Arriving at Train Stations in Italy
 

We are taking the trains from Venice to Florence and Rome to Naples.

When we arrive in the city- am I correct in assuming taxis are readily available for transportation to hotel?

Thanks!

Yes

Yes, but make CERTAIN you get in the line at the taxi stand and get a legitimate taxi. DO NOT go with anyone who approaches you, asks if you need a taxi, and tries to escort you to a taxi. These men are usually nicely dressed, very assured, and try to hussle you quickly into their car. Don't fall for it.

Also, ask the taxi driver - BEFORE you get in to show you that his meter is WORKING and how much your ride will cost,including your bags and any "weekend" or "night" charges.

Ask your hotel in advance how much the taxi from the station to hotel should be. If the taxi driver is too far off, call him on it or don't go.

Just things to be aware of.

I second Dayle's suggestion. Always look for the "Taxi" sign just outside the main doors of the station.

My niece and her boyfriend (MBF) were there last autumn and it sounds like they rode one of the non-legitimate taxis. Here is part of an email about her experience in Naples:

.... Cabbies are particularly bad - the one we got from the Centrale train station to the port (about a 5-10 minute ride) tried to charge us 50 euro. He rushed us into the cab by taking our luggage and putting it in his trunk, and when we got in and he took off, I asked him how much. He said 50 euro and of course I said, no way - let us off. He got quite belligerent and wouldn't stop to let us out (which was probably good since he still would have had our luggage!). MBF finally agreed to give him 20 euro - WAY overpriced, but better. Cabs have papers with fares on them but do not go by them or display them. The cabbie would have agreed to whatever we would have paid him, most likely, but he tried to act angry to scare us into paying a ridiculous price - which ended up working on MBF!

My husband and I will be arriving around 11:30 p.m. into Florence by train. Will taxi's still be readily available at that hour?

we were just in Naples, and the legitimate cabs we saw (and the one we rode in) were white and had posted rate cards in them. They are all part of a consortium and highly organized.

Dont let anybody grab your bags and make sure you agree the price before you get in. There as everywhere most of the people are honest and friendly but there will always be some who try to take advantage of clueless newbies.
Know what you are doing and where you are going (get a map) and you will be fine.

There is a normal taxi stand in front of the Florence terminal. If I remember correctly, the cabs there were white too.

Enjoy your visit

Every sizeable airport and train station in the world (incluidng the US) has an official taxi line. Most also have illegitimate scam artists who offer you "deals" that end up costing a fortune.

Everyone old enough to take a train or plane should know this - and be smart enough to get on the official line and avoid all the scammers.

Caveat emptor!

Hello TerryLFred, when you arrive at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence late at night if there is not any taxis avaiable here are the two main taxi company phone numbers that you can call from your cell phone or from a public phone.

055-4242 or
055-4390

Thanks for the phone numbers LoveItaly. We leave tomorrow for Italy and will be there 3-1/2 weeks. Ciao!

Prego TerryLFred, enjoy every precious moment and you will!!

Dayles advice is spot on .Take it . It confirms what any good guide book tells you , if you read them .