Civitavecchia Rome Train - Getting from Civitavecchia Train Station to Rome

"Civitavecchia Rome trains are very nice and modern, safe and air-conditioned..."

One of the docks in Civitavecchia Port

When your Mediterranean cruise ship docks in Civitavecchia Italy, you will need a well planned way of getting from Civitavecchia to Rome.

Unfortunately, visiting Rome from a cruise ship isn’t one of those days when you simply walk off the ship and everything is right there for you… your getting from the port of Civitavecchia to the city of Rome will entail a little bit of travelling.

Also, there can be up to 11 cruise ships in port in a day, so do not leave planning your day till the last minute! The most attractive shore excursions tend to get sold out way ahead!

What is the best way to visit Colosseum from Civitavecchia?

You are interested in taking the Civitavecchia Rome train but you are still not sure this would be the right option for you?

Let's take a look at pro and contra:

Is taking a Civitavecchia Rome train a good choice?

Taking a train into Rome is:

1. Cost-effective: Taking a train is generally a more affordable option compared to other modes of transportation, such as taxis or private transfers, that's for sure.

2. It offers you the scenic route: The train ride from Civitavecchia to Rome offers some beautiful views of the Italian countryside, which can be a pleasant and relaxing experience.

3. It's convenient: The train station in Civitavecchia is located near the port, making it easy to reach (but there is an extra step involved reaching the port gate from your cruise dock). The train also stops at several stations in Rome (the first one is close to Vatican, the second one is Roma Termini, the big transportat hub), providing easy access to many popular tourist attractions.

4. It offers flexibility: Trains run frequently (generally two trains per hour) between Civitavecchia and Rome, offering travelers the flexibility to choose a departure time that suits their schedule. Still, schedule depends on the day of the week, so do doublecheck here.

5. It's time-efficient: The train ride from Civitavecchia to Rome takes about an hour (45 minutes for direct trains which are more expensive), which can be a time-efficient option for travelers who want to maximize their time in the city.

What are the disadvantages of taking a train from Civitavecchia to Rome?

Crowded trains: Trains can be crowded, especially during peak travel times, which may make the journey less comfortable.
Limited accessibility: Trains may not be accessible for people with mobility issues, as they often require passengers to climb stairs to access the train and seating areas.
Schedule changes: Train schedules can change due to unexpected circumstances, such as delays or cancellations. This may cause inconvenience and disruption to your travel plans (imagine being late for your cruise ship's departure!).
Language barrier: If you are not fluent in Italian, it may be challenging to communicate with train staff or understand announcements, which could cause confusion during your journey.
Safety concerns: While trains are generally considered a safe mode of transportation, there is always a risk of theft or pickpocketing, especially in crowded trains or stations. It is important to keep your valuables secure and to be aware of your surroundings.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong taking one of the shore excursions on this day. It's Rome! It's big! There is so much to see and do, and you are not coming back anytime soon. You really, really want to maximize your time here. Rome is just not the port where you should save on shore excursions and good local tour guides. Especially if coming for the firs time!

So here's a few recommendations. You can thank me later!

Looking for something more budget-friendly? Click below...

How do we take the Civitavecchia Rome Train?

Before you even start planning your transportation from Civitavecchia to Rome, please read our article on the port of Civitavecchia, it will show you a step-by-step process of how to get from the cruise dock to the exit of the port area, and further to the Stazione Civitavecchia railway station.

Now we can talk about taking the train from Civitavecchia to Rome!

Civitavecchia cruise terminal, travel from Civitavecchia to Rome

What is the best way to visit Colosseum from Civitavecchia?

Once you find yourself at the railway station, which is only 10 - 20 mins. away from the port exit, buy a BIRG ticket for approx. 12 euros per person. This is a return ticket, which is also covers all public transportation in Rome (metro and city buses) and is valid until midnigt on the day of the activation.

Civitavecchia train station, Civitavecchia train to Rome, Civitavecchia railway

It’s always good to know the exact time of train departures and we suggest you pick yours ahead by looking at the timetables at the official Trenitalia site.

For your Civitavecchia Rome train departure station you will punch in Civitavecchia and for the arrival station Roma San Pietro (if you wish to see the Vatican first) and walk across the Tiber river into the centre of Rome (it's easy).

Pick Roma Termini if you wish to go to the main transportation hub and take metro or a bus to some specific destination in Rome.

Also, that way you can plan what time to get off the gangway of your cruise ship: I suggest you allow a full hour before your train leaves, if not more. You never know how long you have to wait for the free port shuttle bus (they run every 15 min) and the local public bus from Largo della Pace.

Trains leave at least twice an hour but still, when you’re on such a limited schedule, it’s good not to waste any time at all - be very precise at planning and make sure you don't miss the train you need to catch. Still, if you happen to have some extra time, start your day Italian style: grab a really nice espresso standing at the café bar. Don’t forget a cornetto (a pastry which is the Italian version of a croissant).

When I travelled by train in Italy in 2022 (Padua, Venice, Naples) one didn't need to validate tickets in yellow boxes anymore. But just see what people do in Rome and do as the Romans do.

There are two major train stations in Rome: Roma San Pietro and Roma Termini. We suggest you get off your Civitavecchia Rome train at Roma San Pietro, which is only 5 minutes away from the Vatican and the Basilica of St. Peter’s. From there, it’s very easy to walk into the city, which is just across the Tiber river.

Unlike the trains from Naples to Pompeii, Civitavecchia Rome trains are very nice and modern, safe and air-conditioned. There are even toilets available (unfortunately not the cleanest though!).

With the length of the ride being just under an hour, you will find yourself off that Civitavecchia Rome train in a heartbeat!

Next, walk out of a really small train station building (no kilometres of confusing corridors) and walk out to the main road.

You will find yourself in a peaceful and quiet part of Rome, with the cupola of St. Peter’s Basilica looming behind the rooftops. Perfect! You’re almost there.

With the train station behind you, take a left, then a right, follow the road, go through the underpass and voila… you will find yourself in the middle of the Vatican city… just like that!

Intrigued on what to see in Vatican? Here's a few suggestions, but I can only suggest taking shore excursions from Civitavecchia. Your day is just too short for fumbling around with guided tours designed for people staying in Rome because you can't perfectly control your timings.

Even skip-the-line lines are at least an hour long without a guide taking you in. So, be on a shore excursion if you are visiting Rome from Civitavecchia. Regular tours can work only if you are staying in Rome before or after your cruise.

As Vatican city is one of the things you will be seeing in Rome, find out all about Vatican's Hidden Corners and Courtyards in this article by Mary Jane Cryan, the famous writer, historian and luxury cruise ship lecturer.

From there, it’s very easy to walk to see all the other Rome attractions.

Taking a Civitavecchia Rome train can be a bit nervewrecking if this is your first time in this port, so, as I said, there is nothing wrong with taking a shore excursion or one of the transfers. It will make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Here's a few more hand-picked options for those who want simple transfer solutions:

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