Self-Guided Day Trips from Rome: Planning Your Perfect Pompeii Adventure
There’s no doubt that Rome is a city with a wealth of history and culture to explore, but venturing beyond the city limits can offer an enriching and unforgettable experience. Pompeii, for instance, is a fascinating destination with its well-preserved ancient ruins, providing a unique glimpse into the past. This guide will outline the steps needed to plan your own day trip to Pompeii from Rome, allowing you to enjoy a more personalized and flexible itinerary. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in Italy and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From Rome to Naples
If you are planning your trip at least one week in advance, then you can buy the return train tickets to Naples for only EUR 19.90 which is available on the website www.trenitalia.com. If, however, you decide to travel to Pompeii at least 2 days earlier than the tickets will cost around EUR 48 which you can buy at the ticket vending machine at the Rome Termini Railway Station.
From Naples to Pompeii
When you reach Naples Central Station, you just need to track the BLUE sign ‘CIRCUMVESUVIANA’ which operates the train from Naples to Sorrento. As you follow this sign, you will find yourself in front of the ticket office where you need to buy 2 tickets and ask for ‘Pompei Scavi’ (one for the onward journey and another one for return). The return ticket costs about EUR 5. The train leaves every half-an-hour and it takes around 40 min to reach Pompei.
While cash is the preferred method of payment, card transactions are also possible but not always reliable. After obtaining your tickets, proceed through the barriers and descend to the platforms where you can find display screens with departure and arrival information. Ensure you board the train bound for Sorrento, as multiple Circumvesuviana lines operate in the area.
Upon arrival at Pompei Scavi (or “Pompei Scavi-Villa Misteri”) station, you will be just a short two-minute walk from the Porta Marina entrance to the ancient site of Pompeii.
🚩 Attention: Please keep a close watch on your belongings as this place is notorious for pickpockets.
Want to Visit Herculaneum?
If you want to visit Herculaneum in the town of Ercolano then you must get down at the station – Eercolano Scavi. After entering this ancient city you need to walk for around 1 km (1/2 mile) to get to the site. Official website for Herculaneum is ercolano.beniculturali.it.
How to visit Pompeii?
If you want to get to Pompeii then you need to get down at the station – Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri and walk for around 100m to get to the entrance.
What is the price of the tickets?
The entrance fees for Pompeii would cost EUR 18 and Herculaneum EUR 13.
Where to buy the tickets?
When planning your visit to the historic city of Pompeii, there are several options available for acquiring entrance tickets. One convenient method is to buy them directly at the entrance upon arrival. Alternatively, you can opt for the online platform, www.ticketone.it, which allows you to secure your tickets in advance and avoid potential queues. It is worth mentioning that www.pompeiisites.org serves as the official website for Pompeii, where you can find useful information and updates about the site. Regardless of your chosen ticket purchasing method, exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii promises to be a memorable experience.
🚩 Note: It is important to note that entry to Pompeii is free on 1st Sunday of every month and you may also check out the other attractions which are free on 1st Sunday by clicking here.
Returning to Rome?
Returning to Rome is very simple as you just need to hop on a train that will take you from Pompeii to Naples Central Station. From there you can get a connecting train to Rome.
Facts about Pompeii
A volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD saw the two towns at the foot of the volcano get covered in a thick layer of ash. Herculaneum was discovered in 1738 AD and Pompeii in 1748 AD. During the first excavation, cavities were found in the layer of ash that contained human remains. Giuseppe Fiorelli came up with a unique idea to fill up these cavities with gypsum to re-create the forms of the people of Pompeii who had no chance to escape from this deathly hazard. Researches have proved that the people of Pompeii mainly died from the heat of the volcanic ash.
One must note that Mount Vesuvius, till now is an active volcano and the last eruption was recorded in 1944.
Tips for a smooth journey to Pompeii
- Beware of pickpockets when traveling on the infamous train route between Napoli and Sorrento; safeguard your belongings and exercise caution when in the vicinity of the city stations.
- If you have time before your train departs, purchase your ticket and indulge in a delicious coffee and pastry from a nearby stand.
- Be prepared for the busiest travel times during morning hours and long ticket lines throughout the day; arriving at Napoli Centrale with a buffer of 15-20 minutes is advised, although finding a seat is not guaranteed.
- If you want to stay one night in Naples it’s not advisable to stay near Napoli Central Station.
- Stay informed during your journey by listening to stop announcements and referring to the route map available in each carriage.
- Remember that the green line to Poggiomarino is not the correct route for the archaeological site, but if you accidentally disembark at “Pompei” station, you’ll be just a short walk away from one of the site entrances.