Pompeii Italy: Plan Your Visit
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site near modern Naples in Campania. The ancient city was buried during the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, preserving streets, buildings, decorations, and evidence of everyday Roman life.
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Plan a day in Pompeii
Choose your time, then arrange tickets and transport.
Add houses and the amphitheatre, with time for water and rest.
Start at 09:00 when possible. Open buildings and walking conditions can change.
Official Resources
For current park regulations, verified operational hours, and direct tickets without markup, always consult the Archaeological Park directly.
pompeiisites.orgIndependent Guide & Tours
This site is an unofficial, independent travel guide. We recommend third-party tours and services (like Viator) to enhance your visit. We may earn a commission from bookings made through our links.
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Which Pompeii ticket do you need?
Pompeii Express covers the ancient city. Choose Pompeii Plus if you also want the suburban villas. Both allow one entry; you cannot leave and re-enter on the same ticket.
| Ticket | Price | Included sites |
|---|---|---|
| Pompeii Express | €20 | Ancient city of Pompeii; suburban villas excluded. |
| Pompeii Plus | €25 | Ancient city, Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, Villa Regina and the Antiquarium in Boscoreale, plus the shuttle bus. |
Check the live booking calendar for availability and any additional booking charges.
Check official ticket prices, concessions and booking linksWhich Pompeii entrance should you use?
Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra serve the Napoli–Sorrento train route. Piazza Anfiteatro is the starting point for the Pompeii for All accessible route. Check your station name before booking: the Park lists different stops for these entrances.
| Entrance | Rail connection | Planning detail |
|---|---|---|
| Porta Marina | Napoli–Sorrento line: Pompei Villa dei Misteri stop. | Entrance on Via Villa dei Misteri. |
| Piazza Esedra | Napoli–Sorrento line: Pompei Villa dei Misteri stop. | The Park recommends this entrance for the Antiquarium. |
| Piazza Anfiteatro | Napoli–Poggiomarino line: Pompei Santuario; FS Napoli–Salerno line: Pompei. | Entrance at Piazza Immacolata; start of the Pompeii for All route. |
Individual buildings and accessible routes can have different opening arrangements. Confirm current access before travelling, and check where Pompeii is located on the map relative to modern Pompei and each station.
Read the Park’s entrance and transport directionsCompare admission and guided tours
Official tickets first. Tour prices, languages and inclusions vary by operator.
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Admission rules to check before booking
- • Tickets are personal — enter the visitor’s details carefully and check the identification and amendment rules in the official booking conditions.
- • Strict daily capacity of 20,000 visitors - check the official calendar for your date and allow for the Park's published entry limits.
- • Summer admission slots (Mar 16–Oct 14): 15,000 from 09:00–13:00 and 5,000 from 13:00–17:30. Check availability for your chosen date.
- • Official booking route: pompeiisites.org links to the current VivaTicket route. Official ticket offices are inside the archaeological area at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra.
Location
Located near modern Naples in the Campania region of Italy
Check your train’s station and timetable before departure
Opening Hours
March 16 - October 14: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM); October 15 - March 15: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
Last entry: Summer 5:30 PM / Winter 3:30 PM
Admission
€20 standard entry (Pompeii Express) · €25 with suburban villas (Pompeii Plus) · Under-18 free · €2 reduced for EU citizens 18-24 (under 25)
Nominative tickets and photo ID required
Guide Services
Compare official Park services and independent guided-tour formats
Check language and admission inclusion before booking
What Pompeii reveals about Roman life
The Forum, houses, shops and public buildings show how the ancient city was organised before the AD 79 eruption.
Use the history guide to place these buildings in context. Excavation and conservation continue, so the evidence and the spaces open to visitors can change.
Quick Links
Hotels Near Pompeii
Compare accommodation near the ruins, then confirm current facilities, availability and prices with the property.
Browse Pompeii Hotels →Visitor Reviews & Insights
Read review snapshots for hotels, restaurants and guided tours, and check the original source for current ratings.
Explore Reviews Directory →Trip Planning Guide
Seasonal recommendations, transportation routes, and essential tips for your Pompeii visit.
Plan Your Itinerary →Blog
Visitor Guide →Frequently Asked Questions About Pompeii
How much does it cost to get into Pompeii in 2026?
Standard entry tickets to Pompeii cost €20. The Pompeii Plus ticket, which includes access to the suburban villas, costs €25. EU citizens aged 18-24 — that is, under 25 — pay a reduced rate of €2, and children under 18 enter for free. All tickets in 2026 are nominative and require a matching photo ID.
What are the official Pompeii opening hours?
From March 16 to October 14 (High Season), Pompeii is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 PM. From October 15 to March 15 (Low Season), the site is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM.
Is Pompeii free to visit?
Pompeii is free to visit on the first Sunday of every month. However, standard daily capacity limits (20,000 visitors) still apply, so arriving early is highly recommended. Children under 18 also enter for free year-round with a valid ID.
How long does it take to walk around Pompeii?
A typical highlights visit takes several hours. The right duration depends on your entrance, walking pace, weather, route, and which buildings are open; use the Park map and leave time for uneven surfaces and breaks.
Why is Pompeii famous?
The AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii, preserving streets, houses, shops, public buildings and wall paintings. These remains provide evidence of daily life in a Roman city.
Where is Pompeii located?
Pompeii is located in Campania, southern Italy, approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Naples and 9 kilometers from Mount Vesuvius.