How to Visit Pompeii, Italy
Journey Through Time in Italy's Most Preserved Roman City
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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Pompeii: An Ancient Roman City Frozen in Time
Pompeii is an ancient Roman city near modern-day Naples that was buried under volcanic ash during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Today, it is a 163-acre UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site located in the Campania region of southern Italy.
This remarkably preserved site offers an unparalleled glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire. Visitors can walk through intact buildings, view intricate frescoes, and see the famous plaster casts of victims that have survived for nearly 2,000 years.
Getting Started
Follow these steps to plan your perfect visit to Pompeii
Important 2026 Updates
- • Tickets are strictly nominative - names cannot be changed after booking and you must bring a matching photo ID.
- • • Strict daily capacity of 20,000 visitors - advance booking is essential as walk-up tickets often sell out.
- • Timed entry blocks implemented for summer (Mar 16–Oct 14): 15,000 slots from 09:00–13:00, and 5,000 slots from 13:00–17:30. Morning slots sell out fastest.
- • New ticketing platform: pompeiisites.org uses VivaTicket for dates starting March 2, 2026 (TicketOne for prior dates). Official ticket offices are ONLY located inside the archaeological area at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra.
Discover the fascinating world of ancient Pompeii, where history comes alive through perfectly preserved ruins and artifacts.
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Official tickets: Purchase directly at pompeiisites.org (opens in new tab) via VivaTicket
The links below are third-party tour options. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Third-party guided tours and timed-entry packages on Viator. Park-issued admission is sold only by the Archaeological Park.
Location
Located near modern Naples in the Campania region of Italy
30 mins from Naples
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
Official guides available in multiple languages
10+ languages
Ancient Roman City
Discover a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD
Walk through ancient streets, explore preserved buildings, and witness the remarkable archaeological discoveries that continue to unveil the secrets of Roman life.
Hotels Near Pompeii
Explore 50+ verified accommodations near the ruins, from boutique stays to family-friendly hotels.
Browse Pompeii Hotels →Visitor Reviews & Insights
Read 290+ visitor review snapshots and ratings for Pompeii hotels, restaurants, and guided tours.
Explore Reviews Directory →Trip Planning Guide
Seasonal recommendations, transportation routes, and essential tips for your Pompeii visit.
Plan Your Itinerary →Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting 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 visit to Pompeii takes 4 to 6 hours. Because the archaeological site spans 163 acres, a half-day allows you to see the main highlights like the Forum, the Amphitheater, and the plaster casts. A full day is recommended for a comprehensive tour.
Why is Pompeii famous?
Pompeii is famous because the sudden burial by volcanic ash in 79 AD preserved an entire Roman city, providing an unparalleled archaeological record of ancient Roman life, architecture, and culture.
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.