If you cannot see the calendar for booking, it's because you haven't accepted cookies. However, you can still click here to book your ticket or service.
Discover the Pompeii Excavations by booking your ticket online. Choose from standard admission, guided tours, and combo tickets to explore the ancient Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Why Visit Pompeii Excavations
Pompeii Excavations represent one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD crystallized daily life in a Roman city, offering visitors a unique experience among perfectly preserved houses, temples, baths, and shops.
Walking through Pompeii's ancient streets means stepping back in time, discovering frescoes, mosaics, and testimonies of a civilization frozen in its last moments.
What to Bring for Your Visit
Essential items for visiting Pompeii Excavations:
- Comfortable shoes: The site spans 66 hectares with ancient stone roads
- Hat and sunscreen: Most of the route is outdoors with no shade
- Water: Drinking fountains are available throughout the site
- Light backpack: For documents, snacks, and personal items
- Camera: Photography is allowed (no flash in enclosed areas)
- Layered clothing: Weather can vary during the day
- Small umbrella: Useful for sun protection or unexpected rain
Combine Your Visit: Pompeii and Surroundings
The Vesuvian area offers numerous attractions to combine with Pompeii Excavations:
Vesuvius National Park
After seeing the buried city, climb the volcano that destroyed it. Mount Vesuvius crater is 20 minutes by car from Pompeii. The walk to the crater rim takes 20-30 minutes and offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Naples. Discover more about trekking on Monte Somma.
Herculaneum Excavations
Smaller but better preserved than Pompeii, Herculaneum is just 20 km away. Here you can admire furniture, fabrics, and even carbonized food, preserved by the volcanic mud that buried the city.
Villa Oplontis (Torre Annunziata)
Splendid Roman villa with extraordinary frescoes, located 10 minutes from Pompeii and included in some combo tickets.
Sanctuary of Pompeii
Just 800 meters from the Excavations, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary is one of Italy's most important pilgrimage sites. Free admission.
Tips for a Perfect Visit
- Best time: Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and summer heat
- How long: Minimum 3 hours, ideal 4-5 hours for a complete visit
- Must-see places: Forum (city center), Villa of the Mysteries (spectacular frescoes), House of the Faun (Alexander mosaic), Stabian Baths (best preserved), Lupanar (ancient brothel), Amphitheater (oldest Roman amphitheater)
- Map: Download the official map or use the app to navigate the site
- Refreshments: On-site café with sandwiches and drinks, or exit and re-enter with the same ticket
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible routes available, request map at entrance
- Guided tours: Highly recommended for first-time visitors to understand the historical context
- Audio guides: Available in multiple languages for self-guided exploration
Suggested Itineraries from Pompeii
One Day: Pompeii Only
Morning: Pompeii Excavations (4 hours)
Lunch: Restaurant near the excavations
Afternoon: Sanctuary of Pompeii (1 hour)
Two Days: Pompeii + Vesuvius
Day 1: Pompeii Excavations (full day)
Day 2: Vesuvius Crater (half day) + Herculaneum or Monte Somma trekking
Three Days: Complete Vesuvian Tour
Day 1: Pompeii Excavations
Day 2: Vesuvius + Herculaneum
Day 3: Villa Oplontis + Stabiae + Pompeii Sanctuary
Practical Tips
- Parking: Paid parking available near entrances (€5-10/day)
- How to get there: Train - Circumvesuviana from Naples (stop: Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri); Car - A3 highway (exit Pompei Ovest or Pompei Est); Bus - Regular connections from Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno
- Audio guides: Available in multiple languages, recommended for deeper understanding
- Guided tours: Tours with archaeological guide to better understand the site
- Best season: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) for ideal weather and fewer tourists
- Summer advice: If visiting in summer (June-August), arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat
- Photography: Allowed throughout the site, tripods permitted (no commercial use without permit)
- Storage: Luggage storage available at entrance for large bags
Frequently Asked Questions about Pompeii Tickets
How long does a visit to Pompeii take?
A complete visit requires 3-5 hours. The site is very extensive (66 hectares) and includes hundreds of buildings, domus, temples, and public spaces. For a quick visit focusing on main highlights, allow at least 2 hours.
Can I exit and re-enter the Excavations?
Yes, you can exit and re-enter the same day by showing your ticket. This is useful for lunch breaks at nearby restaurants.
Are the Excavations accessible with strollers or wheelchairs?
Accessible routes are available, although some areas with ancient paving may be challenging. It's advisable to request the accessible routes map at the entrance. Wheelchair rental is available.
Can I visit Pompeii with dogs?
Small dogs are allowed if kept in carriers. Guide dogs for the visually impaired are always welcome.
What can't I bring to the Excavations?
Large backpacks (over 30x30x15 cm), bulky luggage, pointed umbrellas, and professional tripods are not allowed. Paid luggage storage is available at the entrance.
Is it worth combining Pompeii with Vesuvius?
Absolutely! Visiting the volcano that buried the city completes the experience. Vesuvius is 20 minutes by car from Pompeii. You can dedicate the morning to the Excavations and the afternoon to Vesuvius crater.
Pompeii or Herculaneum - which is better?
It depends on available time. Pompeii is larger and more spectacular (full day needed), Herculaneum is smaller but with better-preserved artifacts (2-3 hours). Ideally, visit both if you have time.
Do I need a guide or can I visit on my own?
You can visit independently - the site is well-signposted and maps are available. However, a guide (live or audio) greatly enhances the experience by explaining the historical and archaeological context that isn't obvious from the ruins alone.
What's the best entrance to use?
There are three main entrances: Porta Marina (main entrance) closest to Forum and city center; Piazza Anfiteatro near Amphitheater and less crowded; Piazza Esedra for access to Villa of the Mysteries. Choose based on your itinerary and parking location.
Are there restaurants inside Pompeii?
There's a café inside the site serving basic food and drinks. For proper meals, it's better to exit (you can re-enter) and eat at nearby restaurants, or bring a picnic.