Mount Vesuvius Location & How To Get There
Where Is Mount Vesuvius Located?
Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano situated on the European mainland, about 12 kilometers southeast of Naples, Italy. It belongs to the Campanian Volcanic Arc, a chain of volcanoes along Italy's western coast stretching approximately 100 kilometers.
The volcanic arc includes other notable structures such as the Campi Flegrei caldera and geothermal field located west of Naples, close to Agnano, and Mount Etna on the island of Sicily.
How To Get To Mount Vesivius?
By Car
- Take the A3 Napoli-Salerno highway to the Torre del Greco or Herculaneum exit.
- Follow the signs for Vesuvio.
- At the unstaffed parking area at 800 meters above sea level, pay EUR 5 for all-day parking.
- Take the shuttle to the ticket office for EUR 2 round trip (free for children).
- It's recommended to take the shuttle as the climb from the parking area to the ticket office is tough.
By Public Transportation
- Take the bus or shuttle from the Circumvesuviana Pompei - Villa dei Misteri stop or the Circumvesuviana Ercolano Scavi stop.
- Buses and shuttles cost about EUR 22 round trip (entrance to the park included) and take you directly to the ticket office about 200 meters below the trailhead for the crater.
- EAV bus routes also run between Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius every 50 minutes.
By Private Bus Transfer
- Some private bus companies offer tourist transfers from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum to Mount Vesuvius and back.
- The cost is approximately EUR 15 per person, but the entry ticket must be purchased separately.
- These companies bring you near the entry and pick you up from the same spot to bring you back to Naples.
Frequently Asked Questions On How to Get To Mount Vesuvius
The easiest way to get to Mount Vesuvius is by taking a train or bus to the town of Herculaneum or Pompeii, from where you can take a shuttle bus to the national park entrance.
Yes, visitors can see the crater of Mount Vesuvius from the summit. However, access to the crater may be restricted due to safety concerns during periods of heightened volcanic activity.
It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to hike up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius from the entrance of the national park.
The distance between Naples and Mount Vesuvius is approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers).
Yes, it is generally safe to visit Mount Vesuvius. However, visitors should follow all safety instructions and be aware of the potential risks associated with visiting an active volcano.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit Mount Vesuvius. The current fee is around 10 euros per person.
No, it is not possible to drive to the summit of Mount Vesuvius. Visitors must park their cars at the entrance of the national park and take a shuttle bus to the summit.
Pompeii is located about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southeast of Mount Vesuvius.
Mount Vesuvius has a long history of volcanic activity, including the infamous eruption in 79 AD that destroyed the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Herculaneum is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) southeast of Mount Vesuvius.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking. It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.