If you’re dreaming of zipping through Rome or Milan with the tap of an app, you’re probably wondering, “Is there Uber in Italy, and how do I actually use it during my trip?” The answer is “yes, but not the way you expect.” Uber does exist, but the experience is pretty different from what travelers may be used to in the US or other countries. In this detailed guide, you’ll find out exactly where you can use Uber, what types of rides are available, how it compares to taxis and other local transport, and practical step-by-step tips for tourists. Plus, we’ll show you how to avoid common travel mistakes so you can focus on enjoying la dolce vita with less stress and more confidence, and point you to trusted resources like the Italy on Foot Store for curated guides and helpful merch.
What’s Different About Uber in Italy?
Uber in Italy is legal and available, but it works under a special set of Italian regulations. You will not find the cheap UberX rides with casual drivers, those never really took hold and were banned several years ago. Instead, Uber here connects you with licensed professional drivers and official taxis, keeping prices higher and making it more premium than “ordinary” ridesharing. The core services you’ll see in Italy are:
- Uber Black: Chauffeur-style NCC cars, luxury vehicles with trained, registered drivers.
- Uber Taxi: Official city taxis you can summon and pay for through the app.
Outside of the main hubs, Uber coverage drops off quickly. Unlike some countries, random drivers with regular cars can’t sign up and offer rides. In most Italian destinations, if you open the Uber app, you may see no cars, only high-priced premium options, or the service may not work at all. Cities like Rome and Milan offer both Uber Taxi and Uber Black, while places such as Florence, Bologna, and Turin support only the premium Uber Black. Large parts of the country, including the Amalfi Coast, smaller cities, and rural areas, have little or no Uber presence, so it’s a good idea to know your options in advance to avoid waiting around after a long flight or getting stuck outside the city center.
Quick Look: Where Does Uber Work in Italy?
Knowing where you’ll find Uber in Italy can help you plan your trip better. Here’s an easy table overview:
| Destination | Uber Taxi | Uber Black | Can You Rely on Uber? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | Yes | Yes | Yes, most reliable |
| Milan | Yes | Yes | Yes, most reliable |
| Florence | No | Yes | No, expensive only |
| Bologna | No | Yes | No, expensive only |
| Turin | No | Yes | No, expensive only |
| Naples/Amalfi Coast | No | No | No Uber for normal travel |
| Smaller towns/rural | No | No | No, use taxis or public transport |
In both Rome and Milan, Uber is now deeply woven into local transport, especially after joining forces with IT Taxi, the biggest taxi network in Italy. If you stray beyond these metropolitan areas, especially into charming smaller cities or the countryside, the Uber app may be of little help.
Types of Uber Services in Italy
Italy offers a more refined, professional ride experience via two main services:
- Uber Black is the flagship, you’ll ride in a comfortable, late-model black sedan or van with a professional chauffeur. This service follows strict regulations: each driver has a special license, and vehicles must meet specific requirements (dark exterior, recent model year, air conditioning, and more). Uber Black is priced similarly to, or even above, private transfer rates, making it more of a treat than an everyday convenience.
- Uber Taxi lets you request a regular city taxi through the Uber app, tracking your car in the app and paying cashless. Fares are set by local taxi boards with a minor Uber booking fee added. It’s a big help if you hate calling switchboards or worry about language barriers.
Other niche, seasonal options include Uber Boat and Uber Copter on the Amalfi Coast, which are limited-run experiences for special events such as festivals, holidays, or high tourist season and should be booked well in advance.
City-by-City: What to Expect From Uber in Popular Italian Tourist Destinations
Rome
Rome is where Uber shines brightest in Italy. Uber Taxi and Uber Black are both active. You can easily flag down a city taxi using the app and pay cash-free, making those airport transfers and late-night returns from Trastevere a breeze. Uber Black is always a little more expensive but comes with added comfort and professional service, which is handy when you’ve got luggage. From Fiumicino Airport, Uber Taxi works just as in the city; note that services in the town of Fiumicino itself are Uber Black-only. For peace of mind, always double-check your driver and plate in the app and rely on the official Uber Rome Taxi page when booking.
Milan
Milan matches Rome for Uber ease. Both Uber Taxi and Uber Black operate city-wide, and quality is consistent. Milan’s taxis are modern, and service through the app runs around the clock. If you want fuss-free airport pickups or a quick ride home after shopping in Brera, open the app and relax. For the experience and rates, check Milan’s official Uber Taxi booking page. If you are visiting during events or Milan Fashion Week, expect higher pricing and consider pre-booking, Uber Reserve lets you schedule pickups in advance.
Florence, Bologna, and Turin
Florence, Bologna, and Turin do show up as available cities in the app, but here’s the catch: you’ll only find Uber Black here, and it’s usually more expensive than a standard taxi or other options. For most daily runs to the Duomo or train station, it’s not practical for travelers on a budget. High-quality, yes, but it comes at a price. When in doubt, check the local Uber Florence, Uber Bologna, and Uber Turin pages to see what’s currently offered.
Naples, Amalfi Coast, Venice, and More
Heading south or to the coast? Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the picturesque villages of Sorrento and Positano do not have active Uber coverage for typical car rides. In Venice, there are no cars in the historic area, and while there are seasonal Uber Boat services, you should plan on using local water taxis, ferries, or public transport. If visiting these places, get familiar with local taxi apps or consider arranging private transfers for convenience.
What if There’s No Uber? Trusted Local Options
Don’t worry, missing out on Uber doesn’t mean you’re stranded. Italy has a solid network of local taxi apps and private drivers. Here’s a shortlist to keep handy:
- itTaxi: Italy’s biggest taxi network with over 12,000 taxis in nearly 90 cities. Uber now has a partnership with itTaxi, making the experience seamless in hubs like Rome and Milan. For other cities, download the native itTaxi app.
- appTaxi: Available in many cities around Italy and uniquely supports Venice water taxis, perfect for navigating the canals without language stress.
- Free Now (now owned by Lyft): This pan-European app includes Rome, Milan, Naples, and more, helping you book a ride with a local taxi, pay in-app, and track your driver just like Uber.
- Goxgo and others: Especially in Naples and the Amalfi Coast, city- or region-specific taxi apps deliver much better coverage than Uber. Alternatively, ask your accommodation to recommend a private NCC driver (Noleggio con Conducente) for country outings or coast-to-coast trips.
Public transport, trains, buses, and local metros, also cover most routes for budget travelers and work smoothly in all big cities.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Uber in Italy
If you’ve ever used the Uber app at home, booking in Italy is familiar:
- Open your regular Uber app, no need to download anything new if you’re already registered.
- Input your pickup spot and destination as usual. Depending on the city, you’ll see either “Taxi” (official local taxi), “Black/Van/Lux” (premium car), or nothing if service isn’t available.
- Pick your ride and check the price estimate. For Uber Taxi, this is the standard metered fare plus a small booking fee (a couple of euros). For Uber Black, fares are fixed in advance and generally higher.
- Confirm your booking, then watch for driver and license plate info in the app. You can easily follow your car’s approach in real time, very helpful for snapping a gelato nearby while waiting!
- Payment is automatic. Link your card or PayPal before traveling. No cash needed, and your receipt is emailed right away. You can tip your driver in-app, but tipping isn’t expected in Italy.
When arriving by air, Rome’s Fiumicino (FCO) supports Uber Taxi pickups at designated areas outside the terminal. For other airports, you may find limited service, and official taxi stands or airport shuttles can be faster at peak times.
Safety, Child Seats, and Accessibility: What Families Need to Know
Italy’s taxis and Uber Black rides have a professional, generally safe reputation, but families and travelers with accessibility needs should plan a little extra:
- Child seats: By law, kids under 150 cm need proper car seats. In practice, most Uber Taxi and Uber Black drivers do not supply booster or child seats unless pre-arranged. For complete peace of mind, bring your own or engage a company that specializes in family transfers.
- Wheelchair access: Some Italian cities feature a special Uber WAV (Trasporto Carrozzina) product for accessible vehicles, but availability is limited, call ahead or check the app in Milan or Rome.
- Scam avoidance: Always use the official Uber or taxi app. Don’t accept rides from anyone inside the airport or train station terminal who is not your clearly identified Uber or taxi driver. Check the license plate in the app before getting in. For taxi journeys, make sure the taxi meter is running, except for official fixed airport fares.
Sticking to the app keeps your fare transparent and provides a record if anything needs to be disputed later.
Cost Comparison: Uber, Taxis, and Private Transfers
Uber prices in Italy rarely mean savings, in fact, you’ll probably pay more for Uber Black than a regular city taxi or pre-booked transfer. Here’s a simple comparison:
- Uber Black: Priced at a premium, often matching or exceeding the cost of a luxury transfer. Think of it as a “treat yourself” ride, not for everyday hops.
- Uber Taxi: You pay the standard local taxi tariff plus a small booking fee (around €2-3). The fare is regulated, rarely subject to surprise hikes, and charged automatically via your app.
- City taxi: Metered, pay by cash or card to the driver, lower than Uber Black but without the luxury touch.
- Private transfers: Typically pre-arranged by your hotel; rates are set in advance, suitable for groups or trips to the countryside or coast, and often similar in price to Uber Black.
For budgeting, expect Uber Black to be the most expensive single-ride option. For savings, rely on public transportation, city taxis, or app-based services like itTaxi and Free Now, especially outside the main Uber hubs.
Popular Questions About Uber in Italy
Travelers have plenty of simple questions about Uber in Italy. Here are some of the most common:
- Is Uber legal in Italy?
Yes, Uber is legal but operates only with licensed professionals (taxis or NCC chauffeurs), never casual drivers. - Is Uber available everywhere?
No, Uber is useful mainly in Rome and Milan. Other cities may offer only expensive Black service, or nothing at all. - Is Uber safe in Italy?
Yes, using the app is safe, though scams sometimes happen with regular taxis (overcharging, “fixed” fares, etc.). Uber helps limit hassle and offers dispute support. - Do I need a car seat for my child?
Yes, for kids under 150 cm by law. You are responsible for bringing your own unless you book a specialist transfer. - Is Uber cheaper than taxis?
Usually not. Uber Black is more expensive, and Uber Taxi matches local fares plus a booking fee. - What do I use when there’s no Uber?
City taxis, itTaxi/appTaxi/Free Now apps, trains, buses, and local walking. For the countryside or coasts, arrange private drivers in advance.
If you want to explore Italy in more depth on foot, be sure to check out the curated guides at the Italy on Foot Store for expert walking routes and insider tips.
How to Avoid Taxi and Uber Scams in Italy
Sticking to official channels keeps you safe and prices fair. Here are some street-smart tips:
- Always book your ride through the official Uber app here or from a recognized city taxi rank.
- Verify your car: check the license plate and driver displayed in your app before hopping in.
- Ask for that meter! For regular taxis, insist that the meter is running unless it’s an official airport flat fare. If you get resistance, step out and grab another cab.
- If anyone approaches you unsolicited at an airport or train station offering a ride, politely refuse and look for official signs or staff. Fake drivers are a known risk.
- Keep your email receipts, disputing overcharges is much easier with a digital record.
These steps protect your wallet and get your trip off to a smooth, drama-free start.
Special Features: Reserve, Accessibility, Uber Boat, and Uber Copter
Uber Italy also lets you book in advance (Uber Reserve), an excellent feature for airport transfers or catching an early morning train in Milan or Rome. Families or those with mobility needs can try to book an accessible vehicle through the app, but call ahead if you must have space for a wheelchair, as availability remains limited, especially outside major cities.
For something truly unique, Uber Boat and Uber Copter services operate on the Amalfi Coast during high season, offering private luxury trips by gozzo boat between top destinations (like Sorrento, Capri, or Positano), and even helicopter rides. These experiences are priced as luxury options, perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
Traveler’s Checklist: Using Uber in Italy With Confidence
To make the most of Uber in Italy, keep these reminders handy:
- Use the same Uber app you already have. No need to register again.
- Add a credit card or PayPal for easy digital payments.
- Service is best in Rome and Milan, book confidently there. Elsewhere, check if Uber is showing any cars at your intended time and location before relying on it.
- Traveling with kids? Bring your own compliant seat for safety and peace of mind.
- For coastal or countryside travel, book a private transfer in advance, hotels often have trusted local contacts.
If in doubt, consult your accommodation’s staff or browse local resources to prevent surprises and maximize your holiday time.
To wrap up your Uber journey in Italy: Yes, you can use Uber in the country, mainly in the two largest cities, Rome and Milan, where both Uber Black and Uber Taxi are available. Prices are higher than travelers might expect, reflecting the strict professional licensing system in place. Outside these cities, Uber is unreliable or doesn’t operate at all, so be prepared to use local taxi apps, public transit, or arrange private drivers for comfort and convenience.
Having a plan for getting around, knowing when Uber is a good option, when to book a traditional taxi, or when to take the metro, will help you make the most of your Italian adventure. And don’t forget, for a deeper dive into Italy’s treasures (and less time stuck waiting for a car), walking tours and local guides can help you unlock more of the country’s magic. Explore handpicked travel tools and guides via the Italy on Foot Store for even more ways to travel smarter and savor every moment in Italy.