natjgc

My husband and i are going on a RC cruise July 16 and Rome is one of our Ports of call.
We want to take one of the Royal Caribbean excursions that are " on your own" but we are confused as to whether to take the motor coach or the private train into the city.
What is the difference? These excursions are basically just transportation into the city both ways with no tour offered while we are in Rome.. Bus or train? Which is better...

Another question: The train drops us off at St Peter's station. Where is that?

deedeedee

Is this your first time in Rome ? If it is, and you only have one day to see Rome, you should probably find a city tour to take.

suec1

Well esp. if you are planning to go to St. Peter's I opt for the train - bus would be much more impacted by possible bad traffic. There is also a Trenitalia option that is probably much cheaper but of course does take alot more maneuvering on your part.

natjgc

This is our second time in Rome amd we know what we want to see so i don't think we need a tour.Is St. Peter's train stop
by the Vatican? We thought of taking the city train but are worried that there could be a problem with it being delayed and we have to be back on the boat at 5:00( or they leave without us) so i think we would be safer with a RC tour.

Good point that there could be a traffic jam if we take the tour bus. Thanks for your input

rineurope

Royal Caribbean sponsors motor coach and/or "private trains" for transport into the city. They can be quite expensive. Folks also opt for private drivers. If you've been to Rome before and know how to get around the city, then the most economical way to go is by public train. If you purchase a B.I.R.G. ticket In Civitavecchia for only €9 you can ride into Rome, ride the buses and metro in the city, and then ride back out to Civitavecchia... Again - All for €9 a person. Certainly the least expensive way to go!

You might read these articles for more insight into cruising to/from Civitavecchia:

http://tinyurl.com/civitavecchia
http://tinyurl.com/rome-cruise
http://tinyurl.com/rome-civita

natjgc

rineurope

Thank you so much for your information and detailed websites.
It will be very helpful to us as we travel to and from Rome.
natjgc

ira

Hi Nat,

The train station is about 1 km from the entrance to the port.

You can plot your route at www.maps.google.com.

Be aware that not all taxis are allowed to take you to your ship.

suec1

"not all taxis are allowed to take you to your ship" - aren't there usually / always free buses at the port entrance that take you to the ship since it is a large, industrial port. Note: this is at the port entrance, NOT train station which is a fairly easy 15 minute walk to the port.

Dukey1

The train station in Civitavecchia is about a ten minute flat walk FROM THE PORT ENTRANCE...your RCCL ship could be docked some ways away from the entrance which would add time.

The trains into Rome are mostly regionals, do not require a seat reservation, and because they are "locals" make several stops along the way. The trip to San Pietro station which is within EASY walking distance of St. Peter's takes about an hour.

A bus which has been hired by RCCL would probably be faster since it would make no stops BUT it will also cost more than the train