Rome to Ancona

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

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Ancona sits on Italy's Adriatic coast, around 290 km north-east of Rome, and is best known as the main departure port for ferries to Croatia, Greece and Albania. Whether you are heading to the Marche region's beaches and hill towns, or using Ancona as the gateway to the Adriatic, the train is the most practical way to get there from the capital.

The quickest way: the direct train

Trenitalia operates Intercity (IC) trains between Roma Termini and Ancona throughout the day, with journey times of around 2 hours 55 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes. Several services are direct with no change of train; others require a connection, most often at Falconara Marittima (just outside Ancona). Trains run multiple times a day, and the IC service is comfortable with standard and first class seating.

Reservations are required on Trenitalia Intercity trains — you cannot simply turn up and board with a pass; a paid seat reservation must be added. Fares are reasonable, and the booking window opens several months in advance. Rail pass holders using Interrail or Eurail passes will need to add a reservation fee. See our Italy by train guide for the full picture on Trenitalia ticketing and reservations.

There are no Frecciarossa (high-speed) trains on this route — the line between Rome and Ancona crosses the Apennine mountains via the Appennino Centrale and does not have high-speed infrastructure. The IC is the premium service here.

Regional and slower train options

Trenitalia also operates regional (Regionale) services on this corridor, which take considerably longer — typically 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on connections. These are cheaper and often pass-valid without a reservation fee, but the longer journey time and less comfortable rolling stock make them a secondary choice unless cost is the priority.

The cheapest way: the long-distance bus

FlixBus and Flixbus partner operators run between Rome and Ancona. Journey times typically range from 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Fares can be the lowest available, especially on early bookings. The bus picks up at or near Roma Tiburtina bus station and drops at Ancona's central bus terminal.

Given that Intercity train fares are reasonable and the time saving is noticeable, the bus mainly appeals to travellers on very tight budgets or those travelling at the last minute when affordable train tickets are scarce.

Driving: crossing the Apennines

The most direct driving route from Rome to Ancona follows the A24 motorway towards L'Aquila, then the SS80 and the A14 along the Adriatic coast — a total of around 290 km, typically taking 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes in light traffic. Alternatively, the A1 north and then the A14/E45 via Rimini is longer but avoids some mountain sections.

The A24 crosses the central Apennines through dramatic mountain scenery, including the impressive viaducts near L'Aquila — one of the most striking drives in central Italy. Toll costs apply on Italian motorways. If you are catching a ferry from Ancona, build in extra time for port check-in (see below).

Catching a ferry from Ancona

Ancona is Italy's most important Adriatic ferry hub, with routes to Split, Zadar and other Croatian ports (operated by Jadrolinija, Superfast, SNAV and others), to Patras and Igoumenitsa in Greece (Superfast Ferries, Minoan Lines), and to Durrës in Albania. Crossing times vary: Croatia is typically 9–12 hours overnight, Greece around 15–20 hours.

Ancona's ferry terminal is about 2 km from the train station and is served by a shuttle bus at key departure times. Allow at least 2–3 hours for port check-in if you are taking a car, and 1–1.5 hours if you are a foot passenger. Missing a ferry because you underestimated the walk from the station or the check-in queue is a common traveller mistake.

Ancona itself

Often seen only as a transit point, Ancona has a quiet charm worth discovering if time allows. The Cattedrale di San Ciriaco perches on the hill above the port, and the old town's narrow streets and small fish restaurants are pleasant. The nearby Conero promontory — a dramatic limestone headland with beaches and sea caves — is one of the Adriatic coast's most beautiful stretches and reachable in about 30 minutes by car.

Which should you choose?

For most travellers, the Intercity train is the best option: comfortable, direct and well-timed for connections. The bus suits budget travellers with time to spare. Driving is worthwhile if you are taking a car on the ferry or want to explore the Marche region. There are no meaningful air options on this route — the distance is too short and the journey too well served by land.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Rome to Ancona take?

Direct Intercity trains typically take around 3 to 3 hours 20 minutes. Slower regional services with connections take 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

Do I need to reserve a seat on the Rome–Ancona train?

Yes. Trenitalia Intercity trains require a paid reservation in addition to a ticket or rail pass. Book in advance, especially in summer when trains fill quickly.

How do I get from Ancona train station to the ferry port?

The ferry terminal is about 2 km from Ancona Centrale. A shuttle bus operates at key times, and taxis are available. Allow plenty of time for port check-in — at least 2 hours for car passengers and 1.5 hours for foot passengers.

Which ferries run from Ancona?

Jadrolinija, Superfast Ferries, SNAV and Minoan Lines are among the main operators, serving Croatia, Greece and Albania. Crossings are mostly overnight. Book early for summer crossings, especially with a vehicle.