Pompeii is located in Campania, about 25 km southeast of Naples, and can be reached easily by train, car or bus. The best route depends on where you are travelling from and which entrance to the Archaeological Park you plan to use.
The Archaeological Park of Pompeii has three main entrances:
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Porta Marina – Via Villa dei Misteri
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Piazza Esedra – Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore
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Piazza Anfiteatro – Piazza Immacolata
For most visitors arriving from Naples or Sorrento by Circumvesuviana train, Porta Marina is the most convenient entrance because it is only a short walk from Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station. Piazza Esedra is also close to the same station, while Piazza Anfiteatro is particularly convenient for visitors arriving at Pompei Santuario or from the modern town centre.
By train
Travelling by train is generally the easiest way to reach Pompeii from Naples, Sorrento and Salerno.
From Naples or Sorrento
Take the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. The station is located very close to the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances to the archaeological site.
This is usually the most convenient option for visitors travelling from central Naples or Sorrento.
A second Circumvesuviana service, the Napoli–Poggiomarino line, stops at Pompei Santuario. From there, Piazza Anfiteatro can be reached on foot.
For current Circumvesuviana timetables, consult the EAV website.
From Naples or Salerno with Trenitalia
Regional Trenitalia services on the Naples–Salerno line stop at Pompei railway station, located in the modern town of Pompeii.
From the station, you can continue towards the Archaeological Park on foot or use Pompei Link, the combined train and bus service connecting Pompei railway station with the archaeological area.
For current railway timetables and connections, consult the Trenitalia website.
Train schedules may change because of engineering works, strikes or service alterations, so it is always advisable to check the latest timetable before travelling.
By car
Pompeii is easily accessible by car via the A3 Naples–Salerno motorway.
If you are travelling from Naples, follow the A3 towards Salerno and take the Pompei Scavi exit. From there, follow the signs for the archaeological site and its entrances.
Visitors arriving from Salerno should follow the A3 towards Naples and then the signs for Pompeii and the archaeological area.
Several public and private car parks are available around the archaeological site. Parking availability and charges may vary, particularly during weekends, public holidays and the busiest months of the year.
If you are travelling by car, allow additional time for traffic around Pompeii, especially during the morning and in the high season.
By bus
Pompeii can also be reached by regional bus services.
Busitalia Campania operates connections between Salerno and Pompeii, including:
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Line 4 – Salerno–Pompei
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Line 50 – express service between Salerno and Pompei via motorway
Other regional services may also connect Naples, Salerno and nearby towns with Pompeii.
Routes and timetables may change, so always check the current schedule with the transport operator before travelling.
From Naples to Pompeii
For most visitors staying in Naples, the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento train to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri is the simplest option. The station is located next to the archaeological area and avoids the need for additional local transport.
Trenitalia regional trains are another option. They arrive at Pompei railway station in the modern town, from where you can continue towards the Archaeological Park.
For a complete comparison of trains, buses and car routes, read our guide: How to Get to Pompeii from Naples: The Ultimate Tourist Guide & Local Tips.
Visitors who prefer not to organise transport, admission and a guide separately can choose the Pompeii Half-Day Tour from Naples with Transport and Guide.
If you are staying in Naples and would like to combine Pompeii with the Amalfi Coast in a single day, there is also an organised excursion including a guided visit to Pompeii, lunch and stops in Amalfi and Ravello.
Discover the Pompeii and Amalfi Coast tour from Naples.
If you would rather combine Pompeii and Sorrento on the same day, an organised excursion is available with transport from Naples, a guided visit to Pompeii, lunch and time to explore Sorrento.
Discover the Pompeii and Sorrento tour from Naples.
From Rome to Pompeii
Visitors travelling from Rome can reach Pompeii by taking a high-speed train to Naples and then continuing to Pompeii by Circumvesuviana or regional train.
Because the journey involves at least one connection, allow enough time between trains, particularly on the return journey.
An organised day trip is another option for visitors who prefer not to coordinate trains, entrance tickets and local transport independently.
If you prefer to visit Pompeii with a professional guide, you can also choose a Pompeii Guided Tour from Rome with Transport and Lunch.
From Salerno to Pompeii
Pompeii can be reached from Salerno by regional train or bus.
Regional trains towards Naples stop at Pompei station. Busitalia services 4 and 50 also provide connections between Salerno and Pompeii.
Travelling by car is another convenient option: follow the A3 motorway towards Naples and then the signs for Pompeii.
From Sorrento to Pompeii
The Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line provides a direct connection between Sorrento and Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.
Get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri for easy access to the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances.
This makes Pompeii an easy day trip from Sorrento without the need for a car.
From Naples International Airport
Naples International Airport – Capodichino is the main airport for visitors travelling to Pompeii.
The Alibus service connects the airport with Piazza Garibaldi and Naples Central Station. From the Naples railway area, you can continue to Pompeii by Circumvesuviana or Trenitalia regional train.
A taxi or private transfer directly from the airport to Pompeii is another option, particularly for travellers carrying luggage or travelling in a group.
From Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport
Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport is connected with Salerno railway station by the Salerno Airlink bus service.
From Salerno station, you can continue to Pompei by regional train. Bus connections between Salerno and Pompeii are also available.
Because airport bus schedules may change during the year, check the current timetable before travelling.
Organised day trips to Pompeii
If you prefer not to manage trains, buses and connections independently, organised day trips are available from several cities.
From Naples, you can choose excursions that combine transport with a guided visit to Pompeii. Some tours also combine Pompeii with destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento or Mount Vesuvius.
From Rome, organised day trips can be particularly convenient because they avoid the need to coordinate several train connections.
When choosing an excursion, always check exactly what is included, particularly entrance tickets, transport, guided tours, meals and cancellation conditions.
Which is the easiest way to get to Pompeii?
For visitors travelling from Naples or Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri is generally the most convenient option because the station is located next to the archaeological area.
From Salerno, regional trains and Busitalia services provide convenient connections.
From Rome, travelling by high-speed train to Naples and continuing to Pompeii is generally the fastest public-transport option, while an organised day trip may be more convenient for visitors who prefer to have the journey and visit arranged in advance.
Useful travel tips
Check train and bus schedules shortly before travelling, as services may be affected by maintenance work, strikes or seasonal timetable changes.
During the busiest periods, arrive early and allow additional time for queues and local traffic.
If you already have your entrance ticket, check which entrance is most convenient for your route before arriving.
Visitors using the Circumvesuviana Napoli–Sorrento line should normally use Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station for Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra.
Visitors arriving at Pompei Santuario or staying in the modern town centre may find Piazza Anfiteatro more convenient.
If you are planning to continue your visit to Mount Vesuvius, read our detailed guide: How to Get to Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii.