Pompeii FAQs: Tickets, Tours & Visitor Questions
Here are the questions travelers ask most before visiting Pompeii. You will find ticket prices, how to get there, what to see, and how to pair it with Vesuvius or Herculaneum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pompeii ticket prices and options
How much are Pompeii tickets?
Express Pompeii Ticket is €20, while under-18s get in free and EU citizens aged 18 to 24 pay just €2.
Is Pompeii free on the first Sunday of the month?
Yes. Like every Italian state site, Pompeii is free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.
What's the difference between Pompeii and Pompeii Plus tickets?
The Express Pompeii Ticket €20, the ticket covers the main park, while Pompeii Plus (€25) also includes the villas just outside it, such as the Villa of the Mysteries.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
In the busy months, it is wise to book ahead, since skip-the-line tickets and tours sell out, and booking early saves a long wait at the gate.
Is there a combined Pompeii + Herculaneum ticket?
Yes. A combo ticket costs about €45, covers both sites, and is good for 48 hours.
Where do I enter the site?
There are three gates to choose from: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra.
How to get to Pompeii
How do I get to Pompeii from Naples?
Take the Circumvesuviana train to the "Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri" stop, which takes about 35 minutes, then walk five minutes to the Porta Marina gate.
How do I get to Pompeii from Rome?
Take a high-speed train to Naples in about 1 hour 10, then switch to the Circumvesuviana for the ruins, which makes the full trip around 2.5 to 3 hours.
How far is Pompeii from Sorrento?
It is about 30 minutes away on the same Circumvesuviana line.
Which train station is for the ruins?
Use "Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri," because the mainline "Pompei" station serves the modern town rather than the ruins.
Is there parking at Pompeii?
Yes, there are paid parking lots near the main entrances.
Visiting the ruins
What are Pompeii's opening hours?
The site opens from 9 am to 7:30 pm from April to October and from 9 am to 5 pm from November to March, with last entry 90 minutes before closing.
How long do you need at Pompeii?
Plan for 2 to 4 hours, since two hours covers the highlights, while half a day lets you explore at an easy pace.
Is Pompeii wheelchair accessible?
Partly. The step-free "Pompeii for All" route covers about 3.5 km, though the ancient streets themselves are rough and uneven.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sun protection, because there is little shade and the stone streets are uneven.
Are there toilets and food inside?
There are toilets and a café near the entrances, but bring water, since there is little for sale inside the ruins.
Can I bring a backpack?
Large bags must be left at the free cloakroom by the entrance, though small bags are fine to carry.
Pompeii tours and guides
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 the top things to do in Italy.
Do you need a guide for Pompeii?
You do not need one, but it helps, since a guide or audio guide adds the stories behind the ruins and points you to the highlights.
Are skip-the-line tickets worth it?
In the busy months, they are, because they save you a long line at the gate, especially in the late morning.
How long are guided tours?
Most guided tours run about two hours and cover the main sights, while private and expert-led tours go into more detail.
Can you visit Pompeii without a guide?
Yes. With a map or an audio guide, you can explore the ruins at your own pace.
Pairing Pompeii with Vesuvius and Herculaneum
Can you visit Pompeii and Vesuvius in one day?
Yes. Many combo tours pair the ruins with a hike up to the Vesuvius crater.
Pompeii or Herculaneum — which is better?
Pompeii is much larger, while Herculaneum is smaller but even better preserved, so see both if you have the time.
Is the Pompeii + Herculaneum combo worth it?
If you have the time, yes, because the €22 combo ticket stays valid for 48 hours and costs less than two separate tickets.
Can you climb Mount Vesuvius?
Yes. A trail leads to the crater rim, though you need a separate ticket and a short shuttle or drive partway up.
How far is Herculaneum from Pompeii?
It is about 15 minutes away on the Circumvesuviana, at the "Ercolano Scavi" stop.
