Major city · Italy
HerculaneumErcolano
Give the ruins 2–3 hours on a half-day trip from Naples, not an overnight: the site is small, well preserved and far quieter than Pompeii.
Herculaneum is the Roman town buried by the same AD 79 eruption as Pompeii, sealed under volcanic mud that kept upper floors, charred timber, frescoes and mosaics intact. The excavated area is compact, so you can see it properly in about two hours and still be back in Naples for dinner. Most travellers sleep in Naples, Sorrento or Pompeii and visit Ercolano as a stop on the Circumvesuviana line.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), 1 Jan and 25 Dec (site closed)
- Airport
- NAP
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Italy and Malta ↗The region's headline sights run on timed tickets that sell out: book the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Uffizi, the Last Supper and Malta's Hypogeum before you fix train and hotel dates.
- Italy and Malta ↗Budget for per-night city taxes in Italy (up to about €10 a person in Rome), Malta's per-night environmental contribution, and Venice's day-visitor fee on peak days; none are included in most online room prices.
- Italy ↗Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Italy ↗Historic centres are ZTL limited-traffic zones: cameras fine any unauthorised car that enters, often months later through the hire company. Park outside and walk in.
- Italy ↗Regional train tickets bought on paper must be validated in the machine on the platform before boarding; digital tickets carry a time and need no stamping.
- Italy ↗Venice charges day-visitors an access fee on selected peak days; check the city's official site if you are not sleeping there.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Herculaneum112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Herculaneum, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Italy-wide
- SIM or eSIMTIM, Vodafone, WindTre and Iliad sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at airports; a passport and an Italian tax code (codice fiscale…Italy-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe unless signed otherwise; Rome's nasoni fountains run all day.Italy-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Coperto or service may already be on the bill; leave €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) a person or round up for good service.Italy-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/L. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Italy-wide
- SafetyThe ruins themselves are safe and staffed; the main risks are pickpockets around Ercolano Scavi station and the walk down…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €1 (≈ US$2).Italy-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police and general emergency · 113 police · 115 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany state museums close on Monday; the Vatican Museums close on most Sundays.Italy-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNAP Naples Capodichino (Alibus or taxi to Napoli Centrale, then Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi; total about 1 h).
- Getting aroundThe Circumvesuviana commuter line is the way in: Ercolano Scavi station is about 25 min from Naples and 40 min from Sorrento…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at the bar€1–1.50 (≈ US$2)
- Museum or sight ticketHerculaneum ruins admission€16 (≈ US$19) (EU under-18 €2 (≈ US$3); free first Sunday of the month)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €140 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NAP Naples Capodichino (Alibus or taxi to Napoli Centrale, then Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi; total about 1 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Nov (10 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Herculaneum: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
8 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The Circumvesuviana commuter line is the way in: Ercolano Scavi station is about 25 min from Naples and 40 min from Sorrento, then an 8-block downhill walk to the site entrance. Trains on the Naples–Salerno route stop at Ercolano Porticini instead, which is not signposted for the ruins. By car, the A3 toll is about €2 for this stretch; parking is scarce, try the lot behind the police station near the entrance.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
Circumvesuviana from Ercolano Scavi to Napoli Porta Nolana or Garibaldi
Sleep here and use the ruins as a half-day; the historic centre and pizza are the rest of the day.
Pompeii
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Circumvesuviana toward Sorrento, get off at Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri
Bigger and busier than Herculaneum; allow 3–4 hours on site.
Door to door: About 50 min
Circumvesuviana from Ercolano Scavi
Coastal base for Capri and Amalfi Coast boats.
Door to door: 2–2.5 h
Circumvesuviana to Sorrento or Naples, then ferry
Too slow as a same-day return from Ercolano; sleep on the coast instead.
Pozzuoli
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Circumvesuviana to Naples, then Cumana line
Roman amphitheatre and Solfatara area; a long half-day.
Procida
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Circumvesuviana to Naples, then ferry from Molo Beverello
Small island; better as a night than a rushed return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Naples city centre
Best base: Circumvesuviana from Napoli Porta Nolana or Garibaldi, about 25 min to Ercolano Scavi.
Pompeii
Quieter base on the same line; two ruin sites in one trip, about 30 min from Ercolano.
Sorrento
Coastal base, about 40 min by Circumvesuviana; good if you also want Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
Ercolano town
Only worth it if you want the ruins at opening; few sights beyond the scavi and the MAV.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star1 × 1 night × €110 | €110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Circumvesuviana, Naples–Ercolano Scavi, both ways2 × €6 | €12 |
| Herculaneum ruins admission2 × €16 | €32 |
| Audioguide at the ruins2 × €10 | €20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €35 |
| Trip total≈ €195 per person per day, bed included | €389≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at the bar | €1–1.50 (≈ US$2) |
| Pizza or panino near the station | €4–8 (≈ US$5–10) |
| Herculaneum ruins admission | €16 (≈ US$19) (EU under-18 €2 (≈ US$3); free first Sunday of the month) |
| Audioguide at the ruins | €10 (≈ US$12) (€16 (≈ US$19) for two) |
| MAV virtual museum entry | €7.50 (≈ US$9) (reduced €6 (≈ US$7)) |
| Circumvesuviana Naples–Ercolano Scavi | about €3 (≈ US$4) one way |
| Parking near the ruins | about €1 (≈ US$2) an hour |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The area around the excavations has some economic deprivation: watch bags and phones, especially at the station.
- Large bags must go in a locker at the ticket office; pick them up 30 minutes before closing.
- The ticket office closes 90 minutes before the site does, so arrive with time to spare.
- Only vending machines inside: bring water and food, and take empty bottles out with you.
Emergency numbers
- Police and general emergency
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
- Coast guard
- 1530
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HerculaneumErcolano
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police and general emergency112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
No embassies in Ercolano; the US consulate-general and most others are in Naples, embassies in Rome.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Circumvesuviana Naples → Ercolano Scavi: about €3 (≈ US$4), 25 min
- Circumvesuviana Sorrento → Ercolano Scavi: about €4 (≈ US$5), 40 min
- A3 motorway toll, Naples stretch: about €2 (≈ US$3)
Say or show
- Scusi — Excuse me / Sorry (SKOO-zee)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsee-eh)
- Quanto costa? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KOS-tah)
- Posso pagare con la carta? — Can I pay by card? (POS-soh pah-GAH-reh kon lah KAR-tah)
- Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet? (doh-VEH eel BAH-nyoh)
- Un biglietto, per favore — One ticket, please (oon bee-LYET-toh per fah-VOH-reh)
Site hours: 16 Mar–14 Oct 08:30–19:30, 15 Oct–15 Mar 08:30–17:00; ticket office closes 90 minutes before the site. Closed 1 Jan and 25 Dec.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Herculaneum. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and crowds), 1 Jan and 25 Dec (site closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-ruin contract for NAP: Alibus and Circumvesuviana times field-checked, taxi fallback, last-train rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Ercolano Scavi station to the site entrance, and Via 4 Novembre up to the MAV.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (ruins, MAV, Villa Campolieto) and eat pages with last orders on the station street.
- Heat and rain fixtures so the site visit can go green or be moved to the MAV.