If your Mediterranean cruise stops at Civitavecchia, you’re in for a spectacular day trip to one of the most legendary cities in the world—Rome. With a little planning, you can easily take the train into the heart of the city, hop on the metro straight to the Colosseum, and enjoy a walking tour past some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks before heading back to your ship.
Getting from Civitavecchia Port to the Train
Once your ship docks, disembark and follow signs to the free port shuttle bus that takes you to the main entrance of the port area. From here, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to Civitavecchia train station—or you can hop on a local bus if you prefer to save your steps for Rome.
At the station, purchase a BIRG ticket (€12 per person in 2025). This all-in-one ticket covers:
- Your round-trip train ride between Civitavecchia and Rome
- Unlimited metro, tram, and bus rides in Rome for the day
Trains to Roma Termini run frequently, with the journey taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. We recommend taking an early train to maximize your time in the city.
From Termini to the Colosseum
Once you arrive at Roma Termini, follow the signs for Metro Line B. Hop on the train heading toward Laurentina and get off at Colosseo—it’s only two stops away, and the moment you step out of the station, the Colosseum will be right in front of you.(It was such a cool site to walk out of the station and the Colosseum be right in front of you)
Exploring the Colosseum
If you’ve pre-booked your Colosseum + Roman Forum ticket (highly recommended), you can skip the long ticket lines and head straight to security. Inside, you’ll be transported back nearly 2,000 years to the days of gladiators and roaring crowds. Take time to wander the tiers, gaze up at the remaining arches, and imagine the spectacles that once filled this arena. There was so much to see, try to get there early to avoid the long line through security and it gets really hot with not a lot of shade! I highly recommend getting your tickets in advance. Please make sure you use the official site. If you plan to get tickets day of be sure to have your passport with you!
Walking Tour Highlights
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=15hNMwckpwPcNU-fWLyKBNjrym_WaSPI&usp=sharing
After your Colosseum visit, your Rome walking tour can begin right outside the gates. We had a few places that we wanted to explore on our own I had created a walking tour.
Here’s a suggested route:
- Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – Just across the street from the Colosseum entrance, explore ancient temples, basilicas, and palaces where Rome’s political and social life once thrived.
- Piazza Venezia & Altare della Patria – Stroll up Via dei Fori Imperiali to this massive white marble monument dedicated to Italy’s first king.
- Trevi Fountain – Follow the winding streets to toss a coin over your shoulder into one of the most famous fountains in the world.
- Pantheon – A short walk away, this ancient temple boasts one of the most impressive domes ever built.
- Column of Marcus Aurelius – commemorates a Roman victory; the intricacies are stunning
- Piazza Navona – End your tour with Bernini’s fountains, lively street performers, and maybe a gelato.
Heading Back to the Ship
From Piazza Navona, you can catch a bus back to Termini or walk to a nearby metro stop. Make sure you leave at least 2 hours before your ship’s all-aboard time to account for train schedules and possible delays. Simply hop back on the regional train from Termini to Civitavecchia, and walk or bus from the station to the port entrance. Note for the train back to Civaitavecchia the platform these trains were on were a little confusing to get to
Tips for a Smooth Day
- Book Colosseum tickets in advance – Slots sell out weeks ahead.
- Wear comfortable shoes – Rome’s cobblestones are beautiful but uneven.
- Bring water and snacks – Especially in summer when the heat can be intense.
- Use Google Maps offline – Download the map for navigation without data.
