Pompeii Entry Tickets
Pompeii Entry Tickets
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Summarised reviews
Visitors praise Pompeii for its well-preserved ancient ruins and engaging exhibits. Many appreciate the opportunity to explore the site at their own pace, while others enjoy the guided tours and audioguides. Overall, Pompeii is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient civilizations.
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Pompeii Entry Tickets
Book Pompeii tickets to explore one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. This ancient Roman city of 11,000 people was perfectly preserved when Mount Vesuvius erupted on 24 August 79 AD, burying Pompeii under 4 to 6 metres of volcanic ash and pumice. Rediscovered in 1748, the site now covers 66 hectares with approximately two-thirds excavated, offering an extraordinary window into Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago.
Walking through Pompeii's streets reveals intact houses with frescoes still vibrant on the walls, ancient bakeries with ovens and millstones, and public baths that show how Romans socialised. The Forum served as the city's heart, whilst the Amphitheatre hosted gladiatorial contests for 20,000 spectators. Perhaps most moving are Giuseppe Fiorelli's plaster casts, created in 1863 by filling the cavities left by victims' bodies, capturing their final moments.
Highlights
- The Forum - explore the 38 by 157 metre rectangular space that served as Pompeii's political, religious and economic centre, surrounded by temples, markets and the impressive Basilica law court
- The Amphitheatre - visit the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre (built around 80 BC) where 20,000 spectators watched gladiatorial contests
- House of the Faun - wander through one of Pompeii's largest private residences covering 3,000 square metres, once home to the famous Alexander Mosaic
- House of the Vettii - admire well-preserved frescoes in this wealthy freedmen's home, showcasing Roman domestic luxury
- Stabian Baths - discover Roman bathing culture in these ancient public baths with hot, warm and cold rooms still intact
- Garden of the Fugitives - see plaster casts of 13 people who sought shelter during the eruption, preserved in their final moments
Plan Your Visit to Pompeii
Pompeii opens daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm (April to October) and 9:00am to 5:00pm (November to March), with last entry 90 minutes before closing. The site closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Allow 3 to 4 hours to see the main highlights including the Forum, amphitheatre, major houses and bathhouses. A comprehensive visit takes 5 to 6 hours given the site's vast scale.
Visit early morning at 9:00am opening or after 3:00pm to avoid crowds and midday heat, especially in summer when temperatures exceed 35°C. The site is busiest between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip as Pompeii's ancient cobblestone streets are uneven with raised pavements and loose stones.
Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Garibaldi station directly to Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (35 minutes) or from Sorrento (30 minutes). Exit at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, not the modern town of Pompei. The main Porta Marina entrance is closest to the train station and Forum. If you're interested in exploring more of the region's ancient history, consider Herculaneum tickets to visit Pompeii's smaller but equally fascinating sister city, or take a Mount Vesuvius tour to see the volcano that destroyed both cities.
Good to know
- Age suitability
- There is no age restriction for visiting Pompeii, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Know before you go
Before visiting Pompeii, ensure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking. Bring sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It's advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and heat. Pompeii is partially wheelchair accessible, but some areas may be difficult to navigate. Consider purchasing a guided tour or audioguide to enhance your experience.
- Visitor guidelines
Pompeii: Know Before You Go
Location and Getting There
Address: Via Villa dei Misteri 2, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy. The main entrance is Porta Marina, near Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri train station.
By train: The Circumvesuviana train runs from Naples Garibaldi station to Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (approximately 35 minutes). Trains depart every 20 to 30 minutes. Exit at Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, not Pompei (the modern town station).
By car: From Naples, take the A3 motorway towards Salerno and exit at Pompei Ovest. Paid parking is available near the entrances.
From Sorrento: The Circumvesuviana train takes approximately 30 minutes to Pompeii Scavi.
Entrances
Porta Marina: Main entrance near the train station, closest to the Forum. Most visitors start here.
Piazza Anfiteatro: Eastern entrance near the Amphitheatre. Less crowded, good if arriving by car.
Piazza Esedra: Central entrance with cloakroom and luggage storage facilities.
Season Schedule
1 April to 31 October: 9:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 5:30pm). 1 November to 31 March: 9:00am to 5:00pm (last entry 3:30pm). Closed 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
How Long to Spend
Allow 3 to 4 hours to see the main highlights including the Forum, amphitheatre, major houses and bathhouses. A thorough visit covering more of the excavated area takes 5 to 6 hours. The site covers 66 hectares.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential. The site has uneven cobblestone streets, raised pavements and loose stones. Avoid sandals or heels. Bring sun protection in summer as there is limited shade.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C with little shade on site. Visit early morning (9:00am opening) or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Spring and autumn offer more comfortable temperatures. The site is busiest from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Luggage Storage
A cloakroom is available at the Piazza Esedra entrance. Large bags, backpacks and suitcases must be stored. Small bags are permitted. Bring valuables with you.
Food and Drink
Bring water as there are limited facilities inside the site. A cafeteria is located near the Forum. Eating is restricted to designated areas. Restaurants and cafes are available outside the entrances.
Accessibility
The site has uneven terrain throughout. Some areas are accessible via designated routes. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the main entrance. Contact the site in advance to arrange accessible entry.
Audio Guides
Audio guides are available for hire at the entrances. A site map is included with your ticket. Guided tours can be booked separately for additional context.
Pompeii Plus Upgrade
The Pompeii Plus ticket includes access to the Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, Villa Regina in Boscoreale and the Antiquarium museum. These are not included in the standard entry ticket.
Cancellation Policy
Pompeii tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled once purchased. Select your date carefully before booking.
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation available
Frequently asked
How long does it take?
The average visit to Pompeii takes around 90 minutes, but you may want to allocate more time to explore the site thoroughly.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, Pompeii is a great destination for families with children. There are interactive exhibits and activities designed for kids, and the site offers a unique learning experience.
What's included?
The basic ticket includes entry to Pompeii. You can upgrade to include access to suburban villas, audioguides, guided tours, or digital guidebooks.
How do I get there?
Pompeii is located near Naples, Italy. You can take a train or bus from Naples to Pompeii, or book a guided tour that includes transportation.
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