Civitavecchia is the main cruise port for Rome. Many cruise travelers embark and disembark in Civitavecchia during their Mediterranean cruises. The port is about 50 miles (ca. 80 km) northwest of Rome. This makes Rome easily accessible as a pre- or post-cruise destination. However, the distance between Civitavecchia and Rome does present some logistical challenges, especially when it comes to luggage.
Travelers going between Civitavecchia and Rome have several public transport options like trains, buses, taxis, and shuttles. However, most of these do not easily accommodate luggage. Dragging suitcases on crowded trains or buses can be difficult. Storing them in small taxi trunks or private shuttle is problematic. This is why luggage-free travel between the port and city is so important.
The ideal solution allows cruise travelers to deliver their bags securely to their accommodation or Fiumicino airport, while they explore Rome hands-free. Then they can reunite with their luggage at the end of their day and/or experience. This guide will outline the best transport options between Civitavecchia and Rome for luggage-free travel. We will cover every kind of transport from trains and taxis to ridesharing. With the right information, travelers can seamlessly get between the cruise port and historic city.
1. Train
Taking the train is one of the most popular and convenient ways to travel between Civitavecchia and Rome. Approximately every 20 minutes pass a train to Rome and the journey takes between 40 minutes, if you get-off at the San Pietro Station which is 10 minutes walk away of San Pietro, and 50 minutes, if you get-off at Termini Central Station.
The main train operator for this route is Trenitalia. The Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca high-speed trains are usually the fastest connections in case you need to arrive at Termini Central Station, 47 minutes, but not if you need to get-off the previous train stations: S. Peter station, Trastevere, Ostiense. In the ladder option is better to take the regional train: S. Peter 40 minutes, Trastevere 45 minutes, Ostiense 50 minutes.
All trains arrive at Rome’s main Termini station, which is well-connected to the city’s metro system. Tickets can be purchased at the station, online, or through the Trenitalia app. In case of high-speed train Frecciabianca, first class tickets cost around €15-25 each way, while second class tickets are €10-15. In case of regional train, the ticket costs € 4,5.
Luggage limits: will be posted soon.
With GoHandsFree’s luggage transport service from Civitavecchia to Rome, allows you to deliver and safely store bags while exploring the city. This makes the train a convenient option for luggage-free travel between the two cities.
Station | Train type stops | Minutes | Metro or Tram connection | Price | Luggage limits | Closest GoHandsFree Partner | Closest attraction |
St. Peter (San Pietro) | Regional | 40 | No | € 4,5 | Yes | Rome Boat | Saint Peter |
Trastevere | Regional | 45 | Tram | € 4,5 | Yes | Osterial Il Grappolo d’Oro | Trastevere |
Ostiense | Regional | 50 | Metro & Tram | € 4,5 | Yes | Eataly | Pyramid of Cestius |
Termini Centeal St. |
High-Speed & Regional |
47 & 65 |
Metro & Tram |
€ 12,5 & € 4,5 |
Yes | Personal shopper | Bath of Diocletian |
2. Bus
Buses offer a low-cost transport option between Civitavecchia and Rome. The main bus companies operating direct routes between the two cities are Cotral and Rome Bus Shuttle.
Cotral is the regional public bus company. They operate regular bus routes from Civitavecchia bus station to Rome’s Cornelia metro station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, up to 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic. Practically it will take, Cotral allows you to bring onboard 1 suitcase or bag up to 50x30x25cm. There is storage space underneath the bus for luggage, and you can put there only if you get-off at the final station and if it is not already full. The problem here is that at the arrival at Cornelia you will still have the pain of your luggage. Price is €3,9 per person.
Rome Bus Shuttle is a private company providing direct shuttle buses between Civitavecchia harbor and Rome. Arrival can be at Via Crescenzio, Prati district, around 1 hour and 15 minutes without traffic, or Piazza Indipendenza (Termini Station), around 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic. The above journey is theory, practically the journey takes: Via Crescenzio 1 hour and 40 minutes, Piazza Indipendenza 2 hours. Price is €15 per person. Also, here the limit of the suitcase depends on the company and limited to the space underneath the bus.
In case you choose for the bus transport, GoHandsFree gives you a big help in travelling without any risk cannot take the bus due to dimension limits or space limits.
Company |
Stops | Minutes | Metro or Tram connection | Price | Luggage limits | Closest GoHandsFree Partner | Closest attraction |
Cotral | Cornelia Place | 100 | Metro | € 3,9 | 1 free, 50x30x25 | None | Saint Peter |
Rome Bus Shuttle | Crescenzio Street | 110 | No | € 15 | 1 free without size limit | Rome Boat | Shopping street |
Rome Bus Shuttle | Indipendenza Place | 130 | Metro & Tram | € 15 | 1 free without size limit | Personal shopper | Bath of Diocletian |
3. Ridesharing
Ridesharing services can be a convenient way to travel between Civitavecchia and Rome without luggage. However, their policies on luggage vary.
Vehicles can accommodate luggage but only XL’s specifically. The base fare starts around €25-30 each way, more depending on surge pricing.
The major downside to rideshares is that the driver may cancel upon seeing you with luggage. There is no guarantee you will get a ride. This uncertainty makes rideshares risky for those with luggage looking to get between Civitavecchia and Rome.
You also cannot leave luggage in the vehicle while going into destinations. The driver will expect you to take all belongings at drop off.
Overall, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are not the most reliable option for luggage-free travel between these cities. The policies are vague, vehicle sizes inconsistent, and potential for cancellation high. Other services may be better suited for travelers with bags and suitcases.
4. Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive transport solution from and to Civitavecchia. Taxi offer is an easy way to travel between Civitavecchia and Rome but the burden of the luggage remain. When arriving by cruise ship, there is a designated taxi stand at the port where travelers can easily find taxis to take them into Rome. Taxis are plentiful at the port, so wait times are usually minimal.
Taxi drivers will assist with loading bags into the trunk at the start of the ride. Upon arrival in Rome, the luggage burden comes back. In case of arrival before the check-in time is accentuated.
In case of hotels, guests can try to ask to leave the luggage at their storage room, but also here the risk of not availability is very high. In case of an accommodation not located in the city center, travellers will need to take an additional public transport or taxi.
Finally, taxi, together with the ride-sharing and chauffer, are the most polluting solutions.
5. Shuttles
Shared and private shuttle services are another options for getting between Civitavecchia and Rome. Most shuttle services will pick you up right at the cruise port, or port shuttle bus parking, and take you directly to your hotel or destination in Rome.
You can choose two types of shuttle bus:
– Shared Shuttles: These are mini-buses that make stops at various hotels in Rome. You’ll share the ride with other travelers. Shared shuttles are usually costs around €25 per person one-way.
– Private Shuttles: You can also book a private shuttle that is just for your party. The shuttle will take you directly to your hotel without stops. Private shuttles are more expensive, typically €150 – 190 for the vehicle one-way.
The big issue with the shuttles is that most allows you to store your luggage right on the shuttle, but you will have store limits. Also when arriving in Rome, if you can not check-in the issue with the bags remains.
Be sure to compare different shuttle companies and book in advance online. Look for companies with good reviews and clear luggage policies. Some may restrict the number of bags or charge for extra/oversized items. So read the fine print before booking. But overall, shuttles can be a seamless way to get to Rome without your bags.
Conclusion
For cruise travelers arriving in Civitavecchia and heading to Rome, there are several convenient transport options that allow you to avoid lugging heavy bags around the city.
The fastest and most comfortable options are the trains, which takes less of 1 hour without possible traffic problem which is very common in Rome.
Private car service like a taxi or shuttle, or public bus, which should take 1-2 hours depending on traffic, are the most expensive.
Ridesharing services like Uber can also be a good option, with prices and times similar to taxis. Just be aware there may be limited availability.
Overall, opt for the train or a private car service if your priority is time and convenience. Or use a luggage shipping service if you want to go bag-free. Just avoid the public bus if you have a limited port stopover. With the right option, you can maximize your time in Rome without having to worry about your luggage.