Last Updated on: 25th January 2025, 08:52 am

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pompeii vesuvius view

Pompeii Half Day Trip from Naples

  • Fast-track entry to the site ruins and a tour of the main highlights

  • This tour includes Pompeii’s forum, piazza, thermal baths and brothel, known as the Lupanare

  • It also includes a visit to Vetti’s House (Casa dei Vettii), to admire the beautiful frescoes on its interior walls

  • The tour includes hotel or train station pickup and drop-off in Naples

  • The entrance Ticket to Pompeii Archaeological Site is included in the price
  • ⏳ Duration: 4 hours
  • ⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (1531 reviews)

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Pompeii is one of Italy’s most famous archaeological sites, located just 25 kilometers from Naples.

This makes it one of the most popular day trips from Naples.

Even though I only had one week in Naples, I still allotted one day to visit Pompeii. I was so glad I did it!

pompeii road crossing

Here’s a comprehensive guide to all transportation options between these two cities.

1. Circumvesuviana Train (Most Popular Option)

Duration: 35-40 minutes

Cost: €3.60 one-way

Pros:

– Most economical option
– Frequent departures (multiple trains per day)
– Direct route to Pompeii Scavi station
– No traffic concerns

Cons:

– Often crowded, without the option to book seats in advance
– Basic facilities
– No air conditioning
– Can be uncomfortable during peak summer months
– Limited luggage space (that most people don’t need anyway on their day trip to Pompeii)

I used Circumvesuviana to get from Naples to Pompeii in May. I found it very convenient, as it wasn’t crowded at all. Also, the temperature inside the cars was comfortable.

I had accommodation in Naples for the whole week, so I didn’t mind not having enough luggage space in the train.

Circumvesuviana looks rather like a commuter train or a subway going above the ground. It is just perfect for the price.

How to Use:

1. Go to Napoli Centrale station
2. Head downstairs to the Circumvesuviana platforms
3. Buy tickets at the counter or machines
4. Take the train towards Sorrento
5. Exit at “Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri” station

From the exit point, you need to walk for about 5-10 minutes to get to the Pompeii site entrance. Just follow the other people to get there.

2. Organized Tour

Duration: 30-40 minutes (transport only)
Cost: €40-200 (including guided tour)

Check out this small group, round trip tour of Pompeii with wine tasting. This tour has excellent customer reviews and it has several pickup point variants.

Pros:

– Includes professional guide
– Air-conditioned comfort
– Historical context provided
– Convenient pickup from Naples hotels or from the airport

Cons:

– More expensive
– Fixed schedule
– Less flexibility for exploration
– Must follow group pace

The biggest downside of organized tours, in my view, is the limited exploration time.

I spent 4-5 hours inside the archaeological site of Pompeii and I thought it was a hasted tour. Nonetheless, if you go with a savvy guide, you can see most things in as little as a couple of hours.

pompeii house painting wonder

Many of the houses in Pompeii have such frescoes

3. Private Transfer/Taxi

Duration: 25-30 minutes
Cost: €60-100 one-way

Pros:

– Maximum comfort and convenience
– Direct door-to-door service
– Flexible departure times
– Air-conditioned vehicles
– Professional drivers

Cons:

– Most expensive option
– Need to arrange return trip
– Potential traffic delays
– Risk of tourist overcharging

4. Public SITA Bus

Duration: 45-60 minutes
Cost: €3.20 one-way (always check the SITA website for the current fares)

Pros:

– Economical option
– Scenic route
– Air-conditioned
– More comfortable than train

Cons:

– Subject to traffic
– Less frequent than trains
– Limited schedules
– Not as reliable as the train service

5. Tourist Express Train

This train has fewer stops than the Circumvesuviana.

It is more expensive and it runs less frequently than the Circumvesuviana.

I listed it here, just in case you need to save time on your commute. Otherwise, Circumvesuviana is the perfect option.

pompeii vesuvius fountain

That’s Vesuvius, in the background

Tips for Your Pompeii Visit

Remember to validate your tickets before boarding trains or buses to avoid fines.

Keep your belongings secure and carry water during summer visits. Consider downloading offline maps and transportation apps for easier navigation.

Wear a hat and sunscreen. There’s barely any shadow at Pompeii, so you’ll be under direct sunlight for most part of your visit.

Violeta Matei