DOES ITALY HAVE UBER?

Transportation in Italy can be tough to navigate, especially when you're outside of major cities like Rome, Naples, and Milan that have less public transportation options. Fortunately for you, I've visited Italy quite recently and I'm here to tell you my experience using Uber in Italy (so, yes, they do have Uber) , the typical cost of an Uber ride in Italy, and whether or not its actually worth it. Additionally, I'll cover some alternatives to Uber if you find yourself in areas where it's not available so that you always have reliable transportation options nearby at a decent price. From local taxi apps to public transit details, my guide will help you plan your travels efficiently and avoid any transportation issues while exploring Italy.

DOES ITALY HAVE UBER?

Yes, Italy does have Uber, but it doesn't operate throughout the entire country. In fact, Uber only operates in major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Naples. This means that in smaller towns and regions like the Amalfi Coast (which includes Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, etc) there is no Uber. Instead, both tourists and residents alike must rely on public transportation like SITA bus, taxi services, and/or private transfers. When I personally visited Italy, our group used local buses and private taxis to get around from Praiano (where we were staying) to places like Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento. Once we got to Rome, we were able to use Uber and would often opt for this form of transportation when leaving for dinner at a restaurant that was too far to walk to, or when we were super tired after a long day.

HOW DOES UBER WORK IN ITALY?

If you've used the Uber app to book a ride previously then you'll notice that the process is pretty much the same regardless of what country you are in. The first step is to download the app if you don't already have it and to make an account. Once an account is created, you can now choose a pickup location, how many people will be in the car, and a destination. You can also upgrade your ride to a premium option like Uber Black. Once the ride is booked, the Uber app will work to find a driver in close proximity to you who is willing to do the job. The app will notify you when a driver has been chosen, which often happens in a matter of seconds or a few minutes. You can then track the Uber driver and see the route they are taking to come to you as well as how far away they are and basic information like their name, photo, car make/model, license plate, and reviews. If necessary, you have an option to call or text this driver if they have any trouble finding you. When your Uber arrives, be sure to confirm that you are in the right make and model car with the correct license plate. You can then enjoy your ride, tracking your route as you go from the Uber app on your phone, and the payment will automatically be taken out of your Uber account. Finally, you can rate and leave a review for your driver.

HOW MUCH DOES UBER IN ITALY USUALLY COST?

The cost of Uber in Italy depends on the distance you need to travel, the number of individuals in your group, the time of day it is, and how busy Uber is at that time (the more Uber is in demand, especially in the same location, the higher the prices will be). When my group had the opportunity to use Uber in Rome, we found that prices were pretty on par with using Uber in other large European cities or even large American cities. For example, our ride from our Airbnb in the neighborhood of Prati, Rome to the FCO airport was €75 for five people. This was a 30-45 minute ride depending on traffic. However, private car transfers typically cost a comparable amount and can even sometimes be less expensive, so I would also advise checking prices here. You also want to remember that because of local regulations, Uber in Italy operates as Uber Black which is a more expensive "luxury" version of Uber so it may be more expensive than you're used to.

CAN I USE UBER IN ITALY AS A TOURIST?

Yes, you can use Uber in Italy, regardless of if you're a tourist or a local! All you have to do to use Uber in Italy is download the app, put in your information, choose your current location and destination, and request a ride. It's that easy! The prices are also the same whether you are from Italy or just visiting so there is no cost "penalty" for requesting an Uber ride as a tourist. Just expect that the ride may be more expensive than you're used to because Italy uses Uber Black services, which is considered a luxury form of transportation.

Where is Uber Available in Italy?

Uber is available in most major cities and tourist areas in Italy. Cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Bologna, and Turin are a few examples of places in Italy that have Uber Black as a transportation option. Areas like Naples, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, and Cinque Terre do not have Uber Black and this is because of regulatory challenges, strong local taxi associations, and the unique transportation infrastructures of these areas. Fortunately, many of these areas are walkable and have local transportation options like taxis, buses, ferries, and private car services. Some people also opt to rent a car in one of these areas so they can get around whenever they want and go wherever they want without having to wait or depend on public transportation!

Tips for Using Uber in Italy

If you're planning on using Uber Black in Italy, here are some helpful tips you may want to follow to make the experience as smooth as possible:

DOES ITALY HAVE LYFT?

Unfortunately Italy has not adopted using Lyft, which is a popular ridesharing app in the United States and Canada. Instead, visitors in Italy have the option to either rely on Uber in major cities, use public transportation, or find/schedule a taxi ride. There are also both bus and train systems across the country that can help travelers get from Point A to Point B, regardless of how small the destination is. Renting a car is another great option if you are looking to visit multiple regions in Italy at an affordable price while also being able to accommodate your group and travel at your own pace, and you can read more about that here.

IS UBER MORE AFFORDABLE THAN OTHER TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN ITALY?

The answer to this question depends on multiple factors, including the city, the distance you are trying to travel, and the time of day. If you are traveling shorter distances within a city, both taxis and Uber rides are usually neck and neck as far as the price goes. The only time where Uber may be a little expenses is during surge times. An example of this would be if you were at a popular tourist destination, like Vatican City, at a popular time in the afternoon where multiple people were trying to get an Uber from that destination, then taxi might be cheaper since they don't have surge pricing. If you are traveling longer distances, like how my group did from our Rome Airbnb to FCO airport, then you might want to book an Uber since their price is fixed once you schedule the ride and any delays or traffic does not affect the price. Taxis, however, usually have meters and sitting in any traffic will increase the fare significantly, making Uber a potentially more cost-effective option for such trips.

THE MOST AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN ITALY

Here are the most affordable transportation options in Italy, listed from the most affordable to the least affordable:

IS IT CHEAPER TO UBER OR TAXI IN ROME?

This depends on the driving distance and the time of day. Taxis have a regulated metering system where there is a base fare and then the fare increases per kilometer. This means that if you are traveling a far distance or during a busy time of day with lots of traffic, it will likely be more expensive to take the taxi. Ubers, on the other hand, have a set cost that the rider agrees to when scheduling the vehicle to come pick them up. This means it doesn't matter how far the distance is or how much traffic, the price is already set and paid. The only time that I personally believe Ubers would be more expensive is during times where there is surge pricing. If you are looking to get picked up from a location with lots of other individuals also trying to book an Uber, then the app will increase the pricing because there is an influx of riders needing rides in one area.

WHAT'S THE BEST RIDESHARE APP TO USE IN ITALY?

There's not one singular answer for the best rideshare app in Italy. This is because different circumstances dictate which rideshare app would be the best. Here is when each of the most popular rideshare apps would be the best to use:

SUBSCRIBE TO LEARN MORE & PREP FOR YOUR TRIP TO ITALY

If you're looking to learn more and prepare for your next trip to Italy, then you've come to the right place! I write about destinations I travel to and use my own experiences and/or information I've learned from the locals to come up with guides about anything and everything Italy. From where to eat to where to sleep, reviews of famous spots, and overall tips you might not find anywhere else, The Traveling Twin is your resource when you're going on your next trip! Click below to subscribe.