Having recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise, I thought I’d share my experience of getting between Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Civitavecchia Cruise Port.
Like many first-time visitors, I researched every possible option before travelling. Private transfers looked convenient, but with four adults travelling together we were keen to keep costs down. In the end, we chose the regional train service and, honestly, I was pleasantly surprised.
Taking the Train from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia
Although it might not be the easiest option, it’s certainly not difficult and it’s significantly cheaper than private transfers or taxis.
When you exit the airport terminal, the train station is literally across the road and clearly signposted. Inside, you’ll find ticket machines that are very easy to use, with the option to switch the language to English. There are also staffed ticket kiosks if you prefer speaking to someone.
For four adults, our tickets cost €44 in total (around £38), which I thought was excellent value.
Finding the correct train was straightforward, and we boarded without any issues. One thing to bear in mind is luggage storage. Some trains have dedicated luggage areas, but not all do, so you may need to keep your suitcases beside you or on nearby seats if space allows.
The journey required a change at Roma Ostiense, which was also easy enough to navigate. We found our connecting platform quickly and boarded the next train to Civitavecchia.
The second train was much busier, with a mix of locals and tourists, but we still managed to find room for ourselves and our luggage. From airport to port, the total journey time was just over an hour, which wasn’t bad at all.
The Return Journey: Learn From My Mistake
While I would happily recommend the train journey to the port, my advice for the return trip is very different.
If you’re planning to use the train after your cruise, my strongest recommendation is to either:
- Disembark as early as possible and catch one of the first trains of the day, or
- Arrange alternative transport in advance.
We made the mistake of leaving the ship at around 9:00am along with hundreds of other passengers. Unfortunately, another large cruise ship was also in port that morning, and the train station simply couldn’t cope with the volume of people.
The station at Civitavecchia was absolute chaos.
To make matters worse, trains to the airport were effectively full until later in the afternoon, making that option impossible for us.
Beware of Last-Minute Taxi Prices
With trains no longer looking realistic, we checked local taxis and ride-hailing apps.
The quotes we received were eye-watering.
Several taxis wanted around €300 to take us directly to Fiumicino Airport, and prices on Uber were similarly expensive due to demand.
Instead, we decided to take a train to Roma Termini, Rome’s main railway station.
This cost us just €18.40 in total (around £16) and gave us more transport options. From Termini, we eventually found a taxi operating on Rome’s fixed airport fare, which cost €55 to Fiumicino Airport.
Compared to the €300 we had been quoted earlier in the day, this felt like a bargain.
My Final Recommendation
If budget isn’t a concern, arranging a private transfer is undoubtedly the easiest and least stressful option, particularly on the day your cruise ends. It removes the uncertainty and avoids the crowds that can descend on Civitavecchia when multiple ships are in port.
However, if you’re travelling on a budget, don’t dismiss the train.
The journey from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia is simple, affordable, and surprisingly efficient. Just make sure that on your return journey you get off the ship early and head straight for the station before the crowds arrive.
Quick Summary
✅ Best budget option: Regional train from Fiumicino Airport
✅ Cost for 4 adults: €44
✅ Journey time: Just over 1 hour
✅ Easy ticket machines with English language option
⚠️ Return day can be extremely busy
⚠️ Taxi prices can exceed €300 when demand is high
✅ For a stress-free return, consider booking a private transfer in advance
After all, saving money is great, but there’s nothing worse than ending a fantastic cruise worrying about how you’re going to get back to the airport.
