You can best experience ancient Roman culture in Pompeii, 150 miles south of Rome. Once a thriving Roman city, tragedy struck with the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Centuries later, the perfectly-preserved ruins were recovered, making Pompeii a startling attraction.
Pompeii has three entrances, and here is a detailed guide you can use to help you choose the correct entrance for your visit.
The three entrances to Pompeii are suited for different types of visitors:
Depending on the entrance you enter from, you'll see two lines:
Queue 1: This is for visitors who are yet to purchase a ticket to the site.
Queue 2: Stand in this queue if you already have a ticket to Pompeii.
Queue 3: Porta Marina entrance also comes with a priority access lane. Use this if you have priority access tickets to Pompeii.
Pompeii is an ancient Roman city with ruins dating back centuries. The excavations have made the ground uneven, but you can still explore the ruins of Pompeii in a wheelchair.
Both the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances have a dedicated path for visitors with mobility issues. The latter, along with Piazza Esedra, also offers an accessible route called 'Pompeii per tutti,' or 'Pompeii for all' to help visitors explore Pompeii.
Porta Marina, meanwhile, has a wheelchair ramp to provide a comfortable entry experience for visitors in a wheelchair.
You need a ticket to enter Pompeii. Offline tickets are available, but it is better to buy online as you can get discounts and skip-the-line tickets. Once you have your ticket, depending on your mode of commute, you can enter through different gates to Pompeii.
If you're traveling by train, enter through Porta Marina. It is closest to the Pompeii Scavi train station, barely a few minutes away. Visitors with mobility issues will find a dedicated path through this gate. If you're with a group, enter through Piazza Esedra, while Piazza Anfiteatro is the better option if you want to first explore the amphitheater, forum, and other important sites of Pompeii.
A. Pompeii has three entrances. Porta Marina is located opposite the Pompeii Scavi train station and is the most popular entrance. The Piazza Esedra entrance is close, while Piazza Anfiteatro, the nearest entrance to modern Pompeii, is 15 minutes from Porta Marina.
A. The three Pompeii entrances are Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra.
A. The three Pompeii entrances are fit for different visitors. Porta Marina is the best choice for those traveling by train, Piazza Anfiteatro gives immediate access to the best sites in Pompeii, and Piazza Esedra is better for groups.
A. The average wait time at the Pompeii entrances varies with each entrance. Still, you can expect an average waiting time of 1-2 hours.
A. Those who have purchased skip-the-line ticket should use the Porta Marina entrance.
A. The Piazza Esedra entrance is used for guided tours.
A. Visitors with disabilities can use either the Porta Marina or Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
A. You can use either of the three entrances if you already have tickets to Pompeii.
A. You can use the Porta Marina entrance if you do not have tickets to Pompeii.
A. Use the Piazza Esedra entrance if you're traveling with a group to Pompeii.
A. You can avoid waiting in line for long by buying skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii. Click here to book now.
A. Pompeii is open most of the year between 8:30 AM and 7 PM. Gates are closed for entry at 5:30 PM. However, from November to March, the site closes early, at 5:30 PM. It is entirely closed on three days of the year: 25 December, 1 January, and 1 May.
A. Arrive early in the morning in Pompeii to avoid long queues.
Pompeii Entry Tickets
Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Pompeii Skip-the-Line Tickets with Official Audio Guide
