Explore on your own rating
The old town starts at the port gate.
Where ships dock
- Cruise berth 15 in the old port (Molo Santa Maria area), beside the historic centre
Getting to town
From the Molo Santa Maria passenger area it is about a 300 m, 4-minute walk to Piazza Kennedy at the edge of the centre. Conerobus lines 1 and 4 run from Piazza Kennedy to Piazza Cavour in about 4 minutes (buy the ticket before boarding). The free Conerobus line 20 is a port transfer to the Via Einaudi terminal, not a city bus.
For Loreto, regional trains from Ancona Centrale take about 35 to 40 minutes, then a bus up to the basilica. The historic centre is walkable but hilly toward the cathedral.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Money & entry
Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small purchases.
Entry: U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.
Top sights nearby
- Arch of Trajan (by the port)
- Cathedral of San Ciriaco (uphill, sea views)
- Piazza del Plebiscito and Loggia dei Mercanti
- Mole Vanvitelliana
- Loreto basilica (train and bus)
Beaches
- Passetto beach and cliffs (bus or taxi)
- Portonovo bay on the Conero Riviera (taxi)
Safety & tips
- The climb to San Ciriaco is steep but worth the view.
- Ferry traffic shares the port: stick to the passenger routes.
- Many shops close for lunch.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
From the old town allow 20 minutes to walk back; from Loreto, take a train arriving 90 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.
Shore excursions that get you back on time
Prefer a guided option in Ancona? Browse shore excursions with reviews, and pick one that returns well before all-aboard.
Find Ancona shore excursions on Viator ↗
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Quick answers
Can you explore Ancona on your own?
Yes, it is rated Easy. The old town starts at the port gate.
How far is it from the cruise dock to town in Ancona?
From the Molo Santa Maria passenger area it is about a 300 m, 4-minute walk to Piazza Kennedy at the edge of the centre. Conerobus lines 1 and 4 run from Piazza Kennedy to Piazza Cavour in about 4 minutes (buy the ticket before boarding). The free Conerobus line 20 is a port transfer to the Via Einaudi terminal, not a city bus.
Do I need a passport for Ancona?
U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.
When should I head back to the ship in Ancona?
From the old town allow 20 minutes to walk back; from Loreto, take a train arriving 90 minutes before all-aboard.
📬 Get port tips before you sail
Free Get Port Savvy tips in your inbox.