for any info.

[CruiserBruce]

If you look around Del Senato is mentioned and recommended here quite frequently.

 

Taxis from the airport to the city center is a flat rate. Recently it was 48 euros...not sure what the current pricing is. If you are talking one checked bag and one carry on, the cabs should be able to handle that.

[cruisemom42]

Definitely stay in the center, and the del Senato is a favorite of mine.

 

I can confirm (have stayed there at least 5 times) that taxis can access the del Senato hotel location, right on the the piazza; you will be dropped at the front door. 

 

As mentioned, if you are going to just pick up a local taxi at the airport, there is a 48 euro "fixed rate" for your journey anywhere within the center (the boundary is the old city walls). I generally just plan to hand over 50 total (allowing for a small tip, as they will help you with luggage in/out of trunk). Be sure to look for an official taxi - do not go with anyone trying to solicit you. There is a taxi rank just outside of the main arrivals area (across the access road). The official taxis are white and somewhere on the door should have the maroon coat of arms of the Comune di Roma along with the car number:

 

https://www.roninrome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/img-3575.jpg

 

This is an older photo, they look a little different now and the car may also sport other ads. The taxis come in a variety of sizes from small sedans to small mini-vans. You should go to the head of the line (if others are waiting) and if the first car is too small, there should be others in the queue that would fit your amount of luggage.

 

By the way, don't sleep on your way in from the airport -- it is generally a lovely ride that -- depending on the route taken -- will whiz right by some landmarks of Rome that may include the Vatican walls, Colosseum and Forum, the (round) ancient Temple of Hercules, Piazza Venezia, Trajan's column, and through the warren of streets in the medieval center. Don't worry if it seems like your car is taking a particularly roundabout route -- pedestrian areas, street traffic, and one-way streets mean that taxis can't take the shortest route, always.

[birdiebill]

We have booked the Del Senato for three nights pre-cruise.  Would it be better to book something like Romecabs.com rather than try to find a taxi with enough room for us and our luggage?  Can a private car from Romecabs take us right to the Del Senato?  We hope Covid is controlled so we can take this trip.

 

[CruiserBruce]

1 hour ago, birdiebill said:

We have booked the Del Senato for three nights pre-cruise.  Would it be better to book something like Romecabs.com rather than try to find a taxi with enough room for us and our luggage?  Can a private car from Romecabs take us right to the Del Senato?  We hope Covid is controlled so we can take this trip.

 

Yes, they can take you direct. It will cost a small amount more...like 60 or 70 euros. Is it "better"? Not sure how it would be better...perhaps a Mercedes rather than a standard taxi. Rome in Limo also does car service...excellent company. 

[cruisemom42]

2 hours ago, birdiebill said:

We have booked the Del Senato for three nights pre-cruise.  Would it be better to book something like Romecabs.com rather than try to find a taxi with enough room for us and our luggage?  Can a private car from Romecabs take us right to the Del Senato?  We hope Covid is controlled so we can take this trip.

 

 

Unless your bags are all huge, I think you shouldn't worry about this unnecessarily. Two good sized bags will fit in the trunk, plus possibly a carry on or two. If you have a third large bag there is always the front passenger seat (assuming there are two of you and not three).  And, as I said, small minivans are not that uncommon. Taxis at the airport generally expect you to have luggage.

 

Private services charge a premium and you have farther to walk to them at the airport usually.  I don't see any real advantage -- however if it makes you feel more secure, I'm sure they can accommodate you and yes, they should also be able to drop you at the door of the del Senato.

 

[rdt10]

5 hours ago, birdiebill said:

We have booked the Del Senato for three nights pre-cruise.  Would it be better to book something like Romecabs.com rather than try to find a taxi with enough room for us and our luggage?  Can a private car from Romecabs take us right to the Del Senato?  We hope Covid is controlled so we can take this trip.

 

Del Senato is our favorite hotel in Rome. We've used Romecabs from the airport and to the port. They drop off and pick up at the door. Recommend both.