Book Herculaneum Tickets | Skip-the-Lines, Guided Tours

Herculaneum | Vesuvius’ well-preserved victim

Besides Pompeii, there was yet another ancient Roman city that was smothered under Mount Vesuvius’ outburst in 79 AD. Enter Herculaneum, smaller yet more opulent than Pompei. Proof of its richness lies in the perfectly preserved ruins of villas and town squares that were previously used by Roman noblemen and women as holiday homes and retreats.

Even today, the remains of wooden furniture, doors and roofs, mosaics and frescoes, and organic substances like food have been remarkably preserved. This is due to the unique pyroclastic, or volcanic, residue that blanketed the settlement, trapping its contents in an infinite fire-freeze. Visit Herculaneum in the Campania region of Italy to discover its secrets.

Things to know before booking Herculaneum tickets

Booking combo tours to both Herculaneum and Pompeii to understand the full aftermath of Vesuvius’ wrath makes sense. But don’t feel pressured to visit both sites on the same day. Your tickets allow you to book entry to them on different dates.

Besides Herculaneum and Pompeii, opt for the Artecard Campania to enter 5 top sites and grab discounts on several more! The Artecard Campania is valid for 7 days from the time of purchase.

Purchasing skip-the-line tickets helps you save anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour’s worth of time, otherwise spent in long tourist lines. Better still, take a guided tour with a knowledgeable professional who can explain in detail the ins and outs of Herculaneum, its history, secrets, myths and more.

Short on time but don’t want to miss out? Ride the superfast Campania Express from Naples to Herculaneum in just 18 minutes! Note that this is a one-way ticket either from the Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train station to Naples Porta Nolana station or vice versa. Additionally, it doesn’t guarantee entry to Herculaneum, so those tickets will have to be purchased separately.

To learn more about the main reason behind Herculaneum — Mount Vesuvius itself, make a stop at the volcano, climb its summit, peer into its craters and know what makes it as famous as it is fearsome!

Traveling with kids? Spirit them away on a 3D walking tour. Put on AR glasses and be transported to Herculaneum’s bejeweled past – be it entering lavish villas or appreciating splendid mosaics.

Those with mobility constraints / wheelchair users can avail a specially designed route by informing the help desk at the beginning of the site.

Did you know that many of Herculaneum’s treasures are no longer housed in Herculaneum? Head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to see artifacts and items rescued from Herculaneum.

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House of Neptune

Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum tickets

Why should I book Herculaneum tickets online?

Booking Herculaneum tickets online offers convenience and flexibility. You can easily book anytime, select your preferred date and time, and access various ticket options, including priority access and guided tours. Plus, enjoy customer support assistance and flexible cancellation policies, providing added convenience for your travel plans.

How much time can I save with skip-the-line tickets to Herculaneum?

You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.

How would a guided tour enhance my visit?

Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, sculptures and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.

What are my options if I don't want to avail a guided tour of Herculaneum?

Although nothing quite tops a guided tour, you can still learn about the history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide. If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.

In what languages are audio guides available?

You can listen to your audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

Who can avail discounted tickets to Herculaneum?

Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.

What is the cancelation policy for Herculaneum tickets?

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.

Is entry free for people with disabilities?

Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.

Can I access all the excavated portions of the Herculaneum with my tickets?

Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, etc.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots inside the Herculaneum that visitors should check out?

While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics.