As you plan a trip to one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the world, you should know how to get to Pompeii ahead of your adventures. Everyone should visit this famous city at least once in their lifetime to learn more about life during the Roman Empire and to see the volcano that devastated an entire town.
Pompeii became completely covered in ash and lava due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It was excavated in the 19th century, and today, tourists come from near and far to get a glimpse of Pompeii’s once-rich life and culture.
Keep reading to plan the perfect trip to the ashy city, including various ways of how to get to Pompeii easily.
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The history of Pompeii, Italy
Due to its location on the Bay of Naples, Pompeii was one of the most important ports in the Roman Empire. Thanks to the rich soil produced by the volcano, the city was also known for its thriving agricultural industry.
Pompeii was a luxurious getaway for wealthy Romans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It was home to gorgeously designed villas and magnificent bathhouses promoting a peaceful way of living. The citizens were wealthy, happy, and content before they met their devastating fate.
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and proceeded to rain ash, completely covering Pompeii within 24 hours. It’s estimated that 16,000 people died that day, and the Roman Empire also lost the great city of Pompeii.
Today, travelers visit to see what daily life was like for ancient Romans over 2,000 years ago. The ash from the volcano well-preserved many elements of the town, including a few spooky casts of its unlucky residents.
Keep reading to learn how to get to Pompeii, including some standout tours to enrich your visit.
Where is Pompeii, Italy, located?
The infamous city of Pompeii attracts around 2.5 million visitors each year. It’s about 23 kilometers south of Naples and 242 kilometers south of Rome. The city is also reasonably close to the popular vacation destination Sorrento, which is only about a 45-minute drive away by car.
Many visitors combine their trip to Pompeii with a visit to Mount Vesuvius for a more comprehensive tour. You can travel to Pompeii easily by bus or train from nearby Naples, but you can also drive and park at the archaeological site.
How to get to Pompeii from Naples via train
To get to Pompeii from Naples, you’ll want to grab the Circumvesuviana train, which stops along the archaeological park in Pompeii. You’ll catch the train from the underground Circumvesuviana station beneath the Naples Central train station in Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. Then, take the blue ‘Sorrento’ line, which departs every 30 minutes from track three.
The train only takes 30 minutes to arrive in Pompeii and is an affordable ticket at only €2.80 each way.
How to get to Pompeii from Naples via shuttle bus
This luxurious and air-conditioned shuttle bus runs from Naples to Pompeii, making traveling a cinch. This comfortable ride allows you to easily access all of the historic city without the headache of catching train times.
The bus runs three times a day in the summertime and twice daily in the winter, making it easy to plan a trip no matter the season. Plus, the bus includes audio commentary about the mysteries of this ancient city and insider information about the Roman Empire.
How to get to Pompeii from Naples via SITA bus
Travelers on a budget have an affordable way to get to Pompeii by taking the SITA local bus. These buses take around 40 minutes to get to Pompeii from Naples and depart about twice per hour. They leave as early as 7 am, while the last return to Naples is at 8 pm.
Buses depart from the SITA bus station, which is very close to the Nuova Marina port. To get your tickets, be sure to head to the port first and buy your tickets at the SITA bus station.
If you want to travel with a higher level of comfort, the Flixbus runs along the same route and offers larger seats with extra legroom. Plus, they have air-conditioning, which is appreciated during the hot summer months.
How to get to Pompeii from Rome by train
The best way to travel to Pompeii from Rome is on one of the high-speed trains from Rome to Naples. After you arrive in Naples, you’ll then grab the Circumvesuviana train to the ancient city of Pompeii.
The high-speed trains run from Rome to Naples every 20 minutes. The train departs from Roma Termini station and travels to Napoli Centrale, which takes about an hour. From Napoli Centrale, you’ll grab the Circumvesuviana local train towards Sorrento before arriving at Pompei Scavi station.
Hot Tip: Want to secure ease of travel and feel like an ancient Roman? This Pompeii tour includes those high-speed train tickets from Rome to Pompeii, in addition to a private guided tour of the city. It also includes a delicious lunch and wine tasting at the local vineyard. The vineyard serves wine that’s been produced in the fertile soil of Mt. Vesuvius, so you can feel like a real ancient Roman!
How to get to Pompeii from Rome by coach bus
This all-day tour includes an entrance ticket to Pompeii along with an air-conditioned, comfortable coach bus ride from Rome. This roundtrip bus and tour ensures you can experience the history of Pompeii without the headache of securing transportation.
This ticket also includes skip-the-line entrance, so you don’t have to wait in any long queues. Plus, a knowledgeable guide who shares salacious details about daily life in Pompeii, including the volcano that devastated the city. This is an all-day tour, so dress comfortably for a long day of travel.
Grab the Pompeii Pass
Before you book your transportation to Pompeii, be sure to grab the Pompeii Pass ahead of time. This pass provides a two-hour guided tour of the archaeological site and a fast-track entrance to the city. It also includes a ride on the little train that runs from the excavation site to the modern city to save you some time. You can also combine a trip to Pompeii with a visit to Mount Vesuvius with the Pompeii & Vesuvius Pass.
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