Think you’re sailing straight into Rome, Paris, or Bangkok? Not so fast. While cruise itineraries often promise world-famous cities, the reality is that many ships dock far outside the destination you think you’re visiting.
That “Rome” stop? You’re probably arriving in Civitavecchia—nearly 90 minutes away by train. And that dreamy day in Paris? It could begin with a three-hour bus ride from Le Havre before you even glimpse the Eiffel Tower.
In this article, I highlight major cities where the cruise port is a fair distance from the actual destination. You’ll also find how long it typically takes to reach the city, so you can plan your time ashore wisely.
Why Some Cruise Ports Are Far From the City They’re Named After
Cruise ships don’t always dock in the city that’s listed on your itinerary—especially when visiting major destinations like Rome, Paris, or Bangkok. Larger ships are often directed to secondary ports farther out due to size limitations, infrastructure constraints, or local regulations.
While your cruise documents usually mention the exact port (like Civitavecchia for Rome or Laem Chabang for Bangkok), the itinerary itself may still just say the city name, which can be a bit misleading.
The ports listed below are the ones most commonly used for each destination, especially for big cruise ships—but they’re not always the only ones. Smaller ships and luxury cruises may sometimes dock closer to the city center.
1. Civitavecchia (Italy) – For Rome
Don’t expect to step off the ship and see the Colosseum. Civitavecchia is about 43 miles (70 km) northwest of Rome, and it typically takes 75 to 90 minutes by train or car to reach the Eternal City.
While it’s a well-run port with frequent train service, timing is everything—especially if you’re planning a day packed with sightseeing.
Not every port is worth the hassle—if you’re wondering why some cruisers skip shore days entirely, check out this article.
2. Livorno (Italy) – For Florence and Pisa
Florence is roughly 56 miles (91 km) from Livorno, taking about 90 minutes by train or bus. Pisa is closer—only 25 km (15 miles) away and about a 30-45 minute journey.
While the port is functional, it’s mostly industrial and requires organized excursions or DIY planning to see either of these Tuscan gems.
3. Le Havre (France) – For Paris
Le Havre is 200 km (125 miles) from Paris, making it a 2.5 to 3-hour drive one way.
While Paris is technically doable in a day, it’s a long excursion—often with little time to relax or explore off the beaten path. Most passengers opt for a guided tour due to the travel distance.
4. Le Verdon-sur-Mer (France) – For Bordeaux
This lesser-known port is approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Bordeaux, with a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic.
While the scenic drive takes you through French countryside and wine regions, it’s not ideal for independent exploration unless you’re prepared for a long return journey.
5. Rostock-Warnemünde (Germany) – For Berlin
Warnemünde is a charming beach town, but Berlin is about 230 km (143 miles) away.
By train, the journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours each way, making it one of the lengthiest day trips on European cruise itineraries. It’s worth it for history buffs, but definitely a long-haul experience.
6. Greenock (Scotland) – For Glasgow
Greenock is around 40 km (25 miles) from Glasgow, with travel times of 45 minutes to an hour by train or car.
It’s one of the more manageable distances on this list, but keep in mind that the immediate area around the port doesn’t offer much beyond industrial views.
7. Tilbury (England) – For London
Tilbury is about 40 km (25 miles) east of central London, and depending on traffic or train schedules, it can take 60 to 90 minutes to reach the city.
It’s not the most scenic entry point into London, and trains often require a transfer at West Ham or Fenchurch Street.
8. Laem Chabang (Thailand) – For Bangkok
Laem Chabang is roughly 125 km (78 miles) from Bangkok, and the drive can take 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Bangkok’s chaotic traffic means delays are common, so plan buffer time if you’re heading back for all-aboard.
9. Ha Long Bay (Vietnam) – For Hanoi
Hanoi is located approximately 170 km (105 miles) from Ha Long Bay, with travel times typically ranging from 3 to 3.5 hours by car or tour bus.
The long inland journey means you’ll need to set aside most of your day just to reach the capital and return.
10. Tianjin (Xingang Port, China) – For Beijing
Located about 160 km (100 miles) from Beijing, Tianjin requires 2 to 2.5 hours by high-speed train or car. It’s a common entry point for Beijing-bound cruisers, but getting there and back eats up most of your port day.
11. Tauranga (New Zealand) – For Rotorua
Rotorua is about 70 km (44 miles) from the Port of Tauranga, with travel times of 75 to 90 minutes depending on your mode of transport.
It’s a worthwhile trip for geothermal attractions and Maori culture—but not a quick hop.
12. Zeebrugge (Belgium) – For Brussels
Zeebrugge is about 115 km (71 miles) from Brussels, typically requiring 1.5 to 2 hours by train or bus. Many cruisers opt to visit Bruges instead, which is much closer (about 17 km or 30 minutes away).
13. Ravenna (Italy) – For Venice
Ravenna is around 145 km (90 miles) from Venice, and it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the iconic canals by car or train.
Since Venice is no longer allowing large cruise ships into its historic center, Ravenna has taken on the load—but at a hefty travel cost.
14. IJmuiden (Netherlands) – For Amsterdam
Some cruise ships dock at IJmuiden, which is about 40 km (25 miles) from Amsterdam.
Travel time is usually 30 to 45 minutes by car or shuttle, and some itineraries make this less clear when advertising “Amsterdam.”
15. Phu My (Vietnam) – For Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City is about 80 km (50 miles) from Phu My, requiring 1.5 to 2 hours of travel, often more due to local traffic. The port itself is industrial, so all sightseeing requires a planned transfer.
16. Naha (Japan) – For Okinawa
Cruise ships dock in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, but many major attractions—like beaches and historic sites—are spread out across the island.
Even within Naha, heavy traffic can make a short 10–14 km journey take 30 to 45 minutes, especially if you’re headed to popular tourist areas.
17. Maizuru (Japan) – For Kyoto
Kyoto is about 100 km (62 miles) from Maizuru, and it takes 2 hours or more to reach by train or bus. The scenic countryside route can be a highlight, but it’s a long day trip for those with only a few hours in port.
18. Yokohama (Japan) – For Tokyo
Yokohama is about 35 km (22 miles) from Tokyo, and with Japan’s excellent rail system, you can be in the heart of the capital in 30 to 45 minutes. It’s one of the more straightforward ports on this list, but still a bit of a commute.
19. San Antonio (Chile) – For Santiago
Santiago is 110 km (68 miles) from San Antonio, with a travel time of 1.5 to 2 hours by car or bus. The port itself is commercial and not designed for tourism, so excursions are needed if you want to make the most of this stop.
20. Whittier (Alaska) – For Anchorage
Whittier is about 97 km (60 miles) southeast of Anchorage, and reaching the city requires a 1.5 to 2-hour journey by bus, car, or train. While it’s usually listed separately, it’s also occasionally included under “Anchorage (Whittier)” on cruise itineraries.
The route includes a one-way tunnel through the mountains, which opens on a timed schedule—so make sure to time your return. While the scenery is breathtaking, it’s not a quick hop into Alaska’s largest city.
Alaska cruise coming up? Here’s when to go for the best weather, wildlife, and views.
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