Travelling from Naples to Pompeii is straightforward, and several transport options are available. For most visitors, the train is the easiest choice, but the best route depends on which entrance to the Archaeological Park you want to use.
Pompeii has three main entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. Choosing your train according to the entrance can save time and unnecessary walking.
For a general overview of all connections, see How to Get to Pompeii.
Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri
For most visitors, the Circumvesuviana Naples–Sorrento line is the most convenient way to reach the archaeological site from Naples.
Trains leave from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, beneath Napoli Centrale railway station.
Get off at:
Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri
This station is particularly convenient for the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances, both located close to the western side of the ancient city.
If you want to begin your visit near the Forum, the Antiquarium or the western districts of Pompeii, this is generally the most practical route.
Circumvesuviana services are operated by EAV. Timetables may change because of maintenance, strikes or seasonal adjustments, so check the current schedule before travelling.
Circumvesuviana to Pompei Santuario
A second option is the Naples–Poggiomarino Circumvesuviana line.
Get off at:
Pompei Santuario
This station is located in the modern city of Pompeii and is convenient for the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
This route can be a good choice if you want to begin your visit from the eastern side of the archaeological park, close to the Amphitheatre.
For information about the monument, see the Pompeii Amphitheatre.
Trenitalia from Napoli Centrale to Pompei
You can also travel from Napoli Centrale to Pompei railway station using regional Trenitalia services on the Naples–Salerno line.
Pompei station is located in the modern city rather than immediately beside the archaeological entrance.
From the railway station you can continue towards the site on foot or use Pompei Link, the combined train-and-bus connection between Pompei station and the Archaeological Park.
According to the Archaeological Park, the Pompei Link bus connection takes approximately 15 minutes.
This option can be convenient for travellers who prefer using the national railway network rather than the Circumvesuviana.
Which train is best?
For Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra, the Circumvesuviana Naples–Sorrento line to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri is usually the most direct option.
For Piazza Anfiteatro, you can use the Naples–Poggiomarino line to Pompei Santuario, or travel by Trenitalia to Pompei and continue through the modern town.
Before leaving Naples, decide which entrance you want to use and check the Pompeii Map.
Travelling from Naples by car
Pompeii can also be reached by car via the A3 Naples–Salerno motorway.
The archaeological area is well connected with the motorway network, but traffic can be heavy during weekends, public holidays and the busiest tourist months.
Private paid car parks are available around the archaeological site. Parking is not included with the standard Pompeii entrance ticket.
If you are driving, allow extra time for traffic and parking, particularly during spring and summer.
Bus and organised transport from Naples
Bus services and organised excursions also connect Naples with Pompeii.
For visitors who prefer not to manage trains, tickets and transfers separately, an organised trip can be more convenient.
Pompeionline also provides information on Pompeii tours from Naples, including options that combine transport, entrance and a guided visit.
Naples Airport to Pompeii
If you are arriving at Naples International Airport – Capodichino, the simplest public-transport solution is usually to travel first to the Napoli Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi area and continue to Pompeii by train.
Private transfers and organised excursions are also available directly from Naples.
If you have luggage, remember that large bags cannot be taken into the archaeological area and should be stored before beginning your visit.
Arriving at Pompeii
Once you reach the archaeological site, check your entrance before joining a queue.
The three principal entrances are Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro.
Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra are the most convenient for visitors arriving at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.
Piazza Anfiteatro is more convenient for visitors arriving through the modern city.
How long should you allow for the journey?
Travel times vary according to the service, waiting time and traffic conditions.
When planning a day trip from Naples, do not calculate only the time spent on the train. Allow additional time for reaching the station, waiting for the service, walking from the arrival station to the entrance and completing admission procedures.
Pompeii itself requires at least several hours to visit, so leaving Naples early usually gives you much more flexibility.
For advice on planning the visit, see Visiting Pompeii: Practical Tips for the Archaeological Site.
Before travelling
Transport schedules can change, particularly because of engineering works, strikes and seasonal services. Always check the latest information from the relevant railway or bus operator before departure.
You should also check:
For most independent visitors travelling from Naples, the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri remains the simplest route, particularly when entering through Porta Marina or Piazza Esedra.