Rome is one of the most interesting cruise ports in Italy. You will be spoilt for choice of what to do when you hop off of your ship on an excursion from the port of Civitavecchia. But if you want to explore Rome’s Spanish steps or the Colosseum on your own then you will need to know where to go.
Once your cruise ship is docked in the port the next thing is working out how to get to the city center of Rome from the port of Civitavecchia on your own so you can explore Rome and all it has to offer. Not all Cruise passengers want to do cruise ship excursions, so making your own way out of Civitavecchia cruise port is important.
Especially if checking out the museums, Colosseum, Vatical City, Trevi fountain, eating gelato, pizza, or even dining in Michelin Star restaurants in Rome is important to you. Then we are here to help you explore options such as private taxi cabs, shuttle buses or the train.
How Far is Rome from the Cruise Port of Civitavecchia?
If your cruise ship stops at the port of Civitavecchia you may think you can just hop off and explore Rome. This is not the case, Civitavecchia is the Rome cruise terminal but it is around 50 miles from Rome so you will need to work out how to get there.
When our cruise started and terminated in Civitavecchia, we used a private transfer, which we can thoroughly recommend. Rome Cabs charges around 300 euros for a trip to the port from Rome or vice versa. The air-conditioned executive cars arrived on time and were worth the extra cost of the premium service. We were able to arrange transfers from our airport hotel to the ship and then after from the ship to the airport. The communication was excellent.
We stayed at the Hotel Isola Sacra at Rome Airport. The hotel was a short taxi ride from the airport, perfect after a long day of travelling. It was clean and friendly, but the rooms felt a little dated. However, we loved the pool area, and the price point was fantastic for Rome.
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So, How do you Get to Rome From the Port of Civitavecchia?
It takes over an hour to drive to Rome from Civitavecchia and the train takes 45 minutes to 1 hr 10 minutes. In fact from the time you leave your ship, arrive in port and walk to the station it can take up to two hours to arrive in Rome.
How We Got To Rome From the Port of Civitavecchia on Our Own by Train
It took us 30 to 40 minutes to get to the station in Civitavecchia- 15 minutes by shuttle bus out of port and then a 25-minute walk to the station or a 10-minute bus ride.
There is a free shuttle bus from your cruise ship into the port of Civitavecchia. After disembarking your ship, you will be greeted by shuttle buses. These shuttle buses will drop you in the town of Civitavecchia at Largo Della Pace, shown on the map below.
This bus takes 15 minutes to get to into the port town of Civitavecchia from your cruise ship which is to the west of the city.
If you hop off of the ship early you will avoid the queues for the shuttle bus.
Civitavecchia Port Link Bus to the Train Station
Once in Largo della Pace you will see a buses and taxis. The port also operates a Civitavecchia port link bus that will take you straight to the train station.
This bus to the Civitavecchia station is €2 each way per person. It is a hop-on hop-off port link bus that will take you to the train station and back if you wish. The bus stop is directly outside the station for your return journey.
While in the Civitavecchia bus port you will see many people selling taxis and a group shuttle Bus to Rome for €19 return. (this may be another option for your travel to the centre of Rome, although we have not tried it )
We walked to the station in Civitavecchia, which took approximately 25 minutes at a reasonable pace. There are signs to the station along the route.
Getting the Train from Civitavecchia to Rome
If you choose to go to Rome alone by train without a tour it will take approximately 2 hours from ship to Rome Terminals. Leave enough time to get back to your ship in time for sailing.
At the station they do an express return to Rome for €15. Then you can purchase a metro as well to use the underground service in the city centre.
The Civitavecchia express train is the direct train for cruise passengers connecting the Port of Civitavecchia with the city of Rome
The express train had two trains in to Rome and two trains out stopping at Rome S. Pietro and Roma Ostiense stations and takes about 45 minutes.
The train times are 8.37 and 9.38 and 10.39 from Civitavecchia.
Returning from Roma s. Pietro to Civitavecchia at 15.52 and 16.43, but check these for changes and plan to get back to the ship at least an hour before departure, as the ship is won’t wait if you are late.
We however wanted to be more flexible so we purchased a flexible one way express for €10 and a return train anytime costing €4.69
The normal trains in to Rome and out of Rome costs €4.69 from la Civitavecchia. The trains run all day until late every 30 minutes. The train takes approximately 1hr 5 minutes. See the website for more details.
The Express ticket does not include travel on Rome’s metro, buses, trolleybuses and tramways You will need to purchase a seperate metro line ticket for this.
Where can I get train tickets to Rome?
You can purchase tickets prior to going and see the timetable on the Trenitalia train website.
The normal trains in to Rome and out of Rome costs €4.69 from la Civitavecchia. The trains run all day until late every 30 minutes. The train takes approximately 1hr 5 minutes. See the website for more details.
If you purchase tickets for the fast train you can get any train back as well as the fast express train.
Children under the age of 12 travel for free limited to one child per adult.
Tip- Do not forget to validate your ticket in the machine before you travel!
Where do I get off of the train to visit in the Vatican in Rome
For visiting the Vatican City and the Vatican museums in Rome you will alight at Roma san Pietro station (Roma s. Pietro )
Where do you get off of the mainline train in Rome to visit the Coliseum?
For visiting other points of interest such as the Coliseum. Pantheon or the Trevi Fountain you will alight on the other side of the river at Roma Ostiense or Roma Termini, from here you can walk or take the Metro.
Others ways to get to Rome from the cruise port of Civitavecchia
There are many others ways to get in to Rome on your port day in Italy here are a few other option if you do not want to get the train;
Private tours from Civitavecchia to Rome
Other alternatives to visit Rome from your cruise chip are to book a Rome in One Day Private Tour. There will be people in port holding up placards should you wish to do this you may need to barter with prices but generally they are quite reasonable.
Alternatively book a private transfer before you go on holiday. Taking a private shore excursion into Rome is useful as you will get to see a lot in one day but can be pricey. There are also private tours that cover a range of itineraries from Rome Vatican tours to Rome food tours.
Take a Taxi from Civitavecchia to Rome
There will be lots of Taxis in port should you wish to be taken from Civitavecchia to Rome. Taking a taxi could set you back around €120 so it is not always the cheaper option.
Ship Bus transfer Civitavecchia to Rome
Many ships offer shore excursion transfers. These transfers are simply a coach trip for you to enjoy the city at your own leisure but they also guarantee that you will get back on the ship. They can cost around $60 per person and they are bookable with your cruise line.
Ship shore excursion from Civitavecchia to Rome
If you are unsure of getting in to Rome alone you can book a shore excursion with your cruise line. There will be lots of choice if you book with your cruise ship including things to do with children.
How to Use The Underground Metro in Rome.
You can purchase a metro train ticket at most of the small shops in the metro stations. There is an app to download for all of the stations. All of the trains have screens showing which stop is coming up and which way you are going making it very easy to navigate.
Port of Civitavecchia Port Mobility service
In the Port of Civitavecchia they have made a paper brochure, available in Italian, English and Spanish for all all tourists arriving at the port which contains useful advice. The Port Mobility service is for cruise passengers and visitors of the Port of Civitavecchia.
Civitavecchia port map
I hope you found this port guide helpful in how to get to Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia.
See more of our port guides here.
Read here how to get to Pisa from la Spezia.
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