A Guide to Rideshare Apps in Italy – Uber Alternatives in Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and wondering whether you can rely on rideshare apps like Uber to get around, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. While Uber isn’t banned in Italy, it operates under very restricted services and is often expensive, unreliable, or simply unavailable outside major hubs like Rome and Milan.

During my recent travels through Italy — from big cities to smaller regions — I tested rideshare apps, public transport, and rental cars to figure out the most practical options. What I quickly learned is that relying on rideshare isn’t viable for most visitors, especially if you’re planning to explore smaller towns, countryside areas, or coastal destinations like the Amalfi Coast.

This guide is here to save you time and headaches. Based on real experience, it covers:
1. Why rideshare doesn’t work well in most parts of Italy
2. The true costs of using rideshare apps vs better alternatives
3. Smarter ways to plan your transport for stress-free travel

Whether you’re planning to base yourself in one city or explore Italy more widely, this breakdown will help you make the right decision — and avoid costly mistakes.

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This can be frustrating when you want to get an Uber in Italy but don’t want to pay premium charges. Luckily, there are plenty of Uber alternatives rideshare apps in Italy, which we will go through below.

But before we dive into the alternative rideshare apps, it’s important to understand why rideshare services like Uber generally don’t work well for most travelers in Italy. This is something I learned first-hand when I was traveling through both major cities and smaller towns during my trip.

Why Rideshare Often Fails in Italy

Even though Uber technically operates in Italy, relying on rideshare apps isn’t practical for most travelers — especially if you’re planning to venture beyond Rome or Milan. Here’s why:

• Rarely available outside major cities
  Outside hubs like Rome or Milan, rideshare services are often non-existent.
• Expensive compared to public transport
  Premium Uber services (Black, Lux) cost significantly more than trains or buses.
• Can’t reach countryside, beaches, small towns
  Rural destinations like Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, or Puglia towns are typically not covered — and in places like Cinque Terre, where rideshare isn’t an option at all, it makes sense to base yourself in one of the villages. I recommend staying in Vernazza — central, walkable, and ideal for ferries and hikes.
• Strict zones (ZTL) in cities make drop-offs complicated
  Italy’s ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) restricts where vehicles can enter in city centers, complicating rideshare access.
• Long waits, high surge pricing in tourist hotspots
  Even where available, you can face long waits and inflated prices, especially in peak seasons.

My Recommendation:

If you’re traveling beyond Italy’s biggest cities or want the flexibility to visit smaller towns and countryside destinations, renting a car is usually the most practical, cost-effective option.

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How Transport Options in Italy Compare

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what works best for different types of travel:

Option	Where It Works	Where It Fails	Ideal For
Rideshare	Rome, Milan	Tuscany, Amalfi, countryside	City day trips only
Public Transit	Big cities, major regions	Rural, remote areas	Budget city-to-city travel
Rental Car	Italy wide	ZTL zones (park outside)	Flexibility, small towns

Uber Alternatives Rideshare Apps in Italy

If you’re not keen on renting a car, there are alternatives to Uber in Italy. However don’t make the mistake I did and assume all the rideshare apps we have in the UK would also operate here. In Italy the primary rideshare apps are Free Now and IT Taxi, followed by AppTaxi and WeTaxi.

Free Now App (FreeNow was previously known as MyTaxis)

Free now (formerly MyTaxi) is a ridesharing app widely used across the UK and Europe, including Italy. I have used FreeNow several times in the UK and Europe and found the service to be reasonably good. It is similar to Uber other than the fact that it connects users with licensed taxi drivers rather than private drivers like Uber. The app ensures regulated fares with no surge pricing. Free Now operates in many major Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples. 

• Fast and reliable – Book a taxi in seconds with real-time tracking.
• Flexible payment options – Pay via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or even cash.
• Ride choices – Select from standard taxis, larger vehicles for groups, or eco-friendly options.

itTaxi App

IT Taxi short for ‘Italian Taxi’, is a local taxi/ rideshare app in Italy that operates across most larger Italian cities. With 12,000+ licensed taxi drivers across 95 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Venice, it is the official app of the Italian taxi association, and guarantees safe, regulated fares with no hidden charges.

I have often found it recommended by Airbnbs and hotels. It is similar to Uber in that it allows users to book rides with available drivers, specifically licensed taxi drivers. The app is more of a traditional taxi service app, but it does function similarly to Uber in terms of showing on-demand availability. 

• Pre-booking available – Schedule a ride in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Multiple payment options – Pay via credit card, PayPal, Satispay, or even cash.
• Custom ride options – Request pet-friendly or wheelchair-accessible taxis.
• Tourist-friendly – Supports English and multiple other languages.

App Taxi

AppTaxi is a reliable Uber alternative in Italy, available in 50+ cities across Italy including in major hubs like Rome, Milan, and Venice. The app connects travelers with licensed taxis and offers regulated fares with no surge pricing. I didn’t personally use App Taxi in Italy, but the absence of surge pricing is a huge bonus in my opinion.

• App allows for real-time tracking, pre-booking, and in-app payments (credit card, PayPal, Satispay).
• Accessibility options – Offers pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible rides.
• Easy to use – Available on iOS and Android for seamless travel.

WeTaxi

WeTaxi provides transparent pricing and eco-friendly rides in cities like Turin, Milan, Rome, and Naples. It is clear in providing fixed fare estimates upfront, helping you avoid unexpected costs.

• Tourist-friendly – The app is available in English, making it easy to navigate
• WeShare feature allows for carpooling for shared rides at lower prices.
• Sustainable option – Offers a hybrid and electric fleet for an eco-friendly option.
• Supports credit card, Google Pay, and Satispay with real-time ride tracking.

Does Italy have Lyft?

No, Lyft does not operate in Italy. Lyft doesn’t actually seem to have much of a significant presence in Europe and the UK, including in Italy. 

If you are planning to use Rideshare apps in Italy, I would highly recommend downloading a few of these in advance.

The above list of ridesharing apps is by no means exhaustive. I have found options differ slightly across each city in Italy, along with various public transport options.

What about Taxi’s to and from Airports

Most airports should have FreeNow or itTaxi cabs outside. Further, if you prefer something prebooked, then I would recommend Welcome Pickups – they prearrange pickups at reasonably prices. I also like that they can drop off anywhere, including neighbouring towns and cities, which is ideal if you need to get somewhere more remote directly from the airport.

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Rideshare options by city in Italy

Below is a breakdown of Uber and alternatives rideshare apps by city in Italy –

City	Uber Black	Free Now	AppTaxi	IT Taxi	WeTaxi	Airport & Taxi Services
Rome	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Uber, Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi, WeTaxi
Milan	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Malpensa Airport (MXP): Uber, Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi, WeTaxi
Venice	❌	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	Marco Polo Airport (VCE): AppTaxi, IT Taxi
Florence	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	Peretola Airport (FLR): AppTaxi, IT Taxi
Naples	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Capodichino Airport (NAP): Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi, WeTaxi
Turin	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️	Caselle Airport (TRN): Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi, WeTaxi
Bologna	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi
Genoa	❌	✔️	✔️	✔️	❌	Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA): Free Now, AppTaxi, IT Taxi
Verona	❌	❌	✔️	✔️	❌	Villafranca Airport (VRN): AppTaxi, IT Taxi
Palermo	❌	❌	❌	✔️	❌	Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO): IT Taxi

*in addition to the above, Welcome Pickups is a great for prearranged pickups from these airports.

**Uber operates in Rome Milan and Florence, however service is limited to Uber Black’s premium service offering high-end vehicles.

Rideshares in Venice Italy

Due to the unique layout of Venice being a network of canals instead of roads, traditional rideshare services are not as practical here, at least in central Venice. The best way to get around Venice is by boat or walking. Nonetheless, taking a Taxi to and from Venice Airport to Venice central is still a viable option.

Average Cost of Rideshares in Italy

The costs can vary significantly during the peak hours and off peak hours as with all ride sharing apps, however the average cost of a rideshare can be around €20-€30 ($21-$32 USD) in larger cities across Italy.

Rideshare Alternatives in Italy for Intercity Travel

Rideshares like Uber or Free Now often aren’t available at all for longer, intercity journeys — and when they are, the costs can quickly add up. If you don’t want to hire a car for your entire trip, one alternative worth knowing about is BlaBlaCar, a community-based carpooling app often described as the Airbnb for rideshares.

While I haven’t personally used BlaBlaCar in Italy, it’s well-known as a budget-friendly option among locals and long-term travelers. However, it’s less practical if you’re on a tight schedule or want flexibility — since you’re relying on other drivers’ plans, not your own.

What actually works best for most travelers?

If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace without relying on rideshare coverage or someone else’s timetable, renting a car is often the smarter choice. This is especially true for regions like Tuscany, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, where public transport is limited and rideshare options are unreliable.

Compare rental car prices in Italy → Discover Cars
Book hotels with parking in Italy’s cities → Booking.com

Public Transport Options in Italy

Italy has an extensive and well-connected public transport system. Trains are the fastest way to travel between major cities. High speed trains such as Trenitalia and Italo connect Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples. There are also regional trains (Regionale and Intercity) which connect smaller towns, these tend to be slower but cheaper.

Transport options within cities include buses, trams, and metros. Rome, Milan, Naples, and Turin have metro systems, while cities like Florence and Venice rely more on buses and trams. In Venice, the vaporetto (water bus) is the main public transport to get around. Tickets for most city transport can be bought at tobacconists, kiosks, or mobile apps like MyCicero or Moovit.

I personally relied on rideshare apps in Italy moreso when traveling to and from airports or for late evenings. Other than this, whenever possible, I was using public transport options like metros and buses.

TrenItalia

I have personally used Trenitalia extensively when travelling between major cities, given the trains’ frequency and convenience. I booked using Omio or directly with TrenItalia in advance of the journey. Some popular journeys can get get booked out over peak season in summer, so I highly recommend booking tickets in advance.

The TrenItalia network is extensive with high-speed services like Frecciarossa and regional trains connecting almot all corners of Italy, it is defintiely the most convenient way to get around Italy without a car.

A typical high-speed train ticket from Rome to Florence might cost between €30-€50 ($33-$55 USD) if booked in advance, but prices can rise closer to the departure date. 

Car Rentals Costs in Italy

If you’re planning to do your own tour of Italy or explore Italy’s more rural areas, like Tuscany, Puglia or the islands like Sicily or Sardinia, then renting a car is a great option. 

Having rented a car a few times when traveling in Italy, I have found renting directly at the Airport most convenient. Discover Cars is great for quick comparison and booking. It has all the standard rental car providers such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, in addition to local Italian options like Noleggiare and DoYouItaly.

Car rental prices starting around €30-€50 ($33-$55 USD) per day to hire a small car. The main thing to note is that car hire costs can vary hugely depending on type of car (manual v automatic) and also how early you book. 

If you choose to hire a car in Italy, I highly recommend looking up information on the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones in the cities you plan to visit and stay in. These are zones where only authorized vehicles are allowed. Violating these restrictions can result in significant fines. As such, you may not always be able to park at your accommodation, especially if its located in historic old towns.

I recently visited Puglia (see my detailed Puglia Itinerary Guide), and found that the ZTL zone in most towns in Puglia meant we typically had to park a short walk from our accommodation. There are plenty of allocated parking garages on the outskirts of the ZTL zone, but it means having to lug your suitcase a little.

Buses (Long-Distance and Intercity travel)

Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly alternative to trains for intercity travel, particularly on routes where train service is less frequent. 

I have found FlixBus to be a popular option in Italy. Flixbus connects across quite a lot of cities across Italy and also to other European countries. Prices are generally lower than train fares, with a trip from Rome to Florence costing somewhere between €10-€20 ($11-$22 USD) depending on how far in advance you book!

The most convenient way to get tickets is through the FlixBus app or website, otherwise directly at bus stations. Long-distance buses are slower than trains and definitely not as comfortable in my opinion, but can be a good option when traveling to regions less served by trains.

Domestic Flights

For travel between distant cities in Italy, flights are sometimes the best option, especially if you want to save on time. Airlines like ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia), Ryanair, and EasyJet are all budget airlines that operate intercity flights within Italy. These flights can be locked in at incredibly cheap prices if booked a few months in advance.

On a recent trip post Covid, I was amazed to find how cheap some of these local flights can be. For example, I paid about USD 25 for a domestic flight from Pisa to Sardinia in late May.

That being said, I personally prefer train travel as the best option if you are traveling to cities within mainland Italy. Train stations are way less hassle than airport queues, plus the scenery you get with train travel is stunning. 

Metro trains

Most major cities in Italy  like Rome, Milan, and Naples have metro systems. A single metro ticket in Rome or Milan typically costs €1.50 ($1.65 USD) and is valid for 90 minutes across buses, trams, and metro lines. 

I found buying multi day/ multi ticket passes much more convenient to purchase as it meant not having to go to the  ticket machine each time.

In addition, buses and trams supplement the metro systems, always remember to validate your ticket upon boarding to avoid fines. 

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – I hope the above guide has given you some insight into alternative Rideshare apps and transport options to Uber in Italy. Buon viaggio!

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Are you heading to Italy – check out our other Italy guides below!

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