Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port (Civitavecchia Terminal Crociere)

The basics

To see the important sights in this busy European capital, maximize your time by taking a guided tour. Popular options sometimes include a driver and skip-the-line tickets to the crowded Colosseum and Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) for added convenience. Expect most Rome tours and shore excursions to last a full day and cover top attractions such as the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi), Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Sistine Chapel (Cappella Sistina), and St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) in Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano).

Things to know before you go

• The Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port terminal offers transport connections, parking facilities, bars, restaurants, and proximity to the scenic historic port.

• The Colosseum and Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel) are among the most visited attractions in Italy, so book a tour with skip-the-line tickets.

• Most Roman churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica, require clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter.

• Many archaeological sites dating back to ancient Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum (Foro Romano), are outdoors—bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.

• Even driving tours in the heart of Rome require a fair amount of walking, so pack comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

• The city’s metro and bus systems are famously overcrowded and slow; it's almost always faster and easier to get around by private vehicle.

How to Get to Rome from the Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port

Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port is an hour train ride from the city of Rome. The Civitavecchia train station is a 10-minute walk or quick shuttle ride from the port, and trains run every half hour to the Roma Termini railway station. Shore excursions and private tours generally include port pickup and drop-off, and shuttle buses and private transfers are available for visitors heading to the city or the Ciampino and Fiumicino airports.

Port information

Most of the largest cruise lines stop in Civitavecchia, a Rome cruise hub. Italian is the most widely spoken language here, although English abounds in Rome proper. The local currency is the euro; ATMs are easy to find, and foreign exchange bureaus are located near the docks.

Ways to explore

Public transportation to and from Rome can cut into your sightseeing time, so maximize your day with a shore excursion that includes transfers by private driver or shared minibus. Many full-day tours include skip-the-line tickets and guided tours inside the Colosseum and Vatican Museums (including the Sistine Chapel), while half-day tours focus on ticketless attractions such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Square, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Most shore excursions allow free time to shop, dine, and explore a bit on your own.

Accessibility

The cruise terminal is wheelchair accessible, but not all shore excursions from Civitavecchia can accommodate visitors in wheelchairs.

Age limits

There is no minimum age for shore excursions from Civitavecchia. Some include family-friendly elements such as kid-focused Colosseum or Vatican tours.

What to pack

Sunscreen, camera, water bottle, coins for the Trevi Fountain

What to wear

Hat, comfortable shoes, clothing that covers shoulders and knees for entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and other churches

Not allowed

Most Rome attractions do not allow large bags and backpacks, while churches require modest dress.

Amenities

Cafés and restaurants, shuttle buses, information points, parking

Address

The Port of Civitavecchia is about a 75-minute drive from Rome. Many travelers arrive via cruise ship; if you plan to explore upon arrival, you can book a shore excursion that includes port pickup and drop-off or take a train into the capital and back.

Driving

The cruise port is off European Route E80, which connects to the SS1 highway. Cruise ship passengers can book a shore excursion that includes transportation or a private transfer to and from the port.

Public transportation

You can reach Rome by train from Civitavecchia Station; to get there, it’s a short shuttle ride from the port to the Service Center of Largo della Pace, then a 20-minute walk. Trains run regularly to Rome’s San Pietro Station.

Best times to visit

The Rome Civitavecchia Cruise Port is a travel hub more than a destination. It’s busiest in the early morning and late evening when most ships are arriving and departing.

Best days to visit

Cruise ships dock daily at the Civitavecchia port. Shore excursions and day trips are coordinated with the weekly arrival and departure schedule.

Best months to visit

The port has steady cruise traffic all year-round. Only one or two ships arrive daily from November–March, while up to eight ships dock here from April–October.