Transport to Rome Airport from Civitavecchia

[jan56]

I've booked a Rome to Rome cruise on the Celebrity Solstice November 9-20. The schedule shows the ship arriving at 4:00 a.m. in Civitavecchia on November 20th.

I'd like to return home on November 20th at 10:30 a.m. (i.e. United 967 to Washington Dulles). Is that cutting it too close?

Also, I see that I could catch the train from Civitavecchia, but that might really be cutting it close. On the other hand, since it's Friday, maybe the traffic would be bad so the train would be a better bet? Are there any buses or vans that go to the airport? I'm not keen on having to hire a taxi since they are expensive.

Thanks for any and all advice!

[Rev22:17]

jan56,

Originally Posted by You

I've booked a Rome to Rome cruise on the Celebrity Solstice November 9-20. The schedule shows the ship arriving at 4:00 a.m. in Civitavecchia on November 20th.

I'd like to return home on November 20th at 10:30 a.m. (i.e. United 967 to Washington Dulles). Is that cutting it too close?

Also, I see that I could catch the train from Civitavecchia, but that might really be cutting it close. On the other hand, since it's Friday, maybe the traffic would be bad so the train would be a better bet? Are there any buses or vans that go to the airport? I'm not keen on having to hire a taxi since they are expensive.

Thanks for any and all advice!

Your most seamless option is to use Celebrity's transfer service. I understand that they do the transfers from Civitavecchia to Fumicino early enough to make the flights departing to the States, all of which seem to depart between 07:30 and 11:00.

Before booking your flight, have your travel agent call Celebrity and ask the earliest time for which Celebrity will confirm a transfer. I think that your 10:30 departure will be fine, but it's best to confirm that before booking the flight.

If you find that you cannot make your flight on disembarkation day, you might want to consider an overnight at the Crowne Plaza St. Peter's in Rome. If you book this through Celebrity, the transfer from the pier to the hotel is included. The hotel operates a complementary shuttle that arrives at the airport in time for the departures to the States each morning. When you factor in the cost of tranportation, the price of Celebrity's hotel package actually is quite reasonable.

Norm.

[Phil&Liz]

Romecabs.com seems to be very popular

http://www.goitaly.about.com/od/rome...itavecchia.htm has nice instructions on taking the train from the ship to Rome.

Train ticket can be purchase from the 'news stand' too. Be sure to get the "B.R.I.G" type of ticket (It was 9EU), which allow you to use the local transit as well. Take the slower train, which will stop at the Vantican, on stop before the Terminal.

Get taxi from the harbour to the train station and get the train from there to Rome.

Rome Express http://www.seatrain.biz/ that will take you to Roma San Pietro station near the Vatican.
Check the website to know more.

From Roma Termini to Civitavecchia
Take the regional train 2 class 4,50 Euro p.p. (no reservations)
Every few minutes a train leaves, average travel time 1.15h
See updated train schedules http://www.ftroute.com/IT_ROM_CIV.cfm

From Civitavecchia to Roma Termini
Take the regional train 2 class 4,50 Euro p.p. (no reservations)
Every few minutes a train leaves, average travel time 1.15h
See updated train schedules http://www.ftroute.com/IT_CIV_ROM.cfm

There is a real need for caution on the train from Civitavecchia to Rome, especially if you're dealing with luggage, but even if you're not.

Pickpockets consider this route a golden one, because of all the cruise ship passengers who are not used to travel in Europe. Do take the train, but do a little research to prepare yourself in advance. Know the potential risks.

http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/2008...train-station/

http://bobarno.com/thiefhunters/theft-thwarter-tips/

To start with, do not let anyone help you onto the train, or help you with your bags.

If you take the train from Rome to Civit, just remember to VALIDATE your tickets in the little yellow box BEFORE boarding. You will see them, they are everywhere. Just stick your ticket in, and remove it.

Was told that the train is a good option only if you are not trying to catch a flight immediately afterwards, and only if you pack really light.

Phil & Liz

[jan56]

Many thanks for the advice. It is greatly appreciated. I called Celebrity and the cost is $91 each for one-way bus to the airport. That's steep for a bus ride, but then the commercial services I saw are not that much less. Will probably take the bus, just for peace of mind. Thanks again.

[Rev22:17]

jan56,

Originally Posted by You

Many thanks for the advice. It is greatly appreciated. I called Celebrity and the cost is $91 each for one-way bus to the airport. That's steep for a bus ride, but then the commercial services I saw are not that much less. Will probably take the bus, just for peace of mind. Thanks again.

Bear in mind that Celebrity's motorcoach service includes transport of your luggage.

Also, note that the price largely reflects the present valuation of the Euro -- which, at $1.4239 as of this writing, is not much off of its historic high of about $1.59 attained just over a year ago.

Norm.