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Getting to Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius

The easiest way to reach both Pompeii and Herculaneum is the Circumvesuviana train that runs between Naples and Sorrento. From the Circumvesuviana stations, you can easily walk to the ruins or catch a bus for the Mount Vesuvius National Park.

You can also arrive by car; there are parking areas and lots near the entrance to the ruins and the Vesuvius crater.

Getting to Pompeii and Herculaneum from Sorrento or Naples

The Circumvesuviana train departs from Naples and Sorrento and has stops near the archaeological parks in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

In Sorrento, the station is located in the center of town opposite Pizza Angelina Lauro and is the only train line between Sorrento and Naples, so you can't get on the wrong train! Trains depart about every 30 minutes and the trip to Pompeii takes about 30 minutes; for Herculaneum, the trip takes about 50 minutes.

You can take the same train from Naples for Pompeii and Herculaneum: trains depart from track 1 of the underground Circumvesuviana station beneath the Naples Central train station in Piazza Garibaldi. Check the display the indicates which train is departing and board the Sorrento - Pompei line, otherwise you may accidentally catch a train to Sarno rather than Pompeii!

Train schedules Naples - Herculaneum - Pompeii - Sorrento

Getting to the Ruins from the Circumvesuviana Station

Herculaneum

If you are heading to the ruins at Herculaneum, exit the Ercolano Scavi station and walk along Via 4 Novembre for about 5 minutes to the entrance to the ruins.

Skip-the-line tickets to Herculaneum ruins

Pompeii

If you are headed to the ruins at Pompeii, the Porta Marina Superiore entrance is directly opposite the Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station along the Circumvesuviana line, and the Porta Marina Inferiore (Piazza Esedra) entrance, where our recommended itinerary begins, is a few meters further down.

Skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii ruins

Transportation Chart

Download the PDF Guide (PDF 278 KB)

Getting to Pompeii and Herculaneum by Car

The highway A3 Pompei Ovest exit leads directly to the archaeological park entrance, and there are a number of parking lots near the entrances.

Getting to Herculaneum by car is a bit more complicated, as you have to navigate the traffic through the center of the modern town. Once near the entrance to the archaeological ruins, there are a number of parking lots.

Getting to Mount Vesuvius with Public Transportation

From the Circumvesuviana Pompei Villa dei Misteri station, take an EAV bus to the trail head on Mount Vesuvius, and proceed by foot to the crater rim. From the Circumbesuviana Ercolano station, take the Vesuvio Express shuttle.

Bus schedules Pompeii - Vesuvius
Visiting the Crater on Mount Vesuvius

Getting to Mount Vesuvius by Car

If you are arriving by car, follow the signs and park at the parking area along the provincial road, the highest elevation private vehicles are allowed to drive. Here you have to pay for parking (EUR 5) and can buy round trip tickets for the shuttles that take visitors from the parking area to the ticket office for the Mount Vesuvius National Park. You can also walk up, but we recommend taking the shuttle up the steep climb. From the ticket office, continue walking along the road for about 1 kilometer to the trail head for the crater.

Arriving from Rome

You can also visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on a day trip from Rome. From the Rome Termini station, take a high-speed train to Naples (Italo or Trenitalia) and then proceed to the underground Circumvesuviana station for a train to Pompeii. It takes about 2 hours to get there in total.

Tours of Pompeii ruins from Rome

Arriving from Capri or the Amalfi Coast

From Capri, the easiest way to reach Pompeii is by taking the ferry to Sorrento and booking a tour or day trip with a private driver to Pompeii or taking the Circumvesuviana train. From the Amalfi Coast, you can join a tour from Amalfi or Positano, or book a private tour with a driver. If you want to take public transportation, you will have to take the Sita bus to Sorrento and then the train to Pompeii.

Tours of Pompeii ruins from Capri or the Amalfi Coast

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How do you reach Pompeii from central Naples?
From central Naples, travelers head to the underground level of Piazza Garibaldi station and board the Circumvesuviana toward Pompeii – Sorrento. The ride takes about 35 minutes and ends across from Porta Marina. It’s essential to check the display, as some trains do not stop at Pompei Scavi. Arriving early in the morning helps avoid crowds and busy trains.
How do you get to Pompeii from Sorrento?
From Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana station sits near Piazza Angelina Lauro, and the only departing line is the direct Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento route. The trip takes about 30 minutes, with no transfers required. It’s convenient for travelers arriving from Capri. Buying tickets ahead of time is recommended during peak hours.
How far is the walk from Pompei Scavi station to the entrances?
The Porta Marina Superiore entrance is directly across from the station, while Porta Marina Inferiore (Esedra) is only a short walk down the same road. The walk takes 1–3 minutes, making the Circumvesuviana the most convenient option for minimizing transit time.
How can you reach Pompeii from Rome in one day?
From Rome Termini, travelers take a high-speed train to Naples, arriving in about 70 minutes. From there, they move to the lower level and board the Circumvesuviana toward Pompei Scavi. The full trip takes around 2 hours, making a day trip easy to arrange.
Is it convenient to reach Pompeii by car?
Yes, the Pompei Ovest exit on the A3 highway brings drivers close to the entrances. Several supervised parking areas are available nearby. Traffic can increase on weekends or after 10:00 AM, so arriving early is recommended. Parking areas accommodate both short and long stays.
Is it easy to reach Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast?
There are no direct connections, so travelers must take a SITA bus to Sorrento, then the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii. The journey can be crowded and time-consuming, especially in summer. For a simpler, smoother experience, a guided tour with transfer is often the best choice.
Which entrance is easiest when arriving by train?
Porta Marina Superiore is the most immediate entrance, directly across from the station. Travelers seeking a slightly quieter start can choose Porta Marina Inferiore (Esedra), only a few steps away. Both provide fast access to the main areas.
Do all Circumvesuviana trains stop at Pompeii and Herculaneum?
All trains stop at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, but Ercolano Scavi is not served by every train; some direct services skip intermediate stops. Travelers visiting both sites should check the display and the list of stops before boarding.
Where can you park near the Pompeii ruins?
Several supervised parking lots are located near Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra. The area gets busy during peak hours, so arriving before 10:00 AM is recommended. These lots support both short and long stays.
How do you reach Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii?
From Pompei Scavi, EAV buses run to the parking area at around 1,000 meters above sea level. From there, visitors walk roughly 1 km to reach the crater rim. Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
Is it practical to visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum in the same day using public transport?
Yes, but careful timing is needed: Pompeii usually takes 4 hours, Herculaneum 2–3, and trains between the two sites take 20–25 minutes. It’s a demanding plan, so starting at Pompeii and visiting Herculaneum later is recommended. Always check the train stops beforehand.
Where do organized tours to Pompeii depart from?

Many tours depart from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. They usually include dedicated transfers to the main entrances, removing the need to coordinate buses or trains. For travelers short on time, this is the most convenient option.

Tours from Naples
Tours from Sorrento
Tours from Amalfi Coast

How do you reach the Herculaneum ruins from Naples or Sorrento by train?
To reach Herculaneum, you take the Naples – Pompeii – Sorrento line, but not all trains stop at Ercolano Scavi; some direct services skip several intermediate stations. In such cases, you must get off at Torre Annunziata and transfer. Before boarding, it’s helpful to check the timetable and, when available, the platform display listing all stops. A tour with included transfer is the simplest way to avoid surprises.