The Port of Civitavecchia is Italy’s main port for passenger and cruise traffic, as well as cargo movements. Moreover, it is also an important maritime hub at a global level, serving millions of passengers every year. So, are you one of them? Do you have an upcoming ferry journey departing from Rome Port? Here, you’ll find everything there is to know about the bustling Civitavecchia Port!
Port of Rome: One of the World’s Most Important Harbors
Bearing a long history, the Civitavecchia Port of Rome was constructed by Emperor Trajan around 106 AD. It was one of the most important harbors of its time, serving both commercial and military purposes. Civitavecchia Port has remained a crucial hub throughout the centuries and is still one of the busiest ports in the world today. Besides its importance in trade, it is the main Italian port in terms of ferry and cruise passenger flow. Additionally, Rome Cruise Port is the second most-occupied cruise terminal in Europe (after Barcelona). As a matter of fact, it handled more than 3.3 million passengers in 2023.
Civitavecchia Port is also known as Civitavecchia Port of Rome or simply Port or Rome. Despite its name, it isn’t to be found within Rome’s city limits. Indeed, the Port of Civitavecchia lies 87km/54 miles from the Italian capital, in the municipality of Rome, Lazio. It is the port of the city of Civitavecchia, nestled on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It features 1.900.000 square meters of docks and 26 wharves. Being a significant ferry and cruise hub as well as a key cargo port, it comes as no surprise that it is also part of Motorways of the Sea, the European Union’s initiative aiming towards the reinforcement of sea transfers between the member countries.
The Port of Civitavecchia is owned by the Ports of Rome Fiumicino-Civitavecchia-Gaeta and is managed by the Port System Authority of the North Central Tyrrhenian Sea. The authority’s headquarters are to be found within its premises.
Interesting Fact: Two yachts/marinas also serve Rome, the Marina of Rome (located in Ostia) and the Riva di Traiano (lying in Civitavecchia). What’s more, the Port of Fiumicino, a canal port, lies on the Tyrrhenian coast.
Civitavecchia Port Terminals
The Civitavecchia Port of Rome is divided into two zones. Hence, the southern part of the harbor is designated for ferry and cruise traffic, whereas the port’s north side is the commercial sector. Several terminals are scattered around the port’s zone; five terminals serve the cruise passengers’ needs, while ADM (Autostrade Del Mare or Highways of the Sea, in English) is the terminal dedicated to ferry services. Moreover, a cargo terminal is situated in the north part of Rome Port. Finally, the port features a breakwater and a lighthouse.
Parking at Rome Port
Travelers who arrive at Civitavecchia Port by car and are looking for a convenient parking option for their vehicles have two options on their hands. Verily, the Port of Rome boasts two parking lots, each catering to different needs and addressing different categories of passengers. Thus, the Nord Parking Lot serves the short-term and long-stay parking needs of ferry and cruise passengers. On the other hand, the Cruise Parking Lot is designated for MSC passengers. A free port shuttle links both car parks with the Civitavecchia port’s docks. Therefore, passengers can easily reach their departing gate once parking their car at one of the parking lots.
Civitavecchia Port’s Ferry Companies and Routes
The busy Civitavecchia Port of Rome is the main gateway from Italy to Sardinia. Linking the mainland to the Italian island, the harbor offers ferry routes to other destinations as well. Thus, ferries depart from the Port of Rome to Sicily and even Spain. Indeed, a ferry route connects central Italy to Barcelona. Even more impressively, Civitavecchia Port actually links two continents, with Tunis also among the ferry destinations available from Civitavecchia. A new ferry dock is expected to be added to the port’s complex so as to serve sea connections to Morocco and Egypt. Expectantly, all the major sea companies operating in the Italian shipping industry are present at the Port of Rome. Hence, a wide number of ferry companies offer sailings from Civitavecchia Port, with more frequent routes during the summer tourist season.
Transfer Options from Rome Civitavecchia Port
Taxi
Rome port taxis are the ideal transit option for passengers who value comfort during their rides. Available around the clock, they offer safe and pleasant journeys from and to the Port of Rome.
Bus
The COTRAL Buses are a cheap way to travel from Civitavecchia Port to Rome. However, they typically run once a day during the weekdays. Alternatively, various shuttle companies provide connections from or to Rome Port.
Train
Rome port train is a fast and fairly affordable way to travel from Civitavecchia Port. Trains run from Rome Port to the main train station in Rome (Termini), also calling at Roma San Pietro, Roma Trastevere, and Roma Ostiense on their way.
Things to Do in Civitavecchia Port
Fort Michelangelo
Standing proudly by the side of the sea, Fort Michelangelo was built back in 1535 to secure the area from the pirates. It is one of the most important monuments in Lazio, receiving its name from Michelangelo Buonarroti who is claimed to have built its impressive upper part (Maschio). A pedestrian walkway passes by the fort, allowing travelers who don’t wish to explore it fully to simply admire its beauty.
Old Town
If you want to feel the pulse of the city of Civitavecchia, you should pay a visit to its historic center. From the oldest city’s square (Piazza Leandra) with the magnificent medieval fountain and the imposing even though small Church of the Star to the local market -full of enticing smells and colors- and the bustling Ghetto of Civitavecchia, you’ll experience the medieval character of the city and enjoy every minute of your stroll.
Marina di Civitavecchia
Marina di Civitavecchia spreads over from Fort Michelangelo to Borgo Odescalchi, also covering the Viale Garibaldi and Pirgo areas. Apart from the magnificent seaside walks, the memorable culinary experiences at the seafront restaurants and the relaxing and joyful moments at the bars and cafes, the area of Marina also houses several events, offering something for every visitor.
Sites and Museums
The long city’s history is reflected in its numerous sites and museums. Thus, art lovers and history buffs typically love the Taurine Baths and the Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia, while the city’s various churches—the Cathedral, the Church of the Star (Chiesa della Stella), the Church of Saint Mary of the Prayer, and others—are all well worth a visit.
The Rome Port’s Entrances
There are several entrances to the Port of Rome. Some of them are designated exclusively for pedestrians, while others are accessible to pedestrian passengers and vehicles as well. In detail, the following entrances can be found around Civitavecchia Port:
- Vespucci Gate: Surveilled and open around the clock, it is the entrance designated for passenger vehicles and travelers with a valid entry ticket.
- Nord Gate: Surveilled and open from 06:00 am to midnight, the entrance can be used by passengers with a valid entry ticket. Moreover, vehicles that have to pass through customs control and transport goods are also allowed to use this entrance.
- Fortezza Gate: The gate is also surveilled. It is open 24/7 and can only be used by emergency vehicles. For pedestrians, the gate is open from midnight to 06:00 am (from October 15 to April 15) and from 02:00 am to 06:00 am at other times.
- Pedestrian Gates: Three more pedestrian gates are to be found in Porta Livorno, in Lungoporto Gramsci, and in Via del Lazzaretto/Largo della Pace.
Useful Info about Civitavecchia Rome Port
| Opening Hours: | Open 24 Hours a Day |
| Information Desks: | Largo della Pace Vespucci Gate ADM Terminal (Ferry Terminal) Close to Fortezza Gate (only during the peak tourist season) |
| Luggage Storage Areas (outside the port): | Seamenstop: Viale Garibaldi n.1 Bar Navy: Via Tarquinia 33 |
| Recommended Arrival Times: | 30 Min -1 Hour Before the Scheduled Departure Time of the Ferry (without a car) 1.5 – 2 Hours Before the Sailing (with a vehicle) |
| Contact Information: | Call Center: +39 0766 1916720 FAX: +39 0766 366565 Email: [email protected] |
FAQs
What is the main port in Rome?
The main port in Rome is the Civitavecchia Port, located in Lazio, 87km/54 miles from the Italian capital. In fact, the harbor is also known as Civitavecchia Rome Port or Port of Rome.