The distance from Naples to Pompeii is 26 km. Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Porta Novina (below Naples Garibaldi station) to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. It takes 35 minutes and costs EUR 2.80. Get off at Pompei Scavi (not Pompei — that's a different stop further along). Keep your valuables secure — the Circumvesuviana is notorious for petty theft.
| Mode | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train | 35min - 40min | EUR 2.80 - 3.60 | Most travelers — the standard and cheapest way to reach Pompeii |
| 🚌 Bus | 30min - 45min | EUR 2.80 | Travelers when the Circumvesuviana is disrupted |
| 🚗 Drive | 30min - 1h | EUR 5-10 (fuel + parking) | Travelers combining Pompeii with Amalfi Coast or other Bay of Naples sites |
The best option depends on your priorities — read the detailed breakdown below.
Duration: 35min - 40min | Cost: EUR 2.80 - 3.60
Duration: 30min - 45min | Cost: EUR 2.80
Duration: 30min - 1h | Cost: EUR 5-10 (fuel + parking)
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Porta Novina (below Naples Garibaldi station) to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. It takes 35 minutes and costs EUR 2.80. Get off at Pompei Scavi (not Pompei — that's a different stop further along). Keep your valuables secure — the Circumvesuviana is notorious for petty theft.
Naples and Pompeii are separated by just 26 km, making the ancient Roman city preserved under volcanic ash one of the easiest day trips in Europe. The Circumvesuviana commuter train covers the distance in about 35 minutes, dropping you directly at the main entrance to one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and lay undiscovered for nearly 1,700 years. Today, the excavated city is a haunting, immersive experience — streets with ruts from chariot wheels, houses with intact frescoes, a forum surrounded by temples, and the plaster casts of victims frozen in their final moments. The site is vast (66 hectares) and requires at least 3-4 hours to explore properly.
While in the area, consider combining Pompeii with nearby Herculaneum (Ercolano), a smaller but better-preserved Roman town just 15 minutes up the Circumvesuviana line. You can also climb Vesuvius itself — buses run from Pompeii to the crater car park, from where it's a 30-minute hike to the summit with views across the Bay of Naples. Naples itself is one of Italy's most vibrant and authentic cities, famous for pizza (it was invented here), the National Archaeological Museum (which houses most of Pompeii's finest artifacts), and the Spaccanapoli street that splits the old city in two.
Get off at Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (the archaeological site entrance). Do NOT go to Pompei, which is the modern town's station — further along the line and a 15-minute walk from the ruins.
Minimum 3 hours for the highlights (Forum, House of the Faun, Villa of the Mysteries, amphitheater). 5-6 hours if you want to explore thoroughly. Bring water and sun protection — there's little shade.
Strongly recommended. The ruins are more meaningful with context. Licensed guides wait at the entrance (EUR 15-20/person for a group tour, EUR 120-150 for a private guide). Audio guides are available for EUR 8.
It's safe but pickpocketing is common, especially on crowded trains. Keep bags in front of you, don't flash phones or cameras, and be alert. Violent crime is extremely rare.
Yes, but it's a long day. Visit Pompeii in the morning (arrive by 9 AM), then take a bus from Pompeii to Vesuvius crater (EUR 8-10 return). The crater hike takes about 1 hour round trip.
Country-by-country driving requirements, packing list, and emergency contacts — all in one PDF.
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