Cruise travellers docking at the port of Civitavecchia are on the rise (there were 2,427,000 passengers in 2018, making it the first port in our country), so Trenitalia, the main train operator in Italy, has decided to launch a new shuttle service to accommodate all of those wanting to visit Rome and make it back to their ship in time.

Dubbed “Civitavecchia Express“, like the Leonardo Express connecting the Leonardo Da Vinci airport at Fiumicino with the city of Rome, the train is tailored to the needs of cruise passengers: a non-stop service designed to accommodate visitors who are short on time but don’t want to miss the chance to see at least some of the most important Roman landmarks.

When does the Civitavecchia Express run?

The Civitavecchia Express will supplement the daily number of trains already available to Rome on the FL5 line, which connects the coast north of Rome with the Capital. Thinking of the timetable of cruises docking in the port in Civitavecchia, the C.E. trains will depart from the coastal town at 9.35AM or at 10.15AM, only calling at Roma San Pietro (within walking distance from Vatican) and at Roma Ostiense, where a connection to the B subway line will grant visitors access to such areas as the Circus Maximus, Colosseum and the Forum. Return to Civitavecchia will be at 3.37PM or 4.30PM.

Compared to other trains on the same line, the Civitavecchia Express will be 22 minutes faster, but it will be more expensive. A single fare ticket will cost 10 Euros, while a return trip will be 15 Euros. Kids under 4 will travel for free, as will accompanied minors under 12.

No extra fees will have to be paid for the passengers’ luggage, and as with the Leonardo Express, booking a ticket will automatically secure one’s seat on board – no standing around on train hallways because the seat you booked is taken!

It’s important to note that, as mentioned, the new Civitavecchia Express will be an extra service and cruise-goers will still be able to jump on any other trains to Rome (granted they have a valid ticket!).

How to get tickets to a Civitavecchia Express train

In addition to the traditional ticket office, the halls at the Civitavecchia train station now feature 6 self-service ticket machines. It’s also possible to buy tickets for the Civitavecchia Express (as well as for tickets for any other train operated by Trenitalia) through the official Trenitalia app, available for iOS and Android operating systems, which will allow users to buy and store electronic tickets on their mobile phone or tablet.