How To Get to Rome From A Cruise

Explore Rome's rich history and culture on your cruise adventure.
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 21, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  • Rome is a historic city in central Italy known for its cultural heritage, art, and architecture, with over 2.5 thousand years of history.
  • Cruise passengers can easily reach Rome from the coastal town of Civitavecchia using various transportation options, including trains, buses, taxis, and private tours.
  • The best times to visit Rome via cruise are during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourist crowds. Visitors should explore famous landmarks, try Italian cuisine, and take precautions against pickpockets.

Visiting Rome via Cruise ship and wondering how to get there? If you’re staying in Rome or just passing through, you’ll want to know that Rome is located in the Lazio region of central Italy. Rome is less than 50 miles away from the cruise port in Civitavecchia and the city is situated on the Tiber River and is surrounded by the Alban Hills. It is the capital of Italy and the largest metropolitan area in the country. It is also the country’s most populated municipality with 2.8 million inhabitants in 1,285 square kilometers (496 sq mi). Rome’s history exceeds 2.5 thousand years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited city worldwide. The city is known for its cultural heritage, art, architecture, and monuments.

Rome is A place where empires have been built and fallen, where culture and art have flourished for centuries. Rome is a hugely visited place, with something to offer everyone. From its ancient ruins to its grandiose cathedrals, Rome is a city that must be seen to be believed.

Rome History

Rome was founded in approximately 753 BC by Romulus. The Roman Empire reached its peak in the 2nd century AD but eventually fell to barbarian invasions in 476 AD.

Its monumental ruins and historical landmarks have made it a top-rated tourist destination worldwide. In 2023, Rome’s tourist count reached over 35 million visitors.

Rome has always been a cultural melting pot, attracting people from all over the world.

There are many significant points of interest in Rome, but the most famous is the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater was used for gladiator games and other events. It’s an impressive sight to see, and it’s still in use today for concerts and other events. You can also find tours for the Colossuem. Another central point of interest is Vatican City. This tiny country is home to the Pope and the Catholic Church. It’s a fascinating place to visit, and there’s a lot to see and do there. Finally, no trip to Rome would be complete without visiting the Trevi Fountain. This iconic fountain is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful sight surrounded by some of Rome’s most famous landmarks.

Cruise passengers in Rome will find the embarkation and disembarkation process very easy. The cruise terminal is located in the coastal town of Civitavecchia. The cruise terminal is called “RCT – Rome Cruise Terminal,” and there are many transportation options to get you there.

You’ll find all the amenities you need when you arrive at the cruise terminal. The terminal has a waiting area, restrooms, currency exchange, and a few shops.

Cruise terminal in Civitavecchia to Rome

By Cruise line excursion

Every cruise line offers several excursions from the port to Rome. You can pick a simple transfer to downtown or a fully guided tour.

By Private tour

Several private tour companies offer tours to downtown Rome. Again these tours can be a simple transfer to downtown or a more all inclusive guided tour of the city.

By Train

The cheapest and most recommended way to get there is by train. Trains leave the Civitavecchia station about every half hour, and the ride takes approximately an hour and a half.

To get from the cruise terminal to the train station, follow the signs at the port or ask a cruise employee for directions. Tickets cost €10 to €20 and can be purchased at a ticket window or automated machine in the station. 

By Bus

Another cheap option is to take a bus. Buses frequently run between the cruise terminal and Rome’s central train station, Termini Station. The journey takes about 2 or 3 hours, depending on traffic. Tickets cost €5 to €15 and can be purchased at the bus stop or on the bus itself.

By Taxi

If you’d prefer a bit more comfort or don’t want to worry about purchasing tickets, taxis are a great option. It is also the fastest option to reach Rome central. Taxis can be found at the taxi stand near the exit of the cruise terminal. The ride to Rome should take about 1 hour, and it will cost around €150.00-€180.00.

By car

Renting a car is not the most recommended way to reach downtown Rome. Driving in Rome can be challenging due to the heavy traffic, the narrow streets, the lack of parking, and many areas of the city center are pedestrian only.

Best time to visit Rome

There are many benefits to cruising to Rome. The best time to visit Rome via cruise is during the spring or fall. These times offer mild temperatures and fewer tourist crowds. A cruise vacation allows you to visit several destinations without unpacking and to pack your bags multiple times. Plus, you’ll have all your meals and entertainment taken care of for you!

Rome is a city that is always alive with something going on. There are always festivals or events, no matter what time you visit. However, the experience of going to all the city’s sites is sometimes better than others.

Fall is a great time to visit Rome because temperatures are milder, and there are fewer tourists.

Tips for visiting Rome From A Cruise

Suit cases full of passengers clothing

When you visit Rome on a cruise, you can do a few things to make the experience unique. The best thing about Rome is that it is an ancient city with endless history and culture to explore. Here are some tips to ensure your experience will be unique:

1. Make sure to visit the famous landmarks in Rome such as Colosseum and Vatican City. The Colosseum is a landmark that stands out in Rome, and Vatican City is home to some of the very famous religious sites in the world. The Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain are all must-sees.

2. Be sure to walk around the city and take in all the sights and sounds. The town is a charming location with lots of character, so taking time to wander the streets is recommended. 

3. Sample as much of the delicious Italian food as you can. From pizza to pasta to gelato, there’s something for everyone to love in Italian cuisine.

4. Climb up to the top of St Peter’s Basilica for stunning views of Rome.

Precautions

When planning a trip to Rome, tourists should remember a few things.

First and foremost, Rome is extremely ancient, and walking around can be tiring. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Many of the city’s tourist attractions are close, so walking from one site to the next is easy. However, this also means that streets can be pretty crowded. Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season if possible.

Another thing to watch out for is pickpockets. Rome is notorious for them, so keeping your belongings safe and close by is essential.

Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera – Rome is a very photogenic city worldwide!

Things to take with you

When traveling, there are some essentials that you should never leave home without. Here is a list of some must-haves for your trip to Rome: 

First and foremost, be sure to pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so you’ll want something supporting your feet. Always bring a hat and sunscreen – it can get sweltering in Rome during summer. A water bottle is also a must, especially if you’re visiting in the summer. 

You’ll also want to bring along some spending money, as there are plenty of shops and restaurants in Rome where you can spend your money.

Rome is full of beautiful churches and historical sites, so a camera is a must-have. Finally, don’t forget your sense of adventure – Rome is waiting for you!

Conclusion

Several transportation options are available if you want to explore Rome during your cruise. The only questions are how much you want to spend and how do you want to get there.