Uber in Italy: Finally Available (sort of) Everywhere (not really)

Uber in Italy? Yes! Starting in 2025, Uber has expanded its services across all of Italy. Well, that was a long-time coming, but friends, Uber in Italy is not exactly what you are used to experiencing in the United States. We give you all the details about Uber in Italy in our podcast.

The company promotes options like UberX, Green (for eco-friendly rides), and Comfort that caters to everyone’s needs. Safety remains a top priority, from driver background checks to real-time satellite tracking. 

But as Riccardo—who is a professional limousine driver—can tell you, Italy wasn’t about to let Uber launch here without the typical battles and bureaucracy that the country is known for! He lives it every day at work, from being beholden to his boss, to clashes with Taxi drivers to limits on what he can earn. But despite all that, he sees how Uber can benefit his own economic growth so he’s hopeful it fully takes off.

Unlike in other parts of the world, Uber in Italy, doesn’t allow for just anyone to start driving. To drive for Uber, you must also have an NCC (limousine license) or work for someone who does. This means most Uber drivers are still working for the same hourly rate they get every day, with a boss who schedules them (or doesn’t) just as it always is. Instead of Uber as a means to becoming your boss, Uber is beholden to the existing system.

So while this expansion enhances getting around in Italy and supports (somewhat) the local economy by creating new job opportunities, it also remains blocked by Italian government bureaucracy. 

Case in point. Taxi drivers are threatened here about Uber just as much as they are in places like New York City, San Francisco and even South America where reports of clashes between cab drivers and Uber drivers is not uncommon.

But here, the government of course got involved, limiting NCC drivers to how many rides they can make with Uber in Italy. For example, an NCC driver must wait 20 minutes between rides. WHAT? And if they are working for a boss, not for themselves, do you think they can hang around 20 minutes between rides? 

What’s this all add up to? Very few drivers, long, long waits and of course, Uber’s favorite, surge pricing! Everything is a surge when the system has severely limited the number of drivers working for Uber in Italy.

The bright side of Uber in Italy

The arrival of Uber in Italy marks a significant turning point, offering users greater flexibility while promoting more sustainable mobility through ride-sharing options and electric vehicles available under Uber Green.

Uber is just getting started. For tourists, it’s a familiar way to get a ride when arriving in the airport. That ride may not come for a while, but if you’re not in a hurry, grab a cafe or prosecco, order your Uber and relax. Uber can be an indispensable tool for exploring Italy without the stress. 

As Andrew is known to do, he had a great time with an Uber driver in Firenze during a recent late night excursion. 

“Cabs weren’t around, I needed a ride, I tried Uber and it worked!” Andrew said. “The driver was great, we listened to music and had a great time. He told stories about the famous people he’s driven and he said ‘I am not in an office, I’m out here driving and having fun with people like you.’”

This is what Uber can offer. With Uber, Italy is moving closer to a modern and inclusive mobility model. Now we have to see if the country allows people, not corporations to benefit from it and truly revolutionize the way people get around.

When you come to Italy, remember, Uber is a resource, but it’s a bit different than what you’re used to. Don’t be in a rush, check prices, and you never know… it might just feel as easy as getting around in a black car at home!