Pompeii Tours & Skip-the-Line Tickets

Book Pompeii tours and tickets online with skip the line entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park. Explore the ancient ruins with expert guided tours.

	Stone street with stepping stones in Pompeii

Why Visit Pompeii?

Pompeii is the best-preserved Roman city in the world, and few places bring the ancient past so close. When Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it sealed the streets, shops, homes, and painted walls under ash, so walking through today feels like stepping into everyday Roman life rather than a museum. You can still see bakeries, bath houses, vivid frescoes, and the plaster casts of the people who once lived here.

Tickets for Pompeii

Highlights of the Ruins

The Forum of Pompeii ringed by columns

The Forum

The Forum was the beating heart of Pompeii, a grand public square ringed by temples, markets, and government buildings. Stand at its open end, and Vesuvius rises straight ahead, framing the city's most famous view. It is the natural place to begin a visit and to get your bearings.

The ancient amphitheatre of Pompeii

The Amphitheatre

Built around 70 BC, Pompeii's amphitheatre is the oldest Roman stone arena still standing, with room for roughly 20,000 spectators. It once hosted gladiator games that drew crowds from across the region, and its worn stone tiers still give a powerful sense of scale.

Red frescoes in the Villa of the Mysteries

Villa of the Mysteries

On the quiet edge of town, the Villa of the Mysteries is famous for a room of vivid red frescoes showing a mysterious initiation rite. The colours remain remarkably sharp after almost 2,000 years, making it one of the most striking sights in all of Pompeii.

A City Frozen in Time

For almost 2,000 years, Vesuvius kept Pompeii intact. Today you can walk a complete Roman city, street by street, just a short train ride from Naples.

79 AD when Vesuvius erupted
163 acres of ruins
3 site entrances
25 km from Naples

Plan Your Visit

Pompeii ruins on a clear day

Opening Hours

Pompeii opens at 9 am every day, closing at 7:30 pm from April to October and at 5 pm from November to March, with last entry 90 minutes before closing. It is closed on 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December. Arriving early means cooler air and quieter streets.

The ticket entrance at Pompeii

Tickets & Prices

A standard adult ticket costs €18 in 2026, with free entry for under-18s and a reduced €2 rate for EU citizens aged 18 to 24. The first Sunday of each month is free for everyone. Booking online ahead of time secures your date and helps you skip the queue at the gate.

Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii

Getting There

The easiest route is the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri stop, about 35 minutes from Naples and 30 from Sorrento, then a 5-minute walk to the Porta Marina gate. From Rome, take a fast train to Naples first, then change to that line.

What Travelers Say

James T.
James T.

We did the Pompeii and Herculaneum combo over two days. Pompeii is huge and dramatic; Herculaneum is smaller but incredibly well preserved. The combo ticket saved us money, and the train from Naples was simple.

Sarah M.
Sarah M.

Booking ahead made the whole day easy. We walked straight past the ticket line and met our guide at the gate. She brought the Forum and the House of the Faun to life, and we never felt rushed. Worth every euro.

Linda R.
Linda R.

A fascinating site, though hotter and busier than we expected. We were glad we started early and wore comfortable shoes. The skip-the-line ticket was well worth it in the late-morning crowds. Bring water.

Mike & Dana
Mike & Dana

We took the day trip from Rome, and it was stress-free. Transport, entry, and a guide were all sorted for us. Seeing Vesuvius behind the ruins was unforgettable. A long day, but a highlight of our Italy trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pompeii Tours

How much are Pompeii tickets?

Standard adult entry is €18 in 2026. Under-18s go free, EU citizens aged 18–24 pay €2, and the first Sunday of each month is free for everyone.

Advance booking for Pompeii?

In peak season, yes. Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours sell out, and booking in advance saves you a long wait at the gate.

How long do you need at Pompeii?

Plan for 2–4 hours. Two hours covers the highlights; half a day lets you explore the Forum, Villa of the Mysteries, and amphitheatre, unrushed.

What are Pompeii's opening hours?

9 am–7:30 pm April–October and 9 am–5 pm November–March. Last entry is 90 minutes before closing. Closed Jan 1, May 1, and Dec 25.

Is Pompeii worth visiting?

Yes. It is the best-preserved Roman city in the world, and walking its real streets and homes is one of Italy's top experiences.

Can you visit Pompeii without a guide?

Yes. You can explore on your own with a map or audio guide, though a guide adds context and helps you find the highlights.