Pompeii, located near Naples in Italy, met its fate during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Buried beneath layers of pumice and ash, the city was frozen in time, offering a rare glimpse into ancient Roman life. Today, these ruins stand as a testament to history, inviting visitors to explore its mysteries and stories.
Whether you're in Naples or Rome with a free day on hand, a trip to Pompeii should be high on your list. This guide is here to assist you, whether you're planning your visit or seeking tips to enhance your experience. From ticket options to the best times to explore, we've got you covered.
Let's dive into the essentials for planning your Pompeii adventure.
Before you visit Pompeii
Pompeii is a must-visit for you, especially if you’re a history lover, as it offers a firsthand look into ancient Roman life. Curious travelers and families, including kids, can enjoy exploring these ancient ruins as well. Adults generally appreciate the historical significance, while kids find it engaging with interactive tours and Roman stories. Walking through ruins from AD 79 provides a unique learning experience, making Pompeii an unforgettable historical journey.
Best time to visit
Pompeii sees lots of visitors, especially tour groups and families. To dodge the crowds, avoid the busiest times, like 10am to 11am, and weekends. Early mornings and weekdays are better for a smoother experience.
Here’s a quick rundown of seasons:
- Peak Season (June to August): Busy and hot.
- Off Season (December to February): Quieter but colder.
- Our tip? Aim for April to May or September to October, weekdays at 9am. The weather's good, and crowds are lighter, giving you a more enjoyable visit.
Tickets from Naples to Pompeii
When heading to Pompeii from Naples, you have options. A standard ticket lets you make your own travel plans, taking about 30 minutes from central Naples. Or, opt for a guided tour ticket or a day trip ticket for a seamless experience with included transfers, starting from a meeting point in Naples.
Tickets Rome to Pompeii
Traveling from Rome to Pompeii? It's a lengthy journey of nearly 3 hours. Save time and energy by choosing tickets with transfers included. Sit back, relax, and let us handle your travel arrangements for a hassle-free trip.
Opening hours
Pompeii Archaeological Park:
- 1st November to 31st March: 9am to 5pm. Last entry at 3:30pm.
- 1st April to 31st October: 9am to 7pm. Last entry at 5pm.
- The site will remain closed on 25th December, 1st January, and 1st May.
Exploring Pompeii requires about 4 to 6 hours to cover its vast 44-hectare area.
Tips for visiting Pompeii
Here are some straightforward tips for visiting Pompeii:
- ArteCard Benefits: Consider getting an ArteCard if you plan to tour Naples too. Depending on the card type, entry to Pompeii may be free.
- Footwear and Clothing: Wear low heel slippers for walking on ancient roads. Dress comfortably and avoid tight clothing.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle with you as Pompeii is mostly sunny, and water fountains are available.
- Food Options: Bring your own food as outside food isn't allowed inside Pompeii. Eat before entering.
- Photography Tip: Enter via Piazza Anfiteatro for a great photo spot of Mount Vesuvius.
- Luggage Storage: Use storage facilities at Piazza Anfiteatro or Porta Marina for a fee.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets online to skip long queues, especially during peak season.
- Bag Size: Carry a medium-sized bag as large bags might not be allowed for security reasons.
- Free Entry Days: Free entry is available on the first Sunday of each month, but expect large crowds.
- Combine Visits: Pair your Pompeii trip with a visit to Herculaneum for a full experience.
- Mount Vesuvius: Take a bus from Pompei Scavi Circumvesuviana station to Mount Vesuvius for a hike. Wear suitable shoes and bring water.
Getting to Pompeii
Travel from Naples to Pompeii
🚗 By Car:
Closest Parking Spot: On-site parking at Pompeii ruins
Travel Time: 30 minutes from Naples city center
Take A3 Naples-Salerno motorway towards Salerno from Naples. Exit at Pompei Ovest, then onto SS18 and turn into Via Villa Dei Misteri. Have Euros for toll payments.
🚇 By Train:
Station name: Pompei Scavi/ Villa dei Misteri
Travel time: 35 minutes from Naples city center. Circumvesuviana trains depart 2-3 times per hour.
Catch the train from Napoli Porta Nolana Station on Circumvesuviana line, Campania Express, or Metropolitano train line. Alternatively, board from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station, but expect crowded trains.
🚌 By Bus:
Closest stop/station: Pompei Scavi
Travel time: 40 minutes from Naples city center. 1-2 buses hourly starting at 7:30 am.
Board the 5001 bus from SITA bus station near Nuova Marina port in Naples. Get off at Pompei Scavi, just a short walk from the ruins.
Travel from Rome to Pompeii
🚗 By Car:
Closest Parking Spot: On-site parking at Pompeii ruins
Travel Time: 30 minutes from Naples city center
From Rome, take the E45 via Strada Statale (toll motorway). Exit at Pompei Ovest from E45, then continue on SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore/SR18. Drive to Via Antonio Morese in Pompeii.
🚇 By Train:
Station name: Pompei Scavi/ Villa dei Misteri
Travel time: 1 hour from Rome to Naples; 35 minutes from Naples to Pompeii. Circumvesuviana trains depart 2-3 times per hour
Take a train to Napoli Porta Nolana Station in Naples, then board Circumvesuviana, Campania Express, or Metropolitano lines to Pompeii.
🚌 By Bus:
Closest stop/station: Naples Metropark Central Parking
Travel time: 3 hours from Rome city center. Buses depart hourly daily.
Take the direct bus from Rome Tiburtina Largo Mazzoni to Pompeii. Get off at Pompeii station, a short walk from the attraction entrance.
Rules, amenities and accessibility
- No Noisy Devices:Radios and loud devices are not allowed inside the park to maintain a peaceful environment.
- Don't Touch: Please refrain from touching the frescoes, furniture, and other objects throughout the park to preserve them.
- Dog Policy: Only small dogs carried by their owners are permitted inside the site. Large dogs are not allowed.
- No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited at the Pompeii site, except in designated areas for smokers.
- Bookshop: You'll find it at the entrance to Antiquarium and Piazza Esedra.
- Cloakroom: It's free for visitors, but note that large bags exceeding 30cm x 30cm x 15cm must be stored here.
- Toilets: There are 7 toilets scattered around the site for convenience.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Pompeii is fully wheelchair accessible, with designated paths for easy movement.
- Accessible Toilets: There are 4 accessible toilets located at Porta Marina Inferiore, Piazza Anfiteatro, Porta Marina Superiore, and the Villa Imperiale.
What to see at Pompeii:
The Temple of Apollo in Pompeii is an ancient marvel that reflects a blend of Etruscan, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. This historical site stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage, with its structure evolving over time through various civilizations. Inside the temple, you'll find replicas of significant artifacts like the statue of Apollo and the bust of Diana, offering a glimpse into the religious and artistic practices of the era.
The House of Vettii is a prime example of Roman residential architecture, showcasing opulence and sophistication. This well-preserved villa reveals intricate designs, including water spouting statues that adorned its grandeur. It served as a residence for affluent merchants, featuring spacious courtyards, frescoes, and luxurious amenities designed to cater to their lavish lifestyle.
The Stabian Baths in Pompeii are a fascinating insight into Roman public bathing practices. These baths, divided into sections for men and women, boasted advanced heating systems utilizing hot water circulation to create a relaxing and therapeutic bathing experience. The architecture of the baths, with its intricate mosaics and well-preserved chambers, provides a vivid picture of ancient Roman hygiene customs and social interactions.
The Pompeii Spectacula, an amphitheater dating back to around 70 BCE, holds a significant place in Roman history. Constructed with stone, it predates the iconic Colosseum, serving as a venue for various spectacles and entertainment events. With a seating capacity comparable to Pompeii's population, this amphitheater was central to the city's cultural and social gatherings, showcasing the prowess of Roman engineering and entertainment culture.
Nearby attractions
Villa Regina is an ancient Roman villa in Stabiae, showcasing beautiful frescoes and intricate designs. It offers a glimpse into Roman domestic life and architecture, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Villa Arianna, another Roman villa in Stabiae, features well-preserved frescoes and grand architecture. It provides insight into ancient Roman luxury and artistic expression, attracting visitors interested in history and archaeology.
Scavi di Stabia - Villa San Marco is an archaeological site in Stabiae, revealing a luxurious Roman villa complex with stunning mosaics and gardens. It offers a fascinating look into the lifestyle of affluent Romans, drawing history buffs and art enthusiasts alike.
The Museo archeologico di Stabiae "Libero D’Orsi" is a museum in Stabiae housing artifacts from the ancient Roman city. It showcases pottery, sculptures, and other items excavated from Stabiae, providing valuable insights into daily life and culture during Roman times.
Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari is a regional park in Italy, known for its lush landscapes, rugged mountains, and scenic hiking trails. It offers breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
