Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome – Civitavecchia Express train

If you are planning a cruise from Rome and want to spend more time in the city after your cruise, the Civitavecchia Express train makes it easier than ever to travel by train from the Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome’s city center.

Most cruise passengers spend, on average, just three days in Rome either before or after their cruise. But if you want to experience Rome, you’ll need to stay as long as your time and budget allow. It is one of the most awe-inspiring, rewarding, and memorable cities you will ever visit. 

The Civitavecchia Express train – from the cruise port to the city in no time

The Civitavecchia Express train operates during the Mediterranean cruise season. Together with the Civitavecchia Port Link bus service, it makes transferring from your cruise ship to central Rome smooth and hassle-free. 

It is also the fastest and cheapest way to travel than a private transfer or shuttle service.

The port city of Civitavecchia lies about 85km northeast of Rome. The bus ride from the cruise terminal to the train station takes 10 minutes. The train journey takes just under 1 hour to reach Rome. You do not need to change trains.

Starting June 9, 2024, the Civitavecchia Express will become a fast regional train that only makes stops in Roma S. Pietro, Roma Trastevere, Roma Ostiense, and Civitavecchia. The train is accessible to everyone who purchases an ordinary ticket.

Fast and reliable train services

Trains in Italy are generally very reliable. They all offer luggage space and comfortable seating.

Some trains are older than others. Our tip is to pay a few euros extra per person to get a seat in a higher-class cabin where possible. It’s more comfortable, and you have more areas to place your suitcase.

Search, compare and book train tickets in Italy here.

Civitavecchia Express train and Civitavecchia Port Link bus service

The Civitavecchia Express Train is a fast regional train that only stops in Roma S. Pietro, Roma Ostiense, and Civitavecchia. It is accessible to everyone by purchasing an ordinary ticket and quickly transports you from Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome without traffic jams or heat.

From the port itself, the Civitavecchia Port Link shuttle bus takes you from the port entrance, called Largo Della Pace, to the train station in Civitavecchia. From there, it is a seamless journey into Rome.

You are guaranteed a seat on board the train when you buy your ticket. When the 718 seats available for each line have been reached, the operator will suspend ticket sales.

How often does the Civitavecchia Express Train leave the Civitavecchia train station?

There are two trains every day. The departure time coincides with the arrival times of cruise ships at Civitavecchia port. All the major cruise lines use this port for cruises from or to Rome.

In the 2024 cruise season, the service will run until November 1st, 2024. There are two daily trains. The departure times were:

Departing Civitavecchia train station at 9.07 am, arriving at Roma Ostiense at 10.10 am (with one stop in between at Roma San Pietro train station).

• If you are staying nearby or want to visit Vatican City or Castel Sant D’Angelo, exit the train at Roma San Pietro station.
• Exit the train at Roma Ostiense if you are staying nearby or want to visit the Colosseum or The Forum.

Departing Rome Ostiense at 4.30 pm, arriving at Civitavecchia train station at 5.20pm.

Service and train times are subject to change, so check the times when you book.

Every train ticket guarantees a seat. Ticket sales will stop once all 718 seats for each train are filled.

This service is perfect for cruise travelers exploring the capital for the day. The schedule is designed to fit your cruise ship’s arrival and departure times, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

How much does the train journey cost?

The train tickets cost 10 euros per person one way and 15 euros for a return ticket.

A shuttle bus ticket from the port to the train station costs about 2 euros per person (this price is subject to change).

Children under 4 years old travel free and have no luggage size limits.

Children under 12 years old who are traveling with an adult are free on the train, and they only pay the shuttle bus fare of 2 euros.

There is no additional charge for luggage.

Is the train journey direct and non-stop?

The train journey from Civitavecchia port to Rome is direct. You have two choices of stops in Rome:

1st stop: Roma San Pietro Station (St. Peter’s)

This journey only takes around 35 minutes. If your hotel is close to Vatican City or the area around Castel Sant’Angelo, or if you want to visit the Vatican Museums, get off the train here.

2nd stop: Roma Ostiense Station

From Civitavecchia port to Ostiense, it is about a one-hour journey. This is the closest stop to the Colosseum or Circus Maximus, but still not within walking distance. You must continue your journey using the underground metro train for two stops to get to the Colosseum. Rome Ostiense is in southern Rome, and you may need to continue your journey using the underground metro to reach your hotel.

Is there a train for the journey from Rome to Civitavecchia to start my cruise?

Yes! If you want to travel in the other direction, you can also book the train from Rome to Civitavecchia train station. The regional train timetable applies.

The regional train has regular daily services from Rome’s Termini station, costing around 5 euros per person.

To summarize:

The Civitavecchia train together with the Civitavecchia Port Link bus service works well if you are extending your cruise vacation to stay in Rome after your cruise.

For a journey from Rome out to Civitavecchia port, travel earlier in the day to ensure you do not miss your cruise check in time. Even better, book a hotel in Civitavecchia and stay in this charming seaside town before joining your cruise ship the following day.

How do I book my ticket?

• Book your ticket for the Civitavecchia regional train service via our travel partner Omio or on Trenitalia’s website. Note that departure times are subject to change, so check the time when you book. Search for the ticket by typing “Civitavecchia Porto – Roma Termini”.
• If you cannot find the Civitavecchia ticket option, the tickets for your chosen travel date may not be currently bookable.
• Note that the train ticket will not include any metro, buses, or trams when you are in Rome.
• Book about three months before your travel date to ensure a seat on the Civitavecchia train.
• Using Omio, you can search, compare, and book other regional, intercity, and fast trains in Rome and Italy. You can also download your tickets onto their handy app to show when you get to the train station.
• If you have paper train tickets, you must remember to validate them at the machines in the train station before climbing on board.

Search, compare and book train tickets with Omio here.

Can I purchase a train ticket on board the train?

The simple answer is no. You must always have a valid ticket when you get on the train, whether it is an electronic ticket or a paper ticket.

If you are carrying a paper ticket, you must also remember to validate the ticket at the ticket machine marked at the station before you board your train.

What are my other options for traveling between Civitavecchia port and Rome?

Aside from taking the train, there are several other convenient ways to travel between Civitavecchia port and Rome:

• Bus Service: The SIT Bus Shuttle connects Civitavecchia port and Rome’s Termini Station. The bus departs from Largo della Pace at the port and stops near the Vatican before reaching Termini. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost approximately €15 one way or €25 for a round trip. This service is ideal for cruise passengers, with schedules that match typical cruise ship arrivals and departures​.
• Private Transfers: Private transfer services are available for a more personalized and direct option. These services pick you up directly from the cruise terminal and take you to your destination in Rome. Prices typically range from €100 to €150, depending on the vehicle and service level.
• Taxis: Taxis are easily accessible at the Civitavecchia port. The ride to central Rome usually takes about 1 hour, costing around €120 to €150. This option is convenient if you have a lot of luggage and prefer door-to-door service.

Does the train link to the airport?

To get to Rome-Fiumicino airport, Rome’s international airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, you must change to a different one at Rome Termini station. The Civitavecchia train does not service the airport.

When you book a train ticket for a regional train from the station to the airport, choose the one offering a direct service.

What are the Frecce trains in Italy?

Le Frecce trains are modern, high-speed trains that connect destinations all over Italy. Some of these trains travel up to 360km per hour.

There are three different types of Le Frecce trains: Frecciabianco, Frecciarossa, and Frecciabianca. If you see these train names, you know you are traveling on a fast train.

Fast trains are more expensive than the regional trains. However, they are quicker, have frequent connections, are more modern, have better facilities, and are a fantastic way to travel in Italy. They are also more expensive.

If you extend your stay to include other regions in Italy, the fast train is an easy and comfortable way to travel. You can take the fast train to areas such as Florence and Venice.

Search, compare, and book your tickets on Italy's fast trains via Omio's search and booking platform. This allows you to quickly find the best journey for you and your family.