Civitavecchia Cruise Port Guide: Everything You Need to Know
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Perched on the east coast of Italy, under 80 km (49 miles) from the breathtaking capital of Rome, is Civitavecchia Cruise Port, known as the gateway to Rome, the eternal city, amongst cruisers.
Dating back to the 2nd century, the coastal town of Civitavecchia houses the closest cruise terminal to Rome.
However, despite being the closest port to the sprawling capital city, cruisers can’t simply hop off the cruise ship and explore Rome as it’s over an hour away from the cruise port.
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about Civitavecchia Cruise Port, including how to get to Rome.
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Where is Civitavecchia Cruise Port Located?
Civitavecchia Cruise Port can be found nestled within the main harbor just outside the charming coastal town of Civitavecchia, which sits just under 80 km (49 miles) northwest of Rome on Italy’s western coastline.
The lengthy outer pier that runs parallel to the mainland houses the majority of the cruise ship berths (6 berths in total). An additional berth can be found beside the ferry terminal on Pier 25.
How to Get to the city of Civitavecchia from the Cruise Port
A shuttle bus service is offered by the port, which will take you from your cruise ship to the Service Center at Largo della Pace, which is an 8-minute ride from the cruise terminal.
Largo della Pace is a large bus station that can be found behind the harbor, at the entrance to the city center.
The shuttle buses operate regularly and are timed with the arrival of cruise ships, meaning there should be plenty available when you come to disembark from your cruise ship for the day.
It is possible to walk from your cruise ship into Civitavecchia, although it would take you around 30 minutes to reach the town. With such a convenient shuttle bus service on offer, it shouldn’t be necessary to have to walk.
Most taxis are not licensed to enter the cruise ship terminal and instead can be found at Largo della Pace.
If you wish to take a taxi, you will first need to take the shuttle bus from your cruise ship to Largo della Pace and then take a taxi from here.
How to Get to Rome from the Civitavecchia Cruise Port
One of the simplest ways to get to central Rome from the port of Civitavecchia is to take the train.
The train station is conveniently located just outside the harbor and is a 20-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal.
However, the best way to reach the train station is to take the shuttle bus from your cruise ship to Largo della Pace and then take either the Portlink bus or the public bus, which arrives every 10 minutes at the train station. The bus ride takes 6 minutes.
You can alternatively take a taxi from Largo della Pace to the train station.
The train ride from Civitavecchia to Rome takes just over 1 hour and runs numerous times each hour.
If you don’t fancy getting the train, you can take a taxi from Largo della Pace straight to Rome’s city center. A typical taxi ride will take just over an hour, so there’s little time-saving in taking a taxi over the train.
Private transfers are also available and can pick you up from the cruise port, saving you the hassle of taking the shuttle bus to Largo della Pace.
Are There Free Shuttles From Civitavecchia Cruise Port?
Yes! The shuttle bus service, which will take you from your cruise ship to Largo della Pace, is completely free of charge.
Can You Walk into Civitavecchia from Your Cruise Ship?
You technically can walk into Civitavecchia from your cruise ship. It will, however, take you at least 30 minutes, and with a free shuttle service on offer, it isn’t really necessary.
Are there Taxis Available from Civitavecchia Cruise Port?
Most taxis cannot enter the cruise main terminal and can instead be found at Largo della Pace, which is just outside the harbor.
The best way to reach Largo della Pace is to take the free shuttle buses. You can then take a taxi from here to your destination.
Best Shore Excursions from the Civitavecchia Cruise Port
The majority of cruises that arrive at Civitavecchia Cruise Port are keen to explore Italy’s alluring capital city – Rome . Therefore, in this list, I will give you the best shore excursions that take place in Rome.
1. Vatican City Tour including Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Dome Climb
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 5 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Vatican City is an independent country in the heart of Rome.
It’s in fact, the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state and is the official seat of the Roman Catholic Church.
A guided tour of Vatican City allows you to see all the key sights within this walled city and learn more about its fascinating history.
Guided tours typically start in St. Peter’s Square, the mesmerizing entrance to Vatican City.
You will not only visit St. Peter’s Basilica, a grand church that sits proudly at one end of the square, but you will also have the opportunity to climb to the top of its mighty dome.
Tours will also take you to the Sistine Chapel, the pope’s official residence, and inside Vatican Museums, which house a fantastic display of ancient artwork and sculptures.
Great tour!!
Check Rates and Availability for the Vatican City Tour here!
Civitavecchia Cruise Port
2. colosseum, roman forum & palatine hill guided tour with skip-the-line tickets.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 3 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the city of Rome is the ancient Roman ruins. Some of the most spectacular include the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Being such a popular destination, it’s no surprise that they can get pretty busy. Therefore, booking a guided tour that includes skip-the-line tickets is a must.
Your tour will start at the Colosseum, one of the largest amphitheaters in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Colosseum was originally built for violent gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles.
Next, you will visit Palatine Hill, thought to be the birthplace of Rome. Standing at 168 feet above sea level, Palatine Hill is rumored to have housed the cave where Romulus and Remus were nursed by a she-wolf.
Finally, you will visit the Roman Forum, considered one of the most important architectural sites in the world.
Nestled in the heart of the city, this site contains an abundance of ancient ruins, including four temples and the Senate House, amongst others.
Check Rates and Availability for Skip the Line: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour here!
3. Crypts and Roman Catacombs Guided Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 3 h 30 min. (approx.)✅ Book it Here
Hidden under the sprawling city is a network of tunnels that date back to the 2nd century. These tunnels were used as a burial ground for early Christians.
Exploring these catacombs provides an eerie yet fascinating experience.
A guided tour with skip-the-line tickets is perhaps the best way to explore the crypts as not only will you beat the lines, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide throughout your explorations.
On your tour, you will visit the Catacombs of Domitilla, which stretch underground for an impressive 15 kilometers.
You will also explore the Crypt of Capuchins, which was decorated by monks with the bones of over 4,000 individuals.
Finally, you will visit the Basilica of San Martino ai Monti, a 13th-century church.
Top-notch tour
Check Rates and Availability for Crypts and Roman Catacombs Guided Tour here!
4. Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 2 to 7 hours (approx.)✅ Book it Here
If you want to see everything that Rome has to offer, then a private golf cart tour may be just what you’re looking for.
Being a private tour, your itinerary is completely customizable, and your tour can last between 2 and 7 hours, depending on which route you decide to take.
Your tour will be led by a well-informed guide who will delve into the history of each place that you visit.
Sights that you may want to include in your private golf cart tour include the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, Trastevere, and many more.
Highly recommend
Check Rates and Availability of Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour here!
5. Rome Food & Wine Tour in Prati
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 4 hours ✅ Book it Here
The eternal city is renowned for its fantastic food scene.
A sunset walking food and wine tour is a great way to visit some hidden gems in order to sample the local cuisine.
The tour will take you to Rome’s Prati District, famed for its gourmet restaurants and numerous cocktail bars.
Here, you will get to enjoy traditional pizza, cured meats, cheeses, truffles, and, of course, sample some local wine.
Great food!
Check Rates and Availability of the Rome Food & Wine Tour in Prati here!
6. Rome Walking Tour including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 1 -2 hrs 30 minutes ✅ Book it Here
A great way to experience Rome and soak up the incredible ambiance is to take part in a walking tour of the vibrant center.
This short group walking tour which takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, promises to take you to some of Rome’s highlights, including the famous Pantheon and the magical Trevi Fountain.
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple and is the most preserved building from ancient Rome. This incredible monument can be visited on weekdays, but on weekends, you’ll need to make a prior reservation.
Trevi Fountain dates back to the 18th century and is the largest fountain in Rome. It’s become famous for the vast amounts of coins that are thrown into it each day.
Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain over your shoulder, you will return to Rome one day.
Check Rates and Availability of Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain here!
7. Cooking Class in Piazza Navona
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 ⌛️Tour Time: 3 hours ✅ Book it Here
Tucked away in the heart of Rome is the delightful opportunity to learn how to cook some of Italy’s delicacies.
In this cooking class in Piazza Navona, you will have fun crafting homemade Fettuccine pasta, ravioli, and some tiramisu.
Your lovely home-cooked meal will be accompanied by a wine of your choice and then later either a limoncello or Italian coffee.
Fun, friends, and food
Check Rates and Availability of Cooking Classes in Piazza Navona here!
Getting From Fiumicino Airport to the Cruise Port
The closest international airport to Civitavecchia is Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport, which is 50 km away.
The quickest way to journey between Fiumicino Airport and Civitavecchia is by taxi. A typical taxi ride should take around 50 minutes, and you can expect to pay between €100 and €130.
It’s also possible to travel between Civitavecchia and the airport by taking the train. This involves taking 2 trains and will take you around 2 hours.
If you are journeying to Civitavecchia from Fiumicino Airport, you will first need to take a train into Rome’s city center, which takes 30 minutes. You will then take the train to Civitavecchia, which takes just over 1 hour.
Private transfers to your cruise ship are also available. You will simply need to book your private transfer in advance.
Places to Stay Near Civitavecchia Cruise Port
Hotel Porto Di Roma is conveniently located just 450 meters from the harbor, in the heart of Civitavecchia’s old town.
This boutique hotel boasts excellent reviews and bookings and even comes with an airport shuttle.
Another excellent choice is Seataly Experience , a beachfront hotel that’s a 10-minute walk from the harbor. The hotel even offers main port transfers. A delicious Italian breakfast is included with your stay.
A more budget option is La Lanterna Sul Comò , a cozy guesthouse that offers private rooms with private bathrooms. Other facilities, such as the kitchen and living area, are shared.
This guesthouse is in a very central location and is just a short walk from the harbor.
Civitavecchia Quick Facts
Best time to visit.
Civitavecchia and Rome are year-round destinations. Whilst the summer months provide the best weather, there’s something cozy and romantic about walking through Rome’s ancient streets in the winter.
If you’d like to enjoy the best weather, visiting between June and September will likely provide you with days of glorious sunshine.
If you’d like to beat the crowds, however, it’s advisable to avoid peak season, which includes July and August.
Therefore, to strike the best balance between sunshine and streets that aren’t too busy, consider visiting in early June or late September.
If hot weather isn’t essential for you, consider visiting outside of the high season for an even quieter experience.
The currency in Civitavecchia, Rome, and the entirety of Italy is the Euro.
Cruise Liners that Visit Civitavecchia Cruise Port
There are a number of cruise liners that visit Civitavecchia Cruise Port, including:
● Costa Cruises
● Princess Cruises
● Norwegian Cruise Line
● MSC Cruises
● AIDA Cruises
● Royal Caribbean
● Oceania Cruises
● Celebrity Cruises
Civitavecchia Cruise Port FAQS
How much is a taxi from civitavecchia port to rome.
You can expect to pay around €140 for a taxi between Civitavecchia Port and Rome. Do note, however that prices may be higher on weekends and at night.
How far is the walk from Civitavecchia Port to the train station?
Civitavecchia train station is located just 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) away from Civitavecchia Cruise Port area. Walking between the two should take around 20 minutes.
Is there a bus from Civitavecchia train station to the cruise port?
Whilst there isn’t a bus between the station and the cruise terminal, there is a bus from Civitavecchia train station to Largo della Pace, where the cruise port shuttle bus can be found.
There are two different buses that operate this route. The first is the Portlink bus, which is exclusively available for passengers taking the Civitavecchia Express, a non-stop train to Rome. The other bus available is the public bus.
Both buses run every 10 minutes with a journey time of 6 minutes.
How to buy train tickets in Civitavecchia?
The easiest way to book your train ticket to Rome is to book online in advance. There are a number of websites where you can book your tickets, including the official Trenitalia website.
How much is a bus from Civitavecchia to Rome?
There are a couple of buses that run from Civitavecchia to Rome. You can expect to pay €15 for a one-way bus ticket.
Final Thoughts on the Civitavecchia Cruise Port
Civitavecchia Cruise Port is the gateway to Rome for cruisers.
Italy’s capital city has so much on offer, from ancient times to fantastic cuisine; it’s a city that you simply cannot miss on your European cruise!
Although Civitavecchia Cruise Port is around 1 hour outside of Rome, the port makes getting to Rome as easy as possible for cruisers by offering a regular free shuttle service to Civitavecchia center where you can easily grab a taxi or public bus to your onward destination.
Chantelle Kincy
Chantelle is a nationally syndicated travel writer, and travel advisor. An avid cruiser, Chantelle has explored many parts of the world through her travels. She is also a dedicated National Parks enthusiast and loves to hike in these beautiful locations. To further her expertise in the industry, Chantelle has taken numerous courses to become a specialist in various destinations, including the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Alaska. Through her blog and advising business, Chantelle shares her love for travel and helps others plan their dream vacations.
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Civitavecchia Port Map
Interactive Map of the Civitavecchia port : as you can see there are 3 parking lots, over 20 docks (the pier 25 and piers from 10 through 13 dedicated to cruise ships), there are 3 infopoints dedicated to tourists. You can easily find the terminals for cruising and ferries. To the left there is the wonderful historic harbor of Civitavecchia.
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