Nearly 2,000 years ago, in the year 76 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and changed the course of history for the town of Pompeii. Buried under thick ash, Pompeii wasn’t discovered again until the mid-16th century and was later excavated beginning in the 1700s.
This tragic event preserved this Roman town, giving us a remarkable glimpse into ancient architecture, cuisine, and daily life. If you have the opportunity to visit, I highly recommend it.
I have visited Pompeii twice – once on a day trip from Rome and another time from Sorrento. A day trip from Rome requires some advance planning, but it’s very doable.
This guide will help you easily plan your Rome to Pompeii day trip. It includes a full-day itinerary, transportation tips, and some tour options.
How to Get from Rome to Pompeii
Planning how to get to Pompeii from Rome can seem overwhelming, but I hope to make it straightforward with these instructions. The journey takes one high-speed train, one local train, and some walking.
Overall, expect the trip to take around 2-3 hours each way, depending on the wait time between trains in Naples.
To get the most out of your day trip without feeling rushed, plan for an early morning departure. Leave Rome no later than 8:00 AM. If you want to be among the first to enter Pompeii, catch the 7:00 AM train.
1. Take the high-speed train from Rome to Naples
Train route: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
Take the high-speed train from Roma Termini Station to Napoli Centrale Station. Trains depart Roma Termini 2-3 times per hour throughout the day. This is a direct train that takes 70 minutes each way.
Purchase your train tickets online at Trenitalia.com at least 3 weeks in advance. Prices increase as the departure date approaches, so you’ll save a significant amount by booking early.
For example, last-minute tickets to Naples from Rome cost around €39.90 each way, while tickets booked 3 weeks in advance are only €18.90 each way. Of course, prices vary depending on availability, time of departure, and other factors.
While there are slower and cheaper trains, I highly advise against booking them. They add hours to your transit time, and the small savings aren’t worth it.
Note: When booking your tickets on Trenitalia.com, the cities are all under their Italian names.
- Naples = Napoli
- Rome = Roma
2. Take a local train from Naples to Pompeii
Train route: Napoli Piazza Garibaldi Station to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri
Once you arrive in Naples, follow the signs to the Circumvesuviana train line, located downstairs at the Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station. Fair warning: This is a local commuter line with no air conditioning, it can get very crowded, and it is slow.
Purchase your tickets from the office at the station. They cost €3.20 each way. There is no need to reserve these tickets in advance – just buy them upon arrival.
Trains depart from Naples twice an hour, every 25-35 minutes. Get off at the Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri stop.The train ride from Naples takes about 38 minutes.
The entrance to Pompeii is just a short walk across the road from the station.
Tip: If you are traveling with luggage, there is a luggage drop at the Pompei Scavi station. Cost is €8 per bag.
Helpful Resources:
Getting back to Rome from Pompeii
After you finish visiting Pompeii, catch the next train on the Circumvesuviana line back to Naples. You can check the timetable here.
If you are unsure how long you’ll be in Pompeii or if you want to spend some time in Naples afterward, then it may be best to wait to purchase your high-speed train tickets back to Rome.
You can either purchase them on the Trenitalia App while you’re on the go, or simply buy them at one of the kiosks at the Naples train station.
By purchasing tickets last minute, you’ll pay the full train fare (instead of booking weeks in advance). Alternatively, you can book your return ticket in advance for a scheduled time.
I recommend either waiting to purchase your return ticket from Naples to Rome on the day of travel or buying one for later in the evening around 7:00PM.
Tours from Rome to Pompeii
Planning a day trip from Rome to Pompeii requires some logistical planning. If you prefer to avoid the hassle, consider booking a full-day guided tour from Rome instead.
Here are my top 3 recommendations:
TOP PICK: Full-Day Rome to Pompeii Guided Tour (with wine & lunch): This highly-rated tour includes a guided visit to Pompeii with an archaeologist, a visit to a local winery, lunch, round-trip tickets on the high-speed train to and from Rome, and an air-conditioned shuttle between Naples and Pompeii.
#2 PICK: Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip from Rome: On this full-day tour, you will visit Pompeii with an expert guide and hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius. Transport to and from Rome by bus and lunch is included.
#3 PICK: Pompeii and Naples Day Trip from Rome: If you’re hoping to see a bit of Naples on your day trip to Pompeii, then this is the perfect tour for you. After a guided visit of Pompeii and lunch at a local pizzeria, you’ll head to Naples for a tour of the city.
Pompeii Information
Pompeii Archaeological Park is open everyday except December 25th, January 1st, and May 1st. Always double check opening hours and dates at the official site before planning your trip.
Pompeii Opening Hours
- April 1 – October 31: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entrance at 5:30 PM)
- November 1 – March 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entrance at 3:30 PM)
Pompeii Tickets
You can purchase your tickets either upon arrival or online. To skip the line, I highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance at TicketOne, the official Pompeii ticketing site.
With advance purchase, you can go directly to the entrance without waiting in the long line.
Ticket options:
- Pompeii Plus: €22 | Includes Pompeii + entry to 3 ancient villas
- Pompeii Express: €18 | Only includes Pompeii archaeological area
The Pompeii Plus ticket is worth it if you have at least 4 hours. Two of the villas are only a 10-minute walk from the entrance, and the third one is a 30-minute walk.
The Pompeii Express ticket is a good option if you only have 2-3 hours for your visit.
Visit the official website for more information on these ticket options.
Tips for Visiting Pompeii
- How much time: Plan on spending a minimum of 3 hours at Pompeii. There is so much to see, and it takes a bit of time to walk around and see it all.
- When to arrive: Arrive in the morning to avoid visiting during heat of the afternoon, particularly during the summer. There is little to no shade, and it can get extremely hot walking around.
- What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrella for extra shade, water, and comfortable shoes.
- Where to eat: There is one cafe inside of Pompeii that serves food and drinks. Otherwise, there are plenty of vendors and shops located outside the site near the Porta Marina entrance. You can also pack your own food and drinks and eat inside the site.
Pompeii Guided Walking Tour
To get the most out of your visit to Pompeii, we highly recommend booking a guided walking tour with an expert. This is the best way to understand and learn about the rich history and significance of this incredible archaeological site.
We suggest booking this 2-Hour Small Group Tour with an archaeologist. There are several time slots available throughout the day, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
What to do after Pompeii?
If you depart Rome early in the morning (by 7:00 AM), you’ll have a few hours in the afternoon to explore more. You can either head back to Naples to explore this rugged port city famous for its pizza, climb to the top of Mount Vesuvius, or explore more ruins at Herculaneum.
Another option is to head straight back to Rome and spend a quiet evening there instead.
Herculaneum
For those interested in visiting another archaeological site preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum is a great option. Located just 20 minutes up the road from Pompeii via the Circumvesuviana train, you can explore Herculaneum in a couple of hours.
Either book a guided tour, like this one, or explore on your own with the provided pamphlet or audio guide.
To get here, hop back on the Circumvesuviana train towards Naples and get off at Ercolano Scavi. The entrance to the site is a 5-10 minute walk from the station.
Tickets cost €13 if bought in person, or you can reserve online in advance here.
Mount Vesuvius
Standing at 4,200 feet tall, Mount Vesuvius is mainland Europe’s only active volcano. From the park entrance, it’s a short hike/walk to the crater, making it a doable add-on to your day trip.
From Pompeii, you can either take the public bus, private shuttle, or hire a taxi to Vesuvius.
For the easiest experience, we recommend booking a shuttle like Busvia del Vesuvio from Pompeii Scavi station. You could also book with another shuttle company when you arrive at the station in the morning.
The cheapest option is to take the public EAV bus; however, you have to plan everything on your own. Tickets cost €3.80 each way, and you can check the schedule and stops here.
Finally, you can hire a taxi from Pompeii to Vesuvius and the driver will wait for you. I recommend the shuttle, since it’s much cheaper, but this is a good option if you prefer a more private experience.
Book your tickets for Mount Vesuvius online in advance here.
Naples
Naples may appear rough around the edges, but at its core, it’s filled with a lively and vibrant culture. Take the rest of your afternoon to wander around the streets, and most importantly, eat pizza.
Naples is known as the home of pizza, and you can’t leave without trying one. Try some from L’Antica Pizzera Da Michele (the most famous place) or Gino Sorbillo.
Rome to Pompeii Day Trip Itinerary
Below is an example itinerary for your day trip to Pompeii. Please note that times may vary depending on train delays, wait times, and your own pace.
- 7:00 AM | Take the 7:00 AM train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
- 8:15 AM | Arrive in Napoli Centrale
- 8:45 – 9:30 AM | Catch one of the Circumvesuviana trains to Pompei Scavi
- 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Arrive to Pompeii Archaeological Park
- 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Explore Pompeii
- 2:00 PM – Head back to Naples, climb Mount Vesuvius, or explore the Hercalaneum
- 6:00 PM – 9:00PM | Take the train back to Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 hours enough time at Pompeii?
We recommend spending a minimum of 3-4 hours in Pompeii. 2 hours is enough to see the highlights but it will feel rushed.
Can you visit the Amalfi Coast & Pompeii in a day?
Technically, you can visit both, especially if you book a bus tour. However, we do not recommend squeezing both into a single day. You’ll spend most of your time in transit, and the Amalfi Coast deserves at least 3-4 to fully appreciate its beauty and charm.
How to get from Rome to Pompeii easily?
The easiest way to get from Rome to Pompeii is to take the high-speed train from Rome to Naples and then the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Rome for a hassle-free experience.
More Information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.