Making the 8:41 train from Civitavecchia to Rome

[euro cruiser]

Getting on to the train was not difficult. We didn't get off at St Peters which is the first station. That could be a mistake for some as the train then takes ages before it gets to the Termini station. Ostiense did not seem quite the right location for us. We wanted the underground and although the underground station is a Termini the walk just went on and on.

 

We were heading off for the St Giovanni in Lateran and the Scala Santa. We would have been better off walking out in the open air seeing the sights of Rome.

I know I can be a bit of a broken record on this topic, but as in this case, for most cruisers visiting Rome for a day there is no need to go through Termini station. It takes a lot of extra time that you really can't afford on a short port day.

[thomasshawn]

We id this Oct 2009. I was also most worried about this port/train combo. we were in the first wave off the ship we didn't run, but we walked very fast straight to the train station. (someone posted a great series of photos from ship to train station it was awesome)

 

then 2 things.

 

1. everyone will be waiting at the line to buy tickets from the official line but if you look to the left there is a newspaper stand (looks like a small convenience store) with almost NOBODY in the store. buy your tickets there.

 

2. for us the train was on the opposite track, we had to go DOWN the stairs and UNDER the platform to the other side. we waited so long in the main ticket line before we bought the tickets at the store we had to sprint to make it but we made the first train out and it was great, fast and we got to Rome way ahead of several people that left the ship at the same time we did.

[italiacruiser7]

It's really not that big of a deal if you miss the 8:41 train. There's another train at 9:32 which will have you in Rome in an hour (depending on which stop you get off at).

 

If you drive into Rome at this time anyway you'd be bound to hit traffic so it would be kind of nice to get a coffee in this small town of Civitavecchia for a little bit if you miss the first train : )

[CTCruisers]

On our return trip, we caught the train at the St. Peter's station. The train was packed, so we had to stand for most of the ride. My wife almost passed out due to the heat.

 

You probably have a better chance of a seat if you catch the train at Termini.

[pete_coach]

I agree with catching the train at Termini and, if you plan your day right, you can end it near there and relax on the train back to Civitavecchia.

One thing not mentioned in this thread is that depending where you dock in Civitavecchia port, you may or may not have to shuttle to the port entrance and that can be a bit of a delay. It can be quite a distance from where your ship is docked to the port entrannce and from there, it is a 20 minute (again, your speed may vary slightly) walk to the train station and then whatever time it takes to get a ticket etc etc.

Can it be done in 41 minutes? If everything goes right, yes.

[kimberley]

Can you use the Birg ticket to get to the airport? Thanks Kimberley

[euro cruiser]

Can you use the Birg ticket to get to the airport? Thanks Kimberley

No, the FR1 train line, which goes to the airport, is specifically excluded from the BIRG ticket.

 

From the rome public transit website (http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?p=14):

Where can I use it?

 

On public transport within Rome:

- on buses, trams, trolleybuses and Cotral coaches

- on the metro lines A and B

- on Met.Ro regional trains: Rome-Lido, Rome-Viterbo, Rome-Pantano

- on Trenitalia regional trains (travelling second class)

[scoochy12]

Great information here - thanks to all those who have replied.

 

I have a few other questions:

 

1. Do the trains not have a/c?

2. Does the 1st class train cabin with reserved seating have a/c?

3. Does anyone know the price difference between 1st class and standard tix? is this worth to do?

4. Where should we get train (what station) back to port? Meaning where is the best station / best bet to get a seat on the way back to port / less crowds?

5. What time should we head to train station to be back if ship leaves at 7pm? I was thinking by 4 to 4:30 pm?

 

Thanks in advance to all!!!!

[kimberley]

No, the FR1 train line, which goes to the airport, is specifically excluded from the BIRG ticket.

 

From the rome public transit website (http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?p=14):

Where can I use it?

 

On public transport within Rome:

- on buses, trams, trolleybuses and Cotral coaches

- on the metro lines A and B

- on Met.Ro regional trains: Rome-Lido, Rome-Viterbo, Rome-Pantano

- on Trenitalia regional trains (travelling second class)

 

What ticket would you recommend for us. We will be going into Rome before our evening flight from FCO. Thanks Kimberley

[CTCruisers]

Great information here - thanks to all those who have replied.

 

I have a few other questions:

 

1. Do the trains not have a/c?

2. Does the 1st class train cabin with reserved seating have a/c?

3. Does anyone know the price difference between 1st class and standard tix? is this worth to do?

4. Where should we get train (what station) back to port? Meaning where is the best station / best bet to get a seat on the way back to port / less crowds?

5. What time should we head to train station to be back if ship leaves at 7pm? I was thinking by 4 to 4:30 pm?

 

Thanks in advance to all!!!!

 

We caught the 5:00 pm train at the St. Peter's station and arrived at Civitavecchia at 6:00 pm.

 

That is prime commuter time with the locals going home and explained why it was packed with SRO. It was October, so even if they had air conditioning, the fact that everyone was standing shoulder to shoulder and wearing heavy coats, the body temperatures made the compartments unbearable.

 

I think the best chance for a seat is to get the train at Termini and to catch one by 4:00 pm at the latest.

 

It is a short ride, so I do not think it is worth it looking for a train with first class cars.

[euro cruiser]

What ticket would you recommend for us. We will be going into Rome before our evening flight from FCO.

 

The BIRG ticket is half a Euro more than buying a regular train ticket and a one day Rome metro pass, but it might be worth the extra cents to get it done with one purchase. You probably wouldn't be able to buy the one day Rome metro pass (called a BIG) in Civitavecchia, so you'd need to stop and get that once you are in Rome.

 

Here are your options:

 

24 hour, 5-zone BIRG (regional train from Civitavecchia to Rome, plus all transit in Rome for the day) = 9 Euro

 

One way regional train ticket, Civitavecchia to Rome (second class) = 4,50 Euro

 

24 hour Rome transit ticket (called a BIG) = 4 Euro

 

Leonardo Express train (Rome Termini to FCO airport) = 14 Euro

[euro cruiser]

1. Do the trains not have a/c??

Yes, they do, but ... crowds, as the previous poster says, can nullify its impact. So can people who insist on opening the windows. Also, even in the best of situations, European AC isn't what Americans are accustomed to, they don't expect the low temperatures that we do.

 

2. Does the 1st class train cabin with reserved seating have a/c??

Yes, but see above.

 

3. Does anyone know the price difference between 1st class and standard tix? is this worth to do??

Regional Train: Second class = Euro 4,50. First class = Euro 7,00

 

Frecciabianca ES City Train: Second Class = Euro 13,00. First class = Euro 18,00

 

4. Where should we get train (what station) back to port? Meaning where is the best station / best bet to get a seat on the way back to port / less crowds??

Rome Termini is the first stop and therefore your best shot at a seat. However, it's really not close to the sites so you'll use up some of your time getting to Termini.

 

5. What time should we head to train station to be back if ship leaves at 7pm? I was thinking by 4 to 4:30 pm?

This depends on your tolerance for risk and your willingness/ability to walk quickly/jog the half mile from the train station to the port entrance. Most cruise lines want you back thirty minutes prior to departure; therefore, in your case, 6:30 PM. Allowing time for the walk and the shuttle bus from the port entrance to your ship, the last realistic time you could arrive at Civitavecchia is probably 6 PM.

 

Monday - Saturday, the last few trains leave Termini and arrive at Civitavecchia as follows:

 

3:39 (T) - 4:57 ©

 

3:46 (T) - 4:35 © This is an IC train, BIRG ticket not eligible

 

4:09 (T) - 5:15 ©

 

4:39 (T) - 5:57 ©

 

5:09 (T) - 6:15 ©

[letsgo39]

OMG. The last train leaves that early in June?

 

We are in port till 10:00 PM but we will have to be back at 6:15? Are there any other options? I hate to lose all that time in Rome.

[euro cruiser]

OMG. The last train leaves that early in June?

 

We are in port till 10:00 PM but we will have to be back at 6:15? Are there any other options? I hate to lose all that time in Rome.

No, of course there are later trains. I was answering a question that had an earlier departure time.

 

There is an IC train from Rome at 6:07 PM, arriving in Civitavecchia at 6:48 PM (BIRG ticket is not good on this train)

 

After that, there are several regional trains and another IC:

 

6:16 ® - 7:17 ©

 

6:28 ® - 7:45 ©

 

6:39 ® - 7:57 ©

 

7:09 ® - 8:17 ©

 

7:39 ® - 8:57 ©

 

7:46 ® - 8:35 © IC Train - BIRG ticket not valid

 

8:09 ® - 9:13 ©

[DjVyrus69]

So for my 10pm departure I'm shooting for that 7:39 train the latest but realistically gonna have to go for the 7:09 one.

[euro cruiser]

So for my 10pm departure I'm shooting for that 7:39 train the latest but realistically gonna have to go for the 7:09 one.

 

I would call that an extremely safe approach. I'm more of a risk taker, I'd shoot for the 7:39 and use the later train as my fall back option.

 

Actually, if I'm being honest, I'd shoot for the later train as long as the next port of call is in Italy. I wouldn't recommend that for anyone else, however.

[JETninja]

Great thread with lots of useful info. I think we'd like to take the train for the views over a van or something, and the cost is good.

[DjVyrus69]

Well I mean you always have to account for the possibility of delays. If I were to take the later train and all of a sudden the trains are delayed for whatever reason...there I am getting a hotel room in Rome and then a train to Naples either that evening or the next morning....more than likely the next morning since staying in Naples isn't the most ideal of locations.

[euro cruiser]

Well I mean you always have to account for the possibility of delays. If I were to take the later train and all of a sudden the trains are delayed for whatever reason...there I am getting a hotel room in Rome and then a train to Naples either that evening or the next morning....more than likely the next morning since staying in Naples isn't the most ideal of locations.

Yes, well that's why I said I wouldn't suggest it for anyone else, even if I'm willing to take the risk myself.

[letsgo39]

No, of course there are later trains. I was answering a question that had an earlier departure time.

 

There is an IC train from Rome at 6:07 PM, arriving in Civitavecchia at 6:48 PM (BIRG ticket is not good on this train)

 

After that, there are several regional trains and another IC:

 

6:16 ® - 7:17 ©

 

6:28 ® - 7:45 ©

 

6:39 ® - 7:57 ©

 

7:09 ® - 8:17 ©

 

7:39 ® - 8:57 ©

 

7:46 ® - 8:35 © IC Train - BIRG ticket not valid

 

8:09 ® - 9:13 ©

 

 

Thank you so much,You had me worried.I was about to make a hotel reservation in Rome for the night!! I would be OK if I missed the train though as this will be our 8th trip to Europe. You are a fantastic resource,thank you so much. Do you by chance have a link to the train schedule that I can print out? We will be in Rome June 14,2011.

[euro cruiser]

The Italian train web site is here: http://www.trenitalia.com/

 

There are some English language pages, enough that you can find the schedules you need.

[wcook]

Do you by chance have a link to the train schedule that I can print out? We will be in Rome June 14,2011.

Keep in mind train schedules can and do change. Always check back just before you leave.

[Almagetty]

This is a really great thread! Thanks for all the information!

[dijid]

How realistic (or not) is it to think that a family without priority disembarkation (ie not paying the big bucks for a suite) will make it off our NCL cruise ship with an 8:00 disembarkation time and make it on the 8:41 train to Rome?

 

We are able-bodied fast walkers. We will purchase BIRG tix along the way. And to the best of my knowledge, we are the only ship in port that day.

 

If it doesn't look good for the 8:41, is the 8:59 a sure thing? Because if it isn't, it's 9:41 until the next regional train and that's a precious hour I don't want to lose!

 

Please give it to me straight!

 

I am happy to report that we made the 7:59am train to Rome! When we got our Freestyle Daily the night before docking, we noticed it said 7:30am docking instead of 8:00. We were ready to go and by the door by 7:30 and they let us off when they were escorting all the tours off. We had to wait a while for the port bus to fill up (not many people knew they could get off this early). After walking quickly to the train station, purchasing BIRG tix at the newstand, we looked at the board and saw that it was 7:58, but the 7:59 train was 5 minutes late, so we ran to the correct track and made it with a few minutes to spare.

 

It was a good start to a really good day. We started at Palantine Hill for a brief stop (mostly just to use the bathroom), followed by Forum & Colosseum. (We loved walking past the long line at the Colosseum as we'd already bought our combo tix.) Walked to the Pantheon. Had a sit down lunch of yummy pizza and Italian wines. Strolled around Piazza Navonna, threw our coins in the Trevi Fountain and saw the Spanish Steps (no musicians that day, surprisingly). Got some delicious Gelatto before entering Vatican City and touring St. Peter's Basilica. Got back to Civitavecchia in time to have more Gelatto and make an attempt to use McDonald's Wifi. (Note - they text you a password). Total cost for the whole day for our family of 5 was less than the cost of one person on an NCL excursion.

[moakes]

I am happy to report that we made the 7:59am train to Rome! When we got our Freestyle Daily the night before docking, we noticed it said 7:30am docking instead of 8:00. We were ready to go and by the door by 7:30 and they let us off when they were escorting all the tours off. We had to wait a while for the port bus to fill up (not many people knew they could get off this early). After walking quickly to the train station, purchasing BIRG tix at the newstand, we looked at the board and saw that it was 7:58, but the 7:59 train was 5 minutes late, so we ran to the correct track and made it with a few minutes to spare.

 

It was a good start to a really good day. We started at Palantine Hill for a brief stop (mostly just to use the bathroom), followed by Forum & Colosseum. (We loved walking past the long line at the Colosseum as we'd already bought our combo tix.) Walked to the Pantheon. Had a sit down lunch of yummy pizza and Italian wines. Strolled around Piazza Navonna, threw our coins in the Trevi Fountain and saw the Spanish Steps (no musicians that day, surprisingly). Got some delicious Gelatto before entering Vatican City and touring St. Peter's Basilica. Got back to Civitavecchia in time to have more Gelatto and make an attempt to use McDonald's Wifi. (Note - they text you a password). Total cost for the whole day for our family of 5 was less than the cost of one person on an NCL excursion.

 

Glad to hear that! We are hoping to do a very similar day in July. A few questions:

 

Do you take the train all the way to Termini or did you get off at an earlier stop?

What train station did you use to leave Rome?

Did you buy your combo tix for the Forum/Colloseum at the Palatine Hill or somewhere else?

Did you go into the Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel or just the basilica?

What time did you have to return to the ship?

Was the train crowded?

 

Thanks