Ah, Rome! A city where the whispers of the past meet the vibrant hum of the present. Whether you've been gallivanting among the ruins, savoring the zest of a perfect carbonara, or basking in the Mediterranean sun, the Eternal City leaves you with memories as rich and lasting as its thousand-year-old history. But alas, all good things must come to an end, or perhaps, just transition into the next adventure. If you're on this page, chances are, you're looking for the smoothest way to glide from your cruise port of Civitavecchia back to Fiumicino Airport (FCO), bidding "Arrivederci!" to Rome with ease and style. Well, my fellow travel enthusiasts and Rome Italy visitors, you're in for a treat!
This blog will also cover more information about transportation in the area than you will ever need. If you need the reverse option from Rome's airport to Rome’s Cruise port Civitavecchia, or if you are in the city center of Rome and heading to the cruise port. There are so many options to choose for transportation.
Rome is a city that should not be missed, since you will be so close by. So, if you are starting with a few days in Rome before your cruise, or after this cruise. This blog will also be beneficial involving transportation.
FCO, the main airport of Rome, and the most popular for international travel, is Leonardo Da’ Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is the busiest airport in Italy and the 9th busiest in Europe. International flights and Italian flights fly into here and this is closer to the cruise port than any other. I will not even mention other airports in the area, because FCO is the way to go. Now onto the airport transfer information.
List of prices from FCO to Rome City Center transportation, or close by hotel.
Taxi $55 - $70 (it's about an hour drive)
Private driver $60 and hour (it's about an hour drive)
Bus to Termini $8
Train to Termini Station $10-$17
Depending on if you take the direct train which is around 30 minutes or one with a transfer which will take you closer to an hour. There are also some tickets that can go up to $23 per person depending on time of day. Termini Train Station is to the east of the city center, but not far at all. You can get anywhere from Termini. It is not the closest to main attractions, but still inside the ancient walls of Rome and the Aurelian Walls if you are a history buff. Right beside the train station area you might be able to still spot the old walls, in fact, the McDonalds in the area has part of the wall inside their establishment.
When using the train system in Rome including Termini station, watch out for pickpockets. This is also a good thing to keep in mind when using the local bus, or metro bus. I did not have a problem but have heard that pickpockets are common in high tourist areas in Rome, just like they are anywhere in the world.
The Voyage Distance: FCO to Rome Cruise Port Civitavecchia
First off, let's chart the course. Nestled by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Rome Cruise Port, officially known as Civitavecchia, this your gateway. If doing a round-trip cruise to this port or using it as the disembarkation point for your cruise. Distance is approximately 60 kilometers (around 37 miles), taking less than an hour, to see the Italian landscape unfolding before you. The road from Civitavecchia to Leonardo Da Vinci Airport is a path less taken, offering glimpses of Italy unseen by the usual city dweller.
The route from Civitavecchia cruise ship port to the city of Rome is slightly different, at 69 kilometers (43 miles) and taking around 55 minutes during normal traffic, but I have seen it take 1 hour and 15 minutes on busy days. Depending on if you are staying in City Centre, Trastevere, or the Termini area.
Shuttle Service or Bus Transportation from Rome Cruise Port to Airport.
Imagine hopping on a shuttle bus service, where every seat promises a window into the Italian way of life. These services are not just about getting you from point A to B; they're about comfort, convenience, and, yes, a bit of camaraderie with fellow travelers. Scheduled with precision around cruise arrivals, the shared shuttle service ensures that your transition from sea legs to air wings is as smooth as a well-aged Chianti.
Shared shuttles are one of the cheapest ways to get from Civitavecchia to FCO. Usually when you purchase with a 3rd party vendor like Viator it will be cheaper than buying the cruise transfer service from your cruise line. Royal Caribbean, NCL and basically all other cruise ships that use this port have transportation services in their shore excursion list.
Cruise Passengers can easily buy them from the cruise ship, but they will be more expensive than Viator. The option I suggest is $74.44 per person and will take you the same amount of time a taxi or private driver would take. This option will take you to FCO or Rome hotel. For the same price. This is the best way for mid-range prices to get to the town of Civitavecchia.
Taxi Transportation from Civitavecchia to FCO
Now, for those who dream of a Roman holiday with a dash of exclusivity, taxis offer a direct route to FCO. Picture yourself zipping through the countryside, with the freedom to muse over your latest adventure or plan the next one. While this option marries privacy with convenience, it's wise to remember that the meter runs faster than the Tiber's current, so be prepared for a pricier voyage. There are always plenty of taxis to choose from at the cruise port, or vice versa from FCO.
This will be the fastest way to get from Civitavecchia to Rome or FCO but will also be the one of the most expensive at $110 to $140. Personally, I am not fond of using taxi drivers for this. When I was in Rome, I tried a couple times and didn't enjoy my experience, especially if the drivers could not take a credit card. Now granted I did not try any hired taxi driving with the airport or cruise port, but in Rome itself it was just hit or miss with service.
What I did find in Rome, which I loved, was the FreeNow App, but Uber also works in Rome now if you are interested. Being able to see on your cell phone screen, where your driver is and how long you have to wait before arriving, plus it's attached to a credit card and that is easy.
Another thing I have to mention, which you might not think about, is child seats. If you are cruising remember you will need shield seats for travel in taxis or private cars. Some people do not think about this, so if you are traveling with young children, bring a car seat.
Private Driver from Civitavecchia to FCO
For the ultimate in luxury and ease, consider hiring a private car service. This isn't just transportation; it's an experience. Envision a seamless transition from the cruise port to the airport, with a personal touch. Your driver, more a guide than a chauffeur, might just share those hidden gems of Rome that you vow to visit next time. This service whispers elegance and promises a stress-free conclusion to your Italian escapade.
This is the most expensive way to get from either Rome or FCO to Civitavecchia cruise port. One thing I found which makes this easier and more cost effective is sharing with people on the same cruise as you. By joining Facebook Groups for your cruise, or using Roll Calls on Cruise Critic, you will start having conversations with people who may be looking at hiring private drivers too, and you all can save some money. This is what I did for my cruise in December, I split the private car transfer fee from Rome (near Termini) to the cruise port for the beginning of the cruise.
Prices can vary, depending on how many people are in your group, if leaving from FCO or Rome, or if it is a large van or SUV, or a sedan. I have attached a link below to Viator which will help you pick up your private driver, costing anywhere from $126 per person to $350 for a group of 4 people. (the more people you have the cheaper it will be) Personally I feel that this is the best option, one of the easiest ways, but definitely the most expensive option.
Train Transportation between Civitavecchia to FCO
And for the spirited soul who seeks adventure at every turn, the train from Civitavecchia to FCO is your chariot. This is where convenience meets the romance of rail travel. The rhythm of the tracks, the passing landscapes, the hushed anticipation of new journeys - it's all there, wrapped up in an efficient package that gets you to FCO, ready for your next adventure.
By far this is the best and cheapest option to get from Civitavecchia to FCO, but not the easiest. Costing anywhere between $8 and $10 you will have to get off the train at Maccarese-Fregene and walk a minute or 2 to transfer to a bus that runs every 20 minutes to take you to FCO.
You can also just do a transfer (train to train transfer) at Ponte Galeria for about $13. Both the options I have offered on this route will take you 1 hour and 13 minutes to 1 hour and 26 minutes.
You can buy direct train transport to Termini Station in Rome for anywhere between $13 to $26 (sometimes cheaper or more expensive depending on time, using a fast train, or where you sit on the train. Trains are for the cheapest transfer option. Peak commuter times may change the prices by a couple bucks also.
Remember though, the Civitavecchia station is not at the Civitavecchia port, you will need to take a taxi, shared shuttle ride, or walk the 20-25 minutes (I don't recommend walking). This is an industrial cruise port, not a scenic walk, and pulling luggage behind you is not a way to end your cruise vacation.
Conclusion
In the end, choose what fits best for you. If you are budget conscious, traveling with lots of people, a lot of luggage, or need for peace of mind without having to worry about train connections. The choice is yours and whatever transfer provider you choose will be fine.
Whether you choose the shared camaraderie of a shuttle, the exclusive whisper of a taxi, the refined elegance of a private driver, or the adventurous spirit of the train, your journey from the Rome Cruise Port to the airport is the final chapter in your Italian tale. And what a story it is! Full of laughter, discovery, and the promise of return.
Before you go, a final tip from one traveler to another: no matter your choice of transport, soak in every moment. The beauty of Italy isn't just in its past but in the present experiences and connections. Safe travels, my friends, and may your journeys always be filled with the joy of exploration and the warmth of Italian sunshine.
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