Hear from our guests

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Tania Piper
AU

Tania

Australia
Jan 2026

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We had very little wait at the tourist office having booked early and were able to walk straight into the park. I advise the audio rather than the guide book - it wasn't well translated at times and missed some interesting points of interest. Makes a nice souvenir though.
Paola Di Monaco
IT

Paola

Italy
Jan 2026

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Well organized archaeological site and thanks to the map given to us at the entrance, we were able to visit it independently. Recommended experience!
Tatjana Kaskura
GB

Tatjana

United Kingdom
Nov 2025

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Amazing! Very large territory, many interesting historical objects. Special atmosphere. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible.
puscar ana graciela
AR

Puscar

Argentina
Sep 2025

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+1 more

Very good organization, no queue for admission. Very good guide in English. In spite of the heat, very good experience.
Purna Chandra Rao, Gurram

Purna

Aug 2025

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Our tour guide Mikela was very sweet and explained history of Romans and Pompeii. There was enough time for breaks in between travel and after hiking to mount Vesuvious. The other guide was also very knowledgeable and patient with everyone during the walking tour of Pompeii. Overall good experience we had with City Tours.
Glenda McGrath
IE

Glenda

Ireland
Aug 2025

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+1 more

We had an amazing experience exploring the Amalfi Coast, Positano, and Pompeii with Niccolò and Marilena "Mari" Niccolò was an excellent and skilled driver, navigating the winding coastal roads with ease and keeping us safe and comfortable throughout the trip. Marilena "Mari" was a wonderful guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that brought each destination to life. Together, they made the journey unforgettable. Highly recommended! Thanks again, from Ireland 🇮🇪
Athena Lawson
US

Athena

United States
Aug 2025

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+1 more

Overall our experience was great! Pompeii and Sorrento are beautiful but we did not see much of the city Cassino ,you just are stuck at a gas station. As someone with an autoimmune disease who gets hot way to fast I did really well on this trip!
Jacqueline clingan
AU

Jacqueline

Australia
Aug 2025

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What a journey!! And with our amazing guide Claire! A long trip but with plenty of cool stop overs in between to spread the day out and so much interesting information.Pompei! What an experience that will never been forgotten and Sorrento what a gorgeous part of the world! Highly recommend it to anyone. Thank you


A Rome to Pompeii day trip is one of Italy’s most unforgettable adventures. In a single day, travel south to explore a city frozen in time by Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption, with options to add coastal charm in Sorrento or Positano, or a crater hike on Vesuvius.

Overview:

  • Distance from Rome: 241 km
  • Travel time: 2.5–3 hrs each way (AC coach or high-speed train)
  • On-site visit duration: 2–3 hrs at Pompeii (+ time at add-ons)
  • Cost range: €80–€140 depending on inclusions
  • Best time to visit: Spring (Apr–Jun) & Autumn (Sep–Oct)
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Rome (Termini, Piazza del Popolo, Via di Villa Ruffo)
  • Key attractions: Pompeii ruins (Forum, Amphitheatre, frescoed villas), Mt. Vesuvius hike, Amalfi Coast drive, Sorrento streets, Positano cliffside views

What to expect on a Rome to Pompeii day-trip?

Elderly man waiting at Sorrento train station for Campania Express to Pompeii.
Guide discussing Pompeii ruins with tourists inside a private coach en route to Amalfi Coast.
Tourists exploring ancient ruins with expert guidance at Pompeii, Italy.
Amalfi Coast drive with coastal views on a day trip from Rome to Pompeii and Sorrento.
Amalfi Coast restaurant terrace overlooking the sea and cliffs.
High-speed train journey from Rome to Pompeii with exclusive transportation and professional driver.
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Morning departure from Rome

Meet your host at a central meeting point and board a comfortable AC coach (or fast train). Relax with Wi-Fi and countryside views as you begin your southbound journey.

Scenic ride into Campania

Pass vineyards near Cassino and catch glimpses of Mt. Vesuvius on the horizon. With rest stops en route and coastal views nearing Naples, the journey is as smooth as it is scenic.

Exploring Pompeii’s ruins

Step into a city frozen in 79 AD. With skip-the-line entry, explore highlights such as the Forum, Amphitheatre, frescoed villas like the House of the Faun, and the haunting plaster casts.

Discover more

Many tours extend beyond Pompeii: sip limoncello in Sorrento, wander Positano’s cliffside streets, or hike to the crater rim of Mt. Vesuvius for sweeping Bay of Naples views.

Local flavors & free time

Depending on your ticket, enjoy a group lunch or explore at leisure. Sample limoncello, browse ceramics, or linger in piazzas for an authentic taste of southern Italy.

Return to Rome

Board your coach or train for a comfortable ride back, arriving in Rome between 6 pm and 8 pm. You’ll return with enough time for dinner and vivid memories of the day.

Things to know before booking a Rome to Pompeii day trip

  • Trip duration: A day trip typically lasts 11–13 hours, including travel. Most tours allow 2–4 hours at Pompeii itself. If your ticket includes extras like Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast, expect a longer day.
  • Departure points: Tours usually leave from central Rome—Termini Station, Piazza del Popolo, or Via di Villa Ruffo are common meeting spots. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.
  • What’s included: Most tours bundle round-trip AC transfers, skip-the-line Pompeii entry, and an English-speaking guide for a structured 2-hour exploration. Some options add lunch, tastings, or extra stops, so it’s worth checking the inclusions carefully.
  • Exploring Pompeii: Guided tours are the best way to get context. Your guide will bring the city’s history, architecture, and daily life to life. If you prefer independence, you can also explore at your own pace with a pre-booked entry.
  • Group size: Tours range from small groups of fewer than 18 (more personal and relaxed) to standard groups of 20–24 (better value, but still guided). Choose based on the balance of intimacy and price that works for you.
  • Optional add-ons: Many day trips extend beyond Pompeii. You might hike to the crater rim of Mount Vesuvius, enjoy free time in Sorrento’s lemon-scented lanes with a limoncello tasting, or wander Positano’s pastel-colored cliffside streets and beaches.  
  • Lunch options: Some tours include a 3-course meal in Naples or Sorrento, while others leave you free to pick a trattoria. If you’re traveling independently, plan ahead; dining options around Pompeii itself are limited.
Why choose a guided Pompeii day trip from Rome?

Independent travel means juggling train changes, ticket lines, and hours of planning. A guided day trip does it all for you. You get  round-trip AC transfers, skip-the-line entry, and expert guides who turn ancient ruins into living stories. With add-ons like a Mt. Vesuvius hike, Sorrento tastings, or an Amalfi Coast drive, you’ll make the most of a single day out from Rome.

Tourists exploring ancient ruins in Pompeii, Italy.

Your Rome to Pompeii day trip types explained

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsTransfersGroup sizeBest suited forAdd-ons/UpgradesPrice

Pompeii Guided Day Trip from Rome

12–13 hrs

Pompeii entry + guided tour

Return transfers in AC coach

20–24

First-timers, history lovers

Lunch, Amalfi/Sorrento stops

From €80

Pompeii + Mt. Vesuvius Day Trip

11–12 hrs

Pompeii entry + guided tour + Vesuvius

Return transfers in AC coach

18–24

Active travelers, explorers

Geologist hike, Positano (winter swap)

From €134

Pompeii + Sorrento Day Trip

12 hrs

Pompeii entry + guided tour + limoncello

Return transfers in AC coach

18–24

Food & culture seekers

Positano, Amalfi Coast

From €90

Pompeii Express Day Trip (Self-guided)

10–11 hrs

Skip-the-line Pompeii entry + free time

High-speed train + coach

Flexible

DIY, budget-conscious

None (self-guided)

From €127

Pompeii Entry Ticket (Independent)

Flexible

Entry ticket only

Not included

Flexible

Independent travelers

Optional audio guide

From €24
The smartest way to see Pompeii from Rome

Pompeii lies about 2.5–3 hours from Rome. Independent travelers usually need to change trains in Naples (except Sundays, when direct trains run), and should budget around €70 for transport plus €18–22 for entrance tickets. Our tours simplify this with bundled, round-trip AC transfers and skip-the-line entry, so you can focus on the experience instead of the logistics.

Highlights of Pompeii

The Forum

Forum & temples

Walk through Pompeii’s Forum, once alive with markets, politics, and religion. Surrounded by temples of Jupiter, Apollo, and Venus, this grand square was the city’s true civic and spiritual heart.

The Amphitheater
Villa of the Mysteries
House of the Faun
The Basilica

Amalfi coast

Discover dramatic cliffs, pastel villages, and Mediterranean views. Don’t miss limoncello tastings made from the region’s famous lemons.

Time required: half-day

Included in select day trips

Positano

Colorful cliffside houses, boutique shops, and inviting beaches. Perfect for a relaxed coastal stroll or fresh seafood at trattorias.

Time required: (2-3 hours)

✅ Add-on with Amalfi Coast trips

Mount Vesuvius

Hike to the summit for breathtaking, sweeping Bay of Naples views and peer into the iconic, still-active volcanic crater.

Time required: (1.5 hours)

✅ Included in select day trips

Sorrento

Buzzing piazzas, lemon groves, and sunset cliffs. Sample famous Sorrento lemons and explore lanes lined with artisan shops.

Time required: (2-2.5 hours)

✅ Add-on with Amalfi Coast trips

What your day looks like from Rome to Pompeii

Morning: Depart central Rome by AC coach (or fast train on Express tours). Relax with countryside views, Wi-Fi, and a planned rest stop as you head south. Arrive in Pompeii and begin exploring with skip-the-line entry. Guided tours start with the Forum and Amphitheatre before leading you through frescoed villas and bathhouses.

Midday: Continue discovering highlights like the Villa of the Mysteries and House of the Faun. Many tours include a relaxed Italian lunch — our Pompeii + Vesuvius trip offers a 3-course meal in Naples with vegan/celiac options.

Afternoon: Choose your style:

  • Classic trip → Spend extra time inside Pompeii’s streets and markets.
  • Active option → Hike to Mt. Vesuvius’ crater rim for sweeping Bay of Naples views.
  • Scenic option → Swap Vesuvius for a coastal detour, with free time in Sorrento or Positano.

Evening: Board your coach or train for the return to Rome. Transfers typically take 2.5–3 hours, with arrival in the city between 6 pm and 8 pm.

Guided tours ensure transfers, tickets, and timing are seamless. DIY travelers should check train schedules and ticket availability in advance. If you want ease, comfort, and expert insights, book a guided tour that includes transfers.

Getting to Pompeii from Rome

Address: Pompeii Archaeological Site, Via Villa dei Misteri, 80045 Pompeii NA, Italy

Leonardo Express train at a station platform in Rome, Italy.

Route: Take the high-speed Frecciarossa from Rome to Naples (~1h10), then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii (~35 min)

Total travel time: Approximately 1h45

Cost: Moderate; varies by class and train type

Best for: Travelers who enjoy independent rail travel with flexibility

Pros: Fast, comfortable, and scenic; trains run frequently; optional quick stops in Naples for coffee or snacks

Cons: Requires coordinating transfers and train schedules; guided tour of Pompeii not included

Recommended tours: From Rome: High-Speed Pompeii Express Train Tickets

Tour guide leading a group at Pompeii ruins, Italy.

Why it’s best: Direct transfers from Rome, skip-the-line entry, expert guides, and all logistics handled for comfort and ease

Duration: Full-day (approx. 10–12 hrs including transfers)

Inclusions: AC coach/train, round-trip transfers, skip-the-line tickets, licensed guide, some tours include lunch or add-ons like Vesuvius

Pros: Hassle-free, informative, time-efficient, combines sightseeing with comfort

Cons: Less flexibility than independent travel

Recommended tours:

From Rome: Sorrento & Pompeii Day-Trip with Entry Tickets

From Rome: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip

Person enjoying mountain view from car window, ideal for scenic road trips.

Details: Self-drive via A1 and A3 highways

Time: ~2.5 hrs

Cost:

  • Rental: €50–€100 per day (compact car, economy class)
  • Fuel: ~€25–€35 (round trip, depending on car efficiency)
  • Tolls: ~€15–€20 (Rome → Pompeii round trip)
  • Total Estimated Cost: €90–€155 per car, excluding optional extras like insurance 

Best for: Travelers who prefer full control and flexibility

Pros: Flexible departure time, private experience

Cons: Parking, traffic, and navigation can be challenging

Shuttle bus at Ciampino Airport for transfer to Rome Termini Station.

Details: FlixBus and other intercity services

Time: 3–3.5 hours

Cost: €15–€30 one-way (depending on provider and booking time)

Best for: Cost-conscious travelers who prefer direct transport

Pros: Low-cost, direct route; no need to coordinate multiple transfers

Cons: Slower than trains, less comfort, no guide included

Helpful tips for your visit

Best time to visit: Visit Pompeii in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for mild temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F) and smaller crowds; if coming in summer, arrive early to avoid heat and peak visitors.

Plan around the weather: A clear day makes all the difference, not just for photos but for enjoying views of Mt. Vesuvius towering over the ruins.

Stay flexible if you go DIY: If traveling by train, buy a flexible return ticket. It lets you linger longer in Pompeii or adjust if your plans change.

Pack for heat and comfort: Pompeii can be scorching in summer with little shade. Bring a refillable water bottle, light snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the ancient streets are cobbled, uneven, and tough on sandals.

Know your must-sees: The site is vast. If time is short, focus on the Forum, Amphitheater, and Villa of the Mysteries rather than trying to see everything. Guided tours make it easier to hit highlights without missing context.

Add time for Vesuvius: Planning to hike the volcano? Allow at least 2 extra hours plus travel time. The crater rim trail is moderately steep but rewards you with sweeping Bay of Naples views.

Respect the atmosphere: Pompeii is more than ruins; it’s a city frozen in tragedy. Take a moment to reflect on the daily lives interrupted by the eruption of 79 AD. It adds depth to the experience and makes the history come alive who lived there.

Frequently asked questions about Rome to Pompeii day trip

Yes, it’s a practical way to see Pompeii in a single day, especially with a guided tour or high-speed train for efficient travel.

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