Civitavecchia · Cruise port · Shore day
Civitavecchia cruise port: Rome day trips, transfers and trains
Rome is about 1.5 hours from the pier by minivan. Pick a day trip that picks you up at the port and brings you back in time, or plan the train yourself.
In short
- The easiest way to see Rome from Civitavecchia is a day trip of about 9 hours that picks you up at the port and returns you to the pier. You can choose a small group of up to 8 people, a semi-private tour or a private car.
- Going on your own? The port shuttle is free and takes 10 to 15 minutes to Largo della Pace. From the Fortress gate the station is about 600 m, around 10 minutes on foot, and the train to Rome takes about 50 to 90 minutes depending on the service.
- For a day in Rome by yourself, add up the shuttle, the train, the walks and the way back, and plan to be at the ship at least an hour before the time on your boarding documents. The all-aboard time is also in your cruise app and on the signs in the port.
- Shorter call? Tarquinia takes about 6.5 hours with lunch, and a food walk in Civitavecchia takes about 3 hours.
Rome in one day: which trip should you pick?
Want the easiest day? Take the small-group trip: no more than 8 people in a minivan that picks you up at the port, with a guaranteed return to the pier. The semi-private trip is also for up to 8 people and takes in Vatican City. Want to choose your own stops? A private car with a driver gives you a flexible itinerary.
All three last about 9 hours. As an example, if you set out at 8:00 you are back at the pier around 17:00. Check your own all-aboard time first and pick the trip that fits with at least an hour to spare.
The free shuttle from the ship
The port runs a free shuttle that leaves roughly every 20 minutes between 5:30 and 23:00. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach Largo della Pace, the main hub with an information point. From pier 25 the shuttle goes straight there, with no stops in between.
There are three information points: at Largo della Pace, at the Vespucci gate and at the Autostrade del Mare terminal. Ask there for the shuttle route of your pier.
Civitavecchia on foot in 2 to 3 hours
Start with Michelangelo Fort: Pope Julius II laid its first stone on 14 December 1508, and tradition says Michelangelo designed the great tower. Walk on to the old port and the wall that Urban VIII ordered in 1630, and to the Vanvitelli Fountain, finished in 1743.
The cathedral was rebuilt in 1950, and the ancient harbour dates back to Trajan, between 103 and 110 AD. If you like to taste as you walk, a 3-hour food and history tour starts from Largo della Pace.
Tarquinia: the painted tombs of the Etruscans
The Monterozzi necropolis is a UNESCO site with more than 6,000 tombs, about 200 of them painted. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:30, with the ticket office open until 18:30, and it is closed on Monday. The tombs of the Lionesses, Leopards and Hunting and Fishing are open to visit.
A trip from the port takes about 6.5 hours and includes lunch. The museum in town deserves at least 2 hours if you go on your own.
Cruise passenger guide
Civitavecchia cruise port guide: shuttle, station and Rome
Civitavecchia cruise port guide: terminals, the free shuttle, the walk to the station, information points and how to plan your day ashore.
Rome from Civitavecchia in one day: times and options
Rome from Civitavecchia in one day: a 9-hour guided tour with return to the pier, what you can see, the real travel times and what is open.
Civitavecchia to Rome by train and transfer: times
Civitavecchia to Rome: the FL5 train and its stations, how to reach the station from the pier, the private and shared transfers and the real times.
Civitavecchia on foot: a 2-3 hour walk from the ship
Fort, Vanvitelli fountain, Roman harbour and market: a 2-3 hour walk in Civitavecchia from the free shuttle, plus a 3-hour guided food tour.
Tarquinia and Cerveteri from the ship: what fits in a day
Etruscan tombs near Civitavecchia: the 6.5-hour Tarquinia trip from the port, opening days, and why Cerveteri needs a longer call.
Embarkation day at Civitavecchia: luggage and Fiumicino
Joining or leaving your ship at Civitavecchia: where to leave bags, Fiumicino to the port by train or taxi, and transfers between Rome and the pier.
Going into Rome? More guides
Our guides to the big sights of Rome, for when you want to go inside.
- Colosseum Visit — Colosseum, Forum and Palatine: timed entry, hours and tips
- Rome Vatican Ticket — Vatican Museums and St Peter's: hours and how to plan
- Pantheon Rome Guide — The Pantheon: timed entry and hours
- Castel Sant'Angelo Visit — The castle on the Tiber: hours and tickets