The result for anyone moving around the city is a strange situation: less local traffic but fewer services. Fewer Romans around, but also fewer taxis, fewer buses, fewer of everything. Those who rely on public transport or taxis at Ferragosto are often caught off guard by the reduced service.
Metro:
- Lines A and B operating, with reduced frequency (every 10–15 minutes)
- Usually running 05:30 to 23:30
Buses:
- Many regular lines suspended
- Night lines and some main lines operating on reduced timetable
- Peripheral lines (Ostia, Tivoli, Ciampino) have very limited coverage
Trams:
- Only some lines operating
Regional railways:
- Trenitalia operates on holiday timetable; some connections (FL1 to Fiumicino) have fewer services
In summary: for moving between the main central attractions the metro works, but with fewer trains. For travel to/from airports, stations and suburbs, private transport is significantly more reliable.
Why:
- Roman taxi drivers are entitled to holidays like any other workers
- The number of active cabs drops by 40–60% compared to normal days
- Demand does not fall — tourists need taxis just as much as usual
Practical consequences:
- App waiting times (Free Now, ItTaxi): 25–45 minutes at peak hours
- At Fiumicino and Ciampino airports the situation is better but not guaranteed
- Critical hours: 12:00–15:00 and 19:00–21:00
- Rank taxis (e.g. Termini, Spagna) can have long queues
If you are arriving by air on 15 August, do not rely on finding a taxi — booking an NCC in advance is the only certainty.
What is included:
- 24-hour availability on 15 August
- Fixed price unchanged from the rest of the year
- Punctual driver at your agreed address or airport
- ZTL access included — no issue reaching addresses in the historic centre
- Flight monitoring for airport arrivals
2026 rates (no holiday surcharge):
| Service | Vehicle | Fixed price | |---|---|---| | Fiumicino → Rome Centre | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €55 | | Ciampino → Rome Centre | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €50 | | Rome → Fiumicino | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €55 | | Driver on call (4 hours) | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €180 | | Driver on call (8 hours) | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €280 |
Booking recommended 48–72 hours in advance — Ferragosto week is one of the busiest periods of the year for private transport.
On arrival (Fiumicino or Ciampino on 15 August):
- Available taxis at the arrivals exit are reduced
- Queues at taxi ranks can be significant
- A pre-booked NCC awaits you with a name board — zero wait, zero uncertainty
On departure (city to airport):
- For early morning flights (05:00–08:00): metro may not yet be running or has limited service, taxis are almost absent — NCC is the only reliable option
- For evening flights: the situation improves, but pre-booking remains the sensible choice
For all airport transfer details:
Book Private Driver for Ferragosto →
Or WhatsApp: +39 351 875 2759 — reply within 30 minutes.