Port information & tips for Taranto
Taranto, the fascinating "City of the Two Seas" in the heart of Apulia, welcomes travelers with a unique blend of ancient history and authentic Italian charm. Its privileged location on the Ionian Sea provides a picturesque backdrop and offers a wonderful maritime flair thanks to the connection between Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the majestic Castello Aragonese and the renowned Archaeological National Museum MArTA, which houses world-famous treasures. Additionally, the iconic swing bridge Ponte Girevole invites you to take a stroll into the historic old town. Cruise ships dock at the modern Taranto Cruise Terminal at Molo San Cataldo, from where guests can easily reach the city center on foot while enjoying ideal connections to the entire region.
Taranto, the historic city on the Ionian Sea, offers a first-class gateway to the Puglia region with its modern cruise terminal at Molo San Cataldo. Thanks to its location right on the edge of the picturesque old town, the port is easy and quick to reach both by public transport and by private car.
Airplane
The ideal way to arrive from the DACH region is via Brindisi (BDS) or Bari (BRI) airports, which are located approximately 75 and 100 kilometers from the port respectively and are regularly served by cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. From there, guests can reach the ship directly in around 60 to 75 minutes thanks to organized shuttle buses like the Pugliairbus, private transfer services, or the official cruise line buses.
Train
Taranto Centrale station is excellently connected to the Italian long-distance rail network and is regularly served by fast Frecciarossa trains from the directions of Rome, Milan, and Bari. The cruise terminal is located about two kilometers away and can be reached comfortably in a few minutes by taxi or the shuttle buses provided at the port exit.
Car
For drivers, the route leads directly via the A14 motorway (Autostrada Adriatica), which ends near Taranto and provides a direct connection to the port area. Guarded and video-monitored long-term parking spaces are available directly at Molo San Cataldo; additionally, professional Park & Cruise providers near the terminal offer convenient parking spaces including a short shuttle service directly to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
Taranto, the historic city on the Ionian Sea, offers a first-class gateway to the Puglia region with its modern cruise terminal at Molo San Cataldo. Thanks to its location right on the edge of the picturesque old town, the port is easy and quick to reach both by public transport and by private car.
Airplane
The ideal way to arrive from the DACH region is via Brindisi (BDS) or Bari (BRI) airports, which are located approximately 75 and 100 kilometers from the port respectively and are regularly served by cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. From there, guests can reach the ship directly in around 60 to 75 minutes thanks to organized shuttle buses like the Pugliairbus, private transfer services, or the official cruise line buses.
Train
Taranto Centrale station is excellently connected to the Italian long-distance rail network and is regularly served by fast Frecciarossa trains from the directions of Rome, Milan, and Bari. The cruise terminal is located about two kilometers away and can be reached comfortably in a few minutes by taxi or the shuttle buses provided at the port exit.
Car
For drivers, the route leads directly via the A14 motorway (Autostrada Adriatica), which ends near Taranto and provides a direct connection to the port area. Guarded and video-monitored long-term parking spaces are available directly at Molo San Cataldo; additionally, professional Park & Cruise providers near the terminal offer convenient parking spaces including a short shuttle service directly to the ship.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Taranto is very centrally located and, thanks to the short distances, allows for convenient access to the city's most important sights.
On Foot
You can reach the historic old town and the imposing Castello Aragonese in a relaxed walk of about 10 to 15 minutes. The path leads directly along the water and offers a wonderful view of the maritime panorama as soon as you leave the ship.
Kyma Mobilità (Bus and Ferry)
Local city buses and the water buses known as Idrovie connect the port conveniently with the new town and the surrounding coastal areas. A boat trip through the Mar Piccolo is a particularly charming option and can be easily integrated into your shore excursion thanks to regular connections.
Taxi
Official taxis are available for passengers at the exit of the cruise terminal. They offer a quick connection to the National Archaeological Museum MArTA or to the nearby beaches and also ensure an uncomplicated return to the ship.
To make the most of your stay in the historic city of two seas, we recommend exploring the historic island old town in combination with the world-famous archaeological treasures and the picturesque coastal sections of the region.
Borgo Antico & Castello Aragonese
The historic heart of Taranto is situated on an island and fascinates with the impressive Castello Aragonese directly on the navigable canal; additionally, the winding alleys of the old town invite you on a journey through time past ancient temple ruins and the magnificent San Cataldo Cathedral.
National Museum MArTA
This top-class museum is considered one of the most important archaeological institutes in Italy and presents the glittering gold treasures of antiquity; furthermore, the exhibition is easily accessible on foot thanks to its central location in the new district and offers fascinating insights into the Greek history of the city.
San Vito & Litoranea Salentina
The beautiful bathing bays south of the center are ideal for a relaxed beach day by the crystal-clear Ionian Sea thanks to short travel times, while the coastal road simultaneously offers perfect views of the deep blue water and the untouched nature of Puglia.
Castello Aragonese
The majestic Castello Aragonese sits directly at the entrance to the historic old town and is easily reachable from the cruise terminal in about fifteen minutes on foot or via the short port shuttle. This imposing 15th-century fortress is maintained by the Italian Navy and also offers free, expert guided tours through its history-steeped walls and the fascinating excavations in the inner courtyard. Thanks to its location right by the famous Ponte Girevole swing bridge, you can enjoy a perfect view of ships passing between the two seas of Taranto from the ramparts. Ideally, visit the castle in the morning to take part in one of the first guided tours, and then combine the excursion with a relaxed stroll through the winding alleys of the Città Vecchia. Plan your return to the port about sixty minutes before departure to end the day in the "City of the Two Seas" by the water without any rush.
The return journey to the Porto di San Cataldo is straightforward thanks to the central location of the cruise terminal and can be planned very well.
Taxi
Taxi stands are located at central points such as Piazza Archita in the New Town or directly at Castello Aragonese at the transition to the Old Town. In addition, many taxis stop in front of the larger hotels along the Lungomare and take guests safely to the ship's entrance at the Porto di Taranto in just a few minutes.
Port Shuttle and Local Transport
Cruise lines usually deploy comfortable shuttle buses that commute at short intervals between Piazza Castello and the terminal. Additionally, the city buses of the AMAT line stop at the Via Roma stop in the immediate vicinity of the port entrance, allowing for a punctual return from the surrounding neighborhoods.
On Foot
From Castello Aragonese or the historic Old Town, you can stroll along the waterfront promenade Corso Vittorio Emanuele II directly to the port gate. The path is flat and clearly laid out, leading safely along the water back to the pier thanks to the clear signage.
