The ancient city of Pompeii in Italy can be easily reached from Naples which is only 26.5 km or about half to full day trip. The best way to get to the city is of course by train, with the route from Circumvesuviana directly connecting Naples to Pompeii. As soon as you get off the train, you only need to walk about 5 minutes to reach the entrance of Pompeii. However, you should use a tour guide to explore this ancient Roman city and bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water as the site is very large and has almost no shelter.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Finding the Means of Transportation
Step 1. Head to Napoli Centrale station to catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii
Train is the easiest mode of transportation to get to Pompeii from Naples. Take the Circumvesuviana line, as it will take you directly to Pompeii.
- These trains are similar to commuter trains – they can get hot and stuffy inside. So don't be surprised if you may be forced to stand up.
- Napoli Centrale Station is the main train station in Naples.
Step 2. Purchase your train ticket to Pompeii Scavi
You can buy tickets at the ticket counter located near the platform or at a shop selling newspapers and tobacco inside the station. Since the trains come every 30 minutes, you don't need to buy tickets in advance. You can buy tickets right away as soon as you set foot at the station.
Buy a one-way ticket
Step 3. If you want to get a seat on the train, you can walk to Piazza Nolana station
You may be waiting for your train at Napoli Centrale station, but as the station is very busy, you may not find a seat on the train. By walking to Piazza Nolana station, which is the departure station for all trains, you are more likely to find a seat.
Piazza Nolana is only about an 8-minute walk from Napoli Centrale
Step 4. After boarding the train, get off at the Pompei Scavi/Villa dei Misteri stop
You will see a sign at the station that will direct you to the Circumvesuviana line. After you've taken the train for about 35 minutes, you'll arrive at the Pompei Scavi/Villa dei Misteri stop. Get off at this stop and make sure you don't leave your belongings on the train.
- Here, the platform is downstairs.
- Pickpockets are a common problem on trains. Therefore, it is recommended that you always monitor your luggage.
- If you have luggage, you can leave it at the storage facilities or lockers at Pompeii Scavi station. You are not allowed to bring luggage to the Pompeii site.
Step 5. Walk to the main gate of Pompeii at Porta Marina
To get to this site from the station, follow the road to the right. After about five minutes of walking, you will arrive at the Pompeii gate which sells entrance tickets to the site.
If in doubt, you can look at the map or ask the locals to point them in the right direction
Part 2 of 2: Experience the Enchantment of the Ancient City of Pompeii
Step 1. Purchase a site entrance ticket at the Pompeii gate
At the gate, you will find a ticket sales counter and you can directly buy individual tickets. The ticket price is €13 per person (approximately Rp220 thousand). Since the counter here does not accept credit card payments, you are expected to bring cash.
- Local residents who bring ID cards will get a discounted price.
- You can also purchase admission tickets online one day or several days before your visit to the site (you cannot buy tickets online on the same day as your planned visit).
Step 2. Take advantage of the maps provided on the site
This map will be very useful to help you get around the site, and is not always provided when you buy your ticket. If you did not receive a map when you purchased your admission ticket, ask the staff or guide there before starting your exploration.
This map includes all the major landmarks you should visit while on the site, as well as restrooms, dining and drinking fountains
Step 3. Use the services of a guide to explore the historic sites of Pompeii
To help you understand the site, there are several ways you can choose, such as using an audio guide that this ancient city has to offer, hiring a tour guide to guide you around, or downloading the Pompeii travel app that will act as a guide from your phone. The options above are certainly not free, but certainly not as expensive as hiring a private tour guide.
- Make sure you bring a jemala speaker if you're going to use an audio guide or app.
- If you choose to hire a private tour guide, there are packages offering half-day or full-day tours.
- You can also bring along a Pompeii guide book which can be purchased before visiting this site.
Step 4. Visit the Forum which is located near the entrance to Pompeii
In the past, the Forum was the center of the political, commercial and social activities of the city of Pompeii. There are many relics that you can see here, and they are located right near the entrance to the Porta Marina.
The Forum is one of the most popular sites to visit in Pompeii
Step 5. To see the amazing architecture, visit the amphitheater
The amphitheater is where people watch games and games, and is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater.
The location of the amphitheater is at the very end of Pompeii
Step 6. Look for Faun's House to admire the ancient house from the heyday of Pompeii
Faun's house is the largest and grandest house building in Pompeii which is the best example of house architecture at that time. Go into the backyard and you will see the famous mosaic showing the battle of Issus.
This house is named the Faun's House because in the front yard there is a statue of a faun (a half-human and half-goat creature in Roman mythology)
Step 7. Visit the Granary Forum/Grain Store for archaeological finds
Originally, the Granary was a place where people bought groceries such as spices and cereals in downtown Pompeii. However, in the same place now, you will find the petrified bodies of the inhabitants of Pompeii because they did not have time to escape when Mount Vesuvius erupted, as well as other interesting archaeological finds.
Step 8. Enjoy views of Mount Vesuvius from the Teatro Grande
The Teatro Grande is a large theater that has a capacity of 5,000 spectators and features ancient architectural splendor. When you stand on the top row, you will see a beautiful view of Mount Vesuvius.
Location The Teatro Grande is located in the theater district
Step 9. Be careful, because there are some areas here that are off limits and closed to the public
There are several sites or buildings in Pompeii that are closed to the public with minimal markings, or even without being marked at all. If you arrive at a site that looks like it's off-limits to enter, follow your common sense and avoid the area.
In order to preserve this ancient city, do not touch historical objects such as wall paintings or famous landmarks
Tips
- The best time to visit Pompeii is early in the morning, to escape the heat of the afternoon sun.
- Pompeii tours are walking tours that often require you to traverse uneven roads. So, wear comfortable shoes and don't bring a stroller.
- While taking the train is a better mode of transportation, you can also take the SITA bus from Naples to Pompeii.
- Arrive at the site at least 2 hours before closing so you'll still have enough time to explore the city.
- Don't forget to bring sunscreen and drinking water – this ancient city site doesn't have much shade and it gets very hot in the summer months.
- The historic site of Pompeii is open from 8.30-19.30 daily in April-October and 8.30-17.30 daily in November-March. Pompeii does not receive tourists every January 1, May 1, and December 25.
