Pompei · Arrival planning

How to Get to Pompeii: Trains, Entrances, Parking & Tips

Pompeii is about 25 km south-east of Naples. It is easy to reach by train, bus or car, but the station you choose should match your entrance. This guide covers every rail route, the three visitor gates, travel from Naples, Sorrento, Salerno, Rome and the airport, parking, accessible access, bag rules and the checks to make before your named, timed entry.

Choose your route Find your entrance

Easiest from NaplesCircumvesuviana, about 35 min

Best rail stopPompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri

Accessible routeStarts at Piazza Anfiteatro

By carA3 Napoli–Salerno, exit Pompei Scavi

01 · Quick answer

Choose the station before you choose the gate

For Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra, take the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. For Piazza Anfiteatro, use the Napoli–Poggiomarino line to Pompei Santuario, or the mainline FS train to Pompei.

01Best overall

Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri

This is the most popular route. Trains on the Napoli–Sorrento line leave Napoli Porta Nolana and stop at Napoli Garibaldi, under the main Napoli Centrale station. They reach Pompei Scavi in about 35 minutes. The station is directly opposite the Porta Marina entrance.

Napoli–Sorrento line
About 35 min from Naples
Porta Marina · Piazza Esedra

At the stationCross the road to Porta Marina. For Piazza Esedra, follow the signs downhill toward Porta Marina Inferiore.

02East side

Circumvesuviana to Pompei Santuario

Use the Napoli–Poggiomarino line when your visit starts at Piazza Anfiteatro. It is also the start of the step-free Pompei per tutti route. The station is in modern Pompei, a few minutes’ walk from the entrance on Piazza Immacolata.

Napoli–Poggiomarino line
Piazza Anfiteatro
Accessible route

Before boardingCheck the train’s final destination (Poggiomarino or Sorrento), not just the word “Pompei”.

03Quieter train

Trenitalia (FS) to Pompei station

Regional trains on the Napoli–Salerno line leave from Napoli Centrale and take about 35–40 minutes. They are usually less crowded than the Circumvesuviana. Pompei station is about a 10–15 minute walk from Piazza Anfiteatro.

Napoli–Salerno line
Pompei (FS) station
Train + bus option

Pompei LinkThis combined train and bus ticket connects Pompei station to the park in about 15 minutes.

04Seasonal

Campania Express tourist train

EAV’s seasonal service uses the Circumvesuviana tracks, with reserved seats, air conditioning and only a few runs a day. It calls at Napoli Porta Nolana, Napoli Garibaldi, Ercolano Scavi, Pompei Scavi and Sorrento. Fares are several times the regular ticket.

Reserved seats
Limited departures
Book at eavsrl.it

Best forHot summer days, heavy bags, or travellers who would rather pay more than stand on a crowded train.

05Door to door

Taxi or private transfer

This suits visitors with limited time, luggage or mobility needs. From central Naples, allow roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Agree the fare before setting off, or book a fixed-price transfer.

Name the entrance
Luggage friendly
Agree the fare first

Say this firstAsk for Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra or Piazza Anfiteatro. They are different drop-off points.

06By car

Drive via the A3

Take the A3 Napoli–Salerno motorway (a toll road) and exit at Pompei Scavi. The archaeological park has no visitor car park, but paid municipal and private parking is available close to the entrances.

A3 exit Pompei Scavi
Paid parking outside
Plan the final walk

Watch for toutsPeople may wave you into private car parks or restaurants. Drive to the car park you chose in advance.

07From the airport

Bus from Naples Airport (Capodichino)

Curreri Viaggi runs airport coaches toward Sorrento that stop at Pompei. The Amalfi Airport Link also stops at Pompei on its way to the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, take the Alibus to Piazza Garibaldi and change to the Circumvesuviana.

Curreri Viaggi
Amalfi Airport Link
Alibus + train

Before you flyCheck current timetables and the exact drop-off point in Pompei. Coaches do not stop at every gate.

08No transfers

Organised tour transport

Many guided day trips include transport from Naples, Sorrento, Positano or Rome. Their meeting point is often in the departure town or at a café or office near a gate, not at the entrance itself.

Voucher-led
Meeting point
Check return time

Do not assumeThe attraction gate is not automatically the tour meeting point.

02 · Entrance first

Three gates serve different parts of Pompeii

Reaching Pompei is only the first step. Your station, ticket type, planned route and guide can each point to a different entrance. Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro are at opposite ends of the site, roughly 1.5 km apart.

Western side · main gate

Porta Marina, Via Villa dei Misteri

This is the busiest entrance, directly opposite Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. It is the quickest way to the Forum, and the park’s infopoint, audio guides and paid luggage storage are here.

Closest gate to the Forum, the Basilica and the Temple of Apollo
Best for independent visitors arriving by Circumvesuviana
Queues are usually longest from about 10:00 to 12:00

Antiquarium access

Piazza Esedra, Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore

This entrance is just below Porta Marina and is recommended for visitors starting with the Antiquarium museum. The Antiquarium’s lift is also the step-free exit at the end of the accessible route.

Reached on foot from Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station
Often quieter than Porta Marina
Audio guides are available here

Eastern side · accessible start

Piazza Anfiteatro, Piazza Immacolata

This gate opens by the Amphitheatre and Palestra Grande. It is the start of the Pompei per tutti accessible route and close to modern Pompei’s shops, cafés and the Sanctuary.

Nearest to Pompei Santuario and the FS Pompei station
Paid luggage storage is available here
Good for seeing the Amphitheatre and Garden of the Fugitives first

Guided tours and groups

Use the location on your voucher

Guided experiences often meet somewhere other than the entrance, such as outside a gate, at a café or at an agency office. The guide then takes the group through a specific entrance.

Save the exact meeting address and a screenshot offline
Note the operator’s phone number
Do not join the general entry queue if told to meet elsewhere

The attraction name is not your entrance.

A map search for “Pompeii” can lead you to any of the three gates, or to modern Pompei’s town centre. Navigate to the gate or meeting point printed on your ticket or voucher. Once you are inside, you can leave through any gate, but tickets allow only one entry.

03 · Local rail, line by line

Match the Circumvesuviana line to your entrance

The Circumvesuviana is a regional commuter railway run by EAV, not a metro. Trains are frequent but basic and often crowded, and delays or cancellations happen. Check the destination on the train and EAV service notices before travelling.

Circumvesuviana · Napoli–Sorrento

For Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra

This line serves Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, the stop the park lists for both western entrances. It also stops at Ercolano Scavi for Herculaneum.

Board at Napoli Porta Nolana or Napoli Garibaldi (signed from Napoli Centrale).
Check that the train’s destination is Sorrento.
Ride about 35 minutes and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.
Cross the road to Porta Marina, or walk down to Piazza Esedra.

Circumvesuviana · Napoli–Poggiomarino

For Piazza Anfiteatro

This line serves Pompei Santuario, in the centre of modern Pompei. Use it when your visit starts at Piazza Anfiteatro or on the accessible route.

Board at Napoli Porta Nolana or Napoli Garibaldi.
Check that the train’s destination is Poggiomarino (via Pompei).
Get off at Pompei Santuario.
Walk a few minutes to the entrance on Piazza Immacolata.

Tickets

Buy before you board

Buy regular Circumvesuviana tickets at station ticket offices, machines or authorised sellers, or in the EAV app. Validate paper tickets before boarding, because inspectors fine unvalidated tickets. Buy your return ticket at the same time.

Safety

Mind your belongings

Busy trains and stations around Napoli Garibaldi are known for pickpockets. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, and your phone out of back pockets.

Timing

Avoid the morning crush

In summer, trains between about 08:30 and 10:30 tend to be the most crowded. Travel earlier, or consider Trenitalia or the Campania Express on busy days.

Check live departures and service notices with EAV and Trenitalia before travelling. Timetables, fares and engineering works change.

04 · From popular areas

Routes from common starting points

Journey times are approximate and exclude waiting and connections. Check the live journey planner on the day, and match your final station to your chosen gate.

Starting point	Simple route	Approx. time	Final step
Naples (Centrale / Garibaldi)	Circumvesuviana, Napoli–Sorrento line	About 35 min	Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, opposite Porta Marina
Naples (Centrale)	Trenitalia regional, Napoli–Salerno line	About 35–40 min	Pompei station, then walk or take Pompei Link to Piazza Anfiteatro
Naples (Garibaldi)	Circumvesuviana, Napoli–Poggiomarino line	About 40 min	Pompei Santuario, a short walk to Piazza Anfiteatro
Sorrento	Circumvesuviana towards Naples	About 30 min	Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri
Herculaneum (Ercolano)	Circumvesuviana, Ercolano Scavi to Pompei Scavi	About 20 min	Opposite Porta Marina: easy to combine both sites
Salerno	Trenitalia regional, or Busitalia bus 4 / express 50	About 30–40 min by train	Pompei station, then Piazza Anfiteatro
Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi)	SITA bus to Sorrento + Circumvesuviana, or tour transfer	2 hours or more	No direct public link, so start early in summer
Rome	High-speed train to Napoli Centrale + local train	About 2–2.5 hours	Direct Frecciarossa Rome–Pompei trains have run on selected dates; check Trenitalia
Naples Airport	Curreri or Amalfi Airport Link coach, or Alibus + Circumvesuviana	About 1 hour	Confirm the Pompei drop-off point
By car	A3 Napoli–Salerno, exit Pompei Scavi	About 30–45 min from Naples	Paid parking outside the archaeological area

05 · Mainline train station

Arriving by Trenitalia at Pompei station

01 Get off at Pompei (FS)

Regional trains on the Napoli–Salerno line stop here. This is a different station from Pompei Scavi on the Circumvesuviana.

02 Walk or use Pompei Link

Walk about 10–15 minutes through modern Pompei to Piazza Anfiteatro. Alternatively, Pompei Link’s combined train and bus ticket reaches the park in about 15 minutes.

03 Finish at the named gate

This station is on the eastern side. If your ticket or guide names Porta Marina, allow extra time or take the Circumvesuviana instead.

06 · Walking

Walk only after choosing the correct entrance

The final approach can feel longer in heat or with bags. The site has several gates, so a pin that looks close can still leave you on the wrong side. Walking between the western and eastern gates outside the walls takes roughly 20–30 minutes.

Western approach · 1–5 minutes

Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri to Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra

Leave the station and Porta Marina is across the road. Piazza Esedra is a short walk further down, signed toward Porta Marina Inferiore.

Follow the signs for your specific entrance
Ignore people offering “skip-the-line” tickets on the street
Switch to your voucher instructions for any guided meeting point

Eastern approach · about 5–15 minutes

Pompei Santuario or Pompei (FS) to Piazza Anfiteatro

From Pompei Santuario, head toward the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary and Piazza Immacolata. From the FS station, allow about 10–15 minutes on foot.

Use Piazza Immacolata as your landmark
Cafés and pharmacies are on the way, so stock up on water
Ask staff about the accessible route when you arrive

07 · Taxi, car & parking

Tell drivers which gate you need

Getting to Pompei is not the same as reaching the right entrance. All parking is outside the archaeological park, so plan the final walk.

Taxi

Name the entrance

Show the driver “Porta Marina”, “Piazza Esedra” or “Piazza Anfiteatro” with the street name. Use licensed white taxis, and agree the fare or ask for the meter before leaving.

Driving

Use the A3 exit

Take the A3 Napoli–Salerno motorway and exit at Pompei Scavi. The motorway is tolled, and traffic around Naples can be heavy at rush hour and on summer weekends.

Parking

Park outside the site

There is no visitor parking inside the park. Paid municipal spaces and private car parks line the roads near Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro. Confirm the price and closing time before you leave the car.

08 · Accessibility

Plan a route that works beyond the station

A nearby stop does not guarantee that every station exit or ancient street is accessible. Check the whole route, including trains, before travelling.

Start at Piazza Anfiteatro

The Pompei per tutti route starts here and runs for over 3.5 km along the main streets, with barriers removed where possible, toward the Forum.

Expect historic terrain

Some ramps exceed an 8% gradient, and the ancient paving has gaps and small steps. Independent wheelchair use can be difficult in places.

Plan your exit

You can return to Piazza Anfiteatro or leave from Piazza Esedra using the Antiquarium’s lift, instead of climbing the steep Porta Marina ramp.

Bring your own wheelchair

The park’s wheelchair loan service has been suspended, and the Artebus shuttle between sites is not wheelchair accessible. Check current status with the infopoint (+39 081 8575 347).

Check train accessibility

Many Circumvesuviana stations have steps and gaps between train and platform. Trenitalia offers assistance at larger stations, which must be booked in advance.

Use the access resources

The park provides accessible maps, tactile 3D models and Braille descriptions. Ask at the infopoint on arrival.

Pompei per tutti details → EAV travel information →

09 · Security & bags

Arrive ready for the entrance checks

Tickets are issued in each visitor’s name, and entry staff can check ID. Travel light so your bag does not hold you up at the gate.

Named tickets

Carry photo ID

Tickets are personal and non-transferable, with a cap of 20,000 visitors a day. Every member of your group needs ID that matches the name on their ticket.

Bag limit

Keep bags under 30 × 30 × 15 cm

Larger bags, backpacks, suitcases and cases are not allowed into the excavations. A small daypack with water, sunscreen and a hat is ideal.

Luggage storage

Use Porta Marina or Piazza Anfiteatro

Paid luggage storage is available at these two entrances. If you are travelling on with suitcases, plan to enter and leave by the same gate.

Keep your entry details offline.

Save your ticket, the named entrance or meeting point, and the operator’s contact details before you leave your accommodation. Mobile signal can be weak in crowds, and searching your inbox at the gate wastes time.

10 · Timing

Work backwards from your entry time

Pompeii opens daily at 09:00. From 16 March to 14 October it closes at 19:00 (last entry 17:30). From 15 October to 15 March it closes at 17:00 (last entry 15:30). It is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Independent ticket

Allow time for the final approach

The station or car park is not the entrance. Leave time to reach the right gate, show your ticket and ID, and pass the bag check. In high season, most of the daily capacity goes to morning entry slots.

Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before your slot
Allow for the walk from the station or car park
Do not arrive at last entry if you want a full visit of 3–4 hours

Guided tour

The meeting time is your deadline

Your guide may meet you outside the park or at a specific gate. Follow the provider’s meeting time and location, which is often 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Read the voucher again on the morning of your tour
Save the guide’s or operator’s phone number
Do not wait in the general queue unless told to

Quietest

Opening time or late afternoon

Arrive on a train that gets you to the gate for 09:00, or enter after about 14:30 in summer when tour groups thin out.

Busiest

First Sunday of the month

Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month, so both trains and the site are much busier. Plan around it unless saving money matters most.

Heat

Summer midday

Shade is scarce between June and September. Start early, carry water and use the refreshment point at Casina dell’Aquila near the Forum.

11 · Nearby orientation

Six landmarks that confirm you’re on the right side

Use entrance names and street references, not just “Pompeii” on a map. They are the fastest way to avoid walking to the wrong gate.

01Entrance side

Via Villa dei Misteri

This is the address for Porta Marina and the park’s official infopoint.

Best useIt confirms you are on the western side, near the Forum.

02Station match

Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri

This is the Circumvesuviana stop for Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra on the Napoli–Sorrento line.

RememberIt is at the opposite end of the site from Piazza Anfiteatro.

03Antiquarium side

Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore

This is the address for Piazza Esedra, the recommended entrance for the Antiquarium.

Useful clueUse this name if your visit starts with the museum.

04Accessible start

Piazza Immacolata

This is the address for the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance and the start of the Pompei per tutti route.

Best useIt confirms the eastern entrance for step-free access.

05Station match

Pompei Santuario

This is the Circumvesuviana stop for Piazza Anfiteatro on the Napoli–Poggiomarino line.

RememberCheck the train’s destination before boarding.

06Town landmark

Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary

The large basilica and bell tower in modern Pompei’s main square are visible from afar and sit close to Piazza Anfiteatro.

Best useIf you can see the bell tower, you are near the eastern gate, not Porta Marina.

12 · Beyond the main site

Getting to the other sites in the park

The Pompeii+ and 3-day tickets include sites outside the walls. Most are linked by the Artebus shuttle, which carries large luggage but is not wheelchair accessible.

Site	Public transport	By car	Ticket
Villa of the Mysteries	Walk from Pompeii via the Herculaneum Gate	Same as Pompeii	Pompeii+ (not Express)
Villa Regina & Antiquarium, Boscoreale	Artebus shuttle, or Circumvesuviana to Villa Regina	A3: Torre Annunziata Sud exit (southbound) or Boscoreale exit (northbound)	Pompeii+ or 3-day ticket
Oplontis (Villa Poppaea), Torre Annunziata	Artebus, or Circumvesuviana to Torre Annunziata	A3 exit Torre Annunziata Scavi	3-day ticket or €8 single; closed Tuesdays
Stabiae villas, Castellammare	Artebus, or Circumvesuviana to Castellammare + EAV bus line 2	Follow local signs from the A3	Villas free; museum €8; closed Tuesdays
Herculaneum	Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi, then a 5-minute walk	A3 exit Ercolano	Separate park and ticket

Site directions from the official Pompeii Archaeological Park. Infopoint: +39 081 8575 347.

13 · Final checklist

Eight checks before you leave

The right route only helps if it ends at the right gate, with the right ticket, before your entry or meeting deadline.

Entrance guide → Rail routes → Bag rules →

Check your ticket

Confirm the date, entry time, name on each ticket, and the gate or meeting point.

Check the train’s destination

Sorrento for Pompei Scavi, or Poggiomarino for Pompei Santuario. Not every train that passes Pompei stops where you need.

Check live transport

Look for EAV service notices, strikes (sciopero) and engineering works on the morning you travel.

Buy a return ticket

Buy and validate it in advance. Ticket queues at Pompei Scavi can be long at closing time.

Travel light

Bags larger than 30 × 30 × 15 cm are not allowed into the excavations.

Bring photo ID

Each visitor needs ID that matches the name on their ticket.

Save details offline

Keep screenshots of your ticket, meeting point, route and operator contact.

Charge your phone

You may need it for your PDF ticket, map, train times and guide’s instructions.

14 · Quick answers

Getting to Pompeii: FAQs

Short answers to the questions travellers ask most often.

What is the easiest way to get from Naples to Pompeii?

Take the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line from Napoli Garibaldi or Porta Nolana to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. It takes about 35 minutes and stops opposite the Porta Marina entrance.

Which station is closest to the Pompeii ruins?

Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (Circumvesuviana) is directly opposite Porta Marina. For the eastern gate at Piazza Anfiteatro, use Pompei Santuario.

Can I get to Pompeii from Sorrento?

Yes. The Circumvesuviana from Sorrento reaches Pompei Scavi in about 30 minutes. In season, the Campania Express also runs with reserved seats.

Is there parking at Pompeii?

Not inside the park. Take the A3 exit Pompei Scavi and use paid municipal or private parking near Porta Marina or Piazza Anfiteatro.

Can I bring luggage to Pompeii?

Bags over 30 × 30 × 15 cm are not allowed into the excavations. Paid luggage storage is available at Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro.

Can I visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day?

Yes. Both are on the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line, about 20 minutes apart. Start early, because each site deserves at least 2–3 hours.

Ready to go

The simplest arrival plan

01 Set the right destination

Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra or Piazza Anfiteatro. For a guided visit, use the meeting point on your voucher.

02 Take the matching train

Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (Sorrento line) for the western gates. Pompei Santuario (Poggiomarino line) or Pompei FS for Piazza Anfiteatro.

03 Arrive before your deadline

Allow time for the final walk, bag and ticket checks, and meeting your guide. Keep photo ID with your named ticket.

Official directions → EAV journey information → Trenitalia timetables →

Images via Wikimedia Commons: Porta Marina by Yair Haklai (CC BY-SA 4.0); Circumvesuviana train at Pompei Scavi by Chris Sampson (CC BY 2.0); Pompei Santuario station by Safirochka (CC BY-SA 4.0). Travel details are checked against the Pompeii Archaeological Park, EAV and Trenitalia, but services change, so confirm before you travel.