Complete Visitor Guide
Plan Your Visit to Pompeii
Everything you need to know before visiting Pompeii Archaeological Park. Opening hours, tickets, getting there, what to bring, and insider tips for the perfect visit.
Essential Information
Quick Visitor Facts
Get all the essential information you need to plan your perfect visit to Pompeii Archaeological Park.
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Last entry 90 minutes before closing
Ticket Price
From €22
Skip-the-line available online
Visit Duration
3-5 Hours
Full site exploration recommended
Site Size
66 Hectares
163 acres of ancient ruins
Support Pompeii’s Preservation
Every ticket purchased contributes to ongoing conservation, archaeological research, and site maintenance. Visit responsibly and help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.
Tickets & Pricing
Buy Your Pompeii Tickets Online
Book skip-the-line tickets online and save time. Choose from standard entry tickets or guided tours with expert archaeologists.
Standard Entry
€22
Skip-the-Line Access
- Skip-the-line entry ticket
- Access to all excavated areas
- Valid for full day
- Free entry for EU citizens under 18
- Mobile ticket accepted
Most Popular
Guided Tour
€45
2-Hour Expert Guide
- Skip-the-line priority entry
- Expert archaeologist guide
- Small group (max 15 people)
- Headsets for clear audio
- Available in 8 languages
Private Tour
€120
3-Hour Exclusive
- VIP skip-the-line access
- Private archaeologist guide
- Customizable itinerary
- Flexible start time
- Up to 6 people included
Free Entry Days
Pompeii offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month from October to March. Book your free timed entry ticket online to guarantee access.
Opening Times
Pompeii Opening Hours & Best Times to Visit
Plan your visit around Pompeii’s opening hours and discover the best times to
explore with fewer crowds.
Daily Opening Hours
April 1 - October 31
Summer Season
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Last entry 5:30 PM
November 1 - March 31
Winter Season
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Last entry 3:30 PM
Closed Days
Annual Closures
January 1, May 1, December 25
Important Note
Last entry is 90 minutes before closing time. Allow at least 3 hours for a complete visit. Some areas may close earlier for conservation work.
Best Times to Visit
Early Morning (9:00-10:30 AM)
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and better lighting for photography. Most popular with serious photographers and history enthusiasts.
Late Afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM)
Good
Crowds thin out, golden hour lighting creates beautiful photos, and temperatures cool down. Perfect for a more relaxed exploration.
Midday (11:00 AM-3:00 PM)
Peak visitor hours with largest crowds and hottest temperatures. Consider booking a guided tour to navigate efficiently and access priority areas.
Best Months
April-May and September-October offer ideal weather (18-25°C), fewer crowds than summer, and longer opening hours than winter.
Avoid Peak Times
July-August see the largest crowds and hottest weather (30-35°C). Book early morning slots or late afternoon tours to beat the heat and crowds.
Winter Visits
November-March offer the quietest experience with minimal crowds. Shorter hours but perfect for photography and contemplative exploration.
Skip the Queue
Book Your Tickets Online & Save Time
Avoid long ticket lines and guarantee your entry with skip-the-line tickets. Instant confirmation and mobile tickets accepted.
Getting There
How to Get to Pompeii
Pompeii is easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Choose from trains, buses, private transfers, or guided tours with transportation included.
Best Months
Most convenient and affordable option from Naples and Sorrento
From Naples
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to “Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri” station (35 minutes, €3.60). The entrance is a 2-minute walk from the station.
- Trains every 30 minutes | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
From Sorrento
Take the Circumvesuviana train to “Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri” station (30 minutes, €3.20). Direct route with frequent departures.
- Trains every 30 minutes | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
By Bus
Alternative option with direct routes from major cities
From Naples
SITA bus from Piazza Municipio to Pompeii (40 minutes, €4.50). Buses run hourly with air conditioning and comfortable seating.
- Hourly departures | 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
From Amalfi Coast
SITA bus from Amalfi, Positano, or Salerno with connections through Sorrento (60-90 minutes, €6-10).
- Multiple daily departures
By Car
Take the A3 motorway from Naples (exit "Pompei Ovest") or Salerno (exit "Pompei Est"). Parking available near entrances (€5-10/day). 30 minutes from Naples, 25 minutes from Sorrento.
Private Transfer
Book a private car or minivan with driver from Naples, Sorrento, or Amalfi Coast. Door-to-door service with flexible pickup times. Perfect for groups and families.
Guided Tour with Transport
Join a full-day tour from Naples or Sorrento including round-trip transportation, skip-the- line entry, and expert guide. Hassle-free and comprehensive experience.
What to Bring
Essential Items for Your Pompeii Visit
Pack smart for a comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the ancient ruins. Here’s what you need to bring.
Must Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle (1-2 liters)
- Valid ID or passport
- Mobile ticket or printout
Recommended
- Camera or smartphone
- Portable phone charger
- Light snacks
- Small backpack
- Guidebook or map
Summer Essentials
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Light, breathable clothing
- Cooling towel
Not Allowed
- Large bags (over 30x30x15cm)
- Tripods or selfie sticks
- Drones
- Food and drinks (except water)
- Pets (except service animals)
Important Visitor Tips
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes - you'll walk 3-5km on uneven ancient stones
- Limited shade available - bring sun protection even on cloudy days
- Drinking fountains available throughout the site - refill your water bottle
- Download offline maps before visiting - mobile signal can be weak in some areas
- Drinking fountains available throughout the site - refill your water bottle
Download Our Free Visitor Guide
Get our comprehensive 40-page PDF guide with maps, suggested itineraries, photography tips, and detailed information about every major site.
Getting There
How to Get to Pompeii
Pompeii is easily accessible from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Choose from trains, buses, private transfers, or guided tours with transportation included.
- Wheelchair Accessibility
Pompeii offers wheelchair-accessible routes covering approximately 3km of the site, including major highlights like the Forum, Amphitheatre, and several houses.
Accessible Features:
- Wheelchair rental available at entrance (free, reservation required)
- Accessible restrooms at multiple locations
- Ramps and smooth pathways on designated routes
- Accessible parking near Piazza Anfiteatro entrance
- Priority entry for visitors with disabilities
- Additional Services
Audio Guides for Visually Impaired
Specialized audio guides with detailed descriptions available in multiple languages. Tactile maps and 3D models at visitor center.
Sign Language Tours
Guided tours with certified sign language interpreters available on request (48-hour advance booking required).
Service Animals
Certified service animals welcome throughout the site. Water bowls available at rest areas.
Reduced Mobility Tours
Specialized 2-hour tours designed for visitors with reduced mobility, covering accessible highlights with frequent rest stops.
Restrooms
Clean, modern restrooms located at entrance, Forum, Amphitheatre, and near Villa of Mysteries. Accessible facilities available at all locations.
Dining Options
Cafeteria near entrance serving sandwiches, salads, drinks, and snacks. Vending machines at multiple locations. Picnic areas available outside the site.
Gift Shop
Bookshop and gift shop at entrance offering guidebooks, maps, replicas, jewelry, and souvenirs. Free luggage storage available for purchases.
Learn More
Frequently Asked History Questions
How long should I spend at Pompeii?
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to see the main highlights. A full day (5-6 hours) allows thorough exploration of the entire site. Guided tours typically last 2-3 hours covering major areas.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak season (April-October). Skip-the-line tickets guarantee entry and save 1-2 hours of queue time. Same-day tickets may sell out.
Is Pompeii suitable for children?
Yes, children find Pompeii fascinating. Free entry for EU citizens under 18. Consider a family-friendly guided tour with engaging storytelling. Bring snacks, water, and plan for rest breaks. Some areas have steep steps.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Water bottles are allowed and recommended. Food and other drinks are not permitted inside the archaeological site. Cafeteria available near entrance. Picnic areas located outside the site boundaries.
Is there shade at Pompeii?
Limited natural shade available. Most of the site is exposed to direct sunlight. Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses). Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid peak heat.
Can I visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day?
Yes, many visitors combine both sites. Book a combo tour with transportation included, or visit Pompeii in the morning (3-4 hours) and Vesuvius in the afternoon (2 hours). Allow time for travel between sites (30 minutes).
Ready to Explore?
Book Your Pompeii Visit Today
Skip the lines, guarantee your entry, and explore ancient Rome’s best-preserved city. Instant confirmation and mobile tickets.
