Which mobile taxi apps you can use in Italy?

If you find yourself in Italy on holiday and don’t feel like trying to tackle the public transportation system, you will most likely need to take a taxi. If you don’t speak Italian or know the city, this can be easier said than done.

Take the stress out of getting around by using one of these apps on your next trip to Italy.

My Taxi

With powerful taxi unions that protect Italy’s taxi drivers against the competition of chauffeur services like Uber, taxis remain a major presence in Rome’s urban landscape. The taxi services have, however, modernized their services by rolling out mobile applications, making taxi bookings easier than ever. You no longer have to look for a taxi stand or make a call to reserve a ride: with the My Taxi app, you can request a ride through your phone, receive a fare estimate, and manage your booking through the interface. You can pay the taxi through the app or in person at the conclusion of your trip. 

Scooterino

A far quicker and more enjoyable way to get around Rome is by vespa, the locals’ preferred method of transportation. Thanks to ingenious scooter-sharing app Scooterino, passengers can hitch a ride with a savvy scooterista and live out their dolce vita fantasies – all while arriving to their destination in the most timely manner. With Scooterino you can request a ride on demand or request a ride in advance, increasing your chances that someone will accept your request. Scooterino functions similarly to BlaBlaCar, meaning it is not a taxi service but rather a way to share rides and split the cost of a journey between drivers and passengers. Prices are contained and payment is processed through the app. Driver’s are carefully vetted and users can leave reviews, helping to build trust in the Scooterino community.

Carmel

Although not as famous as the previous two, this app is worth mentioning as you can not only call a taxi, but also hire a car or limo to take you where you need to go. Similar to the first two, it lets you receive a fair quote and the information about your driver, even their licensing. This app lets you book a ride for now or later and also has an added safety security measure; a ping when you get in the car lets you know that you are stepping into the right vehicle. Carmel also offers many rewards and perks for using their services, which is always a huge plus!

Lyft & Uber

While these apps can and are still used in Italy, you should know that they are currently forbidden due to protests by professional taxi drivers. As a foreigner in Italy, as long as you do not call an Uber or Lyft while around a normal taxi stand it most likely will not be a problem, but you should keep this information in mind.

That being said, these apps work the same as they do everywhere else in the world. There are three types of taxis you can call with Uber Italy: Yellow taxi, UberXL and UberFamily.