Top things to do in Naples

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
  • Related tours: Pompeii Tickets & Tours

What to expect on a Naples to Pompeii day trip

Pompeii ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Naples tour.

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.

Tourists exploring ancient ruins with expert guidance at Pompeii, Italy.
Guide with tour group at Herculaneum
Barricaded staircase ascending Mount Vesuvius, Naples, with scenic volcanic landscape.
Guide giving tour of the ancient city, Pompeii

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 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: Express tickets focus on the city’s highlights, while Plus tickets extend access to suburban villas like the Villa of Mysteries and the Antiquarium, linked by shuttle. Guided tours provide storytelling and context at landmarks such as the Forum, House of the Faun, and Temple of Apollo.
  • 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 typeDurationInclusionsTransfers included/typeGroup sizeBest suited forAdd-ons/Upgrades

Pompeii with Transfers

~4-5 hrs

Train tickets from Naples, Pompeii entry, audio guide

Round-trip train

Flexible

Independent explorers

None

Pompeii + Vesuvius

~8 hrs

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

AC coach

18-24

Adventure seekers

Lunch, archaeologist guide

Pompeii + Vesuvius + Herculaneum

~9 hrs

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

AC coach

18-24

History lovers

None

Pompeii + Herculaneum

~8 hrs

Pompeii & Herculaneum entry, audio guide

AC coach/minivan

18-24

Archaeology buffs

Lunch, archaeologist guide

Pompeii + Amalfi Coast

~10-11 hrs

Pompeii entry, audio guide, Amalfi photo stops

AC coach/minivan

18-24

Scenic explorers

Lunch, Positano/Ravello visit

Pompeii Entry Ticket (Independent)

Flexible

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

Not included

Flexible

DIY visitors

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 Amphitheater

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

Pompeii Forum ruins with Mount Vesuvius backdrop on guided tour from Naples or Sorrento.
Villa of the Mysteries Pompeii
House of the Faun courtyard with ancient mosaic floor in Pompeii, Italy.
Interior view of the Basilica of Pompeii with ancient columns and arches, Naples, Italy.

Explore more along the way

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

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

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: 35-40 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 at Herculaneum with the guide
  • How it works: Guided tours from Naples typically include air-conditioned round-trip transfers, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple connections.
  • Why choose this: Direct pick-up from your hotel or a central meeting point.Expert guides enrich your experience with insights and stories.Skip the hassle of parking, ticketing, and navigating public transport.
  • Best for: Those who want a seamless experience, combining transfers, tickets, and guided exploration.

What your day looks like from Naples to Pompeii

Morning
Start your journey with a short 30–40 min transfer from Naples by AC coach, minivan, or local train. Skip-the-line entry means you head straight into the ruins. Guided tours usually kick off at the Forum and Amphitheatre, before leading you through bathhouses, villas, and temples.

Midday
Discover iconic sites like the House of the Faun, Temple of Apollo, and plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims. Some tours include lunch at a local trattoria or a 3-course Campanian menu — a time-saver as dining options inside the site are limited.

Afternoon
Choose your focus:

  • Pompeii-only trip → Dive deeper into the excavations at your own pace or with an archaeologist guide.
  • Pompeii + Herculaneum → Visit the smaller but remarkably preserved sister site.
  • Pompeii + Vesuvius → Hike to the active crater rim with a volcanological guide for sweeping Bay of Naples views.
  • Pompeii + Amalfi Coast → Extend your trip with free time in Sorrento or Positano.

Evening
Return transfers bring you back to central Naples by late afternoon or early evening — easy timing if you’re continuing on to Rome or the Amalfi Coast.

Guided tours streamline transport, tickets, and timings. Independent travelers should plan ahead for train schedules, site entrances, and shuttle timings if adding Vesuvius or villas.

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.

Pompeii Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.