From Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius: How to Get There

Pompei, Herculaneum and Vesuvio These are three essential stops for anyone visiting Naples. Getting there by public transport or car is easier than you think: this guide provides all the options for organizing your day, with updated schedules, costs, and practical advice.

The three sites are located along the same road southeast of Naples and can be visited in a single day, provided you plan well. Here's how to get around.

How to get to Pompeii from Naples

Pompeii is about 25 km from Naples. The most popular means of transport is Circumvesuviana (Naples-Sorrento line), which starts from Piazza GaribaldiGet off at the stop Pompeii Excavations - Villa of the Mysteries, a few steps from the entrance to the excavations. The journey takes about 35 minutes and the ticket costs around €3,50.

Alternatively, from Naples Central you can take a Trenitalia regional train direct to Pompeii (Pompeii stop, 1,5 km from the entrance) or get off at Torre Annunziata and continue by bus. By car, take the highway. A3 Naples-Salerno going out to West Pompeii (if you are coming from the north) or East Pompeii (from the south). Paid parking is available near the excavations.

Learn more about the visit in our complete guide to Pompeii.

How to get to Herculaneum from Naples

Ercolano is even closer: just 12 km from Naples. With the Circumvesuviana (always on the Naples-Sorrento line) get off at the stop Ercolano ScaviThe journey takes just 15 minutes and the ticket costs around €2,20. The entrance to the excavations is 100 meters from the station.

By car, take theA3 Naples-Salerno with exit Herculaneum, then follow the signs for Corso Resina. Paid parking is available nearby. By bus, ANM lines connect Naples to Ercolano with frequent services.

Read our guide to the Herculaneum excavations to know what to see.

How to get to Vesuvius from Naples

Il Gran Cone of Vesuvius It is only reachable on foot after parking or taking a bus to the altitude 1.000 metersThe trail to the crater starts from here, a walk of about 30 minutes.

The most convenient way: take the Circumvesuviana maximum Ercolano Scavi (15 minutes from Naples), then the Vesuvius Express bus which starts from the station and takes you directly to the trail entrance (cost approximately €6,00 ​​per person, return). By car, follow the signs for the Vesuvius National Park From Ercolano: the road is winding and there is a paid parking.

The ticket for the crater trail Tickets can be purchased online on the official Vesuvius National Park website or on-site (cost approximately €10,00). Please note: access to the crater is limited, so always book during high season.

Visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius in one day

Organize one unique day It's possible for all three sites, but requires an early start. Here's a suggested itinerary:

• 8:00 — Departure from Naples with the Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano
• 8:30-10:30 — Visit to the Herculaneum excavations (2 hours, compact site)
• 10:30-12:00 — Vesuvio Express Bus to the Vesuvius Crater
• 12:00-13:30 — Climb to the crater and return
• 13:30-14:00 — Bus to Pompeii (with a change at Ercolano Scavi station)
• 14:00-17:00 — Visit to the Pompeii excavations (3 hours for the highlights)
• 17:00-17:35 — Return to Naples with Circumvesuviana

Alternatively, you can visit Pompeii in the morning e Herculaneum in the afternoon, leaving Vesuvius for another day. Travel between the two sites by Circumvesuviana (15 minutes between the Pompei Scavi and Ercolano Scavi stations).

Campania Artecard: Is it worth it?

La Campania Artecard It's a convenient solution if you plan to visit multiple sites. The version Naples Artecard 3 days (cost approximately €35,00) includes unlimited ANM and Circumvesuviana transport + 2 free entrances to museums and archaeological sites. With this card you can visit Pompei e Herculaneum such as free admission and travel without paying for Circumvesuviana tickets.

Attention: the bus Vesuvius Express It is not included in the Campania Artecard. For more information, read our Complete guide to Campania Artecard.

FAQ

How much does a Circumvesuviana ticket to Pompeii cost?
A ticket to Pompeii from Naples costs about €3,50 and can be purchased at stations or via the app. The journey takes 35 minutes.

Which Circumvesuviana stop is best for the Pompeii excavations?
The stop is Pompeii Excavations - Villa of the MysteriesNaples-Sorrento line. It's the only one within 50 meters of the entrance.

Where does the bus to Vesuvius leave from?
Il Vesuvius Express It departs from the Ercolano Scavi Circumvesuviana station. Alternatively, organized shuttle bus tours depart from Naples.

Can you visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius in one day?
Yes, but it requires a dawn start and a tight schedule. Alternatively, combine Pompeii and Herculaneum into one day and leave Vesuvius for a second.

Does the Campania Artecard include a ticket to Vesuvius?
No, entrance to the Vesuvius crater is not included in any version of the Artecard.

Where to park to visit Pompeii?
There are several paid parking lots near Piazza Anfiteatro and Porta Marina. The cost is around €5-8 per day.

Which site should I visit first, Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Herculaneum in the morning (more compact, 2 hours is enough), Pompeii in the afternoon (larger, at least 3 hours). The Circumvesuviana connects the two stops in 15 minutes.