5 Italian Taxi App: 5 Best Taxi Apps in Italy [tips from a Local]
Isabella Biava
Wondering what the best taxi apps in Italy are? You have landed in the right place.
I am Italian but since I don’t live in Italy anymore I don’t have my car and when I go back I need to get a taxi on many occasions. Taxi apps have been a lifesaver when I had to move around in a highly trafficked city such as Milan, Rome, or Turin.
Especially when it’s hard to find a taxi to hail on the street, instead of getting frustrated, you can just open your app and find one available for you to pick you up in no time.
Taxi Apps in Italy work like UBER or Lyft, but they are more popular, especially because UBER in Italy is not so common, for different reasons that I will explain here below. So, if you plan to visit Italy, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about Taxi Apps in Italy.
To keep in Mind – You should know that in Milan getting a taxi has been a struggle in the past few years. Even by using the app, there are long waiting times and sometimes they don’t even show up. Also sometimes they refuse to use the payment by card. So if you are planning to have a fast commute in Milan you need to take that into consideration.
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Italian Taxi Apps: What is the best taxi app in Italy?
1. FreeNow (for iOS, Android, Huawei)
Unlike other countries, Italy’s taxi services are still a top choice for transportation due to the powerful taxi unions that protect them against chauffeur services.
Furthermore, recently, taxi companies have modernized their services, so rather than trying to look for a taxi while on the road, you can simply book one through their mobile applications.
FreeNow is perhaps the most popular app in Italy. You can find it in more than 100 cities in Europe. In Italy, it operates in Milan, Naples, Rome, Turin, Catania, Palermo, and Cagliari.
Through Free Now, you can request a ride, receive a fare estimate, manage your booking through the interface, and pay in advance through the app.
Therefore, the app allows you to know from the start the price range and not risk arriving late at the airport since you can secure your ride on time.
2. ItTaxi (for iOS, Android, Huawei)
After thorough research and a desire to improve Italy’s taxi services, ItTaxi Network developed through a relationship of trust, courtesy, and transparency.
Today, ItTaxi has about 12,000 taxi drivers and operates in 95 Italian cities. Thus, it is generally locals’ favorite app, while for travelers, it is convenient due to the app’s feature of saving your favorite routes.
Additionally, ItTaxi focuses on technological innovation. Particularly it pays critical attention to social and environmental issues. So, it is undoubtedly one of the most progressive apps in Italy.
Therefore, ItTaxi is constantly praised by customers thanks to its high-quality standards, eco-friendly attitude, unique service, and incredible experience drivers provide.
3. WeTaxi (for iOS and Android)
WeTaxi’s mission is to provide innovation, passion, and the power of communication to Radiotaxi. Indeed, they managed to do it easily through hard work and imagination.
Created in 2015, WeTaxi is one of the best taxi apps loved by Italians. It is an innovative network that lets you immediately find a taxi based on your geolocation. I have used this one on my recent trip to Turin and I loved it.
Today, they operate in over 20 Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Turin, and Naples.
So, while exploring these beautiful cities and finding yourself needing a taxi, you can call the nearest taxi through the app.
Furthermore, WeTaxi allows you to know instantly the amount you will need to spend, and if you share the taxi with other passengers, you can save up to 50%.
4. Apptaxi (for iOS and Android)
AppTaxi covers 18 Italian cities, including Bologna, Cagliari, Milan, Palermo, and Venice. It is operated with the primary Radiotaxi in Italy and is easy to use.
Specifically, you just need to turn on GPS or manually enter your starting address, and you can immediately find a nearby taxi.
Furthermore, the moment you choose your route, you can get an estimate for your trip, and once you decide, you can choose whether you want to pay in advance or directly to the taxi driver.
Additionally, travelers find it useful due to its feature of configuring the ride as they want.
In other words, the app allows you to select the date, the type of vehicle, the number of passengers, and if any animals will be traveling with you.
Also, AppTaxi is the only app that operates in Venice and allows travelers to call for a water taxi.
Last but not least, AppTaxi is committed to Green Mobility, thus you can choose to travel in hybrid or electric vehicles to respect the environment.
5. Scooterino (for iOS and Android)
Scooterino is an innovative and ingenious app for travelers to explore Rome or Florence more quickly and enjoyably. However, rather than a taxi service, it is transportation with the local’s favorite method, a Vespa.
Specifically, Scooterino is a scooter-sharing app where passengers can hitch a ride with an expert scooterist and experience the Italian “dolce vita” fantasy.
Still, Scotterino is indeed a transportation app, meaning drivers will take you to your destination on time. For instance, Scooterino allows you to request a ride on demand.
Otherwise, you can book a ride in advance to increase your chances of finding someone who will accept your request.
The advantage of this service is splitting the journey’s cost with the passengers and drivers. However, all payments are completed in advance through the app.
Does Italy have Uber or Lyft?
Both Uber and Lyft operate in Italy but are not as popular as taxi apps. As mentioned previously, taxi services in Italy are protected by law thanks to taxi unions.
Therefore, there is a lack of Uber and Lyft drivers due to the resistance of other taxi drivers.
Nevertheless, Uber and Lyft can be found in several cities in Italy, including Milan, Rome, Catania, Naples and Bologna among others
Also, these apps function like everywhere else in the world, but with Uber, you can call a Yellow taxi, UberXL, and UberFamily.
However, the Taxi apps in Italy are the most valid Uber equivalent in Italy.
The best way to Get a Taxi in Italy
No matter where you are, the endeavor to get a taxi is pretty similar. So, the usual ways to get one are through car services, radio taxis, a taxi station, and hailing one that has its roof light on.
However, an essential thing to be aware of is taxi scams, which usually are easy to detect.
To be more precise, you can realize that a taxi is reliable from its exterior. For instance, most taxis feature a city emblem, while their fares are displayed at the taxi stations or even on the taxi’s window.
Also, when entering a taxi, check the meter to be sure the “Tarrifa 1” is on because that indicates you are driving within the city walls and has a lower rate.
Otherwise, if “Tarrifa 2” or “Tarrifa 3” is lit up, it means your driver is trying to cheat you with double or triple rates. This is because “Tarrifa 2” or “Tarrifa 3 are used only for trips outside the walls, in the suburbs, or the airport.
What are the rates of taxi rides in Italy?
Overall, taxis can be quite expensive. In fact, travelers are often overcharged.
Furthermore, rates in Rome can be very high compared to other European capitals. But still, taxi services in Italy are of a higher quality compared to other countries due to the laws on taxis.
💰 Common fees
Here is a list of the minimum fares and rates per kilometer:
- The minimum fare on weekdays from 6 am to 10 pm is €3
- The minimum fare on public holidays from 6 am to 10 pm is €4.50
- The minimum fare at night is €6.50
- The rate per kilometer for Tariffa 1 is €1.10
- The rate per kilometer for Tariff 2 is €1.30
- The rate per kilometer for Tariff 3 is €1.60
💰 Supplementary fees
Here is a list of supplementary fees:
- The surcharge for each additional suitcase per passenger is €1
- The surcharge for telephone reservations is €3.50
- For one hour of waiting time, the supplementary fee is €27
FAQs about taxis in Italy
Is there a ride-share app in Italy?
Yes, there are two ridesharing apps. The best app in Italy for sharing with others across Italy and beyond is BlaBlaCar, while Scooterino is best for exploring the cities of Rome and Florence.
Are taxis in Italy cash only?
No, you can use a variety of payment methods, especially if you book it in advance. However, if you hail a taxi, then you can use either cash or a card.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Italy?
Tipping in Italy is not mandatory, so you can simply use the tradition of “rounding up.” For instance, if you’re charged €9.50, you can hand over €10 and tell them to keep the change. Furthermore, if the driver is helpful, friendly, and overall has excellent manners, a €1 or €2 tip will be much appreciated.
Final Thoughts: Italian Taxi App
Italian Taxi Apps are undoubtedly excellent for finding a taxi immediately or booking in advance to be sure you won’t miss your flight, train ride, or appointment.
Furthermore, they are all easy to use, allow travelers to be less stressed over transportation, and avoid crowded public transport at the peak of the tourist season.
