Discover practical tips for your visit. visitor guide, tickets, history of Pompeii
Navigate Pompeii Archaeological Park like an expert with this comprehensive 2025 guide. You'll find current opening hours, ticket prices, entrance strategies, and insider tips that transform confusion into confidence.
Quick facts: Pompeii archaeological park
The Pompeii Archaeological Park spans 170 acres (66 hectares) of excavated ancient city, frozen in time since Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Located 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Naples, this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, making advance planning essential for a smooth experience.
Opening hours and seasonal schedules
Summer schedule (April 1 - October 31)
- Open: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Last entrance: 5:30 PM
- Site closes: 7:00 PM
Winter schedule (November 1 - March 31)
- Open: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Last entrance: 3:30 PM
- Site closes: 5:00 PM
Closed days
- December 25 (Christmas)
- January 1 (New Year's Day)
- May 1 (Labor Day)
Pro tip: Visit early morning (9:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) to avoid peak crowds and harsh midday sun.
Entrance gates and choosing the best one
Pompeii has three main entrances, each serving different visitor needs:
1. Porta Marina (Main entrance)
- Location: Via Villa dei Misteri, closest to Pompeii Scavi train station (100m walk)
- Best for: First-time visitors, those arriving by train
- Features: Information kiosk, audio guide rental, luggage storage, gift shop
- Crowds: Busiest entrance, especially mornings
- Key nearby attractions: Forum, Basilica, Temple of Apollo
2. Piazza Anfiteatro
- Location: Piazza Immacolata, near modern Pompeii town
- Best for: Avoiding crowds, direct access to amphitheater
- Features: Ticket office, fewer services than Porta Marina
- Crowds: Least crowded entrance
- Key nearby attractions: Amphitheater, Large Palaestra, Garden of the Fugitives
3. Piazza Esedra
- Location: Via Plinio, convenient for tour buses
- Best for: Group tours, visitors with limited mobility
- Features: Large parking area, level entrance
- Crowds: Moderate, busier with tour groups
- Key nearby attractions: Suburban Baths, House of the Faun
Ticket prices and booking options (2025)
Standard tickets
- Adult (18+): €18.00
- EU citizens 18-25: €2.00 (with valid ID)
- Under 18: Free (all nationalities)
Combination tickets
- Pompeii + Oplontis + Boscoreale: €26.00
- 3-day pass (all Vesuvian sites): €35.00
Free entry days
- First Sunday of each month (expect extreme crowds)
- European Heritage Days (late September)
Where to buy tickets
- Online (recommended): ticketone.it - official site
- On-site ticket offices: Available at all three entrances
- Authorized resellers: GetYourGuide, Viator (slightly higher prices)
Money-saving tip: Book online 2-3 days ahead to secure entry time and skip ticket lines. Screenshot your ticket for offline access.
Essential visitor information
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (uneven ancient streets)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Water bottle (refill stations available)
- Snacks (limited food options inside)
- Portable phone charger
- Cash for audio guides (€8)
Facilities inside the park
- Restrooms: Located at entrances and Forum area
- Water fountains: Multiple locations, safe to drink
- Cafeteria: Near Forum (basic, expensive)
- First aid: At Porta Marina entrance
- Luggage storage: Porta Marina only (€2 per item)
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible route available (3km)
- Free wheelchair loan at Porta Marina
- Accessible restrooms at main areas
- Some areas remain challenging due to ancient streets
Must-see highlights and time planning
2-hour express route
- Forum (civic center)
- Temple of Jupiter
- House of the Faun
- Lupanar (brothel)
- Plaster casts of victims
Half-day route (4 hours)
Add to express route:
- Villa of Mysteries
- Amphitheater
- Thermopolium (ancient fast food)
- House of the Vettii
- Stabian Baths
Full-day exploration (6+ hours)
Include everything above plus:
- Garden of the Fugitives
- House of Menander
- Bakery of Modestus
- Temple of Isis
- Suburban Baths
Insider tips for the best experience
Beat the crowds
- Enter through Piazza Anfiteatro entrance
- Visit Villa of Mysteries first (furthest point)
- Explore popular sites during lunch hours (12-2 PM)
- Book skip-the-line tickets online
Photography tips
- Golden hour: 9-10 AM or 4-6 PM (summer)
- Forum views: Best from Temple of Jupiter steps
- Vesuvius backdrop: Via dell'Abbondanza
- Fewer tourists: Side streets and residential areas
Weather strategies
- Summer: Start early, take midday break, return late afternoon
- Winter: Visit midday for warmth, shorter hours mean prioritizing
- Rain: Site remains open, bring waterproofs, fewer crowds
Navigation aids
- Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps)
- Pick up free paper map at entrance
- Follow numbered house markers
- Main streets: Via dell'Abbondanza, Via di Nola
Getting to Pompeii archaeological park
From Naples
- Train: Circumvesuviana line to "Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri" (40 minutes, €2.80)
- Car: A3 highway, exit "Pompei Ovest" (30 minutes)
- Tour bus: Multiple operators from Piazza Garibaldi
From Rome
- Train: High-speed to Naples, then Circumvesuviana (2.5 hours total)
- Direct bus: SITA or Marozzi lines (3 hours)
- Car: A1 to Naples, then A3 (2.5 hours)
Parking
- Camping Zeus: €5/day, 5-minute walk to Porta Marina
- Parking Anfiteatro: €2/hour, next to Piazza Anfiteatro entrance
- Street parking: Limited, often full by 10 AM
Common mistakes to avoid
- Wrong train station: "Pompei Scavi" not "Pompei" (modern town)
- Insufficient time: Allow minimum 3 hours for basic visit
- No sun protection: 90% of site is exposed
- Heavy bags: Use luggage storage
- Peak season weekends: Extremely crowded, book ahead
Current safety and regulations
- Maximum 20,000 daily visitors (booking essential in summer)
- Large bags/backpacks must be stored
- No drones without permit
- No flash photography in decorated houses
- Stay on marked paths
- Supervised children at all times
Conclusion
The Pompeii Archaeological Park offers an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman life. With proper planning using this guide, you'll navigate efficiently, avoid common pitfalls, and create lasting memories. Book tickets online, arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare for an extraordinary journey through time.
Remember: Pompeii rewards the prepared visitor. Use this guide to plan ahead, and you'll experience the ancient city at its best while avoiding stress and confusion. The ruins have waited 2,000 years – take time to explore them properly.