How to get to Pompeii from Rome
Pompeii is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the past of this city petrified by the lava of the Vestubio. How to get there from Rome? Take note!
Views of Pompeii | Vladimir de Vico
If you are planning a visit to Pompeii from Rome, you have made the right choice. The archaeological site and the Italian capital are separated by less than 250 kilometers, which can be covered by car, bus or train.
Want to know the best way to get to Pompeii from Rome, how long it will take and what budget you need? I'll tell you all about it below:
Tour to Pompeii from Rome with Mount Vesuvius or Positano (according to season)
Day trip with skip-the-line entrance to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii
An adventure from Rome to Pompeii ascending Vesuvius in summer or visiting Positano in winter with lunch included.
Start your journey from Rome to iconic Pompeii, where an archaeologist guide will accompany you on a tour of the ruins of this city buried by Vesuvius. From ancient homes to petrified bodies, every detail reveals the story of this tragedy.
After exploring Pompeii, depending on the season, you can climb Mount Vesuvius in summer or visit Positano in winter. Both options offer a unique experience and are guided by local experts who will provide detailed information about the area.
Whether you choose the volcano adventure or the exploration of Positano, you will always be accompanied by a guide who will answer your questions and provide additional information about the places visited.
Recommended if... you want to immerse yourself in Pompeii's rich archaeological history and explore the natural charms of the region while enjoying a lunch of typical dishes.
Most convenient: arrive by road on a guided excursion from Rome
To visit Pompeii from Rome in one day, the most practical and safe way is to book a Pompeii excursion from Rome with which you do not have to worry about anything: the tours to Rome from Pompeii include the trip in a private bus or minibus that will not make intermediate stops and will leave you at the door of the archaeological site of Pompeii.
They include skip-the-line tickets and the guided tour conducted by aprofessional expert guide who will accompany you throughout the day. If you prefer, you can also include in the itinerary lunch or even a stop in Naples or Vesuvius.
In short, everything is organized so that you don't have to waste time on transportation logistics: once the tour is booked, you will receive the exact address of the meeting point from where the bus departs (usually somewhere in the center of Rome) and you will be back the same day a few hours later.
Useful information
- Duration of the trip: about two and a half hours.
- Price of the excursion: From 100 € (including entrance fees and guided tour).
- More information: Excursions to Pompeii from Rome
From Rome to Pompeii by train
If you don't like tours or simply prefer to see Pompeii on your own, a good option to get there from Rome is by train. Trains leave from Termini station and arrive in Naples**(there is no train station in Pompeii**), so you will still be about 23 kilometers from the Pompeii archaeological site and you will need to take an extra bus there which can take more than half an hour.
Note that there are high speed trains that get you there in just over an hour, but obviously prices go up (regional trains, with many intermediate stops are the cheapest but take up to more than an extra hour).
Regarding the frequency, during rush hours there can be up to one train every half hour, but my recommendation is that you consult the official website of the trains to get an idea of the schedule and the duration of the journey that best suits you before choosing.
If you show up at the station without having taken or consulted the tickets, you run the risk of having to settle for the fast one (paying a lot) or the slow one (paying little but losing more time on the way).
Interesting facts
- Journey time: 1 hour and 20 minutes for the fastest, high-speed train.
- Price of the train ticket: From 25 ¤ each way (the longest one, regional train)
- More information: Trenitalia
How to get from Rome to Pompeii by bus
Considering that going by train would require going through Naples first, going directly to Pompeii by bus will save you a transfer. It is true that it is the longest route, as it can take well over three hours, but the positive aspect is that you will be able to save a little, as it is the cheapest means of transport.
Availability and frequency is more limited than the trains, so I recommend that you check the website beforehand to organize your time and make the most of your time in Pompeii. Remember also that if you choose this option, you will have to buy the tickets for Pompeii on your own (and I recommend that you do it online and in advance to avoid long lines and ensure availability).
Interesting facts
- Travel time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Price of the bus ticket: From 17 € each way
- More information: Flixbus
Rent your own car for more freedom
If you are on route in Italy and you have a rental car, you will certainly have greater flexibility of schedules and movements, you can move when you want and even complete the visit with a stop in Naples or Vesuvius.
If you have to rent a car just to go to Pompeii, I do not recommend it at all: taxes, insurance, gasoline and parking will make the budget of renting a car skyrocket and does not make much sense.
If you still decide for this option, you should know that the roads are in very good condition, that the arrival to Pompeii is very well signposted and that as always, Google Maps will be a good ally to guide you with the best route, traffic conditions and arrival times. Have a good trip!
Interesting facts
- Travel time: 2 hours and a half approximately.
- Car rental price: From 60 € per day + taxes, fees and gasoline.
- More information: Rentalcars