Ponza, the largest of the Pontine Islands, is a picturesque destination in the Tyrrhenian Sea that is exclusively accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from various ports on the Italian mainland. Since the island itself is a traffic-calmed zone and the port does not have complex terminal structures, travel focuses on convenient connections to the ferry departure points of Anzio, Formia, and Terracina. For a relaxed start to your cruise, we recommend an overnight stay near your chosen departure port on the mainland due to ferry schedules and potentially longer travel times.

Plane & Transfer to the Ferry

For travelers from the DACH region, Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Rome Ciampino (CIA), and Naples International (NAP) are the closest arrival points. From Rome Fiumicino, for example, you can take the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini station and from there continue by regional train to Anzio or Formia. The journey to the port of Anzio takes approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes, including the train ride. To Formia, the train journey from FCO via Roma Termini is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. Rome Ciampino (CIA) is located approximately 38.6 kilometers from Anzio and 78.3 kilometers from Terracina, with bus and train connections to the respective ferry ports. Naples International (NAP) is the closest airport to Formia at about 89.4 kilometers, with train connections enabling a fast journey in around 1 hour and 24 minutes. A private transfer also offers a comfortable and direct alternative, for example from Fiumicino to Terracina in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Train & Transfer to the Ferry

The ferry ports of Anzio and Formia have their own well-connected train stations, while Terracina is accessible via Monte San Biagio station. Anzio station is located about 1 kilometer from the ferry pier and is easily reached on foot or by a short taxi transfer. In Formia, the Formia-Gaeta station is only about a 10-minute walk from the port. Free shuttle buses or taxis are also available from there. To travel to Terracina, use the Monte San Biagio-Terracina Mare station, from where buses or taxis run to the ferry terminal about 12 kilometers away. Ferries or hydrofoils then take you from these mainland ports to Ponza in about 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the departure port and type of vessel.

Car & Parking at the Ferry

The mainland ports of Anzio, Formia, and Terracina are easily accessible via the Italian motorway network. Coming from central and northern Italy, you can reach Terracina and Anzio via the A1 (Frosinone exit for Terracina) or the SS148 Pontina from Rome. Formia is well-connected via the A1 with the Cassino exit. Guarded short- and long-term parking spaces are available at all three ferry ports, such as "Parking Blu" in Anzio or "ParkinGO Cruise Formia" in Formia with a shuttle service to the terminal. It is important to note that taking vehicles to the island of Ponza is restricted for non-residents, especially during the summer months, which is why parking on the mainland is recommended.

Check-in & Embarkation

Please note that your travel documents will usually provide you with 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 about one hour before the scheduled departure.

During the trip, the following also applies: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.