Naples to Pompeii

How to get from Naples to Pompeii

To get to one of the most visited archeological point in the world, first you have to understand a few things:

1. It is more or less 26 km away from Naples city centre

2. It takes a lot to visit (forget to go, visit, and come back in 2 hours)

3. In summer it gets REALLY crowded (especially on trains)

Always remember that you're in the south of Italy and not in Switzerland (read: public transport is slow, late and tricky).

But probably this is the real fun of visiting Naples: be amazed by the events that happen while taking public transport!

Naples Stress Free has your back covered!

Getting to Pompeii by Circumvesuviana train!

Depending on the period of the year and on the hour you choose to go there, it might be 🟩 Stress-less or 🟥 High/extremely stressful.

If you:

• Don't want to sweat and smell

• Don't want to miss the train you choose

• Don't want to spend more time to arrive and come back than actually visiting the site

then follow these easy steps, for yourself, your partner and your children 😀

Note: this is the ideal itinerary if your accommodation is in the city centre, so you're strongly encouraged to follow it if this applies to you (otherwise, follow the alternative stated options)

1. Check the train times the day before going to Pompeii

Circumvesuviana trains work with different lines. The one which brings you to Pompeii Scavi is "Sorrento".

Bear in mind that on this line in particulare there are 3 types of trains:

EXP: Campania Express (expensive option) - 30 min train
D: Direct (normal fare, it does a lot of stops and it may stop suddenly during its way) - 40/50 min train
DD: "Direttissimo" (which means 'the most direct one' in Italian. This is fast and usually on time) - 35 min train

Now, unless you want to spend €15 each for Campania Express (or you need air conditioning for health reasons), we suggest you taking one of the other two, especially the DD one.

At the day we're writing this, DD trains to Pompeii run at

• 6:48

• 8:00

• 13:36

• 15:12

Later trains are not suggested (Archeological site closes at 19:00 with last entry at 17:30 in summer and at 15:30 in winter).

Check Napoli-Sorrento timetable here (in Italian - you have to click on "Napoli - Sorrento").

Especially if you didn't buy Pompeii tickets ahead, we suggest you taking the train at 8:00 that will bring you there at 8:35. In this way, you'll be one of the first to enter the archeological site and it won't be crowded at that time!

2. Head to Napoli Porta Nolana Station (Instead of Napoli Garibaldi)

Why choose this instead of the mainstream Napoli Centrale?

Getting to Pompeii by Circumvesuviana may take from 30 up to 45 minutes. Napoli Centrale gets packed and a lot of tourists like you take the train that goes to Pompeii. Furthermore, there are usually just 2 ticket stands open here, meaning that there might be at least 5 min (up to 20) of line to buy your tickets.

Napoli Porta Nolana is the starting point of all Circumvesuviana trains, meaning that you can have a seat and not standing for 45 minutes (especially with your children) at least for one ride! (Spoiler, it might be really probable that you won't have a seat in the afternoon when you go back to Naples).

Where is this "secret" station?

Coming from Corso Umberto I, head to Napoli Centrale and, when you arrive at the Tram's tracks, instead of going straight having the metro Shopping Centre on your left, turn right on Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi. Walk straight for at least 300m and you'll find Napoli Porta Nolana on your left!

This is the crossroad. Follow the tram tracks going right!

After some minutes you'll have arrived to this station which will be on your left!

Click on the bookmark below for the exact location!

3. Buy your tickets and descend the stairs on your right

Once you've entered Napoli Porta Nolana station (and arrive here at least 10 min before your train leaves), you will find ticket desks in front of you.

Ask for tickets to "Pompei Scavi" (and not Sorrento, or you'll pay more!).

Tip: if you don't plan to go anywhere else after Pompeii and you will return to Naples, buy the return ticket as well here. It might be a good idea because it will be crowded at Pompeii station to buy tickets in the afternoon. Circumvesuviana system works on zones, so you just ask 2 tickets to Pompeii and you're done!

After you're done with the tickets, go right, descend the stairs and look for monitors showing trains.
Validate your ticket and enjoy your trip!

4. Get off at Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri

When you arrive to Pompei Scavi stop, get off the train and exit the station.

Go right and then you'll find the entrance of Pompeii archeological site after more or less 50 meters.

BONUS: extend your day in Castellammare di Stabia or Sorrento (you need at least 2 extra hours)

After visiting the stunning Pompeii, let's say it's around 4pm. We suggest you not missing Castellammare di Stabia for a relaxing seaside walk and a typical Italian aperitivo. It is a city really near to Pompeii (just a few Circumvesuviana stops away, direction Sorrento) and it has a big beach to walk on while enjoying the sunset!

You can also get to Sorrento, a few minutes by train from Pompeii. You can go there to enjoy typical alleys and drink a Limoncello!

If you visit Pompeii in the morning, you will have plenty of time to also visit one of these two beautiful cities!

We hope you have a stress-free day!