If you want to explore more of Italy’s ancient ruins, consider visiting Pompeii from Rome. It’s a great day trip that is well worth the effort! In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the journey and what you can expect when you get there. Let’s get started!
If you’re done exploring The Best Museums in Rome and want to journey to an open-air museum, Pompeii is an excellent addition to the itinerary. Likewise, not covered in this article, but you may want to stop at the Herculaneum as it’s similar to Pompeii and better preserved.
How to Get From Rome to Pompeii
You can get from Rome to Pompeii a few different ways, but the most popular and convenient option is to take the train.
A high-speed train leaves from Rome’s central train station, Termini, to Naples every 20 minutes. You can take this train directly from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale in a little less than two hours.
Two different companies run trains along this line: Trenitalia and Italo. I prefer Italo because they tend to be a little cleaner in my experience, but neither is a bad choice. I’d go with whatever happens to be cheapest that day.
You need to switch to the local train to Pompeii from Napoli Centrale. The local train is called Circumvesuviana and is located down the corridor in Napoli Garibaldi Station. The benefit of taking Circumvesuviana is that it is affordable. If cost isn’t a factor, Trenitalia also runs from Napoli Centrale to Pompei and is nicer.
If you need help, there are maps all over the place and more than enough security guards that can point you in the right direction.
Both trains will take you towards Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi. The trip takes around 20 minutes and drops you at the entrance to the archaeological area.
Traveling to Mount Vesuvius?
This active volcano is one of the most unique experiences you’ll do in Italy.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel From Rome to Pompeii?
A one-way ticket from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale is around €30-43 per person. The local Circumvesuviana train from Napoli to Pompei Scavi is only €3. You can buy tickets for both online in advance or at the station on the day of travel.
I recommend buying your ticket for the high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale in advance because it can sell out, especially in peak season. But you can buy tickets for the Circumvesuviana train at the station on the day of travel with no problems.
Is There a Direct Train From Rome to Pompeii?
No. You take a fast train to Naples, then a local train (Circumvesuviana) from Naples train station to Pompeii.
Is Pompeii Worth a Day Trip from Rome?
Absolutely! Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason. The city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the site has been preserved as an archaeological wonder.
Pompeii is a vast site with plenty to see. You can easily spend a whole day there, especially if you take your time to enjoy the ruins and do some exploring.
Unless you’re very knowledgeable about the area, I recommend taking a guided walking tour. The local guides do a great job of detailing what life was like for people of ancient Pompeii and provide insights into the dig sites.
There are also a few other things to do in the area if you have time. You can visit the nearby city of Herculaneum, take a boat ride around the bay, or hike up Mount Vesuvius for some incredible views.
If you’re interested in ancient history and want to see something a little different from the ruins in Rome, I definitely recommend visiting Pompeii!
Which is Better, Pompeii or Herculaneum?
If you only have time for one, I recommend Pompeii. It’s a much larger site with more to see and offers more iconic sights you are likely familiar with.
That said, both sites are worth visiting if you have the time. Herculaneum is a bit more compact, so it’s easier to see everything in one day. And because it was buried under less lava, the site is in a better state of preservation. So if you’re interested in seeing what ancient life was like, Herculaneum is worth visiting.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Pompeii?
The best time to visit Pompeii is spring (April-June) or fall (September-November). The weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer.
If you decide to visit in the summer, be prepared for the heat. Pompeii is a large site, and there is very little shade throughout the entire area. Temperatures can easily reach over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you’re really interested in avoiding crowds, the best time to visit is in the off-season (December-March). You’ll have the site almost to yourself, but keep in mind that there is a greater chance it will be cold and rainy.
How Do I Get from Rome to Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast is a stunning stretch of coastline and home to the most picturesque villages in all of Italy.
What Should I Wear to Pompeii?
There is no dress code to enter the site, but I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. The streets are made of cobblestones, and there is a lot of dust throughout the site.
If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There is very little shade, and the sun can be pretty intense.
Finally, remember to dress respectfully. Pompeii is an ancient archaeological site, and it’s considered a burial ground for the people who died in the eruption. So please be mindful of that when you’re deciding what to wear.
What Should I Bring to Pompeii?
In addition to comfortable clothing and shoes, I recommend bringing a bottle of water and a snack. There are a few cafes inside the site, but they can be expensive. And trust me, you’re going to get thirsty walking around in the heat.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter Pompeii?
The Pompeii archaeological site is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm (the last entry is 5:30 pm). As of writing, they’re closed on Tuesdays.
Tickets cost €17.50 for adults and €10 for EU citizens ages 18-25. Admission is free for children under 18 and EU citizens over 65.
How Long Should I Spend in Pompeii?
How long you spend in Pompeii really depends on your interests. If you just want to see the highlights, you could probably do it in about two hours. But if you want to explore the site in more depth, I recommend spending at least half a day there.
If you’re interested in adding Pompeii to your list of ancient sites to visit while in Rome, we hope this article has been helpful. It’s a great way to spend a day if you love history and want to see what life was like for ancient Romans. If you have any tips or suggestions of your own, let us know in the comments below!
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