Pompeii Express and Pompeii Plus are the two main options for visitors deciding how much of the archaeological area they want to explore.
During booking, you can compare reserved admission to the ancient city, an option with a digital audio guide and Pompeii Plus, which extends the visit beyond the main urban area.
Pompeii Express is suitable for visitors who want to concentrate on the ancient city, while Pompeii Plus is designed for those who have more time and want to include additional areas in their itinerary.
- Price
- €27.50 per person
- Included
- entry to Pompeii, booking and handling costs, official audio guide if selected
- Meeting point
- Via Villa dei Misteri 2, 80045 Pompeii
Prices and availability may vary. Always check the booking summary before payment.
From €27.50Check availability and book
Several ticket options are available for visiting the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The right choice depends on how much time you have, whether you want recorded explanations and whether you intend to visit only the ancient city or follow a more extensive route.
On the booking page, select your visit date and check which options are available. The current choices may include Pompeii Express, Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide and Pompeii Plus.
Check the available options and book your Pompeii ticket
Which Pompeii ticket should you choose?
Pompeii Express: admission to the ancient city
Pompeii Express is the simplest option for visitors who want to explore the main urban area of ancient Pompeii.
Depending on the buildings open on the day, you can walk through Roman streets and visit houses, temples, baths, theatres, public buildings, shops and other areas included in the standard archaeological route.
Pompeii Express is generally suitable for visitors who:
-
are visiting Pompeii for the first time;
-
have only a few hours available;
-
want to concentrate on the principal areas of the ancient city;
-
do not plan to follow the extended suburban-villas route.
The opening of individual houses and rooms can change because of restoration, conservation, maintenance or visitor-management requirements.
Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide
During booking, an option combining Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide may also be available.
This is intended for independent visitors who want to choose their own route while listening to explanations about the ancient city.
Before purchasing, check:
-
the available languages;
-
how the audio guide is accessed;
-
whether an application must be downloaded;
-
whether internet access is required for activation;
-
whether you need to bring your own earphones;
-
the exact services included in the selected option.
A digital audio guide is not the same as a live guided tour. Visitors who prefer a planned itinerary and the opportunity to ask questions can consider a Pompeii guided tour with admission included.
Pompeii Plus: an extended visit
Pompeii Plus is the broader option for visitors who want to extend their itinerary beyond the main urban area.
The precise wording and inclusions shown by the booking platform must be checked carefully. The current Tiqets option is presented as Pompeii Plus with access to Villa of the Mysteries, while the official Pompeii Plus route may include additional suburban sites according to the ticket selected, current openings and access arrangements.
Pompeii Plus is generally more suitable for visitors who:
-
can dedicate most of the day to Pompeii;
-
want to visit Villa of the Mysteries;
-
are interested in areas outside the central urban route;
-
are prepared for longer walking distances and possible transfers;
-
want a more extensive experience than the standard visit.
For detailed information about the villas, travel times and route planning, read our guide to Pompeii Plus and the suburban villas.
How to select and book your ticket
After opening the booking page:
-
select the date of your visit;
-
check the ticket options available on that date;
-
choose Pompeii Express, Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide or Pompeii Plus;
-
enter the number of visitors;
-
check exactly what the selected option includes;
-
read the admission and collection instructions;
-
review the cancellation conditions;
-
complete the booking.
Options may change according to the selected date, the number of visitors and remaining availability.
Check the available options and book your Pompeii ticket
Check the selected option carefully
Several versions of the same ticket may appear during checkout. Before paying, verify:
-
the name of the ticket;
-
the areas included;
-
whether an audio guide is included;
-
the selected date and admission time;
-
the ticket collection or activation procedure;
-
the provider’s cancellation conditions;
-
whether the booking can be changed;
-
the names of the participants, when requested.
Do not rely only on the first product description. The final order summary should clearly show the option you have selected.
Official ticket or partner offer?
The booking link on this page opens Tiqets, an external booking platform. The price may include booking or service costs and can therefore be higher than the official entrance-only price.
For visitors who require only the official admission ticket without additional booking services, the Archaeological Park identifies Vivaticket as its official online seller.
Compare the options before purchasing and choose according to the services you actually need.
Does reserved admission avoid every queue?
Reserved admission means that you have purchased your ticket in advance. It does not guarantee that there will be no waiting.
Queues may still occur:
-
when collecting or validating the ticket;
-
at the archaeological entrances;
-
during security checks;
-
on weekends and public holidays;
-
during the busiest months of the year.
Arrive with sufficient time and follow the instructions shown on your voucher.
Important information before visiting Pompeii
How long should you allow?
For a first visit limited to the ancient city, allow at least three or four hours. A more detailed visit may take most of the day.
Pompeii Express is normally the more practical option when you have limited time.
Choose Pompeii Plus when you can start early and have enough time for a longer route. Additional sites may follow different opening hours and require more walking or transport.
Can you leave and enter again?
Pompeii tickets are normally valid for one admission.
After leaving the Archaeological Park, you cannot generally re-enter using the same ticket. Complete your visit before heading towards the exit and plan any extended Pompeii Plus itinerary carefully.
Arrive prepared
Check the voucher before travelling. Some offers may require a particular entrance, ticket collection point or activation procedure.
Bring:
-
your booking voucher;
-
a valid identity document;
-
a charged smartphone;
-
comfortable walking shoes;
-
drinking water;
-
a hat and sun protection during warmer months.
Pompeii has ancient paving, raised pavements, steps and uneven surfaces. Stable footwear is strongly recommended.
Bags and luggage
Avoid bringing suitcases, trolleys or large backpacks.
The Archaeological Park currently permits only small bags within the stated size limits. Check the latest regulations and the availability of luggage storage before your visit.
Book in advance during busy periods
Availability can decrease during spring, summer, weekends and public holidays.
Booking in advance makes it easier to compare the options available for your chosen date. It does not, however, remove possible waiting at security or entrance controls.
For an overview of official admission prices, guided tours, audio guides and other options, see our guide to Pompeii tickets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Pompeii Express and Pompeii Plus?
Pompeii Express covers the main urban area of ancient Pompeii.
Pompeii Plus is intended for a more extensive visit and can include Villa of the Mysteries and other suburban areas according to the selected ticket, opening conditions and access arrangements.
What does Pompeii Express include?
Pompeii Express includes admission to the ancient city.
Visitors can explore the streets, houses, temples, baths, theatres and public buildings that are open on the day of the visit.
What does Pompeii Plus include?
Pompeii Plus extends the visit beyond the standard urban itinerary.
The exact inclusions must be checked during booking. The option currently shown by Tiqets specifically mentions Villa of the Mysteries, while other areas may depend on the ticket selected and current conditions.
Which ticket is best for a first visit?
Pompeii Express is usually sufficient for a first visit lasting a few hours.
Pompeii Plus may be preferable when you have most of the day available and specifically want to include the suburban villas.
Can I choose a Pompeii ticket with an audio guide?
Yes. A Pompeii Express option with a digital audio guide may be available during booking.
Check the languages, activation method and whether personal earphones are required before purchasing.
Is a live guide included?
No. These are admission-ticket options.
Visitors who want a live guide should choose a separate Pompeii guided tour.
How long does it take to visit Pompeii?
Allow at least three or four hours for a first visit to the ancient city.
A detailed visit or a Pompeii Plus itinerary may require most of the day.
Does reserved entry mean skip-the-line?
Not completely. You will already have a reserved ticket, but waiting may still occur at ticket checks, entrances and security controls.
Are Pompeii tickets personal?
Pompeii tickets may be issued in the participant’s name.
Enter the visitors’ details correctly and bring a valid identity document if requested in the booking instructions.
Can I leave Pompeii and return later?
No. The ticket is normally valid for one admission only.
Once you have left the Archaeological Park, you cannot generally re-enter using the same ticket.
Are all houses and villas always open?
No. Individual houses, villas or rooms may close temporarily because of restoration, conservation, maintenance or safety requirements.
The ticket does not guarantee that every building will be open on the day of the visit.
Can I add the suburban villas after buying Pompeii Express?
The Archaeological Park may offer an upgrade or supplementary ticket under certain conditions.
Because availability, procedures and prices can change, visitors who already know that they want the extended route should select Pompeii Plus during booking.
Can I bring a backpack into Pompeii?
Small backpacks are generally permitted within the size limits established by the Archaeological Park.
Suitcases, trolleys and large bags are not allowed. Check the latest rules before travelling.
Can the booking be cancelled or changed?
The current Tiqets conditions state that a full refund is available only when a refundable ticket is selected during checkout and the cancellation is made by 23:59 on the day before the visit.
The booking cannot currently be rescheduled. Check the final conditions again before paying.
