Before you go

Your trip to Pompeia.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Pompeia – Campânia Destination Nápoles, Pompeia and Capri about 27 km from Nápoles

How to get there

Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli (Capodichino) (NAP) Nápoles · 30 km
Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Naples, the Circumvesuviana (Napoli–Sorrento line) departs from Porta Nolana station and the Garibaldi stop next to Napoli Centrale, and reaches Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri in about 35 to 40 minutes. Those coming from Rome take the high-speed train to Naples and change to the Circumvesuviana. There are also buses and Trenitalia trains to Pompei station, in the modern town centre.

How many days

One day is enough for the ruins, including the Villa dei Misteri and the sanctuary. With two days you can add Herculano and the climb to Vesuvius, or the Villa di Poppea in Oplontis. Most visitors come from Naples or Sorrento and return to sleep.

When to go

April, May, September and October usually have pleasant temperatures for walking among the ruins. In summer, from June to August, the heat is strong and there is little shade: enter at opening time. In winter the site closes earlier. On the first Sunday of the month entry is free and visitor numbers are usually much higher.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The Circumvesuviana links Pompeia with Naples, Herculano, Oplontis and Sorrento, and there are buses to Vesuvius from the stations. Those arriving by car will find parking lots near the entrances to the ruins.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Pompeia

Morning
Pompeia: Forum and houses
Enter through Porta Marina at opening time. Walk to the Forum, with Vesuvius in the background, pass the Stabian Baths, the Casa del Fauno and the House of the Vettii, and see the bakeries and the lupanar.
Afternoon
Theatres and amphitheatre
After a snack, walk east to the Grande Theatre and the amphitheatre, passing along the Via dell'Abbondanza, the main street, with shops and inscriptions on the walls.
Late afternoon
Villa dei Misteri
Head back towards Porta Ercolano and follow the Via dei Sepolcri to the Villa dei Misteri, with its red-background frescoes, if your ticket includes the suburban villas.
Evening
Sanctuary and modern centre
Go to Piazza Bartolo Longo, see the façade of the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario and have dinner in the centre of Pompeia before returning to Naples or Sorrento.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Pompeia on a day trip from Naples?

Yes. The Circumvesuviana takes about 35 to 40 minutes from Naples to Pompei Scavi, and a full day at the ruins is easily enough to return at night.

Pompeia or Herculano: which to choose?

Pompeia is larger and shows an entire city, with a Forum, theatres and an amphitheatre. Herculano is smaller and better preserved. If possible, see both on different days.

Is it worth hiring a guide?

It helps to understand the site and not get lost in a huge place. Those who prefer to go alone can download the official map and plan a route beforehand.

What to bring for the ruins?

Water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable closed shoes. The streets have large, uneven stones and there is almost no shade. Large luggage is not allowed.

Can you climb Vesuvius the same day?

It is possible but tiring. A more relaxed option is Pompeia one day and Herculano with Vesuvius on another, buying the trail ticket online in advance.

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