Leaving next week for Rome for a few days prior to a Mediterranian cruise. Wondering what is the best cheapest way to get to the port dock the following week? Got the backpack, going to try the Rick Steves travel method (sans checked luggage!) this trip!
Any other tips welcome! :) Not my 1st trip (it is my husband's), I was there 25 years ago. Rick Steves book literally SAVED our trip!!
Train then walk or taxi to port
Cheapest is the train. Basically a commuter run -- 3 to 4 trains an hour taking 45 mins to 1hr 15mins depending on train and number of stops. The port entrance is roughly a mile, flat along the beach, walk. There is a bus that makes that loop and taxis but (no experience) I am guess they could be expensive for a run of about a mile. Once at the entrance there is an internal bus that will take you to the check-in terminal. It is easy to do and will take a couple of hours.
hey hey scubakitty727
best and cheapest doesn't always match what you're hoping for. you're in high summer season with many cruises arriving and departing from civitavecchia. how many ships will be at the port that day, how many on board could be 10,000 to 20,000 passengers, wanting to do the same thing as you. coming in from rome is about an hour half+ on a full train, where it drops you off as frank says with walking, how long are lines to get on shuttle, how important is waiting and stress for you, how many grumpy/pushy/impatient people are trying to get on ship. been there done that.
we were registered with cruisecritic.com , found roll call for our ship, posted who wanted to share taxi and within minutes had 4 of us to share coast, was fabulous. the taxi was 130E split 4 ways and was dropped off right at terminal platform.
the cost was not an issue since shared and spending $$$$ on cruise, airfare and rome stay made up for it.
i know many want cheap/budget/reasonable ways nowdays but things are expensive everywhere, we dealt with it and was happy with our decision. it's your option and pocket book, have a great cruise and enjoy.
aloha
Rather than using one of the commuter trains from Rome you could instead book on one of the faster long distance inter city trains which run every two hours or so.
A bit more expensive than the commuter trains but also less crowded. They don't work well coming off a ship due to timing issues, but work well to join the ship.
