Pompeii and Herculaneum are two of the most fascinating archaeological destinations in the world. Located in the Campania region of Italy, these sites were preserved after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Visiting Pompeii & Herculaneum gives you the chance to take an extraordinary journey into the ancient world, exploring what daily life was like in this resort town of the Roman Empire. The archaeological site of Pompeii is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Italy. This ancient city is especially renowned for its well-preserved ruins that were covered in volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows. Its private homes and public buildings boasted vibrant frescoes that are still visible today, as they were preserved after being buried by the volcanic eruption. The excavations of Herculaneum are less famous but equally fascinating. Its buildings and artifacts were exceptionally well preserved because they were covered by a particular combination of volcanic ash and pumice.
How to get to Pompeii
Reaching Pompeii is easy and convenient because the archaeological site is located very close to the freeway toll booth and the Circumvesuviana train station.
By car
If you arrive by car, you can take the A3 Napoli-Salerno motorway and exit at Pompeii. Several paid parking lots with custodians are available near the main entrances to the excavations.
By train
From Naples or Sorrento, take the local Circumvesuviana train to the station “Pompei Villa dei Misteri.” The journey takes about 30 minutes from either city. The entrance to the Porta Marina excavations is located right in front of the Circumvesuviana station. If it’s more convenient for you to take a Trenitalia train, the Pompei station is located closer to the Anfiteatro entrance.
Private transfers
Another convenient option for reaching the ruins of Pompeii is by booking an organized tour that includes transport from Naples or Sorrento. If you’re staying overnight on the Amalfi Coast, you can book a private transfer from the airport or train station directly to your hotel, and include a stop in Pompeii along the way. This is very convenient because it allows you to optimize both cost and time, since there aren’t any direct connections from the Amalfi Coast that reach the town of Pompeii.
How to get to Herculaneum
Herculaneum (Ercolano in Italian) is easy to reach by either public transport or car. If you’re coming by car, take the A3 Napoli-Salerno freeway and get off at the Ercolano exit. Parking is available near the archaeological site. If you prefer the train, the Circumvesuviana offers frequent connections between Naples and Sorrento. The station for Herculaneum is "Ercolano Scavi," and the archaeological site is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the train station.
Practical information for visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum
The Pompeii archaeological site is open year round, closing only on December 25th and January 1st. We recommend you purchase tickets online to avoid long lines at the entrance. Comfortable shoes are a must, and you should also bring a water bottle and sunscreen, especially during the hot summer months. A small refreshment area and restrooms are available inside the site. Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii and has more shaded areas, so it’s easier to visit, especially in the summer. People with reduced mobility can visit Pompeii by following the dedicated route that starts at Piazza Anfiteatro. This itinerary is also convenient for those with children in strollers. The average visit time at Pompeii is 3-4 hours, and if you wish you could make an entire day trip out of your visit. To visit Herculaneum you can expect to spend around two hours.
Visiting Pompeii: recommended itinerary
To make the most of your visit to Pompeii, a well-planned itinerary is essential. Start your visit at Porta Marina, one of the main entrances, and continue towards the Forum, which was the political and commercial heart of the ancient city. From here, explore the House of the Faun, one of the most luxurious homes; and the Villa of the Mysteries, which is famous for its frescoes. Also visit the Teatro Grande and the Amphitheatre, which were entertainment venues of the time. Don't miss the thermal baths, which were an essential part of daily Roman life, and the Lupanare, an ancient brothel. Conclude your visit with a walk along Pompeii’s main street, Via dell'Abbondanza, which was dotted with stores and workshops. In order to better appreciate the Pompeii excavations, we recommend that you take a walking tour with a professional guide. You can book a small group tour or a private guide in advance, or even arrange a tour with the guides directly at the entrance.
Visiting Herculaneum: recommended itinerary
Compared to Pompeii, Herculaneum is smaller in size and can be visited in its entirety in a few hours. Start your visit from the Boat Pavilion, where a perfectly preserved Roman boat is on display. Continue towards the Suburban Baths and the Central Baths, examples of Roman thermal complexes. Visit the Casa dei Cervi, a luxurious residence with frescoes and mosaics, and the Casa del Bicentenario, recently reopened to the public. Don't miss the Gym, used for physical training, and the Herculaneum Theatre, still partly buried. Finish your tour with a walk along the Decumanus Maximus, the city's main street. The Villa of the Papyri is currently closed to the public due to excavation work underway so you may wish to check before your visit to see when it will be accessible again.
Vesuvius
A visit to the crater of Mount Vesuvius is often combined with a half day in Pompeii and Herculaneum. You can book one of the many organized tours that include this itinerary or organize a visit on your own.
How to get to the crater of Vesuvius
You can drive up to the parking lot, located around 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) above sea level. From there, a shuttle service will take you to the trailhead that leads to the crater. There are also buses available from Naples, Herculaneum, and Pompeii. The path up to the crater is clearly marked and accessible, but it requires a walk of about 30 minutes uphill and you must be accompanied by a professional guide. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen.
Visit the crater of Vesuvius
The visit to the crater of Vesuvius begins at the ticket office, located at an altitude of 1,050 meters (3,444 ft.), easily accessible by bus or shuttle. From there, a well-marked path leads to the crater; the round-trip walk is about 4 km (2.5 miles) total. The path has an elevation gain of 140 meters (460 ft.) and an average 14% grade, so it’s considered suitable for everyone and doesn’t require any particular physical preparation; however, you must walk it accompanied by a professional guide. During the climb, visitors can admire breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the Tirone Reserve. Once you arrive at the edge of the crater, your view extends over the entire gulf, the archaeological excavations and the Molise-Abruzzo Apennines.