Civitavecchia, Italy: A Traveler's Planning Guide

Civitavecchia, Italy is a key Roman port that brings travelers and cargo from cruise ships and ferries into the country from all over the Mediterranean Sea.

You’re probably wondering if Civitavecchia, Italy is anything more than a “pass-through” city on your way to bigger and better things in Rome, Naples or Florence. Well, we recently spent some time in Civitavecchia and we’re here to give you all the details you’ll need to know if this city should be a part of your itinerary.

What Is Civitavecchia, Italy And Why It Matters

The city of Civitavecchia lies approximately 80 KM northwest of Rome on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is an important port today as well as having roots dating back to the Etruscan times. It is the main port of Rome for ferries and cruise ships, it has a lively fishing community, a Coast Guard station and a couple recreational marinas.

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Reaching Civitavecchia is easy by commuter rail, bus or cab. The train cost is €4.60 each way on a regional train which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, but can bounce up to €16.00 for a high-speed option (Freccia). However, the high-speed train only saves about 10 minutes to Rome, so the regional is a better deal. Currently, the train station is under construction, but there are workarounds in place for the ticket booth, snack bar and bathrooms.

Most cruise ship passengers arriving into port would probably have their transportation planned through the ship, and this is probably the best way to get into Rome. You have other options, like a cab or train, but you should check if transportation is already included in your cruise.

The history of Civitavecchia goes as far back as the Roman empire. Emperor Trajan enlarged the harbor in the 2nd century and because of this, you are greeted with a statue of Trajan as you enter the area for cruise ships.

Civitavecchia Italy - Forte Michelangelo

If You Have A Few Hours In Civitavecchia, Italy

The city of Civitavecchia has a relaxed ambiance that is inviting and beautiful. It is a walkable city along the coast with attractions (Ferris Wheel), restaurants and bars that will provide enough entertainment for a couple of hours. If that isn’t enough, there are a couple additional sites you might be interested in:

Forte Michelangelo – Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the fort was initially designed to protect the strategic Port of Civitavecchia from pirate incursions. Today, the fort is primarily a military installation. Visitors can visit the inner square of the fort, but only during specific hours on the weekend. Admission is free, but there is a cost for a guide.
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Civitavecchia – The museum was set up in the 1970s and houses exhibits from the former civic museum. The main historical and archaeological evidence from the town that Emperor Trajan founded as a port of Rome is on display. The cost is €3.00 for the full access ticket.

Civitavecchia Italy - Coast Guard Station

Where To Find Civitavecchia, Italy

As mentioned, the city of Civitavecchia lies approximately 80 KM northwest of Rome on the Tyrrhenian Sea. To help plan your arrival, here is a map of the surrounding area:

Planning Your Trip To Rome

If you are on a cruise ship, you probably already have a well planned itinerary for your time in Rome. If not, let us help you build a 3-Day Rome itinerary that will see all the sites in Rome, but at a pace that allows for maximum enjoyment: Click here to download it free.

Other Places Outside Of Rome

If you are comfortable with traveling to Civitavecchia, Italy, there are many other locations around Rome that might interest you as well. Check out these recommendations for day trips: