How to Get To Ponza 2024 UPDATE
I just got back from the ridiculously spectacular island of Ponza and I have so much to tell you. For now, while I sift through my pages and pages of notes and hundreds of photos, I will start with the basics and tell you the most important part; How to get to Ponza.
I almost hate to write this post. Ponza is a remarkable island in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is not a secret or unknown, Romans have been coming here for centuries. It is not the easiest place in the world to figure out how to get to and that is probably part of its magic.
Ferries and hydrofoils depart from three different towns on the mainland each of which is just over an hour's train ride from Rome. You have to stick to your choice of towns once you have made it. You can not easily travel by train between them. Book your train tickets on the Trenitalia website or app and you won't have to search the platform to find the machine to validate your ticket.
The slowest crossings take about two and a half hours and the quickest are about seventy minutes. Hydrofoils (aliscafi/unica veloce) are faster but they are enclosed. Make sure to book ahead for popular weekends. I often choose to take the slower boat (nave) and sit on the top deck taking in the sea breeze and gorgeous views.
My most important piece of advice is don't overthink it. They all get you there.
Ponza Travel usually has daily updates on weather and schedule changes for all Ponza connections.
Hourly Regionale train service between Roma Termini and Anzio (10 stops €3.60) You can walk, take a taxi, or a bus to the port from the Anzio train station.
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Anzio to Ponza
Laziomar has seasonal daily crossings between Anzio and Ponza from 31 May-29 September. One-way tickets are €34.82.
Vetor has daily crossings between Anzio and Ponza during the summer only.(June-September) Tickets start at €36 and are €46 on weekends. There is a strict luggage size policy with fees starting at €5. Online booking is available.
Formia
There are three year-round crossings from Formia on LazioMar. From mid-June-September, there are four crossings.
Train from Rome to Formia/Gaeta
There are two train options that go directly from Roma Termini to Formia/Gaeta. You can book a Regionale (9 stops €8.40) or an Intercity train (1 stop, assigned seats, AC and power outlets € 18.00.) Taxi or walk about a kilometer (downhill) to the port.
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Formia to Ponza
Tickets from €23.00 for the slow ferry and €34.82 for the hydrofoil.
Direct Transfers and Parking Information
Golpho Service located at the port in Formia can arrange long-term parking, transfers, and left luggage service.
Ponza Viaggio and Taxi Formia can arrange transfers from Rome or Naples to Anzio, Terracina, or Formia Ports starting from €150.
Ponza Travel usually has daily updates on weather and schedule changes for all Ponza connections.
Anzio
This is the fastest option
Train from Rome to Anzio
Hourly Regionale train service between Roma Termini and Anzio (10 stops €3.60) You can walk, take a taxi, or a bus to the port from the Anzio train station.
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Anzio to Ponza
Laziomar has seasonal daily crossings between Anzio and Ponza from 31 May-29 September. One-way tickets are €34.82.
Vetor has daily crossings between Anzio and Ponza during the summer only.(June-September) Tickets start at €36 and are €46 on weekends. There is a strict luggage size policy with fees starting at €5. Online booking is available.
Formia
There are three year-round crossings from Formia on LazioMar. From mid-June-September, there are four crossings.
Train from Rome to Formia/Gaeta
There are two train options that go directly from Roma Termini to Formia/Gaeta. You can book a Regionale (9 stops €8.40) or an Intercity train (1 stop, assigned seats, AC and power outlets € 18.00.) Taxi or walk about a kilometer (downhill) to the port.
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Formia to Ponza
Tickets from €23.00 for the slow ferry and €34.82 for the hydrofoil.
Terracina
This option has the most stepsand is good if you need to leave late in the day. Mark has taken this a few times when he had to stay in Rome for a meeting. The last ferry of the day to Ponza leaves from here at 8:00pm.
Train from Rome to Monte San Biagio then Bus or Taxi to Terracina Port
Hourly Regional train service between Roma Termini and Monte San Biagio (5 stops € 7.00)
You can then take a taxi from the train station to the port or take one of two buses; There is anavette to the port (Linea A-Mare) or a COTRAL bus to Piazza Roma and then walk about a kilometer to the port.
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Terracina to Ponza
NLG has hydrofoil departures daily between Terracina and Ponza June 1-September 10, 2023. Weekend-only departures April 22-October, 2023. Tickets are €33 one way. Luggage is €2 per bag. Online booking is available.
Laziomar has two crossings daily between Terracina and Ponza from June-September. Tickets are €15.00. Online booking is available.
This option has the most steps
Train from Rome to Monte San Biagio then Bus or Taxi to Terracina Port
Hourly Regional train service between Roma Termini and Monte San Biagio (5 stops € 7.00)
You can then take a taxi from the train station to the port or take one of two buses; There is a
Ferry/Hydrofoil from Terracina to Ponza
NLG has hydrofoil departures daily between Terracina and Ponza June 1-September 10, 2023. Weekend-only departures April 22-October, 2023. Tickets are €33 one way. Luggage is €2 per bag. Online booking is available.
Laziomar has two crossings daily between Terracina and Ponza from June-September. Tickets are €15.00. Online booking is available.
Naples
SNAV has weekend departures from June to September (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) between Naples/Ischia/Ventotene. Tickets start from €36.00
Direct Transfers and Parking Information
If you prefer to drive from Rome to the ferry port, each of the three departure points has paid parking lots. Outside of the high season, you can bring your car onto Ponza with Laziomar. There are additional costs and booking requirements. There is absolutely no need for a car on the island.
Golpho Service located at the port in Formia can arrange long-term parking, transfers, and left luggage service.
Ponza Viaggio and Taxi Formia can arrange transfers from Rome or Naples to Anzio, Terracina, or Formia Ports starting from €150.
Just wondering why the easiest trip is to go from Formia over Anzio. I ask because the Anzio hydrofoil seems to give you more time on Ponza if you're only going for a weekday. Is it just a lot easier to get from the train to the port in Formia?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI just did the trip from Anzio a couple weeks ago. We left from Anzio. It's an early day but we got to the Roma Termini before train left for Anzio just in time. It leaves at 507 to get to Anzio for 610 but the later train, depending on the hydrofoil timetable for the day, doesn't give enough time to get to the port. The port is almost a mile downhill and winding roads with little signage so if you can get a cab, I would. We did on the way back and it was much easier. The hydrofoil was fast and a roundtrip for one day gave us plenty time.
DeleteMike - Thank you so much for this information! I have only gone through Formia/Gaeta. This is so helpful.
DeleteHello, I was thinking the same thing. It looks like there are more boats from Formia. One question? How does one get to the port in Formia? It's mentioned for Anzio but not Formia. Thanks for your blog, its very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your blog post! This is wonderful information. Can you tell me if visiting Ponza in late May, is the ferry/hydrofoil water crossing rough waters?
ReplyDeleteIt is completely weather dependent! The smoothest ride will be on the "nave" slower boats. If the water is too choppy the faster hydrofoils do not run.
DeleteThe water isnt choppy. It's a smooth ride but every now and then you'll get a slight skip. Easy to nap on it though. We rented a boat once we got there and drove ourselves around the island. Occasionally you'll get brief chops but overall it's smooth
ReplyDeleteWhere does the Vetor hydrofoil arrive on Ponza? I couldn't figure it out from the website?
ReplyDeleteApologies for the delay, I just got back from a few days in Ponza :) All of the ferries arrive in the main port of Ponza. The Vetor hydrofoil from Anzio arrives on the left side of the port near the Pro Loco office.
DeleteHi Gillian,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this helpful blog. When I arrive in Formia, is the port far away from the train station?
Thank you for your kinds words! It is about a 10 minute walk. There are steps and you cross over a bridge. You can find the schedule and a google map with the exact route on the Ponza Travel website http://ponzatravel.it/it/orari-e-partenze/formia-ponza/
DeleteHello Gillian, first of all , much appreciate your nice informative blog. I am planning to travel Ponza with my 3 years old kid in June 2017, which option best to travel?
ReplyDeleteAn Intercity train to Formia/Gaeta and then the Laziomar ferry from there is the easiest option.
DeleteHello Gillina,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for nice informative blog. I need your suggestion, i am planning to trvel to Ponze with my 3 year old kid in June 2017, which option is best ?
Greetings Gillian,
ReplyDeleteWe're visiting Ponza in September (my great grandparents came from there). Can you tell me about the differences in the two boats? Is there an "inside" or shaded part to the ferry? I will have 3 children with me so I'm trying to decide which is better. I hear that the hydrofoil can sometimes be cancelled if the water is rough.
Thank you,
Jenn
All of the boats (no matter where they leave from) have inside and shaded space. From Formia where we leave from there are three boats; The Don Francesco is a completely closed slow ferry. The Tetide has an outside deck and is a (very) slow ferry. The Monte Gargano a closed fast hydrofoil.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the slower boats. The Don Francesco is slightly faster and much newer than the Tetide. And yes, the hydrofoil can be canceled if the sea is rough.
Thank you so much for responding. Your blog and book are greatly helping us plan our trip. Does the Don Francesco have any deck at all?
DeleteSo appreciate your help. I've been trying to find pictures but can't find any good ones. Your help is invaluable.
Thank you again,
Jenn
The Don Francesco is completely enclosed (but has excellent AC in summer), but feel a little bit like a cruise ship. It's the nicest of the 3. The Tetide is older and less sparkly :)
DeleteThis website has the most up to date info on getting to and from Ponza. http://ponzatravel.it/it/
Hi, this is great information. We plan to take a day trip to Ponza while we are in Rome in June. Just wondering why it would be easier to leave from Formia - rather than Anzio - because Anzio appears to be so much closer to Rome.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Connie
A day trip to Ponza is a bit of a push. The ferry from Anzio is faster, but only goes if the weather is good.
DeleteThanks.
DeleteSO excited to find this information. I cannot read the ferry tables (because I don't know Italian)... We are a family of 7 flying into Rome and renting a car. It seems we can drive ourselves to the port and leave our car there (we don't need it in Ponza - or is it better to take it to Ponza?). How would I find out the ferry times and cost for parking? If we arrive in Rome from USA at 12:45pm on Saturday May 27 - which port should we drive to? Is the Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla a good spot for a family? Thank you so much! I look forward to seeing your Amalfi Coast information as well as Rome and Positano! Can't wait for our trip! :)
ReplyDeleteYou don't need a car in Ponza, but you can bring one if you book it on a ferry from Terracina or Formia.
DeleteThis website has ferry information in English http://ponzatravel.it/it/
Santa Domitilla is a lovely hotel.
Have a great trip!
Hi Gillan,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
The website you mention above doesn't seem to work? And when I checked the ferry sites the English sections don't offer true time tables (its for Easter weekend). Where does the fast ferry leave from to Ponza? That is Anzio, correct?
What is the best way to get around Ponza? Would you recommend a car? We are planning on taking a train from Rome.
Thanks so much for any help!
HI Gillian,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! !
It seems the Ponzatravel site doesn't work;-( We are traveling down from Rome next Friday. I can't seem to find ferry details about how to get there. Someone recommended Anzio and the fast ferry (how bad does the weather need to be for it not to go??)
But you seem to favour the one fro formio... do both fast and slow ferries depart formio around the same time? Again, can't find details on any website with accurate time tables in English! Any help would be GREATLY appreciated! XM
Thank you!
DeleteThe website works for me? You can try their Facebook Page maybe https://www.facebook.com/ponzatravel/ They are very helpful and responsive if you ask for help.
There are 3 boats a day from Formia over the Easter weekend. http://ponzatravel.it/it/orari-e-partenze/formia-ponza/
Hi Gillian, thank you so much for your blog, it's a great help! But I've come to a stop now: I'm trying to book ferry tickets from Formia to Ponza, but can't seem to find any booking form on Laziomars website, even though they mention that you can buy tickets online. I have no knowledge of Italian, so I'm already quite challenged there :) Do you know if it's possible to buy tickets online or should I do it in person? We're not traveling until July, so maybe tickets just aren't available yet, but being it high season, I don't want to miss out.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can help :)
Thanks!
DeleteLook for the button that says prenota on the Laziomar website. I usually buy tickets a few days in advance only if I am traveling on a weekend.
hi Gillian, We want to go from Ponza to Positano... i thought we could get the ferry to Naples from Ponza but that doesn't appear to be possible... eek! any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Jules
ReplyDeleteIt looks like there are ferries from Ponza to Naples in July & August. http://ponzatravel.it/it/ponza-napoli/
DeleteOtherwise you will have to take a train from Formia to Naples.
Hi Gillian, Your site has been a total blessing for traveling to Ponza. I am having a difficult time finding tickets for taking the ferry from Formia to Ponza on Sunday June 10th. Do you know anything about raveling on Sundays? I apologize if you already addresses this earlier:)
ReplyDeleteSuze
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian, a terrific blog thank you for sharing your knowledge! We are travelling to Ponza next week and catching the earliest train I can find online Rome to Anzio which arrives Anzio at 7:50am and we catch the ferry at 8:45am. I now notice on our ferry ticket latest check in is 60 min before departure. I am banking on the train running to time, but my question is do you think we have ample time to make the ferry are they strict with latest checkin being 60 min? and are taxis easily accessible at Anzio train station? Thanks very much.
ReplyDeleteGillian—love your whole website—thank you for all of the great info. We will be visiting Sperlonga in August and we hope to do a day trip from Terracina (looks like the fast ferry leaves at 8:40am and comes back again right after 6pm). A few questions for you: do you happen to know if there is parking in terracina near the ferry? Do you think we can get ferry tickets same day or should we book in advance? And last Q: we’d like to find a charter boat that does a tour around Ponza (and maybe some other islands). Most of the web sites for these charters are in italian and when I email they never respond. Do you think we can arrive and find an English-speaking captain the day of by perusing the docks? Or is this kind of excursion something that we should try to pre-book?
ReplyDeleteWe plan to visit Ponza late October. I have read a few articles that say nothing is open, no restaurants, shops, etc. I hope this is not the case? I realize it is more popular in the summer but we will be visiting for a day (possibly two) and just want to see Ponza as my fiances great-grandparents lived there until they moved to United States. All of your other information posted about travel has been very helpful
ReplyDeleteApologies! I only just found your comment in the spam folder. Things will be very quiet in late October. If you are up for an off-season, low-key, vibe and like to hike you will have a great time.
DeleteHello, We are traveling from Fiumicino RM to Ponza around the first of May. This is our first time in Italy. Can you tell me the best way to get to Ponza?
ReplyDeleteYou should find all of the information you need in the post above.
DeleteThe www.TravelPonza.it website is always up to date with ferry schedules. Summer schedules should be available by the end of March.
May 1st is a major holiday in Italy and a popular time to travel, so plan ahead and be prepared for crowds.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWe will be traveling to Italy the end of April-May 7th. We will be visiting Ponza, Rome and Venice. It looks like we will be taking the train from Rome to Ponza (or to the Ferry) and then from Rome to Venice. Is it best to purchase tickets individually online or is it best, money wise to purchase a rail pass. When I look at it all, it is overwhelming.
I have never used a rail pass so I can't comment on it's cost benefits. If you book ahead online you can usually get good fares between Roma and Venice. Check both Italo and Trenitalia. The fast regionale between Rome and Formia or Roma and Anzio where the ferries leave from is a fixed price.
DeleteI am trying to book tickets from Formia to ponza for 26th July and returning to Anzio on 28th July but the Laziomar site is saying no schedules. Is it too early? How soon can we book as we are a family of 4 and don’t want to leave it too late? Thanks
ReplyDeleteThe Laziomar website has a technical fault and mobile devices do not work. You can book from your desktop or by phone
ReplyDeleteThank you Gillian, this information is very useful, I am arriving to Ciampino airport, it seems it will be a a lot more challenging to get to Anzio, (google maps shows 2.5 hours) do you have a recommendation?
ReplyDeleteIf you are taking the train you will need to get from Ciampino to Termini and then transfer from there to Anzio. That realistically will take at least 2 hours.
ReplyDeletePonza Viaggio and Taxi Formia can arrange transfers from Rome or Naples to Anzio, Terracina or Formia Ports starting from €150.
Is it possible to take day trips to Ponza from ANY of the nearby mainland ports between Anzio and Formia in November '19? I like my swimming on the cold side and as long as it's sunny, I'm game in the Mediterranean most any time of year.
ReplyDeleteThere are year round departures to/from Formia
DeleteHello all, I would like to understand if there are hydrofoils after 1st October, I cannot seem to find it on the websites. Hope to go 1-3 Oct 2023
ReplyDelete