civitavecchia cruise port italy

10 Must-Do Things In Civitavecchia Cruise Port (Rome) + Port Info

Civitavecchia port is the largest and busiest Mediterranean seaport and the main gateway to Italy’s capital city of Rome. The coastal town of Civitavecchia sits approximately 80 km/50 miles northwest of the eternal city.

The ancient town of Civitavecchia was founded in the 2nd century and visitors who decide to stay in the town can explore its ancient monuments and a lovely seafront promenade.

However, most cruise passengers decide to visit Rome on their cruise. There are several ways to do so, and in this article, I share with you:

• Civitavecchia cruise port information (Civitavecchia cruise terminal, getting around, how to get to Rome from Civitavecchia port)
• Top 10 things to do in Rome , shore excursions , things to do in Civitavecchia town

Visit also our cruise port guides to La Spezia (Florence/Pisa) , Taormina (Messina) , Livorno , Cagliari , Naples

Civitavecchia Cruise Port

The port of Civitavecchia is the world’s 13th busiest cruise port and it’s massive – Officially named “Roma Cruise Terminal (aka RCT)”, it consists of 8 cruise terminals and 15 berths that can accommodate the world’s largest cruise liners. Civitavecchia port is also a homeport, meaning that cruises start and end in Civitavecchia.

Civitavecchia Port Link is the shuttle bus that normally runs between the cruise terminals and the train station, from where you can take a train to Rome. The single ticket for this bus costs 6€ one way and the ride takes up to 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a free shuttle bus provided by the port authorities to Largo della Pace information point, from where you can walk for 20 minutes or take a local bus to the train station.

Getting Around Civitavecchia Rome

• The official Civitavecchia port address is Prato del Turco, 00053 Civitavecchia.
• The town of Civitavecchia is located within walking distance of the port. This charming town is known for its 16th-century Fortezza Michelangelo, a beautiful city promenade, a local church and the National Archaeological Museum.
• The currency in Italy is EURO (€). Local currency and major credit cards are widely accepted.
• Civitavecchia train station (Stazione Civitavecchia) is located a 5-minute drive from the port of Civitavecchia. You can use the Civitavecchia Port Link bus to get there, or a free shuttle bus to Largo della Pace information point from where you need to walk for 20 minutes to the train station. At Civitavecchia train station, you can catch a train to Rome, one of the airports, or other cities in Italy.
• Trains run approximately every 30 minutes from Civitavecchia train station to Roma Termini (Rome Central Station) and the ride can last anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the train. In Rome, you can also get off at San Pietro Station, Trastevere Station, or Ostiense Station, depending on where you want to start your visit. You can purchase the tickets online, or at the ticket office/kiosk at the train station. To check the timetables and fares, check out https://www.trenitalia.com/
• Taxis are also available at the cruise terminal, and the ride to the train station costs around 10€ per person one-way. If you decide to take a taxi to Rome’s city center, expect to pay around 200€ per taxi one-way. You can also book a private transfer or a shore excursion to Rome.
• If you are coming to Civitavecchia from Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci International Airport) or Ciampino Airport , the cheapest option is to take a bus to Roma Termini, Rome’s central station, and then take a train to Civitavecchia. Several private companies operate buses from both airports to Roma Termini, and the ticket is typically no more than 7€ per person. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from the airport to Civitavecchia port , and the cost varies based on the company.
• A convenient way of visiting Rome is by Rome Hop on Hop off bus that includes stops at all major city landmarks. Check out Rome Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
• In Rome, you can use the Metro Lines A and B to get you to Rome’s major attractions such as Colosseum, Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Navona, and St Peter’s Basilica. The single ticket costs 1.5€ and is valid for 100 minutes. Daily tickets are available at the price of 7€.
• When planning your trip to Rome, keep in mind that crowds in the city are huge and you will probably waste a lot of your time waiting in lines. If you plan to visit the Colosseum or Vatican Museums, I highly recommend you book a guided tour or skip-the-line tickets . The visit to these sights takes at least half a day for each attraction, so keep that in mind as your time in Rome will be limited.
• If you are visiting Rome for the first time and staying only for a few hours, I suggest you either walk and enjoy the external visit of the main attractions, or get around the city center by metro. In case you don’t mind walking, I highly recommend you read my article A Day in Rome: Day Trip from Civitavecchia to Rome where you’ll find a detailed half-day Rome itinerary with maps and explanations.
• Since you will be probably staying in Rome for only one day, booking a guided shore excursion is the safest and most convenient way of exploring the city highlights due to the limited time you’ll have. You can book a guided tour with your cruise line or with a reliable tour operator (usually a cheaper option), however, make sure you double-check the ship’s all onboard time before leaving on a tour.  Explore Rome (Civitavecchia) tours and activities
• If you are staying more days in Rome, this article will give you an overview of the best accommodation in Civitavecchia and Rome: 15 Best Hotels near the Port of Civitavecchia (Rome)
• Check out the best hotels in Civitavecchia and Rome

Watch my YouTube Video on Civitavecchia Cruise Port & Best Things to Do in Rome!

10 Must-Do Things In Civitavecchia Cruise Port (Rome)

You’ll find below the top things to do in Rome while on your cruise, as well as the best things to do in Civitavecchia in case to decide to stay in the port.

Before I share the best things to do in Civitavecchia (Rome), I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Civitavecchia) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. St Peter’s Basilica

The Basilica of St Peter is the largest church and one of the most impressive religious structures in the world. It is located in Vatican City and with its immense dimensions and surface area of 22.000 square meters, it can host around 20.000 people.

The church is believed to be the burial place of Saint Peter and is home to countless monuments and masterpieces including the works of Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, Bernini, and other notable artists.

The entrance to the Basilica is free, although you may face lines and security screening. To get to the Basilica, you need to get off at Stazione San Pietro and then walk for 10 minutes to the square.

Check out St. Peter’s Basilica tours and activities

2. Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums are located next to St Peter’s Basilica and you need at least half-day to visit the major artworks and galleries.

Because Vatican Museums contain one of the largest collections of artworks in the world, I suggest you make a selection of the main points of interest based on what you want to see. Some of the main places of interest are:

• Sistine Chapel – Goethe said: “Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving”. Michelangelo Buonarroti’s masterpiece depicting biblical scenes is a number one must-see in Vatican Museums!
• The Pinacoteca , with 18 rooms housing paintings dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including the works of Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Perugino and Caravaggio.
• The Pio Clementino Museum – The largest complex inside the Museums that houses the most important Greek and Roman sculpture masterpieces.
• Gregorian Egyptian Museum – This part consists of 9 rooms displaying exhibitions, monuments and artifacts from Ancient Egypt.
• Gallery of Geographical Maps – It is one of the most fascinating rooms in the Museums and an unmissable place for history and geography buffs.
• The Carriage Pavilion – It is located in a separate section of the Museums and displays carriages, cars and sedan chairs used by various popes throughout history.
• The Raphael’s Room – In the 16th century, the rooms were the private apartments of Pope Julius II, who commissioned the frescoes to Raphael.

If you are coming on a cruise and visiting Rome in a day, it is recommended to book a shore excursion with your cruise line to be on the safe side and not risk missing the ship.

Alternatively, a cheaper option is to book a tour with a reputable independent tour operator (they usually have a lot of experience with cruise ship passengers so they’ll bring you to your ship on time), or, if you decide to visit on your own, book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid queueing.

Check out the guided tours of Vatican Museums (including the skip-the-line tickets)

3. Castel Sant’Angelo

The imposing fortress is located on the right bank of the Tiber River, a 10-minute walk from St Peter’s Square.

The foundations of the castle date back to around 125 B.C. and nowadays it hosts the National Museum of Castel Sant’ Angelo where you can admire a large collection of sculptures, paintings, marble finds, weapons, furniture and various objects.

Check out Castel Sant Angelo’s tours and activities

4. Colosseum

The majestic Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Named after its colossal dimensions, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater in the world dating from 70-80 AD, built under the Roman Emperors Vespasian, and his heir, Titus.

The massive amphitheater used to host gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, executions, animal hunts and theatre plays, and could hold on average 70.000 spectators. The Colosseum has been the symbol of Rome for centuries, and nowadays is a must-see attraction!

Cruise lines offer numerous shore excursions to the Colosseum, but you can also visit it on your own. To get to the Colosseum, get off at Roma Termini station and then take the metro line B to the “Colosseo” stop.

You will probably face long lines, so it’s recommended to purchase the skip-the-line ticket.

Check out Colosseum tours and tickets

5. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of the most fascinating archeological sites that used to be the center of everyday life and an administrative and commercial hub in Ancient Rome.

Today, visitors can see the ruins of antique Temples (Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vespasian and Titus, Temple of Caesar, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Castor and Pollux…), basilicas, squares, Curia Julia (an ancient Senat House), Rostra (the elevated platform where public speakers used to stand), Arch of Septimius Severus, and other ancient structures.

It takes several hours to visit the entire forum, but in case you don’t have time, you can admire it from the street Via dei Fori Imperiali as it has a promenade overlooking the forum.

The Roman Forum is located right next to the Colosseum and to get there, get off at Ostiense station and take the metro line B stop “Colosseo”.

Explore the Roman Forum tours and activities

6. Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna, with its monumental staircase leading to the church of Trinità dei Monti and Bernini’s baroque fountain Fontana della Barcaccia , is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.

The famous square has always been a popular cultural and tourist hub with a large number of hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping streets.

To get to Spanish Square, get off at Roma Termini station, take the metro line A towards Battistini for 3 stops, and finally get off at the “Spagna” stop.

Check out Spanish Steps tours and activities

7. Trevi Fountain

Fontana di Trevi is a stunning baroque fountain with rococo elements and is certainly one of the most awe-inspiring fountains in the world.

It has gigantic dimensions (26.3 meters high and around 49.15 meters wide) and was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi in the 18th century.

The history of the Trevi fountain is connected to Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct dating from 19 B.C. that was used to provide water to the Roman baths and the fountains in central Rome. The Trevi fountain was built at the endpoint of the aqueduct, on the site where three roads intersect, and therefore was named the “Three Roads Fountain” (the “tri viae” in Latin means “three roads”).

Trevi Fountain is located in the historic center and is always packed with people. There is no entrance fee, however, be ready for a lot of crowds. While there, don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure you return to Rome!

To get to Trevi Fountain, get off at Roma Termini station, get the metro line A towards Battistini and after two stops get off at the “Barberini – Fontana di Trevi” stop.

Explore Trevi Fountain tours and activities

8. Piazza Navona

Originally built as the Stadium of Domitian in the 1 st century AD, Piazza Navona is today one of the most visited and most elegant squares in Rome.

The square is dominated by three lavish fountains (Fountain of the Four Rivers, Fountain of the Moor and Fountain of Neptun), and shadowed by the immense Sant’Agnese in Agone church , the 17th-century Baroque basilica that contains the skull of St. Agnes in a shrine.

Piazza Navona is located within a 10-minute walk from Trevi Fountain.

Explore Piazza Navona tours and activities

9. Pantheon

A former Roman temple, and nowadays the Catholic Basilica with an imposing dome and massive entry columns, the colossal Pantheon peacefully sits on the tiny Piazza della Rotonda, only 5-10 minutes walking distance from Piazza Navona and Fontana di Trevi.

The iconic temple was completed by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD, it has a cylindrical shape and features the world’s largest unreinforced dome made entirely of concrete.

The central part of the dome has an immense opening that provides natural light to the interior of the temple, which houses tombs of renowned artists and members of the Italian Royal family, including Raphael, Vittorio Emmanuelle II, King Umberto I, and others.

The entrance to the Pantheon is free of charge.

Check out Pantheon tours and activities

10. Campo de’ Fiori

Not far from Piazza Navona and Pantheon, Campo de Fiori is a popular square hosting one of the most picturesque markets in the city.

The square was built in the 15th century on the site of a former flower meadow, thus the name, according to the legend.

Here, you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and taste some Roman specialties for decent prices in the surrounding bars and eateries. The market is open-air and there is no entrance fee.

Explore Campo de Fiori tours and activities

What to See in Civitavecchia on a Cruise

If you decide not to go to Rome and stay in the town of Civitavecchia, here is a list of things to visit:

• Fortezza Michelangelo (Forte Michelangelo) – The fortress is part of the historic port and you’ll see it by the entrance to the port area. The heavy fortress was built in 1537 to protect the port and was named after Michelangelo who designed the center tower.
• Civitavecchia National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Civitavecchia) sits right across from Forte Michelangelo and is housed in a 3-level building that used to belong to Pope Clemente XIII, dating from the early 18th century. In the museum, visitors can see exhibitions showcasing artifacts from the Roman and Etruscan times.
• The Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi (Cattedrale di S. Francesco d’Assisi) – A beautiful elegant cathedral was built in the 17th century in the Neoclassical-Baroque architectural style. It’s located a stone’s throw from the Archeological museum and Forte Michelangelo.
• Taurine Baths (Terme Taurine or Trajan) – The archeological site of the Taurine Baths is located on top of the hill approximately 5 km/3 miles from Civitavecchia town center. Known also as the Baths of Trajan, after the Roman emperor who founded the city, the baths are one of the most important thermal complexes of the Roman Age in the entire south Etrurian area.
• Civitavecchia Beach (Spiaggia il pirgo) – A small pebbly beach is located right opposite the railway station and is backed by a colorful promenade.

Visit also our cruise port guides to  Santorini , Athens , Ajaccio , Marseille , Kotor , Palma de Mallorca , Barcelona

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Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-09-09 01:25

Port Civitavecchia-Rome cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Civitavecchia is the passenger (ferry and cruise) and cargo port of Rome City - Italy's capital and largest city. Civitavecchia is approx 80 km / 50 mi northwest of Rome. The arriving cruise tourists can reach Rome's main train stations as well as Fiumicino Airport (40-50-min drive distance from the seaport).

Port Civitavecchia (locode ITCVV) has a total of 5 cruise terminals (combined area ~120,000 m2 / 1,29 million ft2 / 0,05 mi2) with 7 berths/quays (total length 3,2 km / 9850 ft in piers), and 5 cruise-dedicated large parking lots.

Civitavecchia ("Terminal Venezia Passeggeri" in Italian) is the world's 10th busiest cruise port (2,2+ million passengers annually) and a major Mediterranean homeport/turnaround port for roundtrip itineraries. The world's top-10 cruise ports by annual passenger volumes (stats 2023) are in Florida USA ( Port Canaveral/Orlando , Miami , Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale ), Mexico ( Cozumel ), Bahamas ( Nassau ), China ( Shanghai ), Spain ( Barcelona ), Bahamas (Out Islands), and Texas USA ( Galveston ).

The Port's cruise shipping business annually generates ~EUR 92 million in direct revenue and expenditure, with an economic impact/contribution to the Lazio region of EUR 400+ million, including EUR 200M+ in expenditure by the visiting cruise tourists (passengers and crew). This business also supports 1700+ local jobs (direct and indirect).

Due to its proximity to Rome City, Civitavecchia is the main cruise port for transit passengers (~1,6 million) in addition to turnaround passengers (~1 million), to a total of 2,6+ million cruisers annually. The Port's max daily passenger capacity is 40,000. Due to its vicinity to Fiumicino Airport, Civitavecchia is also the principal Italian homeport for major cruise line companies . Each year, around 1 million passengers start and finish their cruise in Civitavecchia.

Roma Cruise Terminal's busiest day so far was on July 16, 2016, when it hosted 10 ships.

The Civitavecchia-Rome train distance is 61 km / 38 mi (or ~50 minutes travel time). Annually, Port Civitavecchia handles 2000+ passenger ship calls (by both ferries and cruise vessels) and ~2 million travelers, ranking it Europe's 3rd busiest and the Mediterranean's largest. The city has population around 60,000 and covers an area of approx 72 km2 / 28 mi2.

The founding of Civitavecchia is set around 889 AD when the first inhabitants established Civitasvetula (old/ancient town) which was later changed into Civitavecchia. The Roman Emperor Trajan founded Port Civitavecchia (as Centumcellae) in the 2nd century. Due to its position, the city was prone to incursions by pirates and in 1508, Pope Julius II commissioned the building of a fortress for protection. Both Michelangelo and Bramante contributed to the design of Forte Michelangelo (1537-completed), which can still be visited today.

By the 17th century, following the embellishments carried out by its rulers over the years, Civitavecchia could boast of being one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. Unfortunately, most of the city's historical buildings and port were destroyed by the Allied aerial bombardments in 1943 (during WW2/1939-45).

The town of Civitavecchia and the surrounding towns and villages have a lot to offer to the visiting tourists, including the following Roman and medieval archaeological sites.

• The old hospital in Piazza Calamata, the fountain of Benedict XIV and the old city (around Piazza Saffi), which houses the Chapel of the Knights of St John.
• Forte Michelangelo (1535-completed) and its Bell Tower were designed by Michelangelo. The fortress is built on the remains of Roman army barracks.
• The Cathedral of St Francis (17th-century built by Francesco Navona)
• The Archeological Museum houses a large collection of Roman and Etruscan artifacts.
• Piazza Leandra has frescoes from the school of Raffaello Sanzio.
• Terme Taurine (open-air museum) was built on the site of Emperor Trajan's villa and baths.
• Finconcella's hot baths are from the Roman times and are still in use today.
• The Market is a must-see, with its surrounding taverns, coffee shops, and eateries offering foods made from local produce.
• Sant' Agostino beach is approx 15 km / 10 mi from Civitavecchia.

Civitavecchia has 108 hotels and B&Bs/Bed & Breakfast, as well as a number of good restaurants and pizzerias.

At ~20 min drive distance from the town tourists can visit the Etruscan necropolis of Cerveteri and Tarquina (known for its medieval towers, necropolis and the Etruscan museum). In Santa Severa bathers can visit the medieval castle. Bracciano (lake district) and Orsini-Odescalchi (castle and military aviation museum) are also worth visiting.

North of Civitavecchia you may visit the hilltop towns of Tolfa famous for one of Europe's major street artists' festival (Tolfarte) and its Butteri (cowboys) and Alumiere, famous for its palio (horse races), during which the town's districts compete in a series of donkey races. Other places of interest include Bomarzo with its Garden of Monsters (Giardino dei Monstri) and Civita Bagnorego (dying city). The historical papal city of Viterbo is an hour's ride from the cruise port. Ostia Anticha is one of the very best preserved Roman cities. Another place of interest is Sutri, with its mithreaum, a unique underground temple from the times of the Etruscans, later adopted by the Romans and then converted into a Christian Church.

On June 25, 2023, the Port had a 6-ship day and handled 31000+ cruise tourists. The vessels were Costa Fortuna , MSC Seashore , Norwegian Breakaway ( NCL ), Oceania Vista , Odyssey of the Seas ( RCI-Royal Caribbean ) and Viking Sea ( Viking OCEAN ).

Cruise itineraries to and from Civitavecchia-Rome

Itineraries out of Civitavecchia usually visit destinations (ports and islands) in the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The most visited ports are in Croatia ( Dubrovnik , Korcula , Split ), Montenegro ( Kotor ), Slovenia ( Koper ), Albania ( Durres ), also in Greece/Greek Islands, Italy (also on Sicily Island), Malta ( Valletta ), Turkey.

Holy Land cruises visit ports in Israel ( Ashdod , Haifa ), Greece ( Piraeus-Athens ), Egypt ( Alexandria , Port Said ) and also Turkey ( Istanbul ).

The most commonly operated are 7-day one-way itineraries from Rome to Barcelona (Western Med), to Athens and to Istanbul (Eastern Med). Many voyages to Barcelona include stops at French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) ports - Antibes , Bandol , Cannes , Cassis , Marseille , Sanary-sur-Mer , St Raphael , St Tropez , Toulon , Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice), Monte Carlo (Monaco) .

Most one-way "around Italy" itineraries from Rome end in Genoa . However, there are also Around Italy roundtrips from Rome (between 14-17-days long, depending on itinerary/call ports).

Most roundtrips from Civitavecchia are 7-8-day long Adriatic itineraries visiting Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Greece, and often Italy's Bari , Ravenna or Ancona on (the way back).

Seasonal ship relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) offer Transatlantic crossings between Rome and Florida USA, Caribbean island countries, or South America ( Santos Brazil , Buenos Aires Argentina ). Suez Canal transition voyages link to ports in Asia and even Australia ( Brisbane QLD , Sydney NSW ).

Civitavecchia-Rome cruise terminal

Officially named "Roma Cruise Terminal", the facility was opened in 2007, and in the period 2007-2018 handled around 23 million cruise ship tourists. The Port currently has 5 cruise terminals (7 berths total) and can accommodate vessels with max draft 13,5 m / 44 ft.

The Port's cruise docks are Quay 10 (Terminal 10), Quay 11, Quay 12 South (Terminal Bramante/12S), Quay 12 North (Terminal Amerigo Vespucci, and Terminal 12 B North), Quay 13 South, Quay 13 North, and Quay 25 South (Terminal 25S). For homeporting are used 4 terminals (10, Bramante/12S, 25S, and Amerigo Vespucci/the newest).

The company Roma Cruise Terminal SRL (jointly owned by Costa Crociere , MSC and Royal Caribbean ) is responsible for the Port's cruise shipping operations. The terminal operator is currently ranked Europe's 3rd-largest and the world's 7th-largest in terms of annual passenger numbers and cruise ship calls.

Next cruise port map shows where ships dock in Civitavecchia and popular tourist attractions/sites located in close proximity.

The Port is used by ferries , cargo ships and cruise vessels. The distance between the Port Civitavecchia and Rome's international airports is almost 50 km (30 mi) or 50 minutes travel time (airport to the pier). Taxis cost ~EUR 160.

To go to Civitavecchia, most foreign cruisers first fly to Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (airport) from where travel by train to Civitavecchia (for ship embarkation). Travel time is ~1,5 hours. From the rail station to the cruise port is approx 1 km (0,6 mi). However, the distance is easily walkable (along the pebbled beach).

At the Port's entrance, there are available three large car parks. Free bus shuttles serve both ferry- and cruise passengers. Be careful, as different shuttles go to different terminals.

In 2022 was inaugurated a new cruise terminal providing services to smaller-sized/luxury boutique cruise ships that increasingly use Civitavecchia as a homeport.

(NEW) "12 B North" Amerigo Vespucci Cruise Terminal

In November 2016, Port Civitavecchia started the construction of a new cruise terminal which was completed and inaugurated in 2018. The modern building (sized 10,000 m2 / 107,650 ft2) is able to handle ~4500 passengers and ~9000 pieces of luggage at a time.

Civitavecchia's main cruise terminal (Amerigo Vespucci) has capacity to handle the largest cruise vessels . The Terminal's passenger and luggage control facilities are at the ground floor. A crew room (also in the building's Atrium) facilitates the ships' crew reception process. Proceeding from the Atrium to the first floor, passengers reach the check-in area with 60 counters that can be doubled to 120 ports. Close to 90 monitors in the check-in area keep passengers updated on their check-in status as well as their itinerary and other useful information. There are also a VIP lounge, Cruise Bar and a large terrace. Ship boarding is via glass-enclosed passenger bridges.

A unique feature of the new cruise terminal Amerigo Vespucci is a small museum space housing Roman and Etruscan artifacts. The pieces are loaned by the Port's Harbour Master and the Superintendent for Fine Arts and Culture for Roma Metropolitana, Viterbo and Southern Etruria region as a standing testimony of Civitavecchia's historical status as the Port of Rome and the rich history of Italy's Lazio region.

The EUR 20 million project included building two terminals - the bigger "12 B North" and the smaller "Terminal 12". The building has a 280 m2 (3000 ft2) baggage claim area, a 410 m2 (4400 ft2) waiting area, large bus parking, taxi drop-off and pick-up area. On the ground floor are the passenger and luggage facilities (check-in with 60 counters and around 90 LED monitors for updated information / including on current itineraries). In the Atrium are located crew room and VIP lounge.

At Amerigo Vespucci Terminal, passengers can avail themselves of a free guidebook (published by Roma Cruise Terminal) with 12 recommended walks around Civitavecchia.

"Rome Cruise Terminal" (RCT)

Terminal's address is "Civitavecchia, Molo Vespucci, Civitavecchia Italy 00053".

The Port's biggest parts serve container carriers/cargo ships and ferries. Cruise ships dock at piers Traianea (11), Antemurale Colombo (12,12B,13A, 13B) and Commerciale (25).

To the cruise port, take the Argo buses leaving from downtown/Largo della Pace (aka Porta di Citta). From the bus stop, you can reach the cruise piers (for embarkation) through the Port-provided free shuttle service.

Civitavecchia cruise port schedule has itineraries planned throughout the whole year.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - ITVCE
• supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
• deep channel water and berths
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• capability to accommodate 12 vessels at a time

Port Civitavecchia provides berthed cruise vessels with shore-power/electricity supply which reduces significantly the levels of emissions, noise and vibration. The "cold ironing" (shoreside power) is provided to ships docking at Tagliamento Quay (at berths 107-108 and 109-110).

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a week.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Civitavecchia early in the morning (between 5 and 9 am) and depart in the evening (normally by 8 pm). Some ships may also stay overnight in Civitavecchia.

How to reach the cruise quays and terminals?

Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci) is approx 60 km / 27 mi away from Civitavecchia. Once one arrives at the airport, reaching the Port is very easy.

Catch the direct train service from the airport to Ostiense (around 15 minutes) and then from Ostiense the train to Civitavecchia (allow 50 minutes of train travel).

From Rome City: There are two services (every hour) linking Rome with Civitavecchia. All the major train stations in Rome (Termini, Ostiense, Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Trastevere, San Pietro) are directly linked with Civitavecchia. Tickets and train schedules are available online on the Trenitalia website. There is a good service to major cities in Italy either directly or through Roma Termini.

Either from the train station at Civitavecchia, it is very easy to reach the port on foot (a distance of around 500 m / 1640 ft) or by taxi to the entrance of the port areas or via a shuttle bus service from the train, station (cost Euro 6.00 per person).

Disembarking passengers can book their transport with the cruise ships or else use the public taxis available on the quay. Roma Cruise Terminal also provides a free shuttle service to the coach terminus outside the port. There is a service to the train station at EUR 6 per person. Passengers can also book private taxis. Civitavecchia also has seven car parks providing a park and cruise service with a shuttle service to/from the cruise quays.

The bus stop closest to the port is the one located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This bus stop is around 100 m from the south entrance of the port. The bus stop in Via XVI Settembre and at Porta Tarquina are around 200 m / 650 ft from the north entrance of the port.

The regional bus service is operated by Compagnia Trasporti Lazio (Co.Tra.L.). The bus terminus for these services is located in piazza Vittorio Emanuele near the south entrance of the port. A free shuttle service is available to transport passengers to their ship from Largo della Pace, the bus terminus located at the exit of the port.

Allow 40 minutes of travel time. There are parking areas situated inside or close to the port area. Most parking operators offer a shuttle service to/from the cruise ship.

The coordinates (Google Map) for quay 10 (the entrance to the cruise quays 10 (Terminal 10) ,11, 12 South (Terminal Bramante), 12 North (Terminal Amerigo Vespucci), 13 South and 13 North are 42°05'22.5"N 11°47'11.1"E.

The coordinates to quay 25 South (Terminal 25 South) are 42.104594777583486, 11.774188023105662

One can catch a taxi from the taxi stand at the airport.

Taxi services can be booked by phoning +39 (0) 766 26121 from the taxi stand at the Prot from the train station. Taxis are also available from the cruise quays.

Civitavecchia-Rome tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Civitavecchia is a great place to spend some time. As this is the port of Rome, most of the passengers rush to see the capital city with its Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and the Spanish Steps, but Civitavecchia has a lot to show too. It is among the most fascinating culturally cities in Europe. You can learn a lot about the Italian life and history. Among the interestins places are the old hospital, the fountain of Benedict XIV, the walls of the old city and quaint squares. Also you can visit:

• Forte Michelangelo: fortress dating since the 16th century. Pope Julius II commissioned it and in 1535 Giulano Leno finished it. Michelangelo designed the center tower. The walls of the fortress are thick over 6 meters and it is built on Roman barracks’ remains.
• The Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi: built on 17th Century church by Francesco Navona, an architect. The Cathedral of Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi is impressive with stained glass frescos and windows designed in Neoclassical-Baroque style.
• Civitavecchia Beach: this small beach has yellow sand (mixed with rocks) and is located opposite the railway station, just steps away from the seafront promenade.
• La Scaglia Necropolis (6th-5th centuries BC): take a look at the underground works in a chilling atmosphere.
• Civitavecchia’s Archaelogical Museum: the building was property of Pope Clemente XIII. It was made for the garrison of the pope and dates from the 18th century. There is Roman and Estrucan artifacts exhibition.

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• 🇮🇹 Explore Italy on Foot

Civitavecchia Rome Cruise Port Guide: How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Navigating your way through the majestic Italian coastline, you’re likely to find yourself docking at the Civitavecchia port, your gateway to the eternal city of Rome. This Civitavecchia Rome Cruise Port Guide is designed to help you make the most out of your visit, enhancing your experience from the moment your ship docks until you set off to explore the wonders of Rome. For those looking to capture the essence of Rome in limited time, check out the experiences at Rome in a Day for some inspiration.

Understanding Civitavecchia: Your Gateway to Rome

Before delving into the specifics of transportation and attractions, it’s essential to grasp what makes Civitavecchia a unique starting point for your Roman adventure. Established by the Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century, Civitavecchia – or the “ancient town” – has been the maritime gateway to the capital of the Roman Empire and, subsequently, to the city of Rome for centuries. Despite being located about 80 kilometers northwest of Rome, the port is considered the maritime entry point for the city due to its extensive and well-connected transportation network.

The Civitavecchia Port itself is a bustling hub, serving millions of passengers every year. With its modern facilities, the port accommodates the biggest cruise ships in the world, offering a variety of services and amenities for travelers. Arriving here, you are poised at the edge of exploration, with Rome’s rich history, culture, and cuisine lying just a train ride away.

Transportation from Civitavecchia to Rome

One crucial thing every visitor should know is how to get from Civitavecchia to Rome efficiently. The port offers numerous options including shuttle buses, trains, and taxis, each catering to different needs and preferences.

From Civitavecchia to Rome by Bus

Buses offer an economical way to travel from Civitavecchia to Rome. Several bus companies operate the route, with departures often timed to coincide with cruise ship arrivals. The journey can take between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. One of the most popular options is the dedicated cruise bus services, which provide direct travel to key locations in Rome like Vatican City or Roma Termini station.

Price: The cost for a one-way bus ticket ranges from €10 to €15 per person. Prices can vary based on the time of booking and the specific service chosen. 

SitBus Shuttle : A reliable bus service offering direct routes to Rome, suitable for travelers looking for an efficient and comfortable ride. Tickets can be booked online through their official website SitBusShuttle.com .

From Civitavecchia to Rome by Train

The most popular and cost-effective means of transportation is the train. Civitavecchia’s train station is a short walk from the port, but for those with heavy luggage, shuttle buses from the port to the station are available. Trains to Rome run frequently throughout the day, with the journey to Roma Termini—the central railway station—taking approximately an hour and ten minutes. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to explore Rome at their own pace.

The Civitavecchia train station is reasonably close to the port. However, reaching it might require a short bus ride or a pleasant walk. From there, regular regional trains can take you to Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome, in about 70 to 80 minutes.

Price: A standard one-way ticket on the regional train costs approximately €5 to €9. If you opt for a faster Intercity or Frecciabianca train, expect to pay between €15 and €20 for a one-way trip.

Trenitalia : The main train operator in Italy, offering frequent services between Civitavecchia and Rome. Ticket booking is available on their comprehensive website Trenitalia.com , via their mobile app, or at ticket machines and counters located in the station.

From Civitavecchia to Rome by Taxi

For those who prefer a more comfortable and direct route, taxi services are available from the port. While this option is considerably more expensive than traveling by train, it offers direct access to your chosen destination in Rome, which can be particularly beneficial if you have limited time or specific sites you wish to visit directly.

Taxi ranks are available at the port, and some companies offer pre-booking services online or via phone. It’s crucial to use an official taxi service to avoid overcharging.

Price: The taxi fare from Civitavecchia to Rome can vary significantly depending on the destination within Rome, the time of day, and traffic conditions. The average price ranges from €120 to €150 for a one-way trip. It’s advisable to agree on the fare with the driver before departure or ensure the meter is running.

Official Taxi Stands : Booking is straightforward; upon arrival at Civitavecchia, official taxi stands are available and can be approached directly. It’s beneficial to negotiate or confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Online Booking Services: Several websites and apps like Free Now and itTaxi allow you to book a taxi in advance. These platforms can offer fixed prices and the comfort of having a taxi waiting upon your arrival.

From Civitavecchia to Rome by Car Rental

Rental car services are also available for visitors who desire the freedom to explore Rome and its surroundings at their leisure. Although driving in Rome can be challenging due to its busy traffic and strict ZTL (limited traffic zones), it can be an excellent option for visiting sites outside of Rome.

Renting a car provides the utmost flexibility and the ability to explore Rome and its surroundings at your own pace. Several car rental agencies are available at or near Civitavecchia port. Driving from the port to Rome typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the exact location of your destination in Rome.

Price: Rental car prices can vary widely based on the type of vehicle, rental period, and the inclusion of extras like GPS or additional insurance. Expect daily rates to start from around €30 to €50. Remember that fuel costs and parking fees in Rome (which can be steep and hard to find in the city center) will add to the overall cost. Additionally, be aware of Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL), or limited traffic zones, in Rome, which restrict unauthorized vehicles from entering certain areas at specific times.

What to Do in Rome: Making the Most of Your Visit

Rome is a city that’s as vast in its offerings as it is rich in history. From the awe-inspiring Colosseum to the Vatican City’s sacred grounds, here are few tips to help you prioritize your visit.

First and foremost, planning is key. Rome is a city that can overwhelm first-time visitors with its plethora of must-see sites. Starting your day early will help you avoid the crowds that flock to popular attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Consider guided tours to streamline your experience and enrich your understanding of the history and art that make Rome unique.

Don’t miss out on experiencing the local cuisine. Roman food is a delight, offering everything from quick bites like supplì (fried rice balls) to sit-down meals featuring classic dishes such as carbonara and amatriciana. Explore the food markets, or better yet, book a food tour to taste the best of what Rome has to offer.

Lastly, remember to enjoy the city’s vibrant street life and scenic piazzas. Rome’s beauty is not confined within its museums and historical sites; it’s also in its lively streets and squares. Take time to wander, savor an espresso at a sidewalk cafe, and immerse yourself in the Roman way of life.

Navigating Back to Civitavecchia

Returning to Civitavecchia from Rome requires careful timing, especially if you’re catching a cruise ship. Make note of the train schedules, leaving ample time for any unexpected delays. Always verify the last train departing from Roma Termini to Civitavecchia to ensure you get back to the port well before your ship departs.

For those who chose car rentals, be mindful of the return policies and allow time for traffic, especially during peak hours. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are reliable options for a stress-free return to your ship, albeit at a higher cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Traveling from Civitavecchia Port to Rome

Can you walk from cruise ship to civitavecchia.

Yes, it’s possible to walk from some of the cruise ship docks to the Civitavecchia town center, but it can be a considerable distance (up to 2 km from the furthest dock), and the walk isn’t the most scenic or pedestrian-friendly. For this reason, many opt for the shuttle bus services offered by the port.

How do I get from Rome cruise port to Rome?

The most popular methods are by train, taxi, or shuttle service. The train from Civitavecchia to Rome’s central station, Roma Termini, is frequent and cost-effective. Taxis and shuttle services offer more direct and flexible travel options but at a higher price.

Is there a free shuttle at the Civitavecchia Port?

Yes, a free shuttle service is usually available to transport passengers from the cruise terminal to the port entrance. Some cruise lines also offer shuttle services directly to the Civitavecchia train station or other key points.

How much is a taxi from Civitavecchia to Rome?

A taxi ride from Civitavecchia to Rome can cost around €120-€150, depending on the exact destination in Rome and traffic conditions.

How far is the cruise port from Rome city Centre?

The distance from Civitavecchia Port to Rome city center is approximately 80 kilometers (around 50 miles).

What is the best transportation from Rome to the cruise port?

The best mode of transportation depends on your priorities. The train offers a balance of cost-efficiency and convenience. A taxi or private transfer is best for direct, hassle-free travel. For those prioritizing budget, the train is the most popular choice.

Can you walk into Civitavecchia from port?

Yes, but it’s a long walk and not the most convenient or enjoyable option, especially with luggage.

How do I get from Rome to cruise ship?

To reach your cruise ship docked at Civitavecchia from Rome, you can take a train, book a taxi/private transfer, or use shuttle services provided by some cruise lines.

How much is the train from Rome to Civitavecchia Port?

A one-way train ticket from Rome to Civitavecchia typically costs around €5-€15, depending on the type of train and if you purchase a standard or premium ticket.

How do you pay for Rome transport?

For public transport in Rome, you can purchase tickets at metro stations, some newsstands, and tobacco shops. Tickets must be validated at the start of your first journey. Rome also offers a travel card option for unlimited public transport use within a set number of days.

With its vibrant culture, timeless architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine, Rome offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors. This Civitavecchia Rome Cruise Port Guide is intended to provide you with the know-how to navigate between the cruise port and Rome seamlessly, ensuring that your time in this magnificent city is both enriching and memorable. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay, Rome promises an adventure that’s bound to captivate your heart and senses.

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Rome (Civitavecchia) Cruise Port Guide and Review (2024)

• Rome (Civitavechia) Overview

Everything you must know about Civitavecchia (Rome) cruise port: where ships dock, the port shuttle bus, things to do and top attractions in Rome, how to explore on your own, sightseeing, shore excursions, what's within walking distance, basic info, and more ...

By: Editor-in-Chief Update: September 6, 2024

Civitavecchia has been the port of Rome since the days of Roman Emperor Trajan (first century AD). However, cruise passengers must know that the Eternal City is not a stone's throw away from the port in the coastal city of Civitavecchia.

• Where is the Port of Civitavecchia

Where cruise ships dock

• Shuttle bus
• Cruise terminals services and amenities
• What's within walking distance
• How to explore Rome (Civitavecchia)
• Discover Rome on your own and sightseeing
• Top things to do in Rome
• Top attractions of Rome
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Must-know: tourist info, language, and currency
• Safety, emergencies, and basics

Rome is around 45 miles (73km) southeast of the port in Civitavecchia. Because of the proximity to the Eternal City, almost all cruise lines list the port on their Mediterranean itineraries as "Civitavecchia (Rome)" or "Rome (Civitavecchia)" without specifying that there is some traveling involved if you want to visit the Eternal City.

In particular, first-time cruisers to Civitavecchia (Rome) should be aware that it may take up to one hour and a half to travel between the port in Civitavecchia and Rome.

Regardless of the distance between Rome and its Cruise Port, Civitavecchia is one of the most visited cruise ports of call and home port (embark and disembark) in the Mediterranean itineraries during the Spring-Summer season, with as many as 2.650 million passengers and over 800 cruise ships visits in 2019.

The cruise port is relatively close to Civitavecchia (a town with a population of 52,816), which has an enjoyable atmosphere; the vicinity is immaculate and well-maintained. The local population is friendly, pleasant, well-mannered, and speaks English well. For the most part, the city of Civitavecchia is very safe.

Cruise passengers with disabilities or walking difficulties will find it simple to wander around Civitavecchia independently. But, if you are cruising with young ones in your family, be aware that there are few attractions for kids or adolescents in Civitavecchia.

Many Mediterranean itineraries start or end a cruise in Civitavecchia - this means that Civitavecchia is a homeport or a turnaround port. Still, many other cruises call at the port of Rome in Civitavecchia for a day, usually arriving early in the morning and departing as late as 8 pm.

When on a cruise calling at Civitavecchia for the day, passengers will have enough time to travel to Rome and enjoy many, but not all, attractions of the Eternal City. Therefore, you should carefully choose the sites, monuments, landmarks, and things you want to enjoy, visit and explore in Rome.

For example, suppose you are on a cruise calling at Civitavecchia for the day. In that case, you can visit the Colesseum upon arrival in Rome and go to the Vatican to visit St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. But you will not have time to explore other sites, such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, or the Piazza Navona.

If you want to visit fabulous museums in Rome like the Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museums), the Borghese Gallery, or stunning churches, you will have to plan carefully.

Besides Rome, there are also a few things for cruise visitors to do near Civitavecchia. In the last 5 years, cruise lines and tour operators have realized that many passengers were looking for alternatives to the excursions to Rome . Amongst other destinations, we highlight the archeological site of Tarquinia and Orvietto.

Where is the cruise port in Civitavecchia

The cruise port, officially named Roma Cruise Terminal , is on the northern outskirts of Civitavecchia, around 45 miles (73km) north of Rome. Civitavecchia is an important port city (population of 53,000) in the Lazio region on the East coast of Italy bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Civitavecchia is 39 miles (224 km) south of Livorno and 165 miles (266km) north of Naples, two other main Italian ports for cruises in the Mediterranean.

Ships dock on a large mixed ferry and cruise port where up to 9 cruise ships dock. There are different terminal buildings in the vast 2-mile long u-shaped basin with a breakwater.

The port has two main docking areas: one along the shore and another on the breakwater parallel to the coast. You will be closer to one of the two exits depending on where your cruise ships docks.

Map image coyright by IQCruising

The port shuttle bus

There is a free shuttle bus in Civitavecchia cruise port provided by the port authority. The shuttle bus stop is by the gangway or just outside the terminal buildings. The final drop-off is on a well-organized welcome center. This efficent hub on Largo della Pace has a gated exite to Via Prato del Turco.

The shuttle has an additional bus stop next to the Fortezza Michelangelo for those on cruise ships docked in the breakwater. Close by is the other gated port exit which opens right into Civitavecchia's city center.

Cruise terminals, services and amenities in port

There are nine berths and 4 cruise terminals in the port of Civitavecchia. However, only two have solid modern construction. These two cruise terminals are close to each other on the breakwater.

• Americo Vespucci. The newest cruise terminal has all services and amenities cruisers expect.
• Bramante. Older terminal only with basic amenities.

As a rule of thumb, ships calling at Civitavecchia for the day dock at a berth without a terminal building. Cruise passengers will not find any services or amenities on the other terminals and docking spots. It is on the welcome center in Largo della Pace or right outside that you will find the following:

• Tourist Information
• Buses to Rome
• Shuttle bus to the railway station
• Local Tour Operators

Outside the welcome center in Largo della Pace, you will find taxis and the meeting point for independent operators booked online.

Just a few yards outside the exit gates (turn left and then right into Via XVI Settembre) are the offices of the following car rental: Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Europcar is on Via Tarquinia 14, a street behind the welcome center in Largo della Pace.

What's within walking distance and the highlights of Civitavecchia

There are only a few things to do in the city of Civitavecchia for cruise passengers that prefer to explore attractions within walking distance of the port. Here are our favorite highlights:

• Piazza Leandra and Chiesa della Stella (Church of the Star)
• The Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi
• Theater Traiano - the city's historical theatre
• The Ghetto of Civitavecchia (piazza Antonio Fratti and surrounding area)
• National Archeological Museum of Civitavecchia
• Corso Centocelle - main shopping street
• Viale Garibaldi - wide and long avenue by the sea
• San Lorenzo Market in Piazza Regina Margherita
• Pirgo beach area at the end Viale Garibaldi

How to explore Rome (Civitavecchia) on a cruise

Cruisers planning to visit Rome will find it relatively easy to explore the Eternal City. Few cruisers stay in port to explore Civitavecchia. If you decide to do so, it is easy to explore the city on foot. Keep reading to find out what's within walking distance of the port.

Car rental is not advisable to travel to Rome for the transit can be chaotic and parking expensive. However, car rental can be a good option for cruise passengers wanting to explore Lazio's countryside. Simply put, these are the best ways to explore the attractions in the Port of Civitavecchia:

• Rail to Rome
• Bus transfer to Rome
• On foot in Civitavecchia
• Book a Shore Excursion

Discover Rome on your own

You can travel independently to Rome by rail, buy a bus transfer at the Largo della Pace welcome center, or book an On-Your-Own shore excursion onboard your cruise ship. This is just a straightforward transfer. All cruise lines offer On-Your-Own shore excursions, or you can book online with different sites like the City Sightseing , directly from Civitavecchia among others listed at the bottom of this review.

How to get around in Rome

Many attractions, sites, and highlights of Rome are relatively close to each other, and the best way to explore them is on foot. However, some highlights are in areas that are too far away to walk. The good news is that it is easy and affordable to get around in Rome by metro, by taxi, or Uber.

Sightseeing buses in Rome

You can also visit most of Rome's attractions on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Cruise travelers will be happy to know that there are three different sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses in Rome:

• City Sightseeing
• Big Bus Tours

Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia) cruise port

Rome is the must-go destination on a cruise in the Mediterranean, calling at the port of Civitavecchia. But with so many highlights, landmarks, museums in Rome, and other attractions close by, you must be wondering what to do on a cruise to Civitavecchia? Here are the top things to do:

• Take a Rome on-your-own shore excursion
• Explore the Roman Forum and the Coliseum
• Tour the Vatican museums, the Sistine chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica
• Enjoy the piazzas and the central landmarks of Rome
• Visit the most important churches and the synagogue
• Discover top museums and art collections
• Savor lunch or quick bites al fresco in Rome
• Go on a shopping spree in Rome
• Discover the hidden treasures of Orvieto
• Visit the papal town of Castel Gandolfo
• Enjoy scenic views in Lake Bracciano
• Take a day trip to Tarquinia
• Walk around Civitavecchia

Top attractions in Rome: sites and highlights

It is impossible to visit all Rome's attractions when calling for a day at the port of Civitavecchia. Tip: plan ahead of time what to do and see, what to skip, and leave for another visit. Cruise passengers planning to spend a few days in Rome before or after a cruise will be able to do and see more. But one overnight will not be enough. If you have never been to Rome before plan to stay at least two days in the Eternal City.

Cruise tip: if exploring Rome on-your-own when calling at Civitavecchia for a day , choose attractions that will take up to 4 hours to visit, add at least one extra hour to have lunch or a quick bite before returning to the ship. Make sure to add at least 3 hours for traveling time to Rome and back to the port. Here are the top attractions of Rome :

• Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Thousands of artworks are on display in over 19 different exhibition spaces and museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Must-see: Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. Botticelli, Perugino, and Michelangelo's frescoes. Visit time: 2 to 3 hours.
• St Peter's Basilica and Square Although it accommodates 20,000 people, the Basilica can get crowded, and cruiser passengers should book in advance. Must-see: The large bronze baldachin by Bernini, the Pietà (Michelangelo's marble sculpture), the tomb of Pope Alexander VII by Bernini, the Dome, the Confessio (Tomb of St Peter and the popes). In the square: Bernini's colonnade, fountains, and the Egyptian obelisk. Visit time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Colosseum (Coliseum) The amphitheater where gladiator fights, hunting simulations, battle recreations, and executions of prisoners took place for centuries. Must-know: Cruise visitors should take a guided tour of the colossal amphitheater to understand the importance of its history and explore all nooks and crannies. Visit time: 1 to 2.
• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill The forum was the heart, brain, political and social center of the Roman Empire. Must-see: Arch of Titus, Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Temple of Vesta. Visit time: up to 3 hours.
• The Pantheon: one of the best-preserved temples of Ancient Rome built in 124 AD. Must-see and good to know: the majestic dome is spectacular, and the entrance is free. Visit time: 30 minutes.
• The Trevi Fountain The Fontana di Trevi, design by Nicola Salvi, in 1762, is a must-see landmark. According to legend if you throw a coin into the fountain you will assure a return to Rome. Visit time: around 30 minutes
• Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) This iconic landmark's main feature is the staircase with 135 steps known as Spanish Steps. On top is the church of Trinità dei Monti and the stunning vistas of Rome. On the square below, the Barcaccia fountain (by Bernini father and son) is a must-see. Visit time: up to 1 hour.
• Piazza Navona Unique in shape and elegant in form, this square has a warm atmosphere, rare attractions, and iconic cafes. Must-see: Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone by Borromini, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi by Bernini. Visit time: up to 1 hour
• Musei Capitolini (Capitoline Museum) Open to the public since 1734, the Musei Capitolini are on three main palaces in the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, on top of the Capitoline Hill. Must-see: Greek and Egyptian sculptures, San Giovanni Battista by Caravaggio. Visit time: 2 to 3 hours.
• The Borghese Gallery The remarkable art collection started in the 17th century by the Borghese family is on an extraordinary palace and surrounded by expansive gardens. Must-see: Bernini sculptures, Caravaggio paintings, masterpieces by Raphael, Rubens and Titian. Visit time: 2 to 3 hours.

Churches and the synagogue of Rome

Cruise passengers to Rome should also visit other religious sites with rare masterworks and unique architectural features. The sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo is on display in San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains).

In the Basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo you can see masterpieces of Bramante, Bernini, Rafael and Caravaggio. The works by Caravaggio in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi must be seen. The trompe l'oeil effect in the ceiling of the Church of the Gesù is spectacular. The Great Synagogue of Rome is a must for those interested in Jewish heritage.

Cruise visitors will find remarkable features and masterworks in every religious site listed below:

• Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
• San Luigi dei Francesi
• Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Saint Cecilia in Trastevere
• Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
• Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo
• San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains)
• Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli
• The Church of the Gesù
• Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins
• Great Synagogue of Rome

Museums and art

The Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums, and the Borghese Gallery are top highlights of Rome. But there are many other museums in the Eternal City with unique and outstanding collections . Cruise visitors interested in art should also look into planning a visit to the following museums:

• Museo Nazionale Romano in four distinct buildings: Baths of Diocleziano, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Santa Maria degli Angeli and Palazzo Altemps.
• Doria Pamphilj Gallery
• Palazzo Barberini
• Museum of the Imperial Forums
• Villa Farnesina
• Galleria Spada
• Keats-Shelley House

Landmarks and monuments in Rome

Cruise passengers that have been to Rome before may have visited most highlights of the city. Some may think that there isn't much more to do and see. Besides the churches and museums already mentioned, the landmarks and monuments below should be on any cruise visitor's to-do list.

• Appian Way and Catacombs of San Callisto
• Arch of Constantine
• Area Sacra di Largo Argentina
• Campo de' Fiori
• Castel Sant’Angelo
• Domus Aurea
• Mouth of Truth
• Ostia Antica
• Piazza del Campidoglio
• Piazza del Popolo
• Trajan's Market
• Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

Cruise shore excursions (Shorex) and tours

Naturally, all cruise lines and most online services offer many different shore excursions to Rome and other attractions close to Civitavecchia like Tarquinia, Castel Gandolfo, or Orvieto. Norwegian Cruise Line has available 23 shore tours , and Carnival lists 14 cruise excursions .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 43 shore explorations , Holland America lists 34 shore tours and Princess has available 28 cruise excursions in Rome (Civitavecchia) cruise port.

The upper-premium cruise lines like Oceania, Viking and Azamara visit Rome (Civitavecchia) cruise port on many itineraries. Oceania Cruises organizes 47 shore excursions in Rome (Civitavecchia), and Azamara offers 8 tours .

Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer unique and diverse explorations ashore in Rome (Civitavecchia). Regent lists 50 cruise excursions , Seabourn has 12 excursions , and Silversea offers 7 excursions .

The large Italian fleets of Costa and MSC sail the Mediterranean all year round, offering great excursions in Rome (Civitavecchia). Costa lists 16 tours and MSC 44 cruise excursions .

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals
• Venture Ashore
• Private Shore Trips
• Shore Excursioneer

Must-know: tourist info, language, and money matters

Tourist info.

For a long time (at least over one decade) there was a tourist kiosk close to the exit gates of the cruise port by the Fortezza Michelangelo . Cruise passengers that are visiting Civitavecchia for the first time or haven't been at this port for a while shouldn't despair. The same exact kiosk was moved and stands now by the start of Via Aurelia, the main avenue along the sea in Civitavecchia.

Italian is the official language and there are many different dialects in the country. However, English is widely spoken in all major touristic areas. The English-speaking cruise visitor will easily communicate with locals pretty much everywhere.

Currency and money matters

The Euro (€) (EUR) is the legal tender in Italy as a full member of the European and Monetary Union. US$ dollars or any other currency are NOT accepted and you must have Euros to pay for services or purchases in cash.

Credit cards: Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Rome and also in Civitavecchia.

There are ATMs by all banks, usually labeled “Bancomat” where you can cash Euros with both your debit card and credit card.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars as employees have labor contracts with all sorts of benefits. However, it is customary to round up the check but always less than 5%. The same applies to taxi drivers.

Haggling: Haggling is not expected on any shops or services with exception of street vendors. Be aware that most street vendors are not legal and you can get your purchases confiscated.

Business and commercial opening hours

Museums open from 10 am to 5 pm but close on Mondays. Shops are open on weekdays from 9 am to 7 pm, although some may be closed for lunch between 1 pm and 3 pm. Many shops close on Saturday after 1 pm. Shopping malls are open 7 days a week and on holidays from 10 am to 11 pm. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3 pm.

Safety, US travel advisory, and basics

Like all big cities in Europe, Rome doesn't have much violent crime. However, like all cities with lots of tourists, petty crime is common in Rome, and you should be aware of pickpockets and street scams. By contrast, Civitavecchia is very safe.

Nearest US Embassy to Rome (Civitavecchia)

U.S. Embassy Rome Address: via Vittorio Veneto 121 - 00187 Roma Phone: (+39) 06.46741 Website: it.usembassy.gov/rome

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Italy see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory.

Covid-19 advice for cruises to Rome (Civitavecchia) (Italy)

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Italy and Rome (Civitavecchia) visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Italy . For more Traveler's Health advice to Italy see the CDC Website .

Rome (Civitavecchia) Basic Info at a Glance

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Civitavecchia – Italy

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Cruise Port Guide Civitavecchia – Italy: docked

The main cruise dock locations in Civitavecchia are either the Finger Pier or the Roma cruise terminal . You can check a couple of days in advance where your ship is planned to dock. Please know that this infformation is subject to change. Find more information on each dock right here:

The Finger pier:

This is the most used pier for cruise ship that make Civitevecchia their port of call.

Walkin from the fingers pier to the exit of the port.

As the name of the pier indicates it could be a long walk to the exit of the port. Once docked look for a big round(ish) fort at the end of the long pier. This is the Fortezza (fort of Michelangelo). Evaluate if you want to walk this. If this is too far for you then please know that often a ship shuttle bus is operated between the cruise terminal and this fort. At this for you will find the beach and boulevard of Civitavecchia and the trainstation is just a 10 minute walk from here.

To get from the finger pier cruise dock to the trainstation in Civitavecchia:

If you are docked at the finger pier that please know you have a couple of options to go to the trainstation where you can catch the train to Roma Termini. Let’s evaluate them: – Walk from the cruise dock to the train station. Mind you this could be a 15 or 45 minute walk depending on where your ship will be along the way. – Your second option is to take the shuttle to the exit of the port. We mark the big fort of Michelangelo as the exit of the port. From here the train station is less than 10 minutes walk if you follow the boulevard. – Third option is to see if the Port Link shuttle bus is operating. Pay 6 euro and get a direct transfer to the trainstation.

The RCT (Roma cruise terminal):

This would be dock 25 or Banchina 25 in Italian, also known as parcheggio cruise.

This cruise berth is located between the container and ferry terminals in the middle of the port. This dock is often used for cruise ships that start or end their cruise in Civitavecchia, because it simply provides a great infrastructure for cruise ships that need to load an offload their passengers fast.

Walking from Roma cruise terminal to the exit of the port

The distance to Civitavecchia is quite large. It is about 4 km by foot. You are able to walk, but mind you this will cost you about an hour.

Shuttle bus from Roma cruise terminal to the exit of the port

The port also provides a shuttle to take you to the exit of the port. This bus is operated by PortMobility. More information can be found underneath.

To get from the Roma cruise terminal to the trainstation in Civitavecchia:

If your ship is at the Roma cruise terminal then you will find it is a bit harder to get to the Civitavecchia trainstation compared to if you were docking at the finger pier. This is purely because the cruise terminal is located at the further end of the port area. To get from the Roma cruise terminal to the trainstation of Civitavecchia you can: – Walk for just about 1 hour from the Roma cruise terminal to the trainstation. You are free to walk in the port area. The route is not clearly marked to the train station. However please know that both are located near the waterline. So keep close to it when you are walking. – Take the shuttle bus of Port Mobility to get to the Fortezza stop. This is the fort of Michelangelo and is considered to be the exit of the port and the beginning of the city center of Civitavecchia. – When you ship is docked at the Roma cruise terminal you can also check if the Port Link shuttle is operating. You would pay 6 euro to the driver to get a ride from the Roma Cruise Terminal to the train station or visa versa. This might be a good option if you are planning to move quickly.

Shuttle service in the port of Civitavecchia:

The port shuttle: PortMobility operate a shuttle service between the different terminals in the port of Civitavecchia. The two main stops for the cruise docks are included. They are marked as the stops: Molo del bicchiere Largo della pace There is also a stop at the Fortezza (the fort of Michelangelo) which many would consider the entrance of the port. This shuttle service is a great service if you want to move within the port itself especially if your ship is docked at the Roma cruise terminal. However, this shuttle service stays within the limits of the port and does not give you access to the train station for example. However, at Fortezza as well as the cruise dock you will find taxi’s and if you get off at the stop of the Fortezza you will find that the train station is a simple 10 minute walk down the road.

The trainstation – port shuttle bus:

To get from the cruise dock to the train station in Civitevecchia you might want to use a bus service called PortLink. For 6 euro’s per person you will get a ride from the cruise terminal to the train station or visa versa.

Taking the train from Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome central station.

If you are planning to take the train from the Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome then here is what you would like to know in advance. Fast facts: – Several departures an hour – Price is between 5 and 15 euro per person one way – Best station to travel to: Roma Termini – Check the train schedule here: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html – Length: between 1 and 1,5 hour one way

To elaborate about above’s information: There are several trains per hour leaving from Civitavecchai to Rome. The train journey is between 1 and 1,5 hours depending on wether you get yourself on a train stopping at every station or going straight into Rome. The most preferred train station to go to would be Rome Termini, which is considered Rome’s central station. Rome is a large city that is well spread out. You could get around by foot, however don’t think you can see it all in one day. Rome Termini is a great station to start your day in Rome. How to buy your ticket from Civitavecchia train station to Rome Termini? Best prices are directly at the machine. You will find that several vendors and the tourist information at the station sell the tickets. However, the machines are multilingual and super easy to use. When you enter you want to go to Roma Termini it will automatically give you the next departures times and you can select on. One thing you need to know about Italian trains. The service is great. Trains are clean and information is clear. However strikes and delays are common. Calculate this into your day. How much is the ticket from Civitavecchia train station to Rome? It depend on the operator you will chose at the machine and wether you travel 1st or 2nd class. The prices would be anywhere between 5 and 15 euro one way.

Bus to Tuscania or Tarquinia

Why not do something different and visit Tuscania or Tarquinia? At the cathedral in the town of Civitavecchia you will find a local bus stop. From here you can catch the bus to Tuscania or Tarquinia in the North. Keep in mind these buses only go about every 2 hours.

You could also choose to rent a car for a day and make your own road trip. There is a hertz car rental next to the train station in Civitavecchia. Make your online arrangement to be sure a car is waiting for you.

Depending on your desired type of shopping you might want to know that souvenir shops are available at the exit of the port near the fort and all along the boulevard of Civitavecchia.

There are some clothe ships available in Civitevecchia however a designated Italian shopping trip would obviously be best spend in Rome.

The official currency used in Italy (and therefore of course also in Civitevecchia) is the euro. US dollars are not accepted in this port of call or the local shops. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

FAQ about Civitavecchia

– What do I do if the trains go on strike? the trains can go on strike at any time. Worse case scenario is that you will have to take a taxi of about 160 euro back to the port. – Will there be a shuttle bus service available? Most of the times that is the case, although there are exceptions, depending on where you dock.

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This beautiful cathedral stand right in the city centre of Civitavecchia. It dates back from 1610 and it distinguishes itself by its elegant two-order facade. In front of the cathedral is also where the local bus station is to catch the bus to Tuscania or Tarquinia

Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy

The most prominent of all is Fort Michelangelo. It is a 16th century fort that used to guard the port of Civitavecchia.

Fort Michelangelo

Calata Cesare Laurenti, 00053 Civitavecchia RM, Italy

As you can see there are limited things to see and do in Civitavecchia and the reason your ship goes to this port is to give you the opportunity to go to Rome. Simply go by train (check information above), by 160 euro taxi or by shore excursion.

Directly to the right of the port is the Civitavecchia Boulevard. Go here for a nice stroll, the beach and restaurants.

Civitavecchia Boulevard

Strada Stratale 1 Via Aurelia, Civitavecchia

This is the train station where you can catch the train to Rome. To reach it you can either walk which is usually about 2 km depending on where your ship will be docked. You can also take the port shuttle and take the local transportation from there. Buy your tickets at the ticket office here and don’t forget to validate your ticket before stepping into the train. The train schedule you can check at: http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=4ddd1a035296f310VgnVCM1000005817f90aRCRD

Civitavecchia train station

Piazzale Scipione Matteuzzi, Civitavecchia, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

This is the Civitavecchia cruise port. You will find the port has many docking locations for cruise ships. Most cruise dock offer shuttle services to the exit of the port. Read all about this in the full Civitavecchia cruise port guide.

Civitavecchia cruise dock

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PORT OF CIVITAVECCHIA

Civitavecchia Rome Cruise Port Guide

The city of Rome is located approximately 80km away to the northwest of the eternal city.

For first-time visitors, Rome is often the tour of choice.

In this guide, we’re going to look at what there is to see and do both in the port area and in Rome, respectively.

Cruise ships dock mainly at mainly docks number 10, 12 Bis Sud, 12 Bis Nord, 25 and at the new Amerigo Vespucci Terminal .

Ferries and other vessels dock at Terminal Traghetti: ADM (Autostrade Del Mare).

Read also : The Best Hotels near Civitavecchia Port

Port of Civitavecchia in Italy Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals Getting to Civitavecchia Cruise Port Port Parking Useful Information Best Time to Visit & Cruise Where to stay near the port Sights to See

Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals

There are several berths available for cruise ships and Civitavecchia town centre is within walking distance, however, it’s quite a substantial walk.

All cruise ship piers are located along the Cristoforo Colombo antemurale (over 3 km long). Except pier 25 which is located on the opposite side of the antemurale C. Colombo.

Civitavecchia has several cruise terminals and they are:

• Quay 12 – Bramante
• Terminal Amerigo Vespucci / 12
• Quay 13 – 13 bis
• Cruise Terminal 25

Getting to Civitavecchia Cruise Port

You easily can get to your terminal by hotel shuttle, taxi, private transfer or by free shuttle bus.

These free shuttle buses are often running back and forth between each terminal and the port gates at Largo della Pace service center throughout the day.

There is also a special direct service that connects the Civitavecchia train station with the cruise ship docks and vice versa. Depending on traffic, the ride takes about 15 minutes.

There is normally a bus every 20-25 minutes, but it depends on traffic and passenger pickup/drop-off.

Service is exclusive to cruise ship passengers and costs 6 euros . Ticket can be purchased on board. This bus service runs from 7:00am/7:30am to 6:30pm/07:00pm, only on cruise ship departure/arrival days.

From Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Rome’s Fiumicino airport (Leonardo da Vinci) has its own train station, making things a little easier when making your journey to the port.

Board a train at the airport for the city of Rome, alighting at Trastevere Station, and simply board a train that is heading for Civitavecchia. This journey takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes, but it can hit the 2-hour mark.

Private transfers are also an option, but they will be more expensive.

Getting to Civitavecchia from Rome Ciampino Airport

Rome Ciampino airport is connected with the Ciampino station by shuttle bus ATRAL, also making it easy to get to your ultimate destination.

Board the ATRAL that connects the airport to the station. Once you arrive at the station, board the train for Roma Termini. Once you arrive at Roma Termini, board your final train that will take you to Civitavecchia port.

This last part of the journey takes around 45-minutes for a Freccia Bianca train and 1 hour 20 minutes on the Intercity.

As above, private transfers are also an option, but they will be more expensive.

Private Transportation

There are several companies offering private transportation between both International airports and the Civitavecchia cruise port.

The advantage of this service that you don’t have to wait in a long line of cabs or shared shuttles.

Your driver will wait for you at an appointed time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. Private shuttles can be booked to take you to/from a Civitavecchia (Rome) hotel to the terminal and airport.

Check fares for Private Transportation to Cruise Port

Port of Civitavecchia Parking

There are 3 parking lots in the Port of Civitavecchia: the Bramante parking lot, the Cruise parking lot (reserved for MSC customers) and the Nord parking lot. These parking lots are connected to the free shuttle service that allows you to arrive at the dock easily and without wasting time.

You can leave your car directly in the port area during your cruise. Cost for 1 week parking at the port is 75.60 euro.

Bramante is an automated parking lot open 24h/7 days per week, located in the historic harbor, near the Fort Michelangelo. The parking lot has 175 parking spaces for cars. If you use Google Maps or Waze simply type “ Parcheggio Bramante Civitavecchia “.

The MSC Cruise Parking lot is situated near terminal 25. It’s reserved for MSC passengers and has 275 parking spaces. GPS; type “ Parcheggio Cruise Civitavecchia “.

The Nord Parking is for ferry passengers. More info .

Useful Information About Civitavecchia For Cruise Passengers

Organised excursions for those calling into Civitavecchia for one day and hoping to go to Rome will be plenty, your cruise line will have several options available for you to pick.

Of course, given the duration of these days (often 10 hours or more) and the distance to and from the city, the safest option to avoid missing your ship is to book with your cruise line.

However, if you do wish to explore Rome on your own , you can take a train from Civitavecchia train station . We would recommend the InterCity service as it is slightly faster, but there are other options available that are cheaper.

If you do decide to go under your own steam, we highly recommend that you spend some time before your cruise planning out your day.

Some monuments are easily within walking distance of each other, where-as others may require a short cab ride or public bus journey in order to reach.

Having a schedule set out in advance will allow you to make the very best of your time in Rome, and maybe even allow you some souvenir shopping before returning to the port and your awaiting ship.

Mc Donald’s in Civitavecchia (just outside the port entrance) offers free Wi-Fi.

Best Time to Visit and Cruise from Civitavecchia?

Spring and summer months are the most popular times for in-transit ships and embarking passengers, but these are also the busiest times to visit the city of Rome.

Some cruise lines do operate sailings in the Mediterranean, in the autumn and late winter months and although air temperatures are much cooler, most sites are far less crowded.

Where to Stay Near the Port?

If you are joining your ship in Civitavecchia, then there are several accommodations a short distance from the port .

Some are p erfectly located within walking distance of the free shuttle service. Other hotels are slightly further away but the cruise terminals are easily accessible by an affordable shuttle. You can choose between ocean view rooms with balcony, budget friendly rooms or another option is to stay in a charming bed and breakfast.

However we suggest you spend a night or 2 in Rome , instead of spending that time in the port area, simply because there is so much more that you can see and do.

Rome is bursting with a variety of hotels to suit and budget and these are a few of the ones we would suggest. Remember, Rome is a large place, so although these hotels are all located within the city limits, they may not necessarily be within walking distance of the monuments that you would like to see – it always pays to do some research ahead of time on what will work best for you, overall.

Things to see and do in Civitavecchia

Forte Michelangelo – This is actually part of the port area and you’ll likely be dropped off right outside it by the shuttle bus. It was built in 1537 to protect the port area. It’s surrounded by a man-made stream-type body of water that lights up at night and looks stunning.

Civitavecchia National Archaeological Museum – The museum sits on three levels and the building itself dates back to 1700 Pope Clement XIII . Records on show are from the dawns of civilization, during the Ancient times, right through until the Middle Ages.

Taurine Baths – located roughly 5km from Civitavecchia, the Taurine Baths , also known as the Baths of Trajan, are well-worth visiting. You must also visit the nearby Ficoncella Thermal Baths.

Things to see and do in Rome

Colosseum – Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre , this is one of the most-recognised ancient sites in all of Rome. Construction began in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80. At the time, it was the largest amphitheatre ever built, being able to hold up to 80,000 spectators.

St Peter’s Basilica – The world’s largest Basilica of Christianity and another of Italy’s world-famous landmarks, located inside the Vatican City. St. Peter’s is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world.

Pantheon – A former Roman temple and now a church, the Pantheon was rebuilt by emperor Hadrian in roughly 126 AD.

Trevi Fountain – The Trevi fountain stands at 26.3 metres tall and 49.15 wide and it was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi. It’s one of Rome’s most-visited sites and legend has it that if you throw a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain, you will one day return to the eternal city.

Roman Forum – Also known by its Latin name ‘Forum Romanum’, it is surrounded by the ruins of several hugely important government buildings from ancient times.

Vatican Museums – Public art and sculpture museums within the Vatican City and displaying works from the Catholic Church. The art museum is home to some of the most important Renaissance masterpieces in the world.

Sistine Chapel – The official residence of the Pope, originally known as the Cappella Magna. Located within the Vatican City.

Piazza Navona – Built on the site of the Stadium of Domitial and built in the 1st century AD. This is a public space within Rome.

Spanish Steps – Located between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, the steps are dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church, which sits at the top of the stairs. There are 135 steps in total.

Saint Peter’s Square – This is the plaza area which is located in front of St Peter’s Basilica. At the very centre of the square sits an Egyptian obelisk which was placed in 1586.

Alter of the Fatherland – A national monument built in honour of Victor Emmanuell 11, the first king of unified Italy. It is also known as the Victor Emmanuell II National Monument.

(Latest update December 26th 2023)

Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

Related to Port of Civitavecchia in Italy Civitavecchia Cheap Hotel Deals Best Civitavecchia Hotels Rome Hotels with Cruise Shuttle

Written by Stefan DP Updated: 5 September 2024

Stefan, Editor-in-Chief of “I Love 2 Cruise” at www.allcruisehotels.com, discovered his passion for cruising in 1999 with his wife on a Carnival Cruise. Since then, he’s been hooked, reveling in the unique atmosphere, entertainment, and culinary delights of cruise travel. With voyages on 15 different cruise lines, including Azamara and Royal Caribbean, Stefan has sailed to all 7 continents, visited 67 countries, and spent 480 days at sea. He shares his extensive experience and love for cruising through tips, reviews, and port information to help others plan their perfect cruise vacation.

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Best Things to Do in Civitavecchia: Cruise Port Guide

Civitavecchia, Italy gets thousands of visitors a day … yet it is not known as a tourist destination. As a matter of fact, were it not for its location, you wouldn’t even find it listed in most tour books.

So, the question is, What’s the draw?

Here’s a hint: Rome is not on the water.

Civitavecchia, Rome’s cruise port

Fronting the Tyrrhenian Sea, Civitavecchia (pronounced chee-vee-ta-VEK-ee-uh) dates back to Etruscan times. Around 100 A.D, after the Etruscans were absorbed by the Romans, Emperor Trajan built the harbor, with the goal of creating a port for Rome. He gave it the name Centum Cellae , and the port reached its peak of its magnificence in the Imperial age.

Things haven’t changed all that much since then. All Rome-bound ferries and cruise ships dock at Civitavecchia, just as they have for the last 2000 years. If your cruise begins in Rome, you will be leaving from Civitavecchia.

ⓘ TIP: If you’ll be visiting Rome for a few days, be sure to check out the helpful travel planning links at the end of this article.

When should you arrive in port for a cruise?

It’s not a good idea to arrive in port the day of your cruise. You don’t want to risk missing the ship because of a flight delay or traffic problems, and besides, train strikes are a regular occurrence in Italy.

If you don’t want to be a ball of nerves before departure, it’s much better to arrive a day or two in advance. That gives you the opportunity to explore the area. You can enjoy local attractions, try different restaurants, and immerse yourself in the destination.

In our case, we arrived two days beforehand. Being such an ancient town, we thought it would be fun to get away from the tourist areas and see if we could find any old walls are buildings. We also wanted to know if there were any things to do in Civitavecchia that would be fun for people who weren’t going on a cruise.

Getting to Civitavecchia port from Rome

Civitavecchia is on the western coast of Italy, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Rome and straight up the coast from the airport. Plenty of transfers are available from the airport, both private and shared. This shared shuttle service is one good option.

If you prefer train travel, take the Leonardo Express to Termini Station in Rome, then take an express train to Civitavecchia. This article explains how to get to the port from the train station. It’s not far.

If you’re in Rome, this shuttle bus service departs from Roma Termini railway station and drops you off directly at the port.

Are there any things to do in Civitavecchia cruise port?

Lots of people don’t fancy dealing with big-city Rome’s hustle and bustle and would prefer a more tranquil day in port.

Super clean and pleasantly relaxing, ancient Civitavecchia is great for meandering through centuries-old streets. But it has a modern vibe as well. There’s a well-kept promenade along the sea, and the city is chock full of shopping opportunities and open-air cafes.

So, relax. There are so many things to do in Civitavecchia and the surrounding area that you don’t need to join the masses and rush to a Rome-bound train for a day of sightseeing. Read on for some great ideas, as well as our Civitavecchia itinerary.

You’re welcome. 🙂

Civitavecchia walking tour itinerary

The hotel had free maps of the city, with two walking tour itineraries to choose from: historical and religious. It’s hard to choose if you enjoy both ancient ruins and visiting churches ( so much art! ). Instead, we chose to combine them, plotting our route over a relaxing meal.

Before long, we had a map full of lines and a day to look forward to.

Civitavecchia cruise port map

Your hotel will have a more detailed map of the downtown area. Ours was all marked up, so here’s one that will give you an idea of how the city is arranged.

Follow along and we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Civitavecchia, as we saw it.

1. Il Ghetto di Civitavecchia

Pope Innocent XII built the ghetto at the end of the 17th century to host the Jews … who never came. With all its old buildings, Civitavecchia’s not-so-Jewish ghetto is picturesque and full of life, yet it’s an area where we saw few tourists.

The heart of the ghetto, Piazza Fratti, became our favorite spot in town. When we entered and were greeted in Italian, we knew that they catered to locals, rather than tourists. What that told us was that we’d get authentic flavors, cooked by a chef who cared about getting repeat customers.

Over the years, we’ve found that off-the-beaten-path restaurants with local patrons generally have more reasonable prices, as well. So naturally, we ate two dinners and one lunch there.

Italians eat dinner after 7:30 and take all evening socializing over their meals. So we arrived earlier. It was the easiest way to ensure we would find an available table.

ⓘ TIP:  Always opt for the most crowded restaurant. Sure, you may wait to be seated, but a busy eatery is a good indication that the locals like the food.

2. Corso Centocelle

Not far from the shuttle terminal is the main pedestrian walkway, Corso Centocelle. It is usually crowded with tourists spending their shore time in its numerous shops, buskers hoping for a tip, and quality al fresco dining.

Keep your eyes open while you’re walking along the Corso. During its modernization, the construction crew discovered a number of Etruscan ruins buried under the pavement. The ruins are on display, exposed under glass here and there underfoot.

The other don’t-miss sight is Theatre Traiano. Named in honor of the city’s founder, Trajan Theater is the principal theater of the city, and its neoclassical façade dates from somewhere around 1800. The building was completely restored and modernized in 1999, and now the auditorium can seat almost 650 people.

ⓘ TIP: If you enjoy events and shows, check the playbill to see what is going on for the evening. The theater offers both local and international entertainment.

3. Piazza Regina Margherita

At the far end of the walkway is the square for Il Mercato, Civitavecchia’s traditional market. It’s fun to wander through local markets to see what appeals to the locals.

As with most local markets, you can usually find something new to try. We purchased a variety of new-to-us cheeses to snack on, then went off in search of the fish market that our desk clerk had recommended. He forgot to mention that they are only open in the mornings. By the time we got there, they were already closing up, but a few stalls were still doing a brisk business to late comers.

Exiting on the other side, we found the meat market. Just so you know, they offera variety of meats – including horse. Yuck.

4. Chiesa della Stella

Chiesa della Stella church is the starting point of Civitavecchia’s traditional Good Friday procession. The entire town participates in this annual event. It’s a big deal, so don’t miss it if you’re in town on Good Friday.

Inside, you’ll find frescoes by a local artist, a valuable wooden crucifix from the 1700s and a statue of Our Lady of Mercy. That is, if you can get inside. It was locked up tight when we were there.

5. Piazza Leandra

Civitavecchia’s historic center, centro storico, is almost completely free of tourists. This makes for some nice atmospheric shots. Ancient Piazza Leandra enchanted us with all its well-trod cobbles, weathered green shutters and laundry hung out to dry.

We especially liked an old stone tower that we discovered, sandwiched between two old houses. Quite obviously, it had been part of Civitavecchia’s original wall.

If you venture through the tower’s passageway, you’ll find that you’ve descended to a lower level on the far side. The stone wall can still be seen on this lower level. Shop and building entrances haven’t changed much over the centuries. Kind of cool!

6. Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte

Our map called Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte “a true Roman basilica in miniature.” Dating from the late 1700s, It has an elegant elliptical shape and a dome, which was painted by Giuseppe Errante.

Like many others in town, this Baroque church has beautiful frescoes. However, it is probably the only church that has a balustrade from the stern of a boat inside, and that is what it is best known for. It is also home to a wooden statue of the resurrected Christ, which they carry in the Easter Procession.

7. Darsena Romana

The Roman dock that was built back in Trajan’s day still exists. Not much else from that era has survived, though, because Civitavecchia was almost completely destroyed during World War II.

8. La Rocca and Il Lazaretto

Our map mentioned two older structures: a fortress called “La Rocca” and “Il Lazaretto,” a hospital for contagious diseases. Like the rest of Civitavecchia, both suffered severe bomb damage during World War II, so not much of them remains.

Our map was deceptive: Both buildings are way out on the edge of the water and take a long time to get to. We were thwarted by fences, detours and dead ends, and once we got to the perimeter, we couldn’t find any way to sneak in. The buildings may be in ruins, but the fences seem to be carefully maintained. Darn.

Don’t waste your time trying to get there. To be honest, the views are just as good, if not better, from your ship.

9. Principe Tommaso promenade

So, back to the mainland, through the harbor and marina, along the “Principe Tommaso” promenade and past a 17 th century defense wall that was built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Yes, that Bernini, the same person who designed St. Peter’s Basilica . It might seem surprising that such a famous artist would deign to work on a mundane city wall, but because Pope Urban VIII told him to.

Apparently, the pope was concerned about enemy landings and wanted to protect the city from naval attacks. Maybe he trusted that Bernini would do the best job of anyone.

10. Fountain of Vanvitelli

In the center of the wall, you’ll find a beautiful travertine fountain, with water coming out of the mouth of a faun. Pope Benedict XIV commissioned the fountain in 1740, and it’s the only piece of artwork on the entire wall.

The fountain was named for its designer, Luigi Vanvitelli. Few visit these days, but it used to be a meeting place for the locals.

11. Forte Michelangelo

Forte Michelangelo is Civitavecchia’s most imposing building, which makes it a convenient shuttle drop off point for shuttles from the cruise ships. The fortress has 6-meter-thick walls and is still in perfect condition, though it no longer has the moat that once surrounded it.

Forte Michelangelo was commissioned by Pope Giulio II in the early 1500s, and earned its name because Michelangelo had designed its central tower. Like all other forts, it surrounds a central courtyard.

The building’s entryway fooled us into thinking it was a museum . But just so you know, it’s not. We walked through the old entrance expecting to pay an admission fee, but the place was deserted. All we got to see was the courtyard and the bronze pulley that was once used to lower and raise the bridge.

We later learned that the building was badly damaged by World War II bombing and restored in the 1950s. Today, it’s only used for exhibitions and cultural events. Nothing to see here. Move along.

12. St. Francis Cathedral

Back we went, past the shuttle buses and tourists buzzing around souvenir shops and ice cream stands. We U-turned back to the Cathedral in Piazza Vittorio Emanuelle, because we had read that it has a fresco depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Another disappointment: The doors were closed and we couldn’t enter.

Perhaps we’d have more luck at our next destination, nearby Chiesa della SS. Concezione. Word has it that this 18 th century church has a painting of Our Lady of Mercy that has moved its eyes. But no, that was closed as well.

At least the war memorial is always visible.

So much for sightseeing in Civitavecchia town. Let’s see what attractions the waterfront has to offer.

13. Civitavecchia waterfront

No Civitaveccia visitor can miss “Unconditional Surrender.” It’s a colorful, larger-than-life sculpture of a Navy sailor kissing a nurse, and it is front-and-center on the seaside promenade.

Does the statue look familiar? This is one of many around the world that depict the famous Eisenstadt photo that was taken in Times Square at the end of World War II.

The warm breeze and calm ocean beckoned us to the water’s edge, where fishermen angled for a bite. It’s quite relaxing to sit and watch them cast and reel, cast and reel. Then Dan had me sit on the rocks to pose for a photo. It’s hard to smile when the blinding sun is shining in your eyes.

As the sun dropped toward the horizon, we walked the length of the promenade, savoring the relative peace and quiet away from the tourist area. We ended up at the far end of Civitavecchia beach, where we found a pier and a collection of eateries.

Verdict: For a day in the sun, the pristine, sandy beach is worthy. However, the graffiti-covered pier looks much better from a distance.

ⓘ TIP:  Late afternoon is aperitivo time! We suggest entering a bar to join other Italians and enjoy a glass of wine (or something more to your liking). Maybe try a refreshing Aperol Spritz; it’s quite popular in Italy.

Regrets after visiting Civitavecchia

There are a couple of things I’d like to have changed about our time in Civitavecchia. For one thing, it would have been nice to get out of town. The entire area is full of Etruscan sites, and we both love historic ruins and ancient history.

Another big mistake we made was not buying a travel guide like this one before our cruise. Considering the once-in-a-lifetime itinerary, the $20-odd investment would have been worth it.

Those travel guides have a lot of cultural insights and useful travel tips. And it sure wasn’t fun to later realize that we’d missed a few truly interesting spots on the cruise.

Still, we enjoyed exploring Civitavecchia. It’s a pretty cool town.

Shore excursions in Civitavecchia

What if Civitavecchia attractions are not your thing? Sometimes spending time exploring a cruise port doesn’t hold a lot of appeal. Or maybe you’ve been there before and want to do something new. We get it. We’ve been there ourselves. 🙂

We’ve linked to itinerary ideas throughout this article for your convenience, and here are some more. You can book them through Get Your Guide. That’s the company we prefer when we travel; we’ve never been disappointed with one of their tours.

The way we see it, there’s nothing like getting someone knowledgeable to show you around, and it’s nice having someone else make all the arrangements. Besides, memorable experiences help to create memorable holidays.

Where to stay in Civitavecchia

Dan booked us into Hotel De La Ville, a large 19 th -century mansion-turned-hotel that overlooks the waterfront and is an easy 100-yard walk from the train station. The hotel looks luxurious from the outside and feels even more so once you pass through its doors.

Talk about ambiance! The room’s windows opened out to a scenic sunset view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, but our favorite part of the hotel was the taverna-cum-breakfast room in the vaulted cellar. It was built within the walls of ancient Roman baths.

Highly recommend it!

Plan your Civitavecchia visit

• Civitavecchia’s Tourist Information Office is next to the port’s south entrance. This is where you pick up a city map, ask questions, get directions, and book excursions.
• Lodging: We stayed at Hotel De La Ville Civitavecchia. For more accommodation options, click here.
• Transportation: Civitavecchia is best traveled on foot. To travel outside of town, you can find and rent a car here.
• Currency: This website will help you calculate exact currency exchange values.
• For more sightseeing of this ancient port, take a look at our Civitavecchia photo gallery .
• Google’s satellite photo map gives a clear aerial overview of Civitavecchia’s waterfront, You can see Forte Michelangelo and the port entrance on the left, with the main waterfront promenade along the beaches and the railroad station on the right.

Save this Civitavecchia port guide for later!

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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33 thoughts on “best things to do in civitavecchia: cruise port guide”.

My wife and I just spent a half day walking around Civitavecchia during a cruise stopover here, instead of taking a shore trip to Rome, and really enjoyed the town and the market. Your post on Civitavecchia was really helpful to us in giving some background on some of the sights here.

Gee, thanks, Pete! It means a lot to get feedback like this. We’re so glad our post was so helpful – it took a lot of work to put together. 🙂

Hi, I’m going to cititavecchia soon, can you tell me if you can get a taxi from port to the shops, and how much.

Hi Clare, you won’t need a taxi. The port has a free shuttle that runs between the ships and the front gate. From there, Civitavecchia’s shops (and all the things to do that we talked about in this post) are literally steps away.

Running into an issue. didn’t realize the port was that far away from Rome. I have never been to Rome, but in reality I have never been to Europe. We are leaving on a cruise out of this port in May and I was wondering if you think it is easier to stay near the port and commute into Rome. Or to stay in Rome then commute out to the port on the morning of the cruise. I want to be able to look around the port town so I’m thinking maybe if we came into the area easier we could explore before we got on the ship, but that might be a hassle with all of our luggage. Looking for some ideas.

We always recommend arriving in port early because it would be horrible to miss sailing due to a rail strike or flight delay. If you have the time, we’d suggest that you spend at least 3 days in Rome (save one day for Vatican City ), then spend at least one night in Civitavecchia before your cruise. You can spend your time exploring the port or on a day trip. ( Here are some to consider. )

Hotels will hold luggage for guests who arrive before check-in time (a free service), so don’t worry about that.

Civitavecchia is like a lot of places around the world – it is what you make it! The majority of the locals are either extremely negative (maybe because they have never been able to “break free” from all the expectations/disappointments of family and friends) or else they have a wider view and are able to see the beauty & history of this old city.

My wife’s family is from CV, so she has known it all her life and certainly remembers it as it was many decades ago, good and bad. It is different for me, the “straniero” of the family (from downunder) who first visited CV in 2000. I have seen the port area redeveloped from a dirty, post-industrial wreck to the vibrant, friendly and much more liveable “destination” of today.

We are fortunate to have a 3rd floor apartment overlooking the Roman Darsena and central port area with amazing views of the panorama, so are able to enjoy the port all year round.

We would strongly recommend any visitors to this part of Italy to spend a day or so in Civitavecchia.

Wow, Richard, you must have a fantastic view! I’m glad you agree that Civitavecchia is worth visiting. Would you like to share any of your favorite spots with our readers?

Thanks to you, Linda, here we are : http://www.xn--blogmaril-e5a.it/myself/ I will add some pictures of my place on the web page soon. Them I am preparing some menus for the coming cruising season that I will post in few weeks. At home it’s me, my husband and my daughter. Kids are more than welcome. If you should come back to this part of the world do not hesitate to come and see me ! Have a great day. Maria Elisa (Marilì)

We would be honored to visit you, Maria Elisa. I am sure your food is amazing.

That’s nice! if you are staying in Civitavecchia you can also have a typical Italian lunch at my home with my family. You will be immersed in an Italian family atmosphere and you can taste some delicious traditional homemade food I prepare myself. I can host a party from 1 to 6 people, the house has a very nice view on the town/ seaside and if the weather is good you can have lunch on the balcony. As a rule the meal includes some fish or meat plates but we can also prepare vegetarian and vegan meals. We have choice of italian wines and arti If you find it interesting just book the service : Maria 393351285214 Email [email protected]

Good to know, thanks for sharing. Do you have a web page as well?

after reading this i chose to go to the port 2 days before my cruise on the 23 april 2017 and stay at the same hotel.. about four years ago i saw the unconditional statue and want a relaxing time before the cruise. i am gay 62 nz guy

We’re really glad it was helpful, Stuart! How did you like the hotel?

It looks so nice, or maybe your great photos make it look beautiful! Years ago I had a romance with a boy from Civitavecchia and he told me it was horrible – his parents were born there and he had to spend a month there every summer. So I always had in my mind that it would be awful! This is a gorgeous professional-looking post. I love Lazio it has some real hidden gems.

Thanks for the compliment. It is a nice place but maybe it wasn’t quite the same back when your boyfriend spent his summers there. Judging from the condition of the cruise port it appears Civitavecchia might had a facelift in recent years.

That is so funny! I guess ‘home’ is never as interesting as it is to others!

Civitavecchia looks like my kind of destination! It’s probably due to the proximity to a body of water. 🙂 I’ve been researching on Italy and this is the first I’ve heard of it. Definitely adding this to my itinerary when I do go. 🙂

I think every place along the Italian coast would make a wonderful destination. 😀

This is certainly my kind of place to visit!

I’ve been through Civitavecchia as a cruise stop and went on to Rome for the day. Thanks for your fantastic write-up. When I make it back to this area, I will most definitely try to spend some time in this city as it has so much to offer.

I hope you do make it back, Rhonda. That might mean you are going on a cruise! 🙂

Great write-up! you know, I’ve passed Civitavecchia a gazillion times- and I never bothered to stop! Now i know there’s plenty to explore and I’ll make a point of making a proper visit sometime soon. Thanks for this!

PS the comment boxes here don’t really show up on my Mac-both using Chrome and Sfarai. I hope i put the right info n the right places… if not- sorry!

You’re so welcome, Michiel. It was a real temptation to skip it ourselves because of all the Etruscan ruins nearby. I’m glad we didn’t.

Obviously your comment went into the right place. I use the standard WordPress comment box so I have no idea why it’s not showing up on your Mac. Mega apologies!

Hi Linda, I’ve been to Rome three times but this is the first time I’ve heard about Civitavecchia. Thanks for the introduction to the city and for the lovely virtual tour.It think it has so much history and sights to offer that ti’s worth visiting even if you’re not going on a cruise. And I think it would be such a shame for those going on a cruise and not explore it like you did.

You’re right, Marisol, though we certainly understand why people might want to spend their day in the Eternal City instead. It’s a shame it’s a 90-minute train ride away. Three hours of travel seems like an awful lot for one day in a port.

Only 40 minutes on fast train I have also been to Rome twice on a cruise. But looked around the port going again in May will give the eternal city a miss and have a look around the port.

Thanks for the info about the fast train, Simon – we missed that gem of a tip. No disrespect to Rome of course, but there’s plenty to see in and around Civitavecchia. It would be wonderful to hear what you think of the port once you return. 🙂

Linda this was a great write up on Civitavecchia. We have only been to Rome once, but as it was a Mediterranean cruise saw the port city and loved the Unconditional Surrender statue.

We’re only a few miles from a smaller version of that statue, at the marina in Sarasota, Florida. I’m told there’s also one in San Diego.

Can you believe I lived in Rome for 22 years and never went to Civitavecchia? Now that I read how many attractions it offers, shame on me!

Very comprehensive post about Civitavecchia, Linda. We’ve been in Rome a couple of times so far, but never made it to the port area. From your report I can see that we missed a lot. The Jewish ghetto sounds particularly interesting. I didn’t know they made a statue after that famous photo in Times Square. It looks so real. ‘ll have to make it to Civitavecchia next time we are in Rome. Thanks for sharing this information.

Well, Anda, maybe you can use your desire to see Civitavecchia as a reason to take a Mediterranean cruise. After all, you’ll be at the port, right?

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Civitavecchia Key Facts

As you plan your next Mediterranean cruise, you'll likely stop at Italy's largest cruise port, Civitavecchia. Located about 50 miles northwest of Rome, this historic port city offers cruise passengers easy access to the Eternal City and beyond. With roots dating back to the ancient Etruscans, Civitavecchia has been a critical seaport for centuries. Today it serves as the gateway to Rome for over 2.5 million cruise ship passengers annually. In this article, you'll learn key facts about Civitavecchia and how to make the most of your time in this bustling cruise port. We'll cover essential logistics, top sights, and excursion options for travelers eager to explore Rome and the surrounding region. Whether you're planning your first or fifth visit to Civitavecchia, you'll find helpful tips to enhance your time in this popular cruise port.

An Introduction to Civitavecchia, Italy's Main Cruise Port

Civitavecchia is a port town located in the central Italian region of Lazio, around 80 kilometers northwest of Rome. As the largest cruise port in Italy and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, Civitavecchia acts as a gateway to Rome for many cruise passengers.

Location and Transportation

Civitavecchia’s location along the Tyrrhenian coast provides easy access to Rome and attractions like Vatican City and Colosseum. The port is well connected to Rome via bus, train or the Civiravecchia taxi services, with rides taking around 90 minutes. Many cruise lines also offer shore excursions from Civitavecchia to Rome and nearby towns like Tarquinia.

Civitavecchia has a long maritime history dating back to the Roman era. The port town was founded in the 2nd century BC and was known as Centumcellae. Its strategic location led the Roman emperor Trajan to build an artificial harbor and Civitavecchia became an important naval base. Parts of the Trajan's harbor still remain today.

Attractions

Despite its small size, Civitavecchia has a few attractions worth exploring before or after your cruise. The historic Fort Michelangelo offers panoramic views of the port and coastline. The Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the Roman and pre-Roman periods found in the area. Just outside the town, the ruins of the Roman baths in Ficoncella are well preserved. For beachgoers, Marina di Civitavecchia has a long stretch of beach with beach clubs and bars along the promenade.

With a wealth of history, culture, natural scenery and transportation connections, Civitavecchia provides an ideal base for cruise passengers wanting to experience the splendid region of central Italy.

The History and Development of the Port of Civitavecchia

An ancient port city.

Civitavecchia has served as a major port city for centuries. The port's history dates back to the 2nd century BC, when the settlement of Centumcellae was established. The port gained prominence under the Roman Empire and served as a naval base. Civitavecchia continued to be an important port through the Middle Ages, used for trade and commerce.

Modernization in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, the port underwent major modernization and expansion under the direction of Pope Pius VI and Pope Gregory XVI. New wharves and warehouses were constructed. A lighthouse was built to aid navigation. These improvements attracted more maritime traffic and trade to Civitavecchia.

Post-World War II Growth

After World War II, Civitavecchia experienced substantial growth due to increased tourism and the rise of the cruise industry. To accommodate larger cruise ships and higher passenger volumes, the port added new terminals and expanded its infrastructure in the late 20th century.

Today, Civitavecchia is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, serving over 2.5 million cruise passengers annually aboard major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Costa, and MSC Cruises. While cruise tourism continues to drive much of the port's economy, Civitavecchia also remains an important cargo port, handling millions of tons of goods each year. Overall, the port of Civitavecchia has a long and storied history, and it continues to thrive as a hub for both cruise travel and maritime commerce.

Visiting Civitavecchia: Top Attractions and Excursions for Cruise Passengers

Visit the historic port.

For those interested in Civitavecchia’s maritime history, the historic port area is worth exploring. The Porta Livorno Gate, built in the 15th century, marks the entrance to the old port. Just inside the gate is the Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress. You can tour the fortress ramparts, which offer panoramic views of the sea and surrounding countryside. The port also has a small maritime museum with historic maps, paintings, and other artifacts related to Civitavecchia’s seafaring past.

Tour Rome Independently

Many cruise passengers use Civitavecchia as a jumping-off point to explore Rome, just 45 minutes away by train. Once in Rome, you can tour major attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain at your own pace. Buy a Roma Pass to ride the bus, metro and tram and gain free or discounted admission to two museums of your choice. With advance planning, it is possible to see many of Rome’s highlights in a single day.

Take an Organized Excursion

For a more structured experience, consider booking an organized shore excursion through your cruise line or a private tour operator. Popular options include tours of Rome’s ancient monuments and Vatican City, wine tasting in the countryside, and beach excursions along the Mediterranean coast. An organized tour takes care of logistics like transportation, entrance fees, and knowledgeable guides, allowing you to simply enjoy the experiences. Some tours cater to specific interests like food, art, or outdoor activities.

With its charming historic port and proximity to Rome, Civitavecchia offers cruise passengers ample opportunities for adventure on shore. Whether you explore independently or join an organized excursion, a stop in Civitavecchia allows you to discover the cultural and historic treasures of central Italy. Spending a day on shore will give you a taste of what this region has to offer and leave you eager to return for a longer visit.

You now have a broad overview of Civitavecchia and why it has become Italy's busiest cruise port. With its proximity to Rome, excellent transportation links, and wealth of shore excursions, it's easy to see the appeal for cruise passengers. Yet there is much more to discover in this historic port town. Wander through its medieval corners, try the fresh seafood, and embrace la dolce vita along its charming streets. Whether you are docking for a day or looking for a new Mediterranean home base, Civitavecchia captures the essence of Italy. Let it cast its spell over you.

Civitavecchia

The modern port town of Civitavecchia in Italy might not be the first place people think of as a hub of international travel, but for cruise ship travelers it’s known as a global destination connecting the tourist hotspot of Rome with the rest of the world.

Civitavecchia Port is the second busiest cruise port in Europe with nearly 2.5 million passengers.

Civitavecchia it is located about 60 kilometres (37 miles) west north of the center of Rome..

Civitavecchia port services several major cruise lines including Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and the NCL Norwegian Cruise Line. As the biggest cruise port near Rome, it naturally serves a vital connection between cruises and the Italian city. The huge boats dock at Civitavecchia and passengers disembark for day trips to Rome, back in time for the ship to set sail. There are several cafes and restaurants located in the immediate vicinity of the part, as well as an information center. If you’re not venturing on to Rome, one option is to pick up a map or other leaflets about attractions in Civitavecchia and explore by foot.

For those with plans to visit Rome for the day, once you leave the boat you’ll get to your preferred transport, which could by cruise ship shuttle (usually the most expensive option), private car or taxi, tours, or by train (perhaps the cheapest option).

Port Terminals

Civitavecchia Port has Three passenger terminals:

– Largo della Pace  (Cruise shuttle bus)

– ADM (Ferry Terminal)

– RCT (Rome Cruise Terminal)

The Motorways of the Sea

Civitavecchia port is part of a European/Mediterranean port group known as Motorways of the Sea. This links several ports together and helps to facilitate faster transfer between ports, docking, and overall a better experience for ships and their passengers.

Transportation

From Civitavecchia Port passengers can use the following transportation options to get to Rome. See the information as follows:

Train: From Civitavecchia Port there are several Train options to Rome.

See more information

Taxi: Get to Rome in one hour by taxi.

Car Rental: Renting a car in Civitavecchia is a good idea to move around or Rome.

Information Kiosk

Should you arrive at Civitavecchia Port and are unsure of something or need more information you can visit the information kiosk. This small kiosk is located just outside of the terminal at Largo della Pace. When the port has a large number of boats docking at the same time this kiosk can get busy. Around the information kiosk you can also find tour operators and taxis should you need them.

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Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy

The port of Civitavecchia is the cruise port for Rome . It is often used as a starting or ending point for Mediterranean cruises. If your cruise starts or ends in Rome, plan a few days to discover all the attractions of the city. There is very little to see and do in the small town of Civitavecchia apart from its market, a cathedral and a fort.

In Rome , the capital of Italy, you’ll find plenty of historical sites, museums, restaurants and shops. That why Rome is called an open-air museum. High place of the Roman Empire, several archaeological sites testify to this time. The Vatican City State is also one of Rome’s most visited attractions.

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Useful Information

The service is included, but it is customary to round up the sum of the bill.

Time difference

from New York: +6h

from San Francisco: +8h

from London: +1h

Where is located the Port of Civitavecchia Cruise Terminal

Travelling around the civitavecchia (rome) cruise port, transport between rome airport and the port of civitavecchia.

Rome Fiumicino Airport is located 65 km from the port of Civitavecchia.

The taxi ride will cost you 125 euros and will take about 45 minutes.

You can also book a private transfer in advance.

There is no public coach route connecting the port and the airport and you have to make a transfer to Rome if you take the train (the journey will take almost two hours)

Directions from Airport to Cruise terminal

• directions_boat Amerigo Vespucci
• directions_boat Banchina 25

Directions from Cruise terminal to Airport

You can reach the center of Rome directly by train . The train station is a 20-minute walk away.

You can take a taxi or a private shuttle to the train station. On the other hand, be careful to allow enough time to return to the ship. Also be prepared to deal with unforeseen events such as a strike.

Once in Rome, the metro will allow you to move easily around the city.

Activities in Civitavecchia (Rome)

Neighborhoods, spanish steps.

Very popular square in Rome, so named because of the presence of the Spanish Embassy located nearby. People gather there and rest sitting in the steps.

Charming neighborhood of Rome whose name means “Beyond the Tiber.” You will find many restaurants and shops.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is located in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The basilica rises around the tomb of the apostle Peter and the necropolis is under the basilica.

Trevi Fountain !

This monumental fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII and created by the architect Nicola Salvi. The fountain is articulated like a triumphal arch and showcase a statue of the Ocean driving a chariot in the shape of a shell.

Vittorio Emanuele Monument

This monument also called Altare della Patria is dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy, who was at the origin of the reunification of Italy. It houses a museum dedicated to the reunification of Italy.

Castel San Angelo !

Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 125, to be his mausoleum. The building’s vocation was later diverted into a military stronghold. Today, it houses a museum displaying collections of paintings and armor.

Historical sites

Le plus grand amphithéâtre construit dans l’Empire romain.

An ancient Roman temple, the Pantheon has been a Catholic church since the year 609. You have to book tickets in advance to visit this monument on Saturdays or Sundays.

The political and civil center of ancient Rome. You can buy a ticket giving the right to visit the Colosseum and the Forum.

Ostia Antica

Ruin of an ancient trading city, which experienced prosperity in the 2nd century BCE. The city was Rome’s port at the time when the sea advanced further inland.

Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museum has several museums gathering paintings, sculptures, archaeological artifacts amassed by the popes over the centuries.

Galleria Borghese

The museum features an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings. The Borghese family laid out the park and built this villa in the early 17th century.

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Useful References

• Tourism Board - Civitavecchia (Rome)
• Tourism Board - Italy
• Civitavecchia (Rome) on Wikipedia
• Italy on Wikipedia
• Travel Advice and Advisories (Government of Canada)
• Port Website

For details or to book an excursion, visit our page:

Alternative:

https://www.viator.com/en-CA/Civitavecchia_Rome/d511-g24-c4032-ttd?pid=P00045706&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=morebutton

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Civitavecchia, Rome Cruise Port Guide Info

Just a short train ride away from the “Eternal City” capital of Italy Rome sits the port of Civitavecchia. And while Rome needs no special description and explanation, as there are many sites to visit before embarking on your site seeing in Rome make sure to check out which sites might be most important to make this cruise experience one that you will never forget. Remember that from the port of Civitavecchia to Rome you need to take either a taxi or the train.

The Port of Civitavecchia officially named "Roma Cruise Terminal” has more than twenty piers utilized by cruise ships, ferry and container ships. Most of the cruise ships arriving in Civitavecchia dock at quays inside the outer wall on  11 (Traianea), and 12/12B/13A/13B (Antemurale Colombo). The port has 4 cruise terminals, Amerigo Vespucci, Bramante and temporary terminals at piers 11 and 25. In May 2007, Roma Cruise Terminal started cruise operations from the Terminal Amerigo Vespucci. The terminal is one of the largest in Europe marking an important milestone for the company joint venture with Royal Caribbean Group, Costa Cruises, MSC. 

Few things to be mindful of are that the train is great, affordable, as well as scenic way to get to Rome , but also make sure to plan out and check the train times, as well as give yourself plenty of time to return.  While this is not an exhaustive list of places to visit, here are the top 11: 1.       The Colosseum: need say anything other than the word “Colosseum”? Not really, but just here are few. The Colosseum dates as early as 72 A.D. and was used as an arena for games and gladiators capable to sit 50 000 spectators. Today while not in the original glory the third that remains is still breathtaking.

2.       The Arch of Constantine: right next to the Colosseum it was erected in 315 A.D. and honored by the Emperor’s Victory over Pagan forces and Rome’s preparation for conversion to Christianity resulting from Constantine’s battlefield vision of a cross.

3.       Forum : although today is a mass of ruins, it was once the commercial, civil and religious center of Rome where Romans were able to worship in the ceremonial buildings and temples, walk the two public halls and stood a lot of monuments and statues.

4.       Pantheon : this is in the center of the city located in Piazza della Rotonda presented as the most perfect of the ancient monuments. Erected in 27 B.C. later restored by the Emperor Hadrian. In 606 A.D. it becomes a Christian church, while today it is a burial place for prominent people such as painter Raphael and members of the Italian royalty.

5.       The Castel Sant' Angelo in Rome has a great story that is more impressive than it's interiors. Building began in 123 A.D. as a mausoleum for Roman Emporer Hadrian. Around 400 A.D. it became a military fortress and was built into the outer city walls for protection. You still enter through the plain Roman gate shown. Centuries later it was used as a Castle/Fortress by the Popes. The walls were used as an "escape route" for the Popes during the many attacks that Rome endured. The wall connected the underground of the cathedral and came out at the Castel. It went on to become a prison until more recent times. Trivia note: The Castel was the setting for the last act of Puccini's opera "Tosca" and it is the setting for many of the chapters in Dan Brown's novel "Angels & Demons". Worth visiting if you have time on a trip to Rome.

6.       Vatican City: one of the smallest sovereign states containing the residence of the Pope also harbors the largest church and most famous square, as well as many art treasures. The Vatican City has its own post office, postage stamps and is governed politically by the Pope, as well as protected by a small and elite army of Swiss Guards.

7.       Piazza Navona: believed by the Romans to be one of the most beautiful squares in the world dominated by Bernini’s impressive “Fountain of the Four Rivers.” This is also a favorite spot for people watching and enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

8.       Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) : gorgeous and picturesque square and steps named after a place that housed the Spanish Embassy. The oldest feature is the Barcaccia Fountain.

9.       Piazza Venezia : the end of Via Del Corso where a huge monument to Victor Emmanuel II stands built in 1911 completely of white marble has also the largest outdoor altar in Europe.

10.   Fontana di Trevi : Rome has a lot of beautiful fountains; however, this one is the most famous one indeed. It is located on Via Della Muratte and paired with a romantic legend that says “whoever tosses in a coin will one day return to Rome.”

11.   Villa Borghese: this park is one of the most famous parks in Rome considered to be a pleasure place created by Cardinal Borghese in 1613. The gallery contains many famous works of art and sculptures.

• Cruise Calendar

Up-to-date cruise ship schedules of Civitavecchia Port of Rome

Our drivers are AUTHORIZED to pickup (or drop-off) you under all the Cruise ships listed below , just outside the security control area (the tent). The following cruise lines call at Civitavecchia Port of Rome: Aida Cruises, All Leisure Holidays, Celestial Cruises, Costa Crociere, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruises, FTI Cruises Ltd, Travel Dynamics Int, Hapag LLoyd, Holland America Line, Quail Travel Group, Mano Maritime Ltd, Marella Cruises, MSC Crociere, Mystic Cruises, NCL, Oceania Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Peter Deilmann, Plantours, P&O Cruises, Ponant Cruises, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ritz Carlton, RCCL, Saga Shipping, Sea Cloud Cruises, Seadream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Star Clippers, Tui Cruises, Island Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Viking Cruises, Variety Cruises, Wind Star Cruises.

2024 Port Civitavecchia-Rome cruise ship schedule

Please note, the information presented below is based on schedules provided by the cruise lines and as such is subject to change by the cruise operators.

NEED A DRIVER ALLOWED TO PICKUP YOU UNDER YOUR CRUISE SHIP?

We can arrange transfers with pickup (or drop-off) under the ship, just outside the security control area, saving the trouble of carrying your luggage, covering more than 400 meters.

BOOK AUTHORIZED CIVITAVECCHIA TAXIS

WE SUGGEST to stay away from chauffer services, cabs and taxis obliged to stop at the entrance of the port, not having the necessary authorizations.

Currently all Not Authorized buses, cabs, taxis and chauffeur service arrive directly to the service center Largo della Pace, the main information point of the Port of Civitavecchia. From here you have to reach the docks through a free shuttle service.

Don’t wait any longer. Contact us!

• +39 33 88 117 116

[email protected]

Civitavecchia Office

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 19 00053 Civitavecchia, RM (+39) 33.88.117.116

Port Address

Civitavecchia Port (Rome), Italy Cruise Port Molo Vespucci · (+39) 0766.191.6106

Civitavecchia Port Guide

Keep on top of what’s happening in the Port of Rome all year round with the No.1 website for Civitavecchia Port. Not affiliated with “Rome Cruise Terminal”. Go Cruise!

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Rome Office Via dei Baglioni, 19 00164 Roma RM

Civitavecchia Office Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 19 00053 Civitavecchia, RM

+39 33.88.117.116

[email protected]

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How to get to the port :

From Fiumicino Airport:

From Fiumicino Aeroporto  you can take a train to Civitavecchia (with 1 change of trains), the time will be approximately 1.20 to 1.45 hours. You need to carry your bags in and out the train. If that's no problem, go for it. You can walk the 1600 meters (= 4 blocks) to the port or take a cab (hard to get sometimes). It's an easy walk along the beach and some shops. If you arrive at the entrance of the port, you can take a free shuttle, which at times are not run very efficiently, often it seems that only one bus is in service, to accommodate all cruise- and ferry ships in the harbor. Please make sure you take the right shuttle, as the different cruise terminals are far apart. Note: there is no elevator at the Civitavecchia train station, so you may have to use stairs, depending on the platform used.

Specially with much luggage you might prefer to reserve a shuttle .

A new permanent cruise terminal opened in May 2018. The Amerigo Vespucci Termina l covers an area of 12,500 square metres, making it one of the largest in Europe. The ground floor of the terminal boasts an atrium and a 4,200 square metre luggage hall, while the first floor features a VIP area, a bar, a waiting area and 60 check-in desks.

If you first want to spend some time in Roma: there is a direct non-stop train service, the Leonardo Express,  from Fiumicino Airport Station to Roma Termini, the central station. Trains run every half hour during the day, from 06:37 to 23:37. Journey time is around 32 minutes. From the Roma Termini train station there are direct trains to Civitavecchia which take from 0. 46 to 1.18 hrs, depending on the train. Train schedules. The train station is about 1.5 km away from shuttle stop. You also can take the Argo shuttle bus.

Trains from Civitavecchia to Rome are about Euro 5.50 each way. If you want to take the IC (intercity trains, which are slightly faster) you will need a seat reservation and is more expensive Euro 11, and more cumbersome to get, if you do not master Italian that well.

Civitavecchia is a nice enough beach town in its own right. However, the beach itself is pebbled. An hour in town is often enough time to spend here.

Hotels in Rome.

Hotels near the Cruise Terminal

Map of Civitavecchia.

Printable map of Rome to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Check here for festivals and events in Rome when you are in port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Civitavecchia Rome Italy

Sightseeing:

You may want to explore Roma on your own; in that case, taking the train will be the best option: the train station is an easy 20-minute walk from the port entrance. Civitavecchia is an industrial port and requires a shuttle from where the ship docks to the port entrance. To find the train station, simply exit the port entrance and then cross the street where the crosswalk is to where a newsstand is across on the other corner, turn right and follow this street (parallel to the coastline) till you are at the station. The ride into Rome takes just about an hour to get to the first stop in Rome, St. Peters Basilica. Or stop at Roma Termini where all hop on/off sightseeing buses start their itinerary.

In the Eternal City of Rome, you can explore some of the world's most famous churches, monuments and fountains: the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain (toss a coin in the fountain to ensure your return). Sip cappuccino at a cafe in a piazza or window-shop among the high-fashion boutiques of Via Condotti. Walking the streets of Rome is wonderful. You can walk or take a taxi or subway to the Colosseum, a great place to start your tour of Rome. You can almost picture the animals and gladiators in the small rooms underneath the Colosseum floor. Across the street from the Colosseum is the ancient Roman Forum. Visitors can walk the same streets as the ancient Roman citizens. Using a detailed map of the city, you can walk to the Trevi Fountain from the Forum. Every visitor to Rome wants to see this fountain and dispose of some loose change. The Trevi Fountain is fed with water from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct and was completed in 1762. The area around the Trevi Fountain will be crowded, so be sure to protect your belongings. You might want to enjoy a gelato and do a little people watching.

Did you know: Berlusconi used to croon on a cruise ship long before he became head of state.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

A good choice is to buy a BIG ticket (4 Euro) , as it will allow you to have 1 day of unlimited travel on buses and underground in Roma. Be sure to write your name on the back of the ticket and validate it in the little yellow validation machines in the train terminal.

Besides above ticket there are several Hop-on-Hop-off routes. They all depart at the Railway Termini Station.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

If you want to spend time shopping in Rome, there is an endless choice of places for you to choose from: from the most famous designer labels in Italian fashion that dominate the more elegant city streets to the outlets outside the city, to the old craftsmen's shops and laboratories and the flea markets.

The most famous fashion streets in Rome are three parallel streets that all meet up with Via del Corso, starting from Piazza di Spagna or near there: Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and Via Frattina. The most famous of the three is Via Condotti, which owes its name to the channels that carried water to the Agrippa thermal spa baths. Today it is one of the most elegant streets in the world, lined with the shops of the most famous fashion labels.

Currency Converter

Communication:

Language Italian.

Free wifi has been introduced to the Civitavecchia downtown area.

Emergency number: 112

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Most shops and businesses in Italy open from Monday to Saturday from around 8am until 1pm, and from about 4pm until 7pm, though many shops close on Saturday afternoons and Monday mornings, and in the south the day can begin and end an hour later. In the north, some businesses work to a 9am-5pm day to facilitate international dealings. Traditionally, everything except bars and restaurants closes on Sunday, though most towns have a pasticceria open in the mornings, while in large cities and tourist areas, Sunday opening is becoming more common

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Virgin Voyages' guide to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

With an incomparable history of countless empires and kingdoms, Civitavecchia is the entryway to the Eternal’s city's most beloved sights and landmarks – from the Colosseum to Vatican City and everything in between.

CIVITAVECCHIA

The gateway to Rome

There are fewer cities in the world more well known than Rome, after all it’s known as the Eternal City because even the ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world Rome would always stand tall – and, believe it or not, this was all before it was trending on TikTok.

Shore Excursions

Resplendent Roma

Best of rome — guided tours, highlights, & lunch.

A guide will take you on a route from the Trevi Fountain, stopping to witness the beauty of The Colosseum’s renowned facade before arriving for an interior tour of the famous Roman Forum. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant before continuing to a tour of the Vatican Museum followed by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Your group will then walk over to St. Peter’s Basilica where you’ll have free time, before your return ride back to the ship.

A Day in Rome & Vatican City Tour

From the port, you'll be driven over to the Eternal City. Here there will be  photo stops at The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, plus free time to explore independently. Your group will then visit one of the world’s holiest places: Vatican City. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, your group will see the iconic Sistine Chapel — Michelangelo’s heavenly ceiling fresco. Once you exit, marvel at the grand exterior and piazza before your return to the ship.

Colosseum Walking Tour & Rome on Your Own

After a drive into Rome’s city center, step into history on a tour of the city’s iconic Colosseum. Inside the arena, see where gladiators and wild animals fought to the death during Rome’s glory days. A guide will walk you over to Palatine Hill and through the Roman Forum, two of the city’s oldest relics that have survived millennia, then to the Trevi Fountain. Here your guide will give you details on where to meet later on, so you can continue your day discovering the Eternal City on your own.

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Cats can live wherever they want and it’s illegal to move them.

Civita di Bagnoregio & Bomarzo

Visit an isolated hilltop village, a vineyard for lunch, and an extraordinary sculpture park known as the “Park of Monsters.”

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Fiumicino Airport – Civitavecchia Cruise Port Transfer

Traveling between Fiumicino Airport and the Civitavecchia Cruise Port can be a seamless experience with the dedicated transfer service . This reliable option offers a stress-free journey for up to three passengers at a competitive price. With an experienced Italian driver at the helm, travelers can sit back and enjoy the scenic route while the service ensures punctual pickups and drop-offs. Whether you’re a couple, family, or solo adventurer, this transfer service provides the convenience and personalized attention you need to start or end your cruise vacation on the right note. But there’s more to discover about the benefits of this convenient transportation option .

• Direct transfer service between Fiumicino Airport and Civitavecchia Cruise Port, with a journey duration of approximately 2 hours.
• Flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
• Experienced and punctual Italian driver ensures a safe, stress-free, and scenic journey through the Roman countryside.
• Seamless meetup and drop-off at the respective locations, eliminating the need for additional shuttles or connections.
• Positive customer ratings highlighting the value for money, service quality, and overall travel experience.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
• Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica
• Pompeii Day Trip From Rome With Mount Vesuvius or Positano Option

Service Overview

The service offers a transfer route between Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Civitavecchia Cruise Port.

Priced at $246.26 per group (up to 3 participants), the transfer takes approximately 2 hours.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the service features a flexible cancellation policy , allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Clients can reserve the service now and pay later, with no upfront payment required.

The experienced Italian driver ensures a safe and punctual trip, meeting travelers at the airport outside customs and the cruise port in front of their ship.

Booking Details

Booking this transfer is flexible, with no upfront payment required. You can reserve now and pay later, which provides convenience. Upon booking, you can confirm the starting times to ensure the transfer fits your schedule. The service is suitable for adults of all ages.

Transportation Amenities

Travelers embark on a comfortable journey facilitated by an experienced Italian driver . The driver ensures a safe and punctual trip , navigating Rome’s notorious traffic problems with ease.

Upon arrival at the airport, the representative welcomes passengers outside customs, holding a sign for a seamless meetup . At the cruise port, the driver waits in front of the ship, ready to assist with luggage and provide a direct drop-off.

This premium transfer service allows travelers to enjoy the scenic journey without the hassle of driving or finding their own way. With the driver’s local expertise, passengers can sit back, relax, and arrive at their destination stress-free.

Scenic Journey

Winding through the picturesque landscapes of the Roman countryside, the transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port offers travelers a scenic journey .

Along the way, passengers can take in views of rolling hills , historic villas, and quaint villages. The experienced driver navigates the route effortlessly, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Whether it’s the lush vineyards, the ancient ruins, or the charming coastal towns , the scenic transfer provides a glimpse into the beauty of the Italian landscape.

This relaxing journey sets the tone for the rest of the vacation, allowing travelers to arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and inspired by the sights along the way.

Traffic Management

The experienced driver expertly navigates Rome’s notorious traffic problems, ensuring a timely and stress-free transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port.

Leveraging insider knowledge of the city’s routes and traffic patterns, the driver skillfully maneuvers through congestion , avoiding delays and getting passengers to their destination efficiently.

The service offers:

• Punctual pickup and drop-off, so you can plan your day with confidence
• Dedicated attention to each guest, ensuring a personalized and attentive experience
• Informed decision-making on the best routes to take based on real-time traffic conditions
• Compliance with all safety regulations , prioritizing your well-being during the journey
• Seamless coordination with your travel plans, whether arriving by air or departing by cruise.

Direct Pick-up and Drop-off

This transfer service provides a direct pick-up and drop-off experience, ensuring seamless transportation from Fiumicino Airport to the Civitavecchia Cruise Port.

Upon arrival at the airport, a representative will meet you outside customs with a sign, guiding you to the waiting vehicle .

At the cruise port, the driver will be waiting in front of your ship, also with a sign, ready to assist you with your luggage.

This direct service eliminates the need for shuttles or other connections, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently and comfortably.

With an experienced Italian driver at the helm, you can trust that your journey will be safe, punctual, and stress-free .

Customer Ratings

What do customers think of this transfer service? Based on 13 reviews, the service maintains an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Customers praised the excellent value for money, with a perfect 5/5 rating. The service, safety, and organization also received top marks, highlighting the seamless experience .

Some key reasons for the positive feedback include:

• Experienced, punctual drivers who navigate Rome’s traffic with ease
• Convenient, direct pickup and drop-off at the specified locations
• Comfortable travel without the hassle of arranging transportation
• Reliable and responsive customer support

Traveler Suitability

According to the provided information, this transfer service is suitable for a variety of traveler types, including couples, groups, solo travelers, and families. The service offers a comfortable and hassle-free transportation experience, with an experienced Italian driver to ensure a safe and punctual trip.

Whether you’re visiting Rome for a romantic getaway, a group adventure, or a solo exploration, this Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia transfer can cater to your needs, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Skip the Line: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel With St. Peters Basilica Access
• The Original Roman Crypts and Catacombs Tour With Transfers
• Expert Guided Tour of Colosseum Arena OR Underground, and Forum
• Tuscany Region Day Trip From Rome With Lunch & Wine Tasting
• Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Small Group – 6 People Max
• Skip-the-Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters | Small Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i stop for sightseeing along the way.

While the service is designed for direct transfers, clients can discuss potential sightseeing stops with the driver in advance. However, this may impact the overall duration and cost of the trip.

What Type of Vehicle Will Be Used for the Transfer?

The transfer service uses a comfortable sedan or van, accommodating up to 3 travelers with their luggage. The experienced Italian driver ensures a safe and punctual trip without any stops along the way to your destination.

Is There an Option to Include Additional Luggage?

The transfer service doesn’t explicitly mention an option for additional luggage. However, it states the transfer is suitable for adults, suggesting it can accommodate standard luggage. Travelers should confirm luggage capacity when booking to ensure their needs are met.

Can the Driver Help With Carrying the Luggage?

Yes, the experienced driver can assist with carrying the passengers’ luggage. This service is included in the transfer price, so travelers don’t have to worry about managing their bags on their own.

Is It Possible to Request a Different Meeting Point?

Yes, passengers can request a different meeting point, as the service provider aims to accommodate travelers’ needs. The experienced driver will meet guests at their preferred location, ensuring a seamless transfer experience.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Rome: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour W/ Food Tasting
• Semiprivate Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel
• Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peters Basilica With Dome Climb
• Rome: Castel Santangelo Private Tour With Hotel Pickup
• The Best Transfer From Praiano to Rome Area
• Rome: Amalfi Coast Boat Cruise & Guided Coastal Towns Tour
• Rome: Nighttime Private Walking Tour With Local Guide
• From Civitavecchia: Saturnia Hot Springs Ticket and Transfer
• From Florence: Rome Day Trip With High-Speed Train
• Rome: Colosseum Private Tour With Entry Experience
• Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Tour With Fast-Track Entrance
• Rome: E-Bike Tour of Top Landmarks
• From Rome: Assisi and Orvieto Small Group Full-Day Tour
• From Rome: Pompeii Ruins Day Trip With Hotel Pickup
• From Rome: Pompeii and Naples Day Trip by High-Speed Train

The Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port transfer offers a convenient and reliable service for travelers. With a competitive price, comfortable transportation , and efficient traffic management, it’s an ideal choice for couples, families, and solo adventurers. The experienced driver ensures a scenic journey showcasing Italy’s picturesque landscapes, while personalized attention guarantees punctual pickups and drop-offs. Overall, it’s a comprehensive and practical option for those seeking a seamless travel experience .

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