Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the most iconic places you can visit while on a Mediterranean cruise. Civitavecchia, the Rome cruise port, offers opportunities to see the city’s many popular sights, historical wonders, and alluring local culture.
Exploring Rome during your cruise vacation can feel a bit daunting, since your cruise ship will dock at a distance from the city.
To ensure you enjoy your time in the Eternal City, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about cruising to Rome.
What Is the Rome Cruise Port?
The Rome cruise port is located in the coastal town of Civitavecchia, which is part of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital. Often considered one of the most stunning Italy cruise ports to visit, Civitavecchia serves as the main gateway for travelers embarking on Mediterranean cruises from Rome.
Located about 50 miles northwest of Rome, the port is easily accessible by train, public transport, or shuttle service. Travel time between Rome and Civitavecchia typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on transportation and traffic conditions.
As one of the busiest cruise hubs in the Mediterranean, the Port of Civitavecchia welcomes millions of passengers each year and serves as a departure point for cruises to destinations across Italy, Greece, Spain, France, and beyond.
How Far Is Rome From the Cruise Port?
Rome is less than 50 miles away from the cruise port in Civitavecchia. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes to get there on the express train.
How To Get Between Rome and the Cruise Port
Train
The most hassle-free way to travel from the Rome cruise port at Civitavecchia to the city of Rome is to book a shuttle and express train excursion.
To do so, you can walk to the train station in Civitavecchia from the cruise port (a little over a mile, or about a 15-minute walk) or hail a cab outside the terminal that will take you directly to the station. Board the train to Rome, and the trip will take about an hour.
When you arrive in Rome at St. Peter’s Station, you’ll have about five hours of free time to explore the Eternal City and its sights. At the appointed departure time, make your way back to St. Peter’s train station to take the express train and shuttle ride back to the cruise terminal in Civitavecchia.
Private Transfer
Planning to spend at least three days in Rome before your cruise and do some sightseeing? One of the easiest ways to see the glorious sights of the city and get to the Rome port at Civitavecchia in time to embark on your cruise is to book a Private Journeys excursion, a personalized destination experience created especially for you.
Your personal guide and driver will time your hotel pick-up and your sightseeing to ensure you arrive at Civitavecchia with plenty of time to check in for your cruise.
You can also book a shared shuttle service or private car service from Rome to the cruise port. These services will pick you up (and others, if you’re sharing a ride) at your hotel or other destination and deliver you directly to the Civitavecchia cruise port for a cost of about €65 per person.
Excursions
Many shore excursions offer a private escorted shuttle from the cruise terminal to the train station, along with a ticket on an express train to Rome. Just be sure to check that this is included before your trip so you’re not left without transportation.
Airport
The easiest way to get from the airport to Civitavecchia is to book a pre-cruise tour that includes an airport pickup and a narrated tour of Rome’s most iconic sights, including the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Vatican City, and Castel Sant’Angelo on the way to the Rome port.
What Can I Do Around Civitavecchia?
The town of Civitavecchia and the surrounding area are filled with important historic and archeological sites.
Fort Michelangelo is an imposing four-towered fort that had its first stone blessed and placed by Pope Julius II in 1508. Today, Fort Michelangelo houses the Port Captaincy offices and is surrounded by a lovely flower-laden pedestrian walkway. See the inscription over the bronze jamb that reads: “Drop the arms.”
Civitavecchia’s town center is about a ten-minute walk from the port. In the center of town, you’ll find locals shopping for fruits, vegetables, and fish at Piazza Regina Margherita, an indoor farmers market.
You can also visit the Archeological Museum of Civitavecchia, which is filled with ancient relics and artifacts of the area. Cap off your day in port with an espresso and pastry at one of the town’s cafes.
Getting Around the Port: Quick Tips
When arriving at Civitavecchia, Rome’s cruise port, you have a few options for getting around:
- Train: Take a free shuttle from your ship to Largo della Pace, the main service center for the Civitavecchia port.
- Private transfer: Pre-book a private car service to pick you up directly from the ship to where you’d like to go, whether that’s to your excursion in Rome or to the city center for some sightseeing and food.
- Built-in pick-up for excursions: Plan excursions that include either port or airport pick-up. This is an easy and convenient choice that makes this process much smoother, getting you to your shore adventures quickly and easily.
Other key pieces of information for you to know as you disembark the Rome ship include:
- Ports can be larger than they appear, with long distances between terminals, parking lots, and pickup zones. Wear comfortable shoes and plan extra time if traveling with luggage or mobility concerns.
- Have your ID and boarding documents ready before entering the terminal. Security screening is similar to airport procedures, and signage typically guides passengers through check-in, baggage drop, and boarding areas.
Can You Visit Rome in a Day?
Yes. While Rome wasn’t built in a day, you can definitely see many highlights in 24 hours. Countless cruises to Italy include Rome for its incredible history, culture, and food scene, making it a must-stop for your next trip.
If you only have a single day, you can hit the top spots by starting early and skipping to what’s most important for you to experience. Begin the day at the Colosseum, exploring the exterior and admiring the sheer size of the structure. Then, pop over to the Forum, hike over Capitoline Hill, and visit the Pantheon.
Stop for a quick lunch, then take a taxi to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica. Top the day off with some delicious Italian food and a pit stop to toss a penny in the Trevi Fountain.
The main thing to keep in mind is that sightseeing always takes more time than you’d imagine, so make sure you plan ahead and create an itinerary to stick to once you’ve arrived.
Where Do Cruises From Rome Sail?
Cruises from Rome sail to sun-soaked destinations across Italy. On longer voyages, you can cruise to places like Greece, Italy, and Turkey, or cross the Atlantic on a repositioning cruise that ends in Fort Lauderdale. There are also Mediterranean cruises from Rome, Italy, including destinations like the Italian Riviera, France, Croatia, and Spain.
Explore the glittering Greek Islands. Wander through the sand-colored town of Valletta and the charming streets of Kotor. Discover Croatia’s stunning beaches, flavorful cuisine, and romantic cities.
Browse our cruise itineraries from Rome to find the perfect vacation.
What To Do in Civitavecchia
On Italy shore excursions from Civitavecchia, you’ll experience the best of Rome and the surrounding area. Whether that’s seeing famous ancient sites, exploring the countryside outside the city, or going on an active adventure, there’s a shore excursion for you.
Tour Iconic Sites
Get a feel for the days of gladiators and the spectators who cheered them on with a deep-dive tour of the Colosseum, one of the most recognized landmarks of the ancient world. Enter the unique and restricted world of Vatican City, where the Pope resides, and the business of the Roman Catholic Church takes place. Explore the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. Marvel at St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
Experience Olive Oil Tasting
If you’ve visited Rome before, book a shore excursion that takes you to the scenic Roman countryside and enjoy the hospitality of a local family, who will show you the fine points of olive oil production. Sample local olive oils, wine, honey, jams, and bread.
Raft on the Tiber River
If you’re a fan of active adventures, book a rafting trip on the Tiber River that begins with a scenic country drive to the rafting site. See Rome from a totally different perspective as you drift downriver passing bridges, the Palazzaccio (Palace of Justice), and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the area around St. Peter’s Square. Shop for souvenirs at nearby shops, stop for a refreshing gelato, or do as the locals do and order a quick espresso, drink with gusto, and continue on your way.
Extend Your Stay
If you want to see more of Rome than is possible in a day, book shore excursions that offer overnight accommodations before or after your cruise. See the sights you’re most excited about on your own schedule. Shop the Via del Corso and the Via Condotti for luxury goods, linger over a fine Italian meal at a small trattoria, and marvel at the sight of the Trevi Fountain at night.
Rome Cruise Port FAQs
How Far Is Rome From the Cruise Port?
The Rome cruise port in Civitavecchia is about 50 miles—or 80 kilometers—northwest of Rome. Travel time is usually around one to one and a half hours by train, private transport, or shuttle.
Can You Walk to the Cruise Terminal?
In most cases, you can walk within the port area, but the distance from the port entrance to your ship may be long. Many cruise lines offer shuttle buses from the entrance to the terminal.
Is Civitavecchia Worth Visiting?
Yes, the city has a charming waterfront, historic forts, local restaurants, and easy access to nearby beaches, making it a worthwhile stop before or after your cruise.
Is There Anything To Do at the Port?
Yes. You can explore shops, cafes, seafood restaurants, and nearby attractions like Forte Michelangelo while waiting to board or after arriving at the port.
Book a Rome Cruise
Rome offers unimaginable historical sites, cultural experiences, and beautiful scenery that make this city a must-see destination. Whether you’re extending your trip to fit it into your vacation to-do or it’s your end destination, you’ll be blown away by the infinite ways to spend your time on shore.
If you can’t wait to sail the Mediterranean and see the glories of Rome as part of your cruise vacation, explore cruises to Rome and get your vacation on the calendar.
