Pompeii from Rome Day Trip

Looking to visit Pompeii from Rome?

Pompeii has to be one of the most famous ancient Roman archeological sites – its incredible legacy in understanding the lives of ancient Romans is unrivalled, and the story of its destruction rings throughout history.

Pompeii from Rome - the best tips for what to see and do

Find out the best ways to visit this world-renowned Unesco World Heritage Site. On this page we'll cover:

• What is Pompeii?
• Is a Pompeii day trip worth it?
• A (Brief) History of Pompeii
• Where is Pompeii in relation to Rome?
• How to get from Rome to Pompeii
• How accessible is Pompeii?
• Is it possible to see the Pompeii ruins for free?
• When is the best time to visit Pompeii?
• Pompeii ticket prices and tours - all options
• Pompeii trip must-sees
• Other things to see near Pompeii
• Where to eat and drink in Pompeii

What is Pompeii?

There are two answers to this question.

The first is that it refers to the modern town, located 23km from the center of Naples.

The modern town of Pompei is adjacent to the original settlement of Pompeii - an ancient Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, and it is how you can visit Pompeii from Rome that is the focus of this page.

Is a Pompeii day trip worth it?

Pompeii is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Roman history or the history of Rome!

Few other sites have contributed so much to the understanding of the daily lives of the ancient Romans.

Pompeii was buried during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE and as such became a huge time capsule, capturing a moment nearly 2000 years ago and preserving it forever.

Following its discovery in the late 16th century, Pompeii has slowly given up its secrets as archeologists have unearthed huge sections of the ancient city under layers of volcanic ash.

A (Brief) History of Pompeii

Archaeological evidence suggests that people first settled in the area of Pompeii in the eighth century BCE.

Within a couple of hundred years the town began to take shape, with temples and other important buildings (some of which are still visible today) were constructed.

In the following centuries, Pompeii's fortunes fluctuated, until it came under direct rule from Rome.

Pompeii formally became a colony of Rome in 80 BCE where over the following decades substantial building projects were undertaken the city expanded greatly.

In 62 CE a strong earthquake destroyed large parts of the city - these were quickly rebuilt and more construction ordered, making Pompeii one of the area's major cities.

Only 17 years later, in August 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted in what is one of the most infamous volcanic eruptions in history.

Over the course of the next few days, ash and pumice rained down on Pompeii and the surrounding area, completely burying the town.

Over the ensuing centuries people continued to live in the area of Pompeii but the town did not return to its pre-eruption eminence.

The modern town of Pompei is now home to around 25,000 people and is a key part of the extra-urban area outside of Naples with connections available to other notable areas such as the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi Coast.

Where is Pompeii in relation to Rome?

 Pompeii is located 210km/130 miles south of Rome, in the region of Campania.

How to get from Rome to Pompeii

Traveling from Rome to Pompeii is very straightforward – I can recommend three options for transportation from Rome to Pompeii:

By High Speed Train (and a local line):

To travel from Rome to Pompeii by high speed train, your departure point should be Rome’s Termini (Roma Termini) station.

Starting August 6th, the Rome to Pompeii train will run every Sunday through the end of 2024. You can book a ticket direct to Pompeii station on a high speed train.  The direct train departs Termini at 8:53 and arriving at Pompeii at 10:40. The return train departs Pompeii at 18:40 and arrives into Termini at 20:55.

Book online via Trainline to see all routes, prices and keep track of your tickets while on the move.

Daily you can travel from Rome to Naples Centrale by high speed train, your departure point should be Rome’s Termini (Roma Termini) station.

To maximize your time at Pompeii, consider departing Roma Termini station around 8:00.

These high speed trains run multiple times per hour, and ticket prices average 40€ per person for a standard single direction ticket

Consider paying a little more (typically 10€-15€ per journey) to upgrade to a Prima coach - this is for first class passengers and guarantees access to power outlets plus other extras such as a free drink (typically a choice of water, juice or coffee - no alcohol, sorry!).

Once you arrive at Naples Centrale (journey time typically between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes), follow the signs for the ‘Circumvesuviana’ train line (sometimes labelled as 'Linee Vesuviane').

This is the line that circumvents Vesuvius, going to multiple destinations – hence the name!

Request a ticket from the counter for Pompeii Scavi and follow the directions to the train platform.

These ticket prices are fixed and it's not possible to book online.

I would recommend using a card when purchasing to reduce the cash you are carrying while on the move.

The trains run multiple times per hour and the journey from Naples takes just over a half hour.

Sadly this is not a high speed train - take the time to prep for your visit to Pompeii's ancient ruins.

Once you arrive at Pompeii Scavi train station, simply follow the signs for the archeological park - the Porta Marina main entrance is less than two minutes walk.

Note for some guided tours/tour guides the meeting point is often the Pompeii Scavi station.

Driving from Rome to Pompeii

Click here to view all parking options near Pompeii - they are all pretty similar in terms of value and service.

Select your preference using Google Maps and set off – a direct drive from Rome will take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on where you start from and allowing for rest stops.

With a tour guide or private transfer

Opting to book a guided tour or hiring a private transfer is probably the easiest option to get to Pompeii from Rome.

Guides/drivers can often offer the option of a hotel pickup and then take you directly to the Pompeii site, in an air conditioned coach with a bus driver and passionate guides.

How accessible is Pompeii?

While efforts have been made to make Pompeii more accessible, visitors with mobility challenges may face difficulties both arriving at Pompeii from Rome, and then getting around the site.

Access to the train platforms for the Circumvesuviana Line at Napoli Centrale is only via stairs or escalators.

There are no lifts or other mobility assistance to get down to the platforms. Consider arranging a private transfer or taxi from the high speed train station to Pompeii, or even for the whole journey from Rome to Pompeii. 

The driving distance from Rome to Pompeii is not so far as to make it impossible for a day trip!

Access via the main Porta Marina entrance is not viable for anyone with mobility challenges due to uneven surfaces, steps and steep ramps.

The park does have an itinerary for people with motor disabilities, called 'Pompeii for All'. The accessible entrance is at Piazza Anfiteatro, and the route runs for 3.5km/2.2 miles.

For more details refer here to the official Pompeii website.

If in doubt, consider booking a private tour with an operator who is experienced in taking visitors to Pompeii with mobility challenges.

Is it possible to see the Pompeii ruins for free?

On the first Sunday of every month entrance to Pompeii is free to anyone and everyone - part of the same scheme that grants access to a lot of free sites in Rome.

Book ahead if you plan to visit Pompeii on a free Sunday and arrive as early as possible.

It will be extremely busy.

In the event more than 15,000 people are in the park by midday, the entrances will be closed for an hour to allow existing visitors to leave.

You cannot book skip the line tickets for the Free Sundays.

Certain groups may be eligible for free (or heavily discounted) entry to Pompeii - to find out more, visit the official website here.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii?

Pompeii is open year round, and only closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25.

The Pompeii opening times and hours of operation vary according to the time of year, before making the day trip from Rome to Pompeii, be sure to check the official website.

Personally I’d recommend visiting in late May/early June or September-October if possible.

You should (no promises!) find the weather dry and warm, but not too hot!

Visiting Pompeii in fall and winter

During the cooler months, the weather in this part of Italy can be temperamental.

While clear and dry most of the time, powerful storms can form making conditions for walking around an archeological park less than desirable!

If you can only visit at this point, be sure to wear a waterproof jacket and bring a decent umbrella, just in case!

Visiting Pompeii in spring and summer

During the peak season summer months, the exposed nature of the site combined with Pompeii’s proximity to a major city (Naples), means temperatures can often be close to 100F, if not higher.

If visiting at this time of year, be sure to bring a hat, plenty of water and sunblock.

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Pompeii Tickets and Tours - All Options

For self-guided visits, the base entrance fee to Pompeii in 2022 is 16€ - from 2023 this will be 18€.

Note that the standard tickets are not skip the line tickets, and it is not possible to book these directly.

To book skip the line Pompeii tickets you'll need to do this via a operator such as GetYourGuide.

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Pompeii Tours  

Browsing Rome day trips to Pompeii gives you lots of options, but to maximize your day trip from Rome to Pompeii, consider booking a guided small group tour, and if possible, with a local guide.

Locals often know things that non-locals don't, providing a richer experience and smaller groups enable you to ask questions and make the most of your visit.

Private tours often offer full transport/transfer options to make your day tour stress-free. Several operators also offer a Vesuvius tour to enhance your day trip.

Pompeii must-sees

Pompeii is vast; when Vesuvius erupted, it is estimated the ancient town had a population of 12,000 with the same amount of people also living on the outskirts - comparable to the population of modern Pompei.

Current estimates put the percentage of excavated ground at just over two-thirds, meaning that there is still a huge part to unearth.

You could easily take a full day to see the majority of the site.

If you are very interested in ancient Roman history, consider staying a night in the area so you can split your trip from Rome to Pompeii across two days!

If you are time-limited, here are a series of absolute-must sees, which if followed in order (on the basis you enter the park from the entrance near the Pompeii Scavi train station) will take you past a lot of other notable monuments as you explore the ancient cobbled streets.

Porta Marina & Cinta Muraria

On arrival, you'll enter the site via one of the city's original gates - this gate was the most impressive, and is called the 'Marine Gate' because it originally faced the sea and shoreline.

If you have free time, before heading through the gate, bear left and explore the bath complex here - it serves as a great introduction to the site!

Forum

After walking up the slope from the entrance, continue straight and you'll find yourself in the Forum of Pompeii.

Like the Roman Forum in Rome, this space was the focal point of life in the ancient city.

Business was conducted here, social gatherings took place, religious ceremonies undertaken and much more.

From the Forum you can visit several of Pompeii's most impressive monuments, including the Basilica, the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Apollo.

Villa dei Misteri (Villa of the Mysteries)

Before exploring the town of Pompeii, I'd recommend taking a slight detour to the scavi Villa dei Misteri (excavations of the Villa of the Mysteries) located approx. 15 minutes walk from the Forum.

Following the suggested route (signposted) you'll pass Pompeii's cafe which also features some bathrooms - use this opportunity to refresh yourself.

As you follow the ancient streets you'll pass countless ancient homes and businesses, before exiting the city limits where you'll then find the road lined with tombs. In ancient Rome it was customary to bury the dead outside of the city.

When you arrive at the scavi Villa dei Misteri, you'll find yourself transported back in time; this is one of the best preserved ancient Roman villas anywhere, let alone in Pompeii.

Marvel at the original decorative flooring and recently restored frescoes and immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the surroundings.

In ancient Rome times, this would have felt like a haven away from the hustle and bustle of Pompeii!

Region V

When you leave the scavi Villa dei Misteri, take the same road back to the main part of the old town before following the signs for 'Regio V' (Region 5) - this is one of the 'newer' sections of Pompeii, in that much of it has been excavated only relatively recently.

As such, not all areas are open all the time, but if you can, be sure to visit the:

• Thermopolium - recent restoration work has brought this ancient Rome bar back to life where you can now see the frescoes that showed patrons what was on offer, not unlike a modern bar.
• House of Orion - also recently revealed and restored, this house features unique frescoes and mosaics, unseen elsewhere in Pompeii or the surviving ancient Roman world.

Theater District (Region VIII)

After the Forum, this district would have been the most lively during ancient times.

It houses two theaters, the gladiator barracks and several other important structures including the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Isis.

If time allows, enter the main theater and take a seat on the stone benches.

Imagine watching a play here, and consider for a moment you are sitting in the exact same spot that the ancient citizens of Pompeii sat nearly 2000 years ago!

Amphitheater District (Region II)

In this district, at the edges of the visitable park, you can visit the ancient city's amphitheater and the adjacent Palestra.

Gladiatorial games and other public events were held here on a regular basis, and the size of this district is a testament to Pompeii's prominence in the area.

From here you can choose to exit the park (if you're on a self-guided visit) via Piazza Immacolata and take the short walk back to the Pompeii Scavi train station.

 Antiquarium (Museum)

If you have not left Pompeii after seeing the amphitheater, return to the Forum and follow the signs for the exit.

This will take you past the Temple of Venus and you'll see steps down to the Antiquarium (museum).

This is one of the newest additions to the park and houses artefacts found in Pompeii plus two small book/gift shops - visit if you have time as the collection has been curated thoughtfully and helps to round-off any visit.

Other things to see near Pompeii

Outside of Rome, the area surrounding Pompeii features one of the highest concentrations of ancient Roman sites anywhere.

If you find yourself with free time or are wanting to explore further on your day trip from Rome to Pompeii, ancient Roman history lovers should consider visiting:

• Herculaneum – like Pompeii, this town was destroyed in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and while smaller in scale, certain elements are even better preserved than at Pompeii. You can take a guided tour which takes you from Rome to Pompeii and then Herculaneum on your trip.
• Villas of Castellamare di Stabia (Ariana & San Marco), Oplontis and Boscoreale – these four ancient homes offer an insight into how the people of this area lived and worked 2000 years ago, from winemakers through to members of the imperial family.
• Capua - this now humble town was once ancient Rome's regional capital of this area (before Naples came to prominence), connected directly to Rome via the famous Via Appia. It was here that Spartacus started his infamous revolt – you can even visit where he trained as a gladiator!
• Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei) – this vast zone just outside of Naples is home to several important sites including Pozzuoli (featuring a well-preserved amphitheater), Baiae (once the Las Vegas of ancient Rome) and Cumae (where an Oracle resided).
• Sorrento – famous now as the birthplace of limoncello, Sorrento was originally an ancient Roman settlement featuring a palace owned by the son of Agrippa, the right-hand man of emperor Augustus.
• Capri island – here Rome’s second emperor, Tiberius, had his summer palace – Villa Jovis. Situated on one of the island's highest points, you’ll struggle to find a better view of the Bay of Naples.
• Positano – situated under the town’s main church (Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta) you’ll find one of the best-preserved ancient Roman villas in existence.

Moving beyond ancient Rome, there is no shortage of other things to do and places to visit near Pompeii:

• Naples – As the regional capital of Campania and a major Italian city since the middle ages, Naples is a history and culture hub. Naples is also famous for its cuisine – it was here that the pizza was invented after all! If you want to really explore Campania, Naples is a great base - staying in an apartment gives you maximum flexibility for your travels!
• Caserta – The Royal Palace of Caserta was the largest royal residence in Italy, and one of the biggest in Europe. Modeled on Versailles Palace outside of Paris, it was here that the kings of the Two Sicilys, and for a brief period, the King of Italy displayed their wealth and power.

• Ischia – Famous for its natural springs, if you are looking for a peaceful break in paradise-like settings, book a ferry from Naples and head to the island of Ischia for a magical day trip!
• Procida – The smallest of the islands in the Bay of Naples, Procida was selected as the 2022 European Capital of Culture and you’ll struggle to find anywhere more picture-perfect in the world.
• The Amalfi Coast – world-renowned for timeless views and picturesque cliff-side towns, this slice of heaven is within easy reach of Pompeii.

If you are looking to explore Campania beyond Pompeii, don't forget to consider getting yourself a Campania ArteCard – just like the Roma Pass in Rome, it enables access to two sites without extra cost, and discounts to dozens of sites after your two 'free' visits.

Where to eat and drink in Pompeii

Inside Pompeii site you'll find a cafe/bistro (with air conditioning - a blessing if visiting in the summer!) but this can get very busy.

As such, I'd recommend bringing your own lunch/snacks and drinks for while you are in the archaeological park.

If you are taking the high speed train from Rome, you'll find plenty of great options in Naples Centrale station in the 'Foodcourt' which you can grab when changing lines.

Immediately outside the entrances to Pompeii are several bars - the food at these places is not the best (but will do if you're in a pinch) but they are useful for grabbing something to drink on your way in or out of the park.

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