Ancona Cruise Ship Port Guide

Port Location and Access

The Port of Ancona sits on Italy’s Adriatic coast in the Marche region.

You’ll find the cruise terminal at XXIX Settembre Pier on Molo Santa Maria. The famous Arch of Trajan marks your entry point, and you can walk to the town centre from here.

Two main routes lead to the port by car:

• Take the Ancona Nord exit from the A14 motorway and follow SS76
• Take the Ancona Sud exit and follow SS16

Both routes have clear signage to the port, and you can use the long-stay car parks near the cruise terminal.

If you arrive by train:

• Take bus 12 or 20 from Ancona Railway Station
• Both buses stop directly at the port entrance

The port’s central location means you can reach all main city attractions on foot.

Terminal Facilities and Services

The cruise terminal at XXIX Settembre Pier makes your journey smooth and efficient. You can complete check-in within 15 minutes and leave the ship in under 20 minutes.

The city centre sits just a short walk from the terminal entrance.

The terminal offers several parking options. You can choose from long-stay outdoor spaces or covered parking within the port area.

Public transport serves the terminal well – take a bus or taxi directly there, or walk from Ancona Centrale railway station.

Security remains a priority at facility 2A. You’ll need to show your cruise documents to enter, as the terminal restricts access to passengers only.

Several nearby hotels provide harbour views and quick access to Ancona’s attractions.

Local Attractions Near Port

Key attractions await you near Ancona’s cruise port. The Arch of Trajan stands at the harbour’s entrance, whilst the Teatro delle Muse theatre dominates Piazza della Repubblica square.

You can climb to the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco cathedral for sweeping Adriatic Sea views.

The Mole Vanvitelliana, a five-sided building on its own island, houses the Museo Tattile Statale Omero museum.

You can explore regional artefacts at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Delle Marche, just minutes from the port.

The beaches of Monte Conero and Portonovo Bay offer you coastal escapes a short distance away.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Koper for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Transportation and Parking Options

Getting to Ancona Port:

By Bus:

You can take bus lines 12 or 20 from the central train station, reaching the port in 10 minutes. Ferry passengers travel free.

By Airport Bus:

The Aerobus Raffello takes you directly from the airport (18km away) to the port.

By Car:

Take the A14 motorway exit and follow SS16 to the port. Rosas Car Service offers:

• Daily rate: £12
• Five-day rate: £93
• Includes valet parking and shuttle service

Walking Distances:

• Port to Piazza del Plebiscito: 15 minutes
• Port to train station: 2km

The transportation links make reaching your cruise or ferry simple, with options to suit your needs. You’ll find the port well-connected whether you’re arriving by public transport or driving yourself.

Passenger Statistics and Growth

Passenger Numbers at Ancona Port

You can see clear trends in Ancona’s passenger numbers:

• 2019: 101,981 passengers (37% growth)
• 2020: 1,364 passengers (pandemic impact)
• 2022: 74,332 passengers (recovery phase)

The port’s growth continues through these developments:

• 51 cruise ships will dock in 2023
• MSC Armonia contributes 30 scheduled visits
• £80 million upgrades port facilities
• New Molo Clementino terminal increases capacity
• Larger cruise ships can now dock at the port

You’ll benefit from these improvements when you visit, as the port steadily returns to pre-pandemic levels.

The significant recovery from 2020 to 2022 shows the port’s resilience and growing appeal as a cruise destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise From Ancona?

The best times to cruise from Ancona are May and September. You’ll experience pleasant temperatures averaging 21°C with fewer crowds. These months offer plenty of sunshine for your shore excursions and sightseeing. You can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably, and you’ll find better deals on cruise packages during these shoulder-season months.

Are There ATMS and Currency Exchange Services Available at the Terminal?

ATMs are located next to the terminal’s reception desk for your cash withdrawals. You can access local currency through these ATMs. The terminal does not offer currency exchange services.

What Dining Options Are Available Inside the Cruise Terminal?

The cruise terminal does not have any restaurants or food outlets inside. You can find nearby dining options at La Degosteria or Chiosco di Morena. These restaurants are within walking distance from the terminal and offer full meals.

Do Cruise Ships Offer Overnight Stays in Ancona?

Cruise ships typically make daytime stops in Ancona rather than overnight stays. You can find overnight options through ferry services instead, particularly to Split, Croatia. If you want to spend more time in Ancona, you’ll need to book a local hotel separately.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Passengers Arriving Early?

You can store your luggage at several locations in the city:

• Ferry terminal (8:00-20:30)
• Train station (8:00-20:30)
• Bus terminal (8:00-20:30)

Bounce offers an alternative 24-hour storage service at £3.50 per day.Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Bari Cruise Ship Port.