From happy customers

Loved by 49 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Szyika G

France

Couple

6 days ago

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+5 more

A very enthusiastic archaeologist guide, insightful and interesting explanations, and unfiltered insights into the lives of different social classes and the customs of the time...! In short, it was truly fantastic and very classy...! Well done

Marina M

Spain

Couple

Last week

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An incredible experience!! Marina is an amazing guide—she’s so friendly and knows so many interesting facts about Pompeii. Plus, the small group size lets you really immerse yourself in the experience. 100% recommended!!! I also want to thank the ticket counter girl at Towns Of Italy who, even though we arrived late, helped us a lot find our guide and join the tour. Thanks, girls 💘💘💘💘💘 You’re all gorgeous!!!!

Beatrix K

Hungary

Group

Last week

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+5 more

I found out it was easy to buy tickets online.The people at the tourist information office on site were very helpful. Pompei is really beautiful everyone should see it once.

Tania P

Australia

Group

Jan 2026

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We had very little wait at the tourist office having booked early and were able to walk straight into the park. I advise the audio rather than the guide book - it wasn't well translated at times and missed some interesting points of interest. Makes a nice souvenir though.

María T

Couple

Jan 2026

‌

Visiting Pompeii was a unique experience. Our guide at the archeological site, Rosa, was very knowledgeable. Walking through the ruins transported us to the life just before the volcanic eruption. Sorrento was the cherry on top. Beautiful town and the Amalfi coast was fantastic. Our driver Paolo was very skilled, navigating the narrow and windy roads with sup4me confidence. Throughout the day, our guide Antonino was friendly, knowledgeable and funny. A experience highly recommended!!!

Malgorzata M

Poland

Family

Jan 2026

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+1 more

A very well-organized trip, everything on time. A little more time would have been useful in Pompeii. We will definitely come back here again.

Tatjana K

United Kingdom

Couple

Nov 2025

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Amazing! Very large territory, many interesting historical objects. Special atmosphere. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible.

Paul R

United Kingdom

Solo

Oct 2025

‌

+1 more

A fantastic tour with a really knowledgeable guide. An unforgettable experience wandering the ancient streets of Pompeii

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Overview

Ways to explore: Choose between standard timed entry or guided tours led by historians/archaeologists. Audio guides and physical guidebooks in multiple languages help you navigate over 170 acres of preserved temples, theaters, and frescoed villas.
Additional access: Upgrade to Pompeii Plus to visit the suburban villas such as the Villa of the Mysteries, Villa Diomede, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale, along with the Antiquarium Museum. A free shuttle connects these areas for easier movement between sites.
Queues & timing: Entry lines can reach one to two hours in high season. Booking Pompeii tickets with a reserved slot helps you start exploring sooner.
Guided value: Guided tours add structure and storytelling to a vast, largely unsignposted site. Small-group options of about fifteen guests allow more personal interaction.
Combos & day trips: Combine Pompeii with Vesuvius or Herculaneum for a two-site archaeological experience. Naples or Sorrento round-trip transfers are included in most combo tours.
Good to know: Most tickets include free cancellation within 24–72 hours and remain valid for an entire day.
Best upgrade: Choose an archaeologist-led guided tour for expert commentary and smoother navigation.

Compare your Pompeii ticket options

Ticket type	Entrance used	Lines skipped	Security	Includes	Guide	Why pick this	Cancellation policy	Price from	Recommended experience
Basic entry ticket	Porta Marina Inferiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Entry to main archeological park	No	• Cheapest option • Full freedom inside	Free cancelation up to 72 hrs	€24	Pompeii Tickets
Pompeii Plus ticket	Porta Marina Inferiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Ruins + suburban villas	No	• Extended access • Villa transfers via shuttle	Free cancelation up to 72 hrs	€29	Pompeii Plus Tickets
Entry + audio guide	Anfiteatro di Pompeii	Ticket line	Mandatory	Ruins + digital/physical multilingual audio guide	Audio	• Flexible pacing • Context without groups	Free cancelation up to 24 hrs	€25	Pompeii Audio Guide
Entry + guidebook	Porta Marina Superiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Ruins + printed multilingual guidebook	No	• Visual reference • Easy self-navigation	Free cancelation up to 24 hrs	€31	Pompeii Guidebook
Guided tour	Porta Marina Superiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Expert-led walk through Pompeii’s main highlights	Yes	• Saves ~1–2 hrs • Clear storytelling	Free cancelation up to 24 hrs	€31	Pompeii Guided Tour
Archeologist-led tour	Porta Marina Inferiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Research-driven storytelling on-site	Yes	• Expert depth • Personalized attention	Free cancelation up to 24 hrs	€49	Pompeii with Archeologist
Combo: Pompeii + Herculaneum	Porta Marina Superiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Priority entry to two archeological sites	No	• Compare outcomes of same eruption across 2 cities	No free cancelation	€40	Pompeii + Herculaneum
Combo: Pompeii + Vesuvius	Porta Marina Superiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Ruins + crater entry	Audio	• City + volcano • Complete context	Free cancelation up to 48 hrs	€55	Pompeii + Vesuvius
Guided day trips	Porta Marina Superiore	Ticket line	Mandatory	Transfers + guided visit	Yes	• Easy logistics • Long-range travel	Free cancelation up to 24 hrs	€42	Pompeii with Transfers

What to expect at Pompeii

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First sight and entry

You arrive at Pompeii through the historic Porta Marina. The ancient stone-paved road unfolds beneath a warm sun as you pass olive trees and remnants of columns. Early visitors enjoy a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds entering the vast archaeological park.

Explore Pompeii’s ancient streets

Stroll along cobbled streets lined with preserved ruins and ancient murals. You pass by the bustling Forum, stately basilica, and remains of bathhouses that reveal everyday Roman life. The soft echoes of history set a deliberate, unhurried pace as you wander.

Discover Pompeii’s timeless heart

Reach the iconic Forum where ruins of temples and market stalls whisper stories of ancient life. Marvel at the amphitheatre and poignant plaster casts in the Garden of the Fugitives. This profound centerpiece evokes the tragedy and resilience of Pompeii.

Upgrade to guided insight

Opt for a guided experience to access hidden layers of Pompeii. With a knowledgeable archaeologist, discover exclusive routes including the Villa of the Mysteries and intimate commentary on frescoes. This upgrade streamlines your visit, reducing wait times and deepening your historical context.

Exit with lasting impressions

As you leave through the quieter Piazza Anfiteatro, the ancient ruins recede into a modern backdrop. The soft glow of the afternoon sun and distant view of Mount Vesuvius remind you of Pompeii’s enduring legacy. A reflective farewell concludes your journey.

Things to know before booking your Pompeii tickets

Booking window
• Tickets are best purchased online up to several days in advance during peak season.
• During busy months (April–August) and on free-entry Sundays, advance booking secures your preferred time slot and may reduce waiting times.

Entry & access
• All Pompeii tickets are for timed entry only; you must arrive within 15 minutes before or after your slot to be admitted.
• Timed entry tickets bypass the ticket counter but not the mandatory security check, where waits of around 15–30 minutes are common in peak conditions.

What’s included
• A standard Pompeii entry ticket grants access to the extensive open-air archaeological park. It covers the core ruins and main highlights found along ancient streets, baths, and public sites.
• Standard tickets do not include suburban villa circuits (such as the Villa of the Mysteries) unless you purchase the the 'Pompeii Plus' ticket.
• Optional add-ons like audio guides or guidebooks are available with select tickets to provide historical context for self-guided exploration.

Ways to explore
• Self-guided visits offer flexibility; using a map or audio guide can help you navigate the expansive ruins at your own pace.
• Guided tours are ideal for efficient routing and insightful commentary that brings Pompeii’s history to life. These tours often include reserved entry and may feature small group sizes for a more personal experience.
• Combo tickets combine Pompeii with nearby attractions (such as Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius) and sometimes include train or coach transfers from Naples or Sorrento, offering a fuller day-trip experience.

Policies
• All tickets are nominative and require a valid ID on entry (name on ticket must match name on ID). Once you leave the site, re-entry is not permitted.
• Dogs larger than 40cm or heavier than 10kg are not permitted. Service animals with valid certification are allowed.
• Note that while accessible routes are offered (such as the “Pompeii for all” path from Piazza Anfiteatro), the uneven terrain means not all areas are suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Explore the ruins at Pompeii

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Temple of Apollo

Dedicated to the Greek and Roman god Apollo, the temple has 48 Ionic columns and stands on a high podium. In this compound, you will find a statue of Apollo archer and the bust of Diana in the original locations that they were in before it was buried under debris.

Villa of the Mysteries

The site is fabled for its frescos which are believed to illustrate the initiation of a woman into a Greco-Roman mystery cult. It was discovered in 1910 and is said to have belonged to a wealthy family that resided in Pompeii during the Augustan Era.

The House of the Tragic Poet

This is a 2nd Century villa deemed to have the best interiors amongst all the houses in Pompeii due to the still-visible frescoes and elegant decor. Archaeologist Antonio Bonucci excavated the house in 1824.

The Temple of Isis

Dedicated to Isis, an Egyptian goddess, this was one of the first sites that surfaced when the Pompeii excavations began. Principal devotees of the temple are believed to be women, slaves, and freedmen.

Pompeii Spectacula

Pompeii Spectacula, the amphitheater of Pompeii, dates back to around 70 BC. It is not only the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater made of stone but also predates the Colosseum in Rome by over a century!

Stabian Baths

The Stabian Baths stand close to the Forum and are the oldest in the city. Much like other Roman baths, there were different rooms with thermal pools of different temperatures and depths.

House of the Vettii

Spanning an entire block, the House of Vettii is one of the largest in Pompeii, preserved in almost pristine condition. This luxurious Domus, through its fresco and pictorial depictions, tells a great deal about the rich merchants of Pompeii.

House of the Faun

Also known as Casa del Fauno, this house was built during the 2nd century BC and is found to be one of the largest and most impressive private residences in Pompeii. It houses 2 atriums, one intended for residence and the other for work.

Forum of Pompeii

The Forum was the hub of cultural and political life in Pompeii. It housed the marketplace, bathhouses, and a unique, cross-shaped courthouse that later influenced European churches.

Gladiator barracks

IIn Pompeii’s later years, the colonnaded structure behind the Theatre served as gladiator barracks. It housed a kitchen, mess hall, stables, and an armory. Excavations revealed helmets and ornate parade armor in several rooms.

Basilica of Pompeii

The Basilica of Pompeii, built in the 2nd century BC, was the town’s main law court and commercial hub. Located near the Forum’s west corner, it is one of Pompeii’s oldest and most significant public buildings.

Plan your visit to Pompeii

Tour guide explaining Pompeii victim cast to tourists.

April 1 to October 31: 9am to 7pm (Last entry: 5:30pm)

November 1 to March 31: 9am to 5pm (Last entry: 3:30pm)

Closed: December 25, May 1 and January 1

Duration: Ideally, it would take two days to complete an entire tour of the ruins; however, you can tour the major parts of the town within a day.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pompeii is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) seasons. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it comfortable for exploring the archaeological site.

Detailed Pompeii hours

Visitors reading information plaques on a Pompeii VIP small group tour.

• Porta Marina Superiore: This is the main gate, located directly across the road from the Pompeii Scavi train station (100m away). Sees longer queues mid-morning.
• Anfiteatro di Pompeii: Located to the east of the archeological site, this entrance is a 15-minute walk from Porta Marina and closer to the modern town of Pompei. A quieter entrance, this entrance is ideal for those with mobility issues.
• Piazza Esedra (Porta Marina Inferiore): Alternative to the Superiore during peak season, this entrance is only marginally less crowded and is about 300m away from the Scavi station. Leads to the Antiquarium.