Visiting the Pompeii excavations is a must-see experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in history and admire the extraordinarily well-preserved remains of a Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Thanks to its strategic location, Pompeii is easily accessible from Naples and Rome by car or public transportation. If you’re wondering how to get to Pompeii from Naples or to Pompeii from Rome, here you’ll find all the options available to organise your stress-free trip.
Travelling from Naples to Pompeii
By Car
- Distance: about 25 km.
- Travel time: about 30 minutes, traffic permitting.
- Recommended route: follow the A3 Napoli-Salerno highway and take the “Pompei Ovest” exit.
- Parking: Paid parking lots are available near the excavations with rates ranging between €10 and €15 per day. Recommended parking lots include those near the Porta Marina entrance, offering direct excavation access and good security. It is advisable to arrive early to find a space during peak season.
- Extra tip: Avoid parking along less frequented streets to reduce the risk of fines or inconvenience.
By bus
- Several companies, including FlixBus, offer frequent rides between Naples and Pompeii.
- Journey time: about 20 minutes.
- Prices: ticket prices start at €5.48 and average €6.48.
- FlixBus stops in Naples:
- Napoli (CS Park Stazione Centrale) – Corso Arnaldo Lucci 156
- Napoli Afragola AV – Via Arena bus parking lot
- Napoli (Centro Direzionale – Holiday Inn) Via Domenico Aulisio 1
- Tip: Book tickets online in advance to guarantee the best rates and a seat on board.
By train
- The Circumvesuviana station at Naples Piazza Garibaldi is located on the lower level of the Napoli Centrale station, where High-Speed trains arrive. To reach the Circumvesuviana tracks, follow the signs for the stairs in the centre of the station.
- Circumvesuviana train:
- Connects Naples to Pompeii with frequent trains every 20-30 minutes.
- Travel time: about 30-40 minutes.
- Cost: €3.30 each way.
- Departure points: Naples Porta Nolana station (fully accessible) or Naples Piazza Garibaldi.
- Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices, station newsstands, via the GoEav app, or using the “Tap&Go®” system with contactless payment cards at enabled turnstiles. The EAV website has more information.
- Please note: Trains depart from platform 3, but it is always recommended to check the displays to avoid boarding the wrong train. Note: There are no escalators or elevators to access this platform.
- Campania Express:
- This special Circumvesuviana tourist train is designed to provide a comfortable ride for visitors. It features guaranteed seating, air conditioning, and luggage space.
- Main stops: Napoli Porta Nolana, Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, Ercolano Scavi, Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, Sorrento, and other stations of tourist interest.
- Duration of the Naples – Pompeii trip: about 30 minutes.
- Cost: €15 one way, €25 round trip.
- Purchase tickets: They are available online or at Circumvesuviana ticket offices at least 20 minutes before departure. For those arriving in Naples by Frecce, Intercity, or Regional trains, tickets can also be purchased through the Trenitalia portal, taking advantage of a 10% discount.
- Hop-on/hop-off: possibility of getting off at intermediate stops and resuming the journey with another Campania Express train.
- On-board services: Air-conditioned trains with reserved seats, luggage space, and on-board reception staff for tourist information.
- Accessibility: Naples Porta Nolana and Sorrento stations are accessible, but some intermediate stations, such as Naples Piazza Garibaldi, are not. For specific information, contact the EAV info point or toll-free at 800211388.
- Pompeii LinkIt
The combined train + bus service connects Pompeii station to the Archaeological Park in about 15 minutes. Click here for details.
Practical tip: The Campania Express is ideal for those who want to travel more comfortably and relax, especially during peak season. Book tickets online to guarantee your seat and enjoy a stress-free experience.
Travelling from Rome to Pompeii
By car
- Distance: about 240 km.
- Travel time: about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- Recommended route: Take the A1 freeway from Rome toward Naples, continue on the A3 Naples-Salerno and take the “Pompei Ovest” exit.
- Parking: Near the excavations, there are guarded parking lots with rates between €10 and €15 per day. Among the best are the parking lots near Porta Marina, which offer quick access and convenience. However, keep in mind the cost of tolls and fuel for travel.
By bus
- Companies such as FlixBus offer direct rides from Rome to Pompeii.
- Travel time: about 3 hours and 12 minutes.
- Prices: from €10.
- Departure points: The main bus stations in Rome, such as Roma Tiburtina.
- Tip: Book tickets online to guarantee a seat and take advantage of the best fares. Also check for on-board amenities such as Wi-Fi or sockets for electronic devices.
By train
- Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale.
- Duration: about 1 hour and 10 minutes for high speed.
- High-speed trains have prices ranging from €30 to €50
- Tip: Book the high-speed train in advance to get discounted fares. Check if seasonal promotions are available.
- From Naples, continue with the Circumvesuviana line to Pompeii or the Campania Express train (30-minute ride).
- Circumvesuviana train:
- Connects Naples to Pompeii with frequent trains every 20-30 minutes.
- The Circumvesuviana station at Napoli Piazza Garibaldi is located on the lower level of the Napoli Centrale station, where high-speed trains arrive. To get to the Circumvesuviana tracks, follow the signs to the stairs in the station’s centre.
- Travel time: about 30-40 minutes.
- Cost: €3.30 each way.
- Departure points: Naples Porta Nolana station (fully accessible) or Naples Piazza Garibaldi.
- Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices, newsstands in the station, via the GoEav app, or using the “Tap&Go®” system with contactless payment cards at enabled turnstiles.
- Please note: Trains depart from platform 3, but it is always recommended to check the displays to avoid boarding the wrong train. Note: There are no escalators or elevators to access this platform.
- Campania Express:
- This special Circumvesuviana tourist train is designed to provide a comfortable ride for visitors. It features guaranteed seating, air conditioning, and luggage space.
- Main stops: Naples Porta Nolana, Naples Piazza Garibaldi, Herculaneum Scavi, Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, Sorrento, and other stations of tourist interest.
- Duration of the Naples – Pompeii trip: about 30 minutes.
- Cost: €15 one way, €25 round trip.
- Purchase tickets: They are available online or at Circumvesuviana ticket offices at least 20 minutes before departure. For those arriving in Naples on Frecce, Intercity, or Regional trains, tickets can also be purchased through the Trenitalia portal, taking advantage of a 10% discount.
- Hop-on/hop-off: possibility of getting off at intermediate stops and resuming the journey with another Campania Express train.
- On-board services: Air-conditioned trains with reserved seats, luggage space, and on-board reception staff for tourist information.
- Accessibility: Naples Porta Nolana and Sorrento stations are accessible, but some intermediate stations, such as Naples Piazza Garibaldi, are not. For specific information, contact the EAV info point or toll-free at 800211388.
Practical tip: The Campania Express is ideal for those who want to travel more comfortably and relax, especially during peak season. Book tickets online to guarantee a seat and enjoy a stress-free experience.
Purchase combined tickets with transportation included
To make your trip easier, you can opt for combination tickets, including transportation and entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. These packages are usually more convenient, especially for tourists who want to avoid the stress of buying tickets for transportation and access to the archaeological site separately. With combination tickets, you can plan your day better, ensuring you arrive at the excavations on time without worrying about queues or availability. In addition, many of these packages include skip-the-line options, allowing you to start your visit immediately without long waits. They are ideal for those departing from Naples or Rome and those travelling with families or groups.
Here are some options:
Pompeii: Guided tour + round trip from Naples
Pompeii: Admission + Roundtrip transportation from Rome
FAQ about how to get to the Pompeii Archaeological Park
To reach the Pompeii Archaeological Park from Naples by car, take the A3 Naples-Salerno highway and the “Pompeii Ovest” exit. You will arrive near the Pompeii Archaeological Park in about 30 minutes (traffic permitting). Consider the traffic situation in advance and arrive early in high season to find parking more easily.
Yes, several companies, including Flixbus, offer frequent trips from Naples to Pompeii. The trip takes an average of 20 minutes, and prices start at about €5. Buying tickets online in advance is advisable to secure your seat on board and choose the most convenient time.
The Circumvesuviana leaves from Naples Porta Nolana station or the lower level of Naples Piazza Garibaldi, running every 20-30 minutes. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes, and the ticket costs €3.30 each way. Once you arrive at Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, you will be just a short walk from the main entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
The “Campania Express” is a special Circumvesuviana tourist train with air conditioning, reserved seating, and luggage space. It connects Naples to Pompeii in about 30 minutes and is ideal if you want to travel comfortably, especially in high season. The cost is €15 one way or €25 round trip. You can buy tickets online or at Circumvesuviana ticket offices.
If you are wondering “how to get to Pompeii from Rome” by car, take the A1 highway towards Naples and continue on the A3 towards Salerno, exiting at “Pompei Ovest.” Under normal traffic conditions, it will take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Remember the highway toll and fuel cost; parking near the excavations costs between €10 and €15 per day.
Yes. Take a High-Speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (about 1 hour and 10 minutes), then continue by Circumvesuviana or Campania Express to Pompeii. The entire journey from Rome to the Pompeii Archaeological Park can take about 2 hours, depending on connections. By booking high-speed trains in advance, you can find great deals.
Yes, many operators offer “combination tickets, ” including transportation (from Naples or Rome) and entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. They are a great way to save time and simplify the planning of your visit, especially if you want to avoid buying tickets separately or standing in long lines at the site. They also often provide “skip-the-line” options and are ideal for families or groups.
Yes, many organised trips to Pompeii offer packages from Naples in the morning – a great way to save time and stress. These packages allow you to get to Pompeii comfortably, without worrying about train schedules, traffic, or parking. You can relax in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, often with an experienced guide who will provide interesting information about the region. This is the ideal solution for those who want a carefree experience, making the most of their time and enjoying a visit to one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Take a look at these proposals.