The ancient city of Pompeii is only 26.5 km away from Naples and is therefore a perfect destination for a half-day or full-day trip. The best way to reach Pompeii from Naples is by train, taking the Circumvesuviana line. Once you get off the train, you have to walk another 5 minutes to reach the entrance to the archaeological site. Since Pompeii covers a very large area where there is not much shade, make sure you have a guide with you for the visit and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Taking Transportation
Step 1. Go to Napoli Centrale station to take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii
It is the most practical means of transport to reach the archaeological site from Naples: be sure to take the Circumvesuviana line, as it is the only one that reaches Pompeii.
- The train is very similar to a commuter train - it can be very busy and hot, so be prepared to travel on foot if necessary.
- Napoli Centrale is the main station of the city.
Step 2. Buy the ticket for Pompei Scavi
You can buy it at the ticket office adjacent to the platforms or at the station newsstand. Since the train leaves every 30 minutes, there is no need to buy tickets in advance - you can do it once you arrive at the station.
The ticket you buy will be one way
Step 3. Walk to Piazza Nolana to secure a seat on the train if you wish
Although it is possible to take the train at Napoli Centrale station, remember that it can be very busy and you may not find a seat. Heading to the Piazza Nolana station, from which all trains depart, you may have better luck.
Piazza Nolana is only a 7-minute walk from Naples Central
Step 4. Take the train and get off at the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stop
At the station you will find the indications that will lead you to take the Circumvesuviana line; after getting on the train and having traveled a journey of 35 minutes you will arrive at the stop that interests you, namely Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. Get off the train, making sure you don't forget anything behind you.
- The platform will be on the lower level.
- The presence of pickpockets is often a problem on the train, so always keep an eye on your personal belongings.
- If you are traveling with suitcases, leave them at the luggage storage of the Pompei Scavi station: it is not allowed to take them inside the site.
Step 5. Walk towards the main entrance of the site which is located in Porta Marina
After leaving the Pompeii Scavi station, turn right to head towards the archaeological site: after about 5 minutes of walking you will reach the entrance where you can buy the ticket for your visit.
If necessary, you can check your route on a map or ask a local for help to see if you are heading in the right direction
Part 2 of 2: Visit Pompeii
Step 1. Buy tickets at the entrance to the archaeological site
You will find a ticket office where you can buy the ticket for each member of your group: the cost is € 15 per person and it is also possible to pay by credit card.
- The price can be discounted for residents upon presentation of an identity document.
- It is also possible to buy tickets online up to one day before the visit, but not on the day itself.
Step 2. Use the map of Pompeii that is provided within the archaeological site
This map will be of great help during your visit, however it is not always automatically provided when purchasing tickets. If you are not given one, request it yourself from staff or a guide before starting your visit.
The map shows the main points of interest, as well as the location of the toilets, refreshment points and water fountains
Step 3. Choose to take a guide for your visit
You can opt for an audio guide offered within the site, for a person who works as a tour guide and accompanies you during the visit, or you can download an application on your mobile phone that works as a guide to Pompeii. The various options will have a different cost: the most expensive will be to hire a tour guide.
- Make sure you bring a pair of earphones with you, in case you decide to use an audio guide or an application for the phone.
- If you decide to hire a tour guide, you can choose between a half day or full day tour.
- You can also bring your Pompeii guide with you if you have purchased it previously.
Step 4. Visit the Forum near the site entrance
The Forum was the center of the political, commercial and social life of the city. There are several archaeological finds to admire in this place, which is located next to the main entrance of Porta Marina.
The Forum is one of the most interesting points to visit in Pompeii
Step 5. Visit the Amphitheater to admire its incredible architecture
This was the place where people used to go to watch the battles and games and it is the oldest existing Roman amphitheater in the world.
The amphitheater is located at the opposite end from the entrance to the site
Step 6. Look for the Casa del Fauno to admire an ancient Roman house
It is the largest and most imposing house in Pompeii and is a notable example of architecture of ancient houses. Go to the back yard to see the famous mosaic depicting a battle scene.
The house takes its name from the statue placed in the front courtyard
Step 7. Visit the Granaries of the Forum to admire the archaeological finds
This is the ancient market of the city where goods such as herbs and cereals were originally bought. Now you can admire some plaster casts of people who were unable to escape the city, as well as other interesting archaeological finds.
Step 8. Admire Vesuvius from the Teatro Grande
It is a large theater that can accommodate up to 5,000 people and is an interesting testimony of the architecture of the time. From the top of the battlements you can enjoy a beautiful view of Vesuvius.
The Teatro Grande is located in the so-called "theater district"
Step 9. Beware of any restricted areas that are temporarily closed
Some sites or buildings may be closed to the public but signage may be limited or non-existent. If you find yourself near an area that seems to have limited access, trust your intuition and stay away.
It is also useful to remember not to touch any artifacts (such as frescoes or famous monuments) to help preserve them
Advice
- It is best to visit Pompeii in the morning to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun.
- The visit route includes uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes and avoid using any strollers.
- It is also possible to take the SITA bus from Naples to Pompeii, although the train remains the best solution.
- Go to the archaeological site at least 2 hours before closing, in order to have enough time for the visit.
- Bring sunscreen and water with you: the site can get very hot during the summer months and there is not much shade.
- The excavations of Pompeii are open from 09.00 to 19.30 from April to October and from 09.00 to 17.00 from November to March. They are closed on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.
