Pompeii is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, receiving over 3 million visitors annually. Getting there is straightforward from Naples and Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana railway. The site is physically demanding , 44 hectares of uneven stone streets with steps, curbs, and slopes. Below are practical answers to the most common questions travelers ask about visiting Pompeii, from transport and tickets to what to wear, where to eat inside the site, and safety considerations. For more details, see our Pompeii weather by month guide. For more details, see our best time to visit Pompeii guide.
Pompeii Travel Tips: Getting There
The easiest way to reach Pompeii is the Circumvesuviana railway line, which runs between Naples and Sorrento with a stop at Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station, 100 meters from the main entrance. Trains depart Napoli Porta Nolana and Napoli Garibaldi (the central station) every 30 minutes from 5:40 AM to 9:40 PM. The journey takes 35 minutes from Naples and costs 3 euros one-way. From Sorrento the journey takes 25 minutes and costs 2.40 euros. Tickets must be validated in the yellow machines on the platform before boarding. The Circumvesuviana is not part of the Trenitalia network, so Eurail and Interrail passes are not valid. Trains are commuter-style with no air conditioning and can be crowded in summer; watch for pickpockets. The Pompei station (without ‘Scavi’) serves the modern town center and is a 15-minute walk to the Piazza Anfiteatro secondary entrance , use this station if you are staying in town rather than visiting the ruins directly.
By car, Pompeii is 1 km from the A3 Napoli-Salerno autostrada (exit Pompei ovest). Paid parking lots surround the site: Parking Zeus (Via Villa dei Misteri 3, 5 euros per day) and Parking Pompeii (Via Plinio 107, 3 euros per hour). Avoid the unofficial attendants who wave you into empty lots near the entrance , they charge inflated rates. Naples International Airport (NAP) is 29 km from Pompeii and reachable by the Curreri Viaggi bus (2.80 euros, 45 minutes, hourly from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) or by taxi for about 60 euros fixed rate. There is no direct train connection from the airport to Pompeii; you must take the Alibus to Napoli Centrale and transfer to the Circumvesuviana.
Pompeii Travel Tips: Tickets and Entry
Standard entry to Pompeii costs 18 euros for adults, 2 euros for EU citizens aged 18-25, and free for children under 18. Audioguides rent for 8 euros (available in English, Italian, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese) at the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances. Buy tickets online at ticketone.it to skip the ticket-office queue, which can take 30-60 minutes in summer. Digital tickets on your phone are accepted. The site opens at 9:00 AM year-round. Closing time is 7:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM) from April through October, and 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM) from November through March. The site is closed on December 25, January 1, and occasionally May 1. Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month, but these days are extremely crowded , lines can exceed 2 hours. The official website is pompeiisites.org.
Pompeii Travel Tips: What to Wear and Bring
Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The ancient Roman streets are paved with large, uneven basalt stones that are polished smooth by millions of footsteps. Sandals, flip-flops, or heels will make walking painful and increase your risk of twisting an ankle. In summer, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+). The site has almost no natural shade. Lightweight, light-colored clothing helps with heat. In winter and spring, bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with good traction , wet basalt stones become dangerously slippery. A small backpack with water (at least 1.5 liters per person in summer), snacks, and a portable phone charger is recommended. There are water fountains (nasoni) inside the site where you can refill bottles for free. Large backpacks and bags over 30x30x15 cm must be checked at the free luggage storage near the entrances. There is no dress code for the archaeological site, but if you plan to enter the sanctuary in town, shoulders and knees must be covered.
Pompeii Travel Tips: Food and Water Inside the Site
The archaeological park has a self-service cafeteria near the Forum (Caffetteria del Foro) with sandwiches (5-7 euros), pizza slices (4 euros), salads (6 euros), bottled water (2 euros for 500ml), and coffee. There is also a smaller snack bar near the Porta Marina entrance. Prices are 50-80 percent higher than outside the site. You can bring your own food and eat it in the shaded picnic area near the amphitheater, though there are no tables , most people sit on the stone steps of the amphitheater. The water from the nasoni fountains inside the site is potable and safe to drink. It is tested regularly and comes from the same aqueduct supply as the town of Pompei. Outside the site, the strip along Via Roma has casual restaurants serving pizza and pasta. For a proper Italian meal, walk 10 minutes south to the town center restaurants around Piazza Bartolo Longo.
Pompeii Travel Tips: Accessibility
Pompeii has a designated accessible route called “Pompeii for All” that covers about 3 km of the site with ramps over the high curbs and smoother surfaces. The route runs from Porta Marina to the Forum, past the Basilica and Temple of Apollo, and terminates near the amphitheater. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located at Porta Marina and near the Forum. However, the accessible route only covers perhaps 20 percent of the total site area. Many of the most famous houses (House of the Faun, Lupanar, House of the Vettii) are not reachable without navigating steps and uneven terrain. The Villa dei Misteri is not wheelchair-accessible. Free wheelchairs are available at the Porta Marina entrance on a first-come basis; call +39 081 857 5347 to reserve one. The site’s official website has a detailed accessibility map (pompeiisites.org/accessibility).
Pompeii Travel Tips: Safety and Practical Information
Pompeii is generally safe for tourists. Pickpocketing on the Circumvesuviana train is the most common crime , keep valuables in a zipped interior pocket, not in back pockets or external backpack compartments. The archaeological site itself is secure with staff and surveillance. Emergency number in Italy is 112 (European emergency number, works for police, ambulance, fire). The nearest hospital with an emergency department is Ospedale San Leonardo in Castellammare di Stabia (Via R. Chiaramonte 72, 8 km, tel +39 081 872 9111). Tap water in Pompeii town is safe to drink. The Italian power outlet is Type L (three-prong) and Type F (Schuko), 230V/50Hz. Most hotels have universal sockets. Tipping is not expected in Italy , 1-2 euros for good service at a restaurant or a round-up on a taxi fare is appreciated but never required. Service is often included in the bill as “coperto” (cover charge, 1-3 euros per person).
Suggested Hotels in Pompeii
Pompeii has accommodation options from a hotel 50 meters from the ruins entrance to family-run B&Bs in the town center. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead for spring and autumn, and 2-3 months ahead for the May 8 and October pilgrimage dates. Here are three recommended hotels across budget tiers:
Hotel Vittoria
The closest hotel to the Pompeii ruins entrance at just 50 meters from the Porta Marina gate, with air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk that can arrange guided tours. Best for travelers who want to be first through the gates in the morning. Check rates and availability
Hotel Diana Pompei
A modern 4-star in the town center with 32 soundproofed rooms, rooftop terrace with Vesuvius views, and a restaurant serving Neapolitan cuisine. It is 800 meters from the archaeological site. Best for mid-range travelers wanting hotel comfort with local restaurants on the doorstep. Check rates and availability
B&B Pompeii Ruins
A family-run bed and breakfast with 5 en-suite rooms near the sanctuary, all with air conditioning, free WiFi, and free parking. A 7-minute walk to the Circumvesuviana station and 15 minutes to the ruins. Best for budget travelers with a rental car. Check rates and availability
