A day trip from Naples to Pompeii is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to explore Italy’s most famous archaeological site. With skip-the-line entry, seamless transfers, and expert guides, you’ll step straight into the preserved streets of 79 AD.

Overview

  • Distance from Naples: 27 km
  • Travel time: ~30 minutes each way by AC coach/train
  • On-site visit duration: 2–4 hours
  • Cost range: €25–€150 depending on inclusions (entry only vs. guided tours + combos)
  • Best season: April–June & September–October for pleasant weather
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Naples (e.g., Piazza Garibaldi, city center hotels)
  • Key attractions: Pompeii Forum, Villa of the Mysteries, Amphitheater, frescoed houses, thermal baths
  • Additional stops along the way: Herculaneum, Vesuvius, Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello
  • Related tours: Pompeii Tickets & Tours

What to expect on a Naples to Pompeii day trip

Guests on a coach transfer during Bovilla Lake and Gamti Mountain hiking tour.
Temple of Giove ruins in Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background.
Ancient frescoes depicting figures in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii.
Visitors hiking up the rocky path of Mount Vesuvius under a clear blue sky.
Glasses of limoncello with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves.
Couple smiling and pointing out the window on a bus tour.
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Quick departure from Naples

Start your day in central Naples (Piazza Garibaldi or city center hotels). Board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach or train for a seamless 30-minute journey.

Arriving at Pompeii

Skip the long queues and enter directly with your guide or ticket. Your visit begins at the Forum, with Mount Vesuvius looming dramatically in the background.

Exploring the ruins

Stroll cobbled streets, see frescoes at the Villa of the Mysteries, and step into the amphitheater where gladiators once fought. Guided tours add insider stories, while independent visits let you set your own pace.

Go beyond Pompeii

Choose to add a climb up Mount Vesuvius for crater views, or explore Herculaneum’s remarkably preserved houses and mosaics. Some tours also extend to Positano or the Amalfi Coast.

Local flavors & breaks

Lunch options range from traditional trattorias near Pompeii to pre-arranged meals on select tours. Many include limoncello tastings or free time in nearby towns.

Easy return to Naples

Wrap up the day and relax on the return transfer. You’ll be back in Naples in time for dinner, with 2,000 years of history fresh in mind.

Things to know before booking a Naples to Pompeii tours

  • Distance & travel time: Pompeii is just 30–40 minutes from Naples by train or coach, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in Campania.
  • Departure points: Most $99 tours depart from central Naples or train stations; some include hotel pick-up for added convenience. Independent tickets require you to make your own way to the Porta Marina or Piazza Anfiteatro entrances.
  • Trip duration: Expect 4–5 hours for Pompeii-only tours. Adding Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius stretches the day to 6–8 hours. Full Amalfi Coast extensions run 8–10 hours.
  • Transfers: Depending on the variant, you’ll travel by AC coach, private minivan, high-speed train, or the local Circumvesuviana line.
  • What’s included: Most guided day tours cover round-trip transfers and skip-the-line Pompeii entry, with some adding a 2-hour tour by an local guide/ archaeologist. Depending on the variant, you may also get entry to Herculaneum or Vesuvius, lunch, or tastings. Independent tickets can be upgraded with audio guides or guidebooks.
  • Exploring Pompeii: Standard Pompeii access includes an Express Ticket with skip-the-line entry to the main archaeological city. You can upgrade to a guided tour for expert insights at key landmarks, or choose the Pompeii Plus Ticket (a standalone option) for extended access to suburban villas connected by the Pompei Artebus shuttle.
  • Group size: Small-group tours are capped at around 18 guests for closer interaction; private options (max 8) deliver a fully tailored experience. Larger groups balance cost and structure.
  • Optional add-ons: Beyond Pompeii, day trips may include Herculaneum (smaller but better preserved), a Mount Vesuvius hike to the crater rim, or Amalfi Coast stops in Sorrento, Positano, and Ravello.
  • Meals: Longer itineraries often include a 3-course Campanian lunch, while others allow free time to explore trattorias near the ruins (where dining options are limited).
  • When to book: Reserve 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–Oct), as Pompeii enforces a daily visitor cap and tickets can sell out quickly.
Why Pompeii is better as a day trip

Pompeii is just 30 minutes from Naples — but trains, queues, and ticket limits add stress. A planned day trip bundles transfers, entry, and expert guidance so you see more and worry less.

Your Naples to Pompeii tickets and tours explained

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsPompeii accessTransfers included/typeGroup sizeAdd-ons/Upgrades

Pompeii with Transfers

~4-5 hrs

Train tickets from Naples, Pompeii entry, audio guide

Express entry

Round-trip train

Flexible

None

Pompeii + Vesuvius

~8 hrs

Pompeii skip-the-line entry and guided tour, Vesuvius entry

Express entry

AC coach

18-24

Lunch, archaeologist guide

Pompeii + Vesuvius + Herculaneum

~9 hrs

Entry to all 3 sites, audio guide & map for Pompeii

Express entry

AC coach

18-24

None

Pompeii + Herculaneum

~8 hrs

Pompeii & Herculaneum entry, audio guide

Express entry

AC coach/minivan

18-24

Lunch, archaeologist guide

Pompeii + Amalfi Coast

~10-11 hrs

Pompeii entry, audio guide, Amalfi photo stops

Express entry

AC coach/minivan

18-24

Lunch, Positano/Ravello visit

Pompeii Entry Ticket (Independent)

Flexible

Skip-the-line Pompeii entry, optional extended access to suburban villas

Express or Plus entry

Not included

Flexible

Pompeii Plus, digital audio guide, Physical audio guide, guidebook

Limited Slots, High Demand: Reserve Early

Pompeii now caps daily visitors. Tickets and tours often sell out weeks in advance. Pre-book to secure your slot and avoid the risk of arriving to no availability.

Highlights of Pompeii

Pompeii Forum ruins with ancient columns and archway under a clear blue sky.

The Forum

Start your visit at Pompeii’s central square, the beating heart of ancient civic life. Surrounded by temples to Jupiter and Apollo and colonnaded basilicas, the Forum once hosted merchants, priests, and citizens daily. Don’t miss the remnants of statues and the lofty altar that hint at the city’s vibrant public life. Spend 10–15 minutes here to orient yourself before heading to nearby villas and streets. Morning visits are ideal to beat the heat and crowds

Entrance vestibule of the House of Menander in Pompeii, featuring ancient frescoes and architecture.
Tour group with guide at Pompeii amphitheatre, Italy.
Temple of Apollo ruins with statue and columns in Pompeii, Italy.
Fresco in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii, depicting ancient Roman rituals.

Explore more along the way

Ruins of the College of the Augustales with frescoes and columns in Herculaneum, Italy.

Herculaneum

Smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, with intact frescoes and wooden structures.

Sights covered: House of Neptune and Amphitrite, Sacello degli Augustali, thermal baths
Time required: 1-2 hours
Included in select day trips: Pompeii and Herculaneum Guided Tour with Transfers

Book Herculaneum tickets and tours
Aerial view of Mount Vesuvius crater near Naples, Italy.

Mt. Vesuvius

Climb the crater of the volcano that buried Pompeii and enjoy sweeping views.

Sights covered: Crater rim, volcanic slopes, observation points
Time required: 2–3 hours
Included in select day trips: Pompeii & Vesuvius Guided Tour with Transfers

Book Vesuvius tickets & tours
Coastal road on Amalfi Coast with bus and cars heading to Positano, Italy.

Amalfi Coast / Sorrento

Optional scenic extensions for panoramic coastal drives and charming towns.

Sights covered: Positano, Ravello, Sorrento town center, cliffside views
Time required: Half-day to 2–3 hours depending on stop
Included in extended tours: Pompeii & Amalfi Day Trip

Best ways to reach Pompeii from Naples

Best for: Fast & convenient travel
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Closest station: Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Timings: 6 am - 10/11 pm
Cost: €3.60 one way

  • Circumvesuviana Train: Frequent and budget-friendly from Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri. Expect crowds and limited seating during peak hours.
  • Campania Express: Tourist-friendly with AC, fewer stops, and direct service. Runs only a few times daily and costs more, but offers greater comfort.
More ways to reach Pompeii

Best for: Budget travel
Duration: 40-50 minutes
Frequency: 6 times a day
Timings: 4:45 am - 3:20 pm
Cost: €3 - €11 one way

  • Several bus services, including FlixBus, SITA Bus, and Regionale buses, run from various stations in Naples, such as Naples Capodichino Airport Terminal or Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, directly to Pompeii.
  • Tickets range from €3 to €11, making this a very affordable option for those on a budget.

Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel
Duration: 30-40 minutes
Cost: Approx. €5-7 for parking, plus fuel

  • Take the A3 motorway from Naples towards Salerno, then exit at Pompei Ovest. Using GPS or a map app is advisable, as navigating Naples can be tricky due to one-way streets and heavy traffic. 
  • While fuel costs vary, expect to pay around €5-7 for parking at the Pompeii site.
Visitors on a guided tour in Pompeii, exploring ancient ruins with a guide.

How it works:
Guided tours from Naples usually include AC round-trip transfers to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and even Herculaneum, saving you the trouble of figuring out multiple train and taxi connections.

Why choose this:
If you were to travel independently, you’d first take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Herculaneum, return to the station, then another train to Pompeii, and finally arrange a cab or shuttle (approx. €25–€40 one way) to Mount Vesuvius. That’s three different transport legs, several tickets, and a lot of waiting.

With a guided tour, all this is simplified — one vehicle, one driver, one guide. You’re picked up directly from your hotel or a central point, visit all major sites seamlessly, and learn the history behind what you’re seeing along the way. It’s the most time-efficient and stress-free way to explore the Vesuvian region in a single day.

What your day looks like from Naples to Pompeii

House of the Faun courtyard with bronze statue, Pompeii ruins.

Standard Pompeii only day trips

Morning: Depart Naples by AC coach, minivan, or local train — about a 40-min ride. With skip-the-line entry, head straight into the ruins.

Midday: Explore highlights like the House of the Faun, Temple of Apollo, and the famous plaster casts. Some tours include lunch at a nearby trattoria, handy since dining options inside are limited.

Afternoon: Return to Naples by late afternoon.

Visitors exploring the summit of Mount Vesuvius, Italy.

Fuller Pompeii experience

Morning: Start early from Naples. First stop — Mount Vesuvius. Hike up to the crater rim for sweeping Bay of Naples views and a look at its active fumaroles.

Midday: Continue to Herculaneum, the smaller but better-preserved sister site with intact wooden beams, mosaics, and frescoes.

Afternoon: Recharge with a traditional Italian lunch (if included), then wrap up at Pompeii, exploring the Forum, villas, baths, and casts that capture the final moments of 79 AD.

Evening: Return to Naples by early evening.

📝 Note: On two-site combo tours (Pompeii + Herculaneum or Pompeii + Vesuvius), you’ll explore Pompeii first, then move to the second site.

Young girl admiring Amalfi Coast view with colorful cliffside buildings.

Pompeii + Coastal experience

Morning: Depart Naples and enjoy a scenic drive along the Sorrentine Peninsula. Stop at the Agerola viewpoint for sweeping coastal views.

Midday: Continue to Amalfi or Positano. Spend free time exploring cathedral squares, browsing boutiques, or sipping limoncello by the waterfront.

Afternoon: Break for lunch (if selected), then head to Pompeii. With skip-the-line entry, join a 2-hour guided tour of the Forum, baths, villas, and haunting plaster casts.

Evening: Depart Pompeii around 4:45pm and return to Naples by early evening.

Helpful tips for your visit

  • Start early: Pompeii is large and mostly outdoors. The sun and heat can become intense by midday. Arriving early helps avoid crowds and gives better lighting for photos. Plus, train and transport options are more frequent in the morning.
  • Best seasons: Spring (Apr–Jun) and fall (Sep–Oct) offer mild temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F) and fewer crowds. Summer months (June–August) are hot, with limited shade and heavier visitor flow.
  • Transportation tips: From Naples, the Circumvesuviana local train is the usual way to get to Pompeii. It’s inexpensive and drops you near the main entrance.
  • Best time to visit: Spring (Apr–Jun) and fall (Sep–Oct) offer mild weather; summers are hot with little shade. Arrive early (9–11 am) or late afternoon (after 3 pm) to avoid peak heat and crowds.
  • Essentials to pack: Hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and sturdy shoes for uneven basalt streets.
  • Explore Pompeii: If you're traveling on your own, pick up a map and plan your route. Pompeii is massive, so prioritize the must-see spots like the Forum, Lupanar, and Villa of the Mysteries.
  • Extend with care: Adding Vesuvius, Herculaneum, or Amalfi Coast turns this into a full-day (8–10 hrs). Factor in meals—tours with lunch included save you scrambling near the ruins.
  • Respect the site: More than ruins, it’s a city frozen in tragedy. Pause at the casts in the Garden of the Fugitives for perspective.

Plan your Pompeii visit

Frequently asked questions about Naples to Pompeii day trip

How far is Pompeii from Naples?

Pompeii is about 25 km from Naples and can be reached easily by car, bus, or train. A guided tour ensures hassle-free transfers and saves time navigating the transport options.

What’s the best way to get from Naples to Pompeii—train, bus, or tour?

The Circumvesuviana train is direct and affordable, taking about 35 minutes. However, booking a guided tour simplifies your visit: you get round-trip transfers, skip-the-line entry, and an expert guide, so you can focus on exploring Pompeii rather than logistics.

What’s the difference between visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Pompeii is larger and shows a broader view of Roman city life, including streets, villas, and plaster casts. Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with vivid frescoes and intact wooden structures. It also tends to be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.

Can I visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day?

Yes! Many tours cover both sites in a single day, including transportation and expert guides. A guided schedule ensures you don’t miss key highlights while managing time efficiently.

Would combining my visit to Pompeii with other nearby attractions be too tiring?

Visiting Pompeii alongside Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius is feasible but makes for a long day. Guided tours help pace the experience, provide breaks, and include transfers, so you can enjoy more without the stress of navigation.

Are guided tours worth the extra cost?

Guided tours save time with skip-the-line access, provide expert commentary, and prevent confusion over transport or ticketing. You also gain insider insights and a structured itinerary to maximize your visit.

Are there food options available at Pompeii, or should I bring snacks?

Food options inside the archaeological park are limited. It’s recommended to bring water and light snacks, or enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants before or after your tour.

What’s the weather like at Pompeii and how should I prepare?

Pompeii can be hot in summer (30°C/86°F or higher) and mild in spring and fall (15-25°C/59-77°F). Prepare by wearing comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and bringing sun protection and water. Spring and fall are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

What should I bring on a day trip?

Essentials include sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. A lightweight bag for personal items is also useful.

Can I bring children on the Naples to Pompeii day trip?

Yes! Kids will enjoy highlights like the amphitheater, plaster casts, and frescoed villas. The tour involves a lot of walking, so plan for breaks and bring water; it’s best suited for children aged 6 and up.

Can I customize my itinerary for the Naples to Pompeii day trip?

Yes, options may include visiting Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, or coastal towns like Sorrento and Amalfi. Some tours also include lunch for added convenience.

Is Pompeii wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with limited mobility?

Accessible pathways exist, including entry via the Piazza Anfiteatro. Keep in mind that uneven terrain and steps exist in some areas, so some sections may be challenging.

How far in advance should I book the Naples to Pompeii day trip?

During peak season (April to October), booking 2–3 weeks in advance is recommended to secure your preferred tour, ticket slots, and guide availability.