Civitavecchia Cruise Port (Rome, Italy)

The cruise port of Rome Civitavecchia traditionally ranks among the largest in Europe in terms of passenger traffic. In 2023, it was visited by 760 liners and 2,576,000 passengers. It is one of the most distant ports from its "home" city: about 70 km to the center of Rome. In 2023–2024, the port set new records: according to the administration and specialized publications, the total passenger traffic exceeded 3 million by the end of October 2023 and reached approximately 3.46 million in 2024, strengthening Civitavecchia's position as Italy's main cruise hub. ℹ️

If your cruise starts from Civitavecchia, you are likely to arrive at Rome's airport Fiumicino (FCO).

How to get to the port: options from Fiumicino Airport and from Rome

There are three basic transfer options:

1. Cruise company group transfer. Costs from 22€. Not all companies organize it, and the departure time may not be the most convenient. Many operators offer similar group transfers between FCO and the Civitavecchia docks (usually around 10:00–13:00 on embarkation day and early morning on disembarkation day). For example, for some brands, the price starts at around 70–80 USD one way with fixed time slots. Check the cost and schedule specifically for your booking. ℹ️
2. Taxi/private transfer. Regular taxi from FCO to the port costs around 80–120€ per car (depending on the class and provider). For groups of 6–8 people, a minivan/minibus is convenient - for example, an option from Civitavecchia Transfer Rome. The travel time is about 50 minutes with good road conditions. The driver meets you with a sign, usually no prepayment is required, and drop-off is at the right terminal.
3. Train (Trenitalia) with a transfer. There is no direct train from FCO to the port. The classic route is: Fiumicino Aeroporto → Roma Trastevere → Civitavecchia. Travel time is from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on connections. Schedule and prices are available on the Trenitalia website. Regional trains run approximately twice an hour on the Fiumicino Aeroporto → Roma Trastevere section (approximately 27 minutes), and then from Trastevere to Civitavecchia usually every hour. The total cost for the option with regional trains starts at around 14–16€ in total; there are also more budget-friendly options during promotions. If you first take the high-speed train LEONARDO EXPRESS to the center of Rome and then a regional train to the port, it will be faster but more expensive. ℹ️

Why it's better to arrive the day before

We do not recommend arriving in Rome on the day of your cruise departure: it poses a risk (flight delays, passport control queues) and a missed opportunity to see the "Eternal City." It is convenient to choose a hotel near the central Roma Termini station for an overnight stay. There are two ways to get from the airport to Termini:

• LEONARDO EXPRESS. Non-stop train to Termini in 32 minutes. The official fare is 14€ one way (group price of 40€ for 4 tickets is often available). ℹ️
• Regular regional trains. Route with a transfer at Roma Ostiense or Roma Trastevere - about 50–55 minutes, significantly cheaper than the high-speed option.

Alternative - bus from Fiumicino to Termini for about 6–9€ (45–60 minutes, not accounting for possible traffic jams). Several carriers operate, including SIT Bus Shuttle, Schiaffini Rome Airport Bus, Terravision, TAM. Routes run every 30–60 minutes. ℹ️

From the center of Rome and back: trains to Civitavecchia

Trains to Civitavecchia depart approximately every half hour from Roma Termini. Boarding is usually on the far right platform (often - no. 27, check the board). The ticket costs from 5€ (for regional trains) and higher depending on the type of train; travel time is approximately 1:10–1:25. On the Roman side in 2025, there are local works and schedule adjustments, so check the current departures on the RFI/Trenitalia websites before your trip. ℹ️

There is a luggage storage near Termini bags-free (location). Information on storage rates in Rome can also be found here.

From the Civitavecchia train station to the port

• Direct "station ↔ docks" shuttle. The special Port Mobility line for cruise passengers connects the station and piers without transfers. The cost is 6€ per person per trip, tickets are purchased from the driver, the schedule is based on the arrival/departure days of the liners (approximately from 07:00/07:30 to 18:30/19:00, every ~20–25 minutes, travel time ~15 minutes). The stop is at a small square right at the station exit. ℹ️
• Through the Largo della Pace information center. A city bus departs from the square in front of the station (ticket around 2€ sold in cafes/kiosks, including at the station). It takes you to Largo della Pace - the main information point of the port. From there, free port shuttles run to all cruise terminals. ℹ️
• On foot. It is about 1.2–1.5 km to Largo della Pace, about 600 m from the Fort Michelangelo gate. With suitcases, the walk can be tiring. ℹ️
• City taxi. Taxis from the train station to the terminals usually charge 10–15€ per car.

Additionally, directly from Largo della Pace on liner arrival days, a direct SIT bus to Rome (San Pietro/Termini) runs for 12.50€ one way. Check the schedule on-site and on the carrier's website. ℹ️

There are port shuttle stops near the fortress area (Forte Michelangelo, "Molo del Bicchiere"), which is closer to the train station, but buses may pass without stopping for operational reasons - follow the official route and signs. ℹ️

If you are in transit: a quick visit to Rome

For a transit visit, the train to Roma S. Pietro station is convenient (up to 40–56 minutes). The ticket costs about 4.6€. It is about a 10-minute walk from the platforms to St. Peter's Basilica. You can also return to Termini from there. If you plan to use public transport extensively, consider a round-trip BIRG ticket: historically priced at 12€, the new rates from July 1, 2025, have increased to 14€ for the zone up to Civitavecchia (zones are calculated considering that "Roma A" = two zones). BIRG is valid until midnight on the day of validation and covers regional trains and public transport in the paid zones. ℹ️

A useful English-language guide on logistics inside the port and to the terminals is available on the official Port Mobility website: link. ℹ️

How to navigate inside the port: terminals, shuttles, and information center

Largo della Pace - the main information point and transfer hub for cruise passengers: from here, free shuttles depart to piers 10–13 and 25; there are also information support desks. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Porta Livorno or Varco Vespucci gates, or you can take a shuttle. ℹ️

Port shuttles. Intra-port free buses connect Largo della Pace with piers 10, 11, 12, 12bis, 13, 13bis, and 25; they run approximately every 20 minutes, with the schedule based on liner arrivals/departures. There is also an "ordinary line" on a circular route inside the port with stops at the fortress and terminals. ℹ️

Direct "station ↔ docks" shuttle for 6€ - operates only for cruise passengers on ship operation days. ℹ️

Authoritative sources on routes, piers, and schedules

The port publishes a "Mooring Planning" weekly - a plan of moorings with times and piers (e.g., 12BN, 12BS, 13N/13S, 25). Check the week of your arrival and the pier of the specific ship. ℹ️

Rome overview in 1 day: how to plan your itinerary

The simplest option is to use Hop-on Hop-off tourist buses with audio guides (including multilingual tracks). The cost typically ranges from 18 to 22€ in basic tariffs; most routes start at Termini and cover the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Vatican, Navona, etc.

The main sights of Rome are easily explored on foot. A typical loop is 6–8 km. There are many ready-made routes available online, for example, this one. Information on Rome's public transport can be found here.

Skip-the-line Vatican Museums: updated prices

If you want to visit the Vatican Museums, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance on the official website. Previously, the price was often 21€ for adults and 12€ for children aged 6–18, while at the ticket office, it was 17€ and 8€. Since January 1, 2024, the Vatican officially raised the fare: the full ticket is 20€ (on-site), online booking with "skip-the-line" access at a fixed time adds a 5€ fee (total 25€). Reduced rates for children/students remain at 8€ (13€ with online booking). ℹ️

City view from above

Cost of ship excursions with Princess company - here.

Information on free tourist opportunities in the city here.

Andrey Uritsky's story about a walk in Rome after a cruise - here.

Parking in the port for those arriving by car

There are official parking lots at the Port Mobility facilities. Previously, the price was 78€/week with instructions to follow signs for "PARKING CRUISE, banchina 25" (Vespucci Gate), operating hours 11:00–17:00. Updated rates and rules are now in effect: Port Mobility has two key parking lots - Nord (for all cruise and ferry passengers, except for MSC's special parking) and Cruise Parking at pier 25 (for MSC customers). Nord is open 24 hours; a free port shuttle takes you to the piers. The current rate is 110€ for 7 days (17€ per day; 1.20€ per hour). ℹ️

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