Train from Civitavecchia to Rome - question please

[TravelDancer]

Hi there, I did a search on these boards for Civitavecchia, but could not find this specific question....We are sailing in a few weeks on the Liberty of the Seas (Leaving on May 8) and stopping in Civitavecchia as a port of call. We are planning to take the train to Rome for the day. Can someone who has done this please share some insights regarding the actual train experience? For example, is the train station very crowded? Was it difficult to get tickets at the station (or seats)? Do we need to buy tickets in advance? I assume it is a 'local' type of train, but we were wondering if there is a bathroom on it? Any tips at all would be helpful -- and what about the return?

Thanks in advance!!!

[boogs]

We're thinking about the same thing. I suggest you read this thread on the Italy Port forum in the Europe Ports of call section:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1610552&highlight=train+from+civitavecchia+to+rome

[binkysmom]

I just did this a few days ago. It's pretty easy. Your cruiseline should provide a shuttle from the ship to the entrance of the pier (long port). Once you walk out of the gate into Civitavecchia proper we were approached by (legit) ticket sellers for the return ticket into Rome for 9 euros each (BIRG ticket).

 

The train station is a few blocks away with a black awning. Lots of fellow passengers are making the same trek so we just followed the crowd.

 

remember to validate your ticket before you get on the train. They have (usually) yellow boxes that you put the ticket into to stamp them with the date. Also write your name on the ticket - they ask for that on the ticket. Sit in the train car with a 2 on it as these are for second class seats - they aren't that different from the 1st class seats. I would recommend using the toilet at the station before getting on the train - they are usually cleaner.

 

We got off at the San Pietro Roma station to start at the Vatican and worked our way East and left Rome from Statione Termini - the main train station.

 

it's pretty easy, but leave yourself lots of time to get back and the train platform at Termini back to Civitavecchia is almost the last track to it can take extra time to get there.

[cruisemom42]

There is a ton of information on all of the Mediterranean ports of call on Cruise Critic -- here's a link to help you locate it:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=19

 

The trains to Rome from Civitavecchia are mostly regional trains (think more like a subway than an Amtrak train). They can sometimes get crowded during peak travel hours or if there are a lot of ships in port. On the regional trains, you do not need to purchase a ticket in advance, as there is no assigned seating. If the train is very crowded and you are not one of the first onboard, you may have to stand.

 

The station at Civitavecchia is not large, you shouldn't have any problem finding your way around it. You can buy your ticket there, or there is at least one shop on the way that sells the BIRG ticket (9 euro roundtrip ticket, also includes use of the metro/bus system in Rome for the day).

[cherylandtk]

There is a fantastic step-by-step guide complete with maps and photos, including the ticket purchase of the BIRG by an expat named Ron. His web addy is blocked here because he used to be tour guide as well, but his site says he no longer does that and he now lives in Copenhagen. Google Ron in Rome, then look for his Postings tab on the main page, first section that pops up is the Transportation posts, scroll down for the link to his Post titled 'Cruising from Civitavecchia to Rome and back'.

 

Everything you could want including a link to another post on how to budget your day and still see almost everything.

 

Starting from 5am, there are two regional trains per hour, the first is usually 1-5 minutes after the hour, the second is scheduled between 30-45 minutes after the hour. An additional one is at 6:20, (rush hour?). The first IC train is at 9:19, you cannot use the BIRG on the IC trains, only the regional ones.

[TravelDancer]

Thanks, everyone, for the quick responses. Very helpful!!!

[cruisemom42]

There is a fantastic step-by-step guide complete with maps and photos, including the ticket purchase of the BIRG by an expat named Ron. His web addy is blocked here because he used to be tour guide as well, but his site says he no longer does that and he now lives in Copenhagen.

 

Hmm, not sure about that. Someone posted just yesterday in the Italy boards recommending the tour they just took with him as guide....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=33345033&postcount=25

[cherylandtk]

Well, that is interesting, because his website says he now lives in Denmark and will do travel counseling, but the only links to tours are to third party providers. I wonder who that poster actually took a tour with??

[yellowbird23]

Another tip: When you get to whatever station you are returning to the port on, make sure to double-check what platform it leaves from. They changed ours at the last minute and we had to run to catch it like chickens with their heads cut off. I love Rome!!

[t60]

Hmm, not sure about that. Someone posted just yesterday in the Italy boards recommending the tour they just took with him as guide....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=33345033&postcount=25

 

Can´t get this link to work

 

Sandy in Spain

[cherylandtk]

The recommendation post was removed by the moderators.