TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Pompeii

Pompeii is hugely popular; in peak season, ticket-office lines at Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra often reach 60-120 minutes. Since 15 Nov 2024, tickets are nominative and the site caps daily visitors at 20,000, divided into timeslots. Here’s how to save time:

Reserve entry (From €24) : Purchase your ticket in advance and use entrances like Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra to skip the purchase line. Security still applies. Morning slots fill first.
Pompeii Plus (From €25) : Upgrades that include access to lesser-visited villas (Villa of the Mysteries, etc.) or Antiquarium, plus flexible/reserved entrance so you avoid the busiest zones.
Audio guide tour (From €32) : Many tickets include or allow adding a guide-free audio or digital map format. These let you explore at your own pace without waiting for guided-tour groups.
Guided tours (From €31) : Small-group tours or archaeologist-led tours often get you quicker access via dedicated entrances. Choose early time slots for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Avoid free-entry & peak times: Free admission days (first Sunday of the month) and around midday see major crowd surges. Early morning or late afternoon entries are much smoother.

See all your options to skip the queues at Pompeii ↓

What are customers saying?

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Sofia

Jan 2026

‌

It was supposed to rain and in the end it didn't rain so we were able to enjoy a quiet visit. It started 30min late because the microphone was not working properly and had to be changed, so the rest of the visit was very accelerated to make up for the lost time. That aside, it was very entertaining and well explained.

Sabrina

Jan 2026

‌

Very satisfied! A journey back in time 2,000 years, lots of historical curiosities and impressive casts really help you understand the desperation of those moments... a very knowledgeable and kind guide, Ida, I highly recommend her! Thank you for this unforgettable experience!

Nicola

Jan 2026

‌

+2 more

Pompeii was fantastic! A unique experience, it feels like walking back in time. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, I highly recommend it, as it gives you the opportunity not only to see all the ruins, but also to discover various interesting facts and the meanings behind the most hidden details!

Laura

Jan 2026

‌

Correct, that's all. The guide tells her story, knows the terrain but is neither an archaeologist nor a historian. If it is the first approach to Pompeii, fine. But it won't leave you impressed beyond the place itself. If I came back I would be more careful to choose a better guide.

Cesar

Jan 2026

‌

+2 more

The tour happened as advertised. The guide, Paolo, was very nice and took us around Pompei ruins explaining everything in detail. The place is really amazing, an unique experience of a whole town destroyed by Vesuvius eruption. I totally recommend it.

Monica

Jan 2026

‌

Spectacular immersion in the past and the brilliance of that time...beautiful demonstration of civilization and opportunity x to taste how much d precious there is and how it is preserved and cared for.The guide Mia Super...really nice...competent comprehensive...Thanks

Silvana

Jan 2026

‌

The tour was very interesting... we saw all the most important places in the area... our guide Giovani was very welcoming and very good.

Chang

Jan 2026

‌

Easy to find the meeting point. That's quite convenient. Tour guide is friendly and tells story nicely. I recommend for the tour.

Book skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii

Skip the long ticket lines and enter Pompeii after a quick security check. These timed-entry tickets save hours at busy times—so you can wander ancient streets, the Forum and Villa of the Mysteries, not wait in line.

What does "skip‑the‑line" really mean for Pompeii?

With these tickets, you’ll still need to redeem your voucher on-site at a separate entrance before entering. While this redemption process may involve a short queue, it’s often faster than waiting in the main ticket lines, which can stretch up to 1–2 hours during peak times. Think of it this way: there are two queues—one for buying tickets, and one for redeeming online vouchers. With our tickets, you skip the long ticket purchase line and head straight to the redemption queue, then through security (which is mandatory for all visitors), and you're in.

The ticket with the official audio guide offers a skip-the-line–like experience, as you can collect both your entry ticket and audio guide directly at the quieter Porta Marina Superiore kiosk, avoiding the main ticket counter.

How long are the queues at Pompeii entrances?

During peak season from April to October, general admission lines at Pompeii can last anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes, especially between opening hours at 9 am and midday, when tour groups and day-trippers arrive in large numbers.
In the off-season months from November to March, wait times drop to around 20 to 60 minutes, though early mornings can still see a rush as visitors aim to beat the crowds and heat.
Lines tend to form well before the gates open and often extend along the main entrances at Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro—unreserved visitors, even in quieter months, may still wait 30 to 90 minutes.

Types of queues at Pompeii

Ticketing queue

Location: Outside entrance gates
Who it’s for: Walk-up ticket buyers
Average wait: 60–120 mins (peak); 20–60 mins (off‑peak)
Skip‑the‑line? ✔️ Yes, with advance online purchase

Security/entry queue

Location: Immediately inside ticket checkpoints
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait: 10–20 mins (typical); can reach 30+ mins busy days
Skip‑the‑line? ❌ No, mandatory for everyone

Guided/group entry

Location: Piazza Esedra (group gate)
Who it’s for: Tour groups
Average wait: 5–15 mins
Skip‑the‑line? ✔️ Yes, bypasses ticket queue—but security still applies

Priority access at Porta Marina gate

Location: Porta Marina Superiore entrance
Who it’s for: Visitors with official guided tours, licensed group entries, or select combo tickets
Average wait: 5–10 mins; fastest entry point when available
Skip-the-line? ✔️ Yes, includes direct group access, bypassing the main ticket queue—but security still required

Here’s the fastest way to skip the lines at Pompeii

Man exploring ancient ruins at the Temple of Apollo in Pompeii, Italy.

All your options to skip the queues at Pompeii

Long lines at Pompeii are common—but some planning helps you avoid them. Here’s how to get in quicker:

Book tickets online in advance

Reserve your entry slot online and breeze past the long queues at the entrance. Timed tickets not only guarantee your spot but also let you walk straight in without waiting at the ticket counter.

Choose a guided skip‑the‑line tour

Guided tours offer a stress-free way to visit, often with dedicated fast-track entry. You’ll skip the public line and enjoy expert commentary, helping you understand what you’re seeing instead of just wandering.

Use group‑entry via Piazza Esedra

If you're visiting as part of a group or tour, the Piazza Esedra entrance is your best bet. It’s less busy than Porta Marina, with faster access and fewer crowds gathering around the gates.

Avoid free‑entry days

The first Sunday of every month offers free admission, but that also means packed entry gates and overflowing crowds inside. Unless you enjoy long waits and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, steer clear of this day.

Arrive during non‑peak hours

Midday and early afternoon (after 1 pm) often see shorter lines and more pleasant weather. Mornings, especially right at opening, tend to draw large crowds hoping to beat the heat—ironically making it the busiest time.

Enter through Porta Marina with priority access

Some premium tickets and combo experiences offer fast-lane access at Porta Marina, the main entrance. This dedicated lane is the quickest way in if you're not with a group and want to make the most of your visit without the wait.

Compare your Pompeii ticket options

Ticket type	Wait time	Queues skipped	Inclusions	Price from	Book
Standard entry ticket	30–60 mins	❌ None	Entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park	€25	Pompeii Entry Tickets
Skip-the-line entry + Audio guide	10–20 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Entry + Audio guide	€32	Skip-the-Line & Audio Guide
Skip-the-line guided tour	5–10 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Entry + Expert guide	€32	Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Skip-the-line tour with archaeologist	5–10 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Entry + Archaeologist-led tour	€32	Guided Tour with Archaeologist
Pompeii + Herculaneum + Vesuvius tour	5–10 mins	✅ Ticket queue at Pompeii	Entry to all sites + Round-trip transfers from Naples	€75	Combo Day Trip
Pompeii + Herculaneum tickets	30–60 mins	✅ Ticket queue at Herculaneum	Entry to both sites	€42	Combo Tickets
Pompeii + Villa of Mysteries tour	20–30 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Entry to both sites + Guided tour of Pompeii	€75	Pompeii + Villa of Mysteries
Day trip from Naples	5–10 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Guided tour of Pompeii + Round-trip transfers	€66	Day Trip from Naples
Day trip from Rome	5–10 mins	✅ Ticket queue	Entry to Pompeii + Free time in Positano + Round-trip transfers	€80	Day Trip from Rome

More Reads

Opening Hours

Getting There

Pompeii Ruins

What to bring

Valid photo ID for entry; full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings.
Earphones if you’ve booked an audio guide. If you are given a physical audio guide, ensure you arrive prepared with wired earphones (3.5mm jack).

What’s not allowed

Large dogs over 10kg/40cm (guide dogs with certification are welcome).
Revealing clothing or shirtless attire inside the Archaeological Park.

Accessibility

South-side entrances are wheelchair accessible; main gate is not.
Free entry for disabled visitors and one companion.

Additional information

Whether you will be allotted a digital pr physical audio guide will be communicated at the time of booking. You can decide what kind of earphones to bring accordingly.
If you're handed a physical audio guide, you must leave a personal document like a passport as security at the supplier's office before collecting the guide. After your tour, you must drop off the headsets and your document will be returned to you.
Free entry for children under 18 with valid ID.
EU residents 18–24 (and non-EU with Italian permits) get €2 tickets.
Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Cloakroom and luggage storage available at the Superiore Entrance.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii Plus Ticket with entry to Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomede, Villa Regina (Boscoreale), the Antiquarium with shuttle transfers between sites (as per option selected)
Physical/digital audio guide in multiple languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian. Portuguese, Hebrew, Chinese, Russian, and Dutch as per availability (as per option selected)
Multilingual guidebook in Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Russian. Portuguese, Chinese, Hebrew, Polish, Czech, and Hungarian as per availability (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Meals

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore a city frozen in time with exclusive insights from a certified historian.

Everything you get: Save time with skip-the-line access and benefit from a guided tour of Pompeii, designed to give you a deeper and more meaningful experience. Learn how Pompeii was buried in ash and what life was like before the eruption.
Why choose this: Pompeii spans 170+ acres with sparse signage, making it easy to get lost and miss its stories. A guide fixes this with clear routes, rich context, and tours in your language.
Upgrades: For a deeper dive into history and excavation of the site, an archaeologist can provide additional expert insights. Prefer a small group? Book a semi-private tour with fewer than 15 guests for a more intimate and interactive experience.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of Pompeii with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Archeologist guide (as per option selected)
Headsets
Semi-private guided tour of Pompeii (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Meals

What to bring

A valid ID or passport for tour entry.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes

What's not allowed

Pets
Drugs and weapons
Large purses, bags, or backpacks
Discourteous clothing or shirtless attire

Accessibility

This experience is not the best fit for people with impaired mobility and cardiac issues.

Additional information

Entry is free for all first Sundays of the month.
To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour.
Full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip the lines at Pompeii and explore with a multilingual audio guide.

Save time with skip-the-line entry to the Pompeii archaeological site.
Discover the ruins with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.
Choose a host for seamless entry and easy ticket redemption.
Visit at your convenience during operating hours and explore at your own pace.
Experience a city frozen in time—buried under volcanic ash, and see its preserved buildings, artifacts, and haunting victim casts.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line access to Pompeii
Audio guide in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French
Hosted entry (optional)
Flexible visit anytime during operating hours
Tickets are nominative, so be prepared to show your ID at the entrance for security checks

Exclusions #

Guided tour
Drink and food

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: For a better perspective, ascend to the highest tiers of Teatro Grande to enjoy a sweeping view of the theater and its surroundings.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Due to venue restrictions, only small dogs on a leash can be brought inside the park. Guide dogs with a certificate are permitted.
The fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month.
Guides will adapt the route to accommodate opening/closing restrictions or restoration work, so the specific tour sites may vary.

Inclusions #

2-hour guided tour of Pompeii
Skip-the-line entry
English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)
Entry to Villa dei Misteri (optional)
Small group (optional)
Earphones for small groups (optional)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

Valid photo ID for entry; full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings.
Earphones if you’ve booked an audio guide. If you are given a physical audio guide, ensure you arrive prepared with wired earphones (3.5mm jack).

What’s not allowed

Large dogs over 10kg/40cm (guide dogs with certification are welcome).
Revealing clothing or shirtless attire inside the Archaeological Park.

Accessibility

South-side entrances are wheelchair accessible; main gate is not.
Free entry for disabled visitors and one companion.

Additional information

Whether you will be allotted a digital pr physical audio guide will be communicated at the time of booking. You can decide what kind of earphones to bring accordingly.
If you're handed a physical audio guide, you must leave a personal document like a passport as security at the supplier's office before collecting the guide. After your tour, you must drop off the headsets and your document will be returned to you.
Free entry for children under 18 with valid ID.
EU residents 18–24 (and non-EU with Italian permits) get €2 tickets.
Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Cloakroom and luggage storage available at the Superiore Entrance.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park
Pompeii Plus Ticket with entry to Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomede, Villa Regina (Boscoreale), the Antiquarium with shuttle transfers between sites (as per option selected)
Physical/digital audio guide in multiple languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian. Portuguese, Hebrew, Chinese, Russian, and Dutch as per availability (as per option selected)
Multilingual guidebook in Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Russian. Portuguese, Chinese, Hebrew, Polish, Czech, and Hungarian as per availability (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Meals

You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore a city frozen in time with exclusive insights from a certified historian.

Everything you get: Save time with skip-the-line access and benefit from a guided tour of Pompeii, designed to give you a deeper and more meaningful experience. Learn how Pompeii was buried in ash and what life was like before the eruption.
Why choose this: Pompeii spans 170+ acres with sparse signage, making it easy to get lost and miss its stories. A guide fixes this with clear routes, rich context, and tours in your language.
Upgrades: For a deeper dive into history and excavation of the site, an archaeologist can provide additional expert insights. Prefer a small group? Book a semi-private tour with fewer than 15 guests for a more intimate and interactive experience.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of Pompeii with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Archeologist guide (as per option selected)
Headsets
Semi-private guided tour of Pompeii (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Hotel transfers
Meals

What to bring

A valid ID or passport for tour entry.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes

What's not allowed

Pets
Drugs and weapons
Large purses, bags, or backpacks
Discourteous clothing or shirtless attire

Accessibility

This experience is not the best fit for people with impaired mobility and cardiac issues.

Additional information

Entry is free for all first Sundays of the month.
To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour.
Full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip the lines at Pompeii and explore with a multilingual audio guide.

Save time with skip-the-line entry to the Pompeii archaeological site.
Discover the ruins with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.
Choose a host for seamless entry and easy ticket redemption.
Visit at your convenience during operating hours and explore at your own pace.
Experience a city frozen in time—buried under volcanic ash, and see its preserved buildings, artifacts, and haunting victim casts.

Inclusions #

Skip-the-line access to Pompeii
Audio guide in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French
Hosted entry (optional)
Flexible visit anytime during operating hours
Tickets are nominative, so be prepared to show your ID at the entrance for security checks

Exclusions #

Guided tour
Drink and food

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tip: For a better perspective, ascend to the highest tiers of Teatro Grande to enjoy a sweeping view of the theater and its surroundings.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Due to venue restrictions, only small dogs on a leash can be brought inside the park. Guide dogs with a certificate are permitted.
The fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month.
Guides will adapt the route to accommodate opening/closing restrictions or restoration work, so the specific tour sites may vary.

Inclusions #

2-hour guided tour of Pompeii
Skip-the-line entry
English, Spanish, Italian, German, and French-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)
Entry to Villa dei Misteri (optional)
Small group (optional)
Earphones for small groups (optional)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tickets

Pompeii Entry Tickets

What to bring

Valid photo ID for entry; full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings.
Earphones if you’ve booked an audio guide. If you are given a physical audio guide, ensure you arrive prepared with wired earphones (3.5mm jack).

What’s not allowed

Large dogs over 10kg/40cm (guide dogs with certification are welcome).
Revealing clothing or shirtless attire inside the Archaeological Park.

Accessibility

South-side entrances are wheelchair accessible; main gate is not.
Free entry for disabled visitors and one companion.

Additional information

Whether you will be allotted a digital pr physical audio guide will be communicated at the time of booking. You can decide what kind of earphones to bring accordingly.
If you're handed a physical audio guide, you must leave a personal document like a passport as security at the supplier's office before collecting the guide. After your tour, you must drop off the headsets and your document will be returned to you.
Free entry for children under 18 with valid ID.
EU residents 18–24 (and non-EU with Italian permits) get €2 tickets.
Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.
Cloakroom and luggage storage available at the Superiore Entrance.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers available

Guided Tours

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Explore a city frozen in time with exclusive insights from a certified historian.

Everything you get: Save time with skip-the-line access and benefit from a guided tour of Pompeii, designed to give you a deeper and more meaningful experience. Learn how Pompeii was buried in ash and what life was like before the eruption.
Why choose this: Pompeii spans 170+ acres with sparse signage, making it easy to get lost and miss its stories. A guide fixes this with clear routes, rich context, and tours in your language.
Upgrades: For a deeper dive into history and excavation of the site, an archaeologist can provide additional expert insights. Prefer a small group? Book a semi-private tour with fewer than 15 guests for a more intimate and interactive experience.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

Tickets

Pompeii: Skip-the-Line Entry & Audioguide

Skip the lines at Pompeii and explore with a multilingual audio guide.

Save time with skip-the-line entry to the Pompeii archaeological site.
Discover the ruins with an audio guide available in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and French.
Choose a host for seamless entry and easy ticket redemption.
Visit at your convenience during operating hours and explore at your own pace.
Experience a city frozen in time—buried under volcanic ash, and see its preserved buildings, artifacts, and haunting victim casts.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided Tours

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Tip: For a better perspective, ascend to the highest tiers of Teatro Grande to enjoy a sweeping view of the theater and its surroundings.
This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
Due to venue restrictions, only small dogs on a leash can be brought inside the park. Guide dogs with a certificate are permitted.
The fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month.
Guides will adapt the route to accommodate opening/closing restrictions or restoration work, so the specific tour sites may vary.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr. - 3 hr.

Pompeii skip-the-line tickets

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Pompeii

What are customers saying?

Book skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii

What does "skip‑the‑line" really mean for Pompeii?

How long are the queues at Pompeii entrances?

Types of queues at Pompeii

Ticketing queue

Security/entry queue

Guided/group entry

Priority access at Porta Marina gate

All your options to skip the queues at Pompeii

Book tickets online in advance

Choose a guided skip‑the‑line tour

Use group‑entry via Piazza Esedra

Avoid free‑entry days

Arrive during non‑peak hours

Enter through Porta Marina with priority access

Compare your Pompeii ticket options

Frequently Asked Questions about skip‑the‑line tickets at Pompeii

More Reads

Opening Hours

Getting There

Pompeii Ruins

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

Pompeii Entry Tickets

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Pompeii: Skip-the-Line Entry & Audioguide

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

Pompeii skip-the-line tickets

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Pompeii

What are customers saying?

Book skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii

What does "skip‑the‑line" really mean for Pompeii?

How long are the queues at Pompeii entrances?

Types of queues at Pompeii

Ticketing queue

Security/entry queue

Guided/group entry

Priority access at Porta Marina gate

All your options to skip the queues at Pompeii

Book tickets online in advance

Choose a guided skip‑the‑line tour

Use group‑entry via Piazza Esedra

Avoid free‑entry days

Arrive during non‑peak hours

Enter through Porta Marina with priority access

Compare your Pompeii ticket options

Frequently Asked Questions about skip‑the‑line tickets at Pompeii

Do I still go through security?

How much time do I save?

Are timed entry slots fixed?

Can I just buy online without skip‑the‑line?

Do skip‑the‑line tickets include audio guides or tours?

Can I re-enter?

More Reads

Opening Hours

Getting There

Pompeii Ruins

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

What to bring

What's not allowed

Accessibility

Additional information

Pompeii Entry Tickets

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Pompeii: Skip-the-Line Entry & Audioguide

Pompeii Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist