One of the most popular day trips from Rome is to the archaeological site of Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique snapshot into the life of a prosperous Roman city in the 1st century. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting to Pompeii from Rome.
1. Direct Train to Naples
From Rome, the most common way to reach Pompeii is to first take a train to Naples. Trenitalia and Italo are the two primary train services running from Roma Termini, Rome’s main train station, to Napoli Centrale, Naples’s central station. These high-speed trains typically take around 1 to 1.5 hours and offer several departures throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the train station and prices vary based on the train type and seat class.
2. Train from Naples to Pompeii
Once in Naples, you’ll need to take the local Circumvesuviana train to get to Pompeii. The Circumvesuviana line connects Naples to several smaller towns in the region and it stops directly at the ruins of Pompeii. To catch this train, head to the lower level of Napoli Centrale and look for the signs to the “Circumvesuviana”.
Purchase a ticket to Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri, the station closest to the archaeological site. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes and trains run roughly every half an hour. Make sure to validate your ticket at the small green or yellow machines before boarding the train.
3. Entrance to Pompeii Ruins
After exiting the Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri station, the entrance to Pompeii ruins is a short walk across the street. The site opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) from April to October, and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) from November to March. It’s closed on 25th December, 1st January, and 1st May.
Tickets to enter the archaeological site can be purchased at the ticket office or online in advance. The standard ticket price is around €16, but discounts are available for EU citizens and certain age groups.
Other Options
Guided Tours
If you prefer a more guided experience, there are plenty of tour companies that offer day trips from Rome to Pompeii. These tours often include transportation, entrance fees, and a professional guide who can provide detailed historical context to the sights you are seeing.
Car Hire
Renting a car is another option if you are comfortable driving in Italy. The drive from Rome to Pompeii takes around 2.5-3 hours via the A1 and A3 highways. There is a parking lot at the entrance to the ruins. However, be aware that Italian traffic and parking regulations can be challenging for non-locals.
Shuttle Services
Some companies offer shuttle services from Rome to Pompeii. These services typically include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Rome and the Pompeii site. This option can be more comfortable and faster than public transport, but also more expensive.
Visiting Pompeii from Rome can be a bit of an adventure, but it’s well worth the effort. The preserved streets, houses, and public buildings of Pompeii offer an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient Roman world, and will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip to Italy.