Should You Rent a Car, Book a Private Transfer, Take a Taxi, or Call an Uber in Italy?
While this definitely isn’t my shortest article, hang with me on this one! It’s packed with firsthand anecdotes of travel missteps and lessons learned so you can avoid the same mistakes when deciding how to get around Italy.
Spoiler alert: a private transfer is almost always the best choice!
Quick note before we dive in- I’m only talking about car travel here. Obviously, I’ve left out Venice’s unique water system, but let me save you some regret: a private water taxi in Venice is a must (and to be clear- a pre-booked water taxi). It’s an experience in itself and worth every penny. Trust me, I’ve sat on the waterbus for hours, only to spend that entire time wishing I had splurged on the private ride instead (yes…even knowing the price tag)!
Deciding how to get around in Italy can dramatically shape your experience. Whether you’re soaking in the coastal views of the Amalfi Coast, wandering through the charming villages of Tuscany, or exploring historic city centers like Rome and Florence, transportation plays a key role in how smoothly your journey unfolds. Should you rent a car for flexibility? Hire a private transfer for a stress-free experience? Use taxis for short hops? Or stick with Uber for convenience?
Each option has its own advantages and challenges, but for most travelers, private transfers often offer the best balance of comfort, safety, and efficiency. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose the best option for your Italian adventure.
Private Transfers: The Best Choice for a Seamless Experience
For most travelers, private transfers offer the most stress-free and enjoyable way to navigate Italy when public transportation isn’t ideal. With a private driver handling key transitions—such as airport pickups, excursions, or travel to remote areas—you can relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about unfamiliar roads, parking, or unexpected detours.
Private transfers are particularly useful when trains or public transportation aren’t convenient. Whether arriving in Italy after a long flight or heading to a countryside villa, a private transfer ensures that you arrive refreshed and ready to explore. Many drivers are locals who offer valuable insights and recommendations, enriching your journey with knowledge that goes beyond what a GPS or guidebook can provide.
Navigating Italy’s diverse terrain is far easier with a private driver. City driving in places like Naples or Palermo is chaotic and unpredictable, while Tuscany’s countryside, though scenic, presents roundabouts and confusing routes that can leave travelers disoriented. The Amalfi Coast, however, should never be attempted by an inexperienced driver. Its narrow, winding roads cling to cliffs with steep drops, making it one of the most stressful and dangerous routes to navigate. Self-driving here is a risk not worth taking. A private transfer eliminates these challenges, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey safely.
While private transfers may seem like a luxury, they often save time, reduce stress, and enhance your overall experience—making them a worthwhile investment for travelers looking to maximize their comfort and enjoyment in Italy. Plus, the unanticipated cost of not having a private driver can be much greater (see below for my comments on ZTL zones).
Renting a Car: Recommended Sparingly
Renting a car may seem like a romantic way to explore Italy, but in many cases, it can create more headaches than it’s worth.
Italian cities are notorious for their ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato), which restrict vehicle access to historic centers. Even the most seasoned travelers can unintentionally cross into these zones and return home to a hefty fine—something I’ve experienced firsthand. I once came back to a ticket for accidentally entering a ZTL zone, costing me hundreds of dollars—an amount that would have easily justified hiring a private transfer.
And the hassle doesn’t stop there. On one occasion, we had to drag our luggage through crowded streets to reach the rental agency, only to wait in the heat while juggling a timeline that was completely thrown off by the inconvenience of driving ourselves. What started as a well-intentioned plan quickly turned into an exhausting and frustrating ordeal that could have been avoided with a simple private transfer.
Driving in Italy isn’t for the faint of heart. Narrow alleys, tight corners, and confusing signage make navigating cities like Florence and Siena a daunting task. Even in the countryside, GPS signals can be unreliable, and the risk of scraping the side of your car on a stone wall—or getting wedged in a too-tight alley—is very real. Full insurance is a must when renting a car in Italy. Without it, even a minor scratch can turn into a costly headache.
And don’t forget your International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You can easily get one at AAA before your trip, and while rental agencies often don’t ask for it, it’s just when you think you don’t need it that they’ll ask. Better safe than sorry!
If you do rent a car, make sure to get comprehensive insurance. Standard coverage rarely protects against all the risks that come with driving in Italy, and without the right insurance, even a minor ding can become a pricey problem.
And if you plan to enjoy Italy’s incredible wines, think twice before getting behind the wheel. Italy’s drinking and driving laws are strict, with a blood alcohol limit of just 0.05%—and zero tolerance for drivers with less than three years of experience. Even one glass of wine can put you over the limit, leading to steep fines and harsh penalties. If you’re indulging in Italy’s culinary delights (and who wouldn’t?), driving afterward simply isn’t worth the risk.
Now, don’t get me wrong—if you’re dreaming of that vintage convertible moment, with the wind in your hair and a silk scarf tied just right as you wind through the countryside, go for it! Just go into it with open eyes and a clear understanding of the challenges.
Unless your itinerary includes extended time in Puglia or a luxury countryside property that offers an on-site car for short excursions (like if you are staying in a villa at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco), renting a car in most parts of Italy may not be worth the hassle. Between the stress of driving, the risk of fines, and the inconvenience of managing luggage and timelines, the cons usually outweigh the pros. A private transfer often offers a far more relaxed and enjoyable alternative—letting you sit back, soak in the views, and enjoy Italy the way it’s meant to be experienced.
Taxis: Best for Short City Distances (With Some Limitations)
However, taxis have some limitations. Availability can be inconsistent during busy times, and while they’re a reliable option for short city trips, they offer a more practical, no-frills way to get around. Taxis in Italy are generally more economical than private transfers, making them a great choice for quick, point-to-point rides when you’re staying within the city. Taking a taxi can also be a good way to experience the rhythm of the city and observe local life from the passenger seat.
That said, there are a few tradeoffs to keep in mind. Air conditioning isn’t always guaranteed, which can be uncomfortable during the warmer months, especially after a long day of sightseeing. Language barriers can also lead to some confusion. While many taxi drivers speak basic English, not all do, so communicating your destination—or discussing alternate routes—may require some patience. To avoid misunderstandings, it’s helpful to have your destination written down or saved on your phone.
Availability can be the biggest challenge, especially during high season. I’ve personally found myself frantically trying to call for a taxi in the middle of summer with no luck—no cabs were available, and I came dangerously close to missing my train. (And to make matters worse, this happened after BlackLane canceled on me at the last minute!) During peak travel periods, taxis can be scarce, so it’s always best to plan ahead (with an app like FreeNow) and allow extra time to secure a ride.
Taxis serve their purpose well for quick, affordable trips within a city, but if you’re looking for a more comfortable and seamless experience—especially for airport pickups, excursions, or navigating time-sensitive itineraries—a private transfer may be the better option. For short rides, however, taxis remain a convenient and authentic way to navigate Italy’s vibrant cities—just be prepared for a few quirks along the way.
Uber: Familiar, But Limited in Italy
Uber operates in Italy but is only available in a few major cities like Rome and Milan. Even in these areas, Uber primarily offers high-end services such as Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Van, making it a more expensive option than standard taxis.
Uber’s cashless payment system may be appealing, but the higher cost and limited availability make it less practical for most travelers. For those accustomed to using Uber regularly, it can provide a familiar interface, but outside of Rome and Milan, Uber is not a reliable option. This is a common pitfall travelers make, only to be disappointed when an Uber is cancelled or an alternate form of transportation arrives (like a taxi).
In other regions, taxis or pre-arranged private transfers are the more practical and widely available choices.
Choosing the Best Option for Your Trip
The best way to get around Italy depends on your itinerary, budget, and comfort level, but private transfers almost always provide the smoothest, most stress-free experience—especially where public transportation isn’t ideal. Renting a car can be useful in Puglia, where remote villages are best explored by car, but elsewhere, ZTL zones, strict alcohol limits, and the risk of navigating narrow streets often make driving more of a hassle than a convenience. Taxis work well for short city trips but need to be picked up at designated stands, while Uber is limited to a few major cities and comes with premium pricing.
Most travelers find that a mix of transportation works best. A private transfer upon arrival sets a relaxed tone, taxis or trains handle shorter distances, and a rental may be worth considering in Puglia—but only with full insurance and an understanding of local driving culture.
In the end, private transfers offer more than just convenience—they let you skip the stress and fully enjoy everything Italy has to offer. After navigating ZTL zones, dragging luggage to rental agencies, and almost missing trains due to unavailable taxis, I can confidently say: a private transfer is often the best decision you’ll make on your Italian adventure.