Major city · Italy
PompeiiPompei
Give the ruins one full day and book your ticket ahead (daily cap 20,000); sleep in Naples or Sorrento, not in Pompei town.
Pompeii is a buried Roman city, not a town: the archaeological park is the whole reason to come, and it takes a full day on foot over uneven stone. Most travellers base in Naples or Sorrento and arrive by the Circumvesuviana railway. The modern town of Pompei has beds and a pilgrimage church but little else.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (32–35 °C (90–95 °F) on open stone), and the first Sunday of the month if you want quietavoid Jul–Aug (90–95 °F (32–35 °C) on open stone), and the first Sunday of the month if you want quiet
- Airport
- NAP
- Nights
- 1 (day trip from Naples or Sorrento)
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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
Emergency numbers for Pompeii112 ▾
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 Pompeii, 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 park is safe and well patrolled; the real risks are heat, uneven stone and pickpockets on the crowded Circumvesuviana at closing time.
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 Europe-wide 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.
- AirportcheckNAP Naples Capodichino (Alibus to Napoli Centrale, then the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri; total time check).
- Getting aroundInside the park you walk: cobblestones, cart ruts and few benches.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Pompei station to the ruins2026 estimate; checkabout €10 (≈ US$12)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, 3-star, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €85 (≈ US$100) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
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 to Napoli Centrale, then the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri; total time check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. 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 (11 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pompeii: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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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)
10 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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)
5 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
3 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 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
Inside the park you walk: cobblestones, cart ruts and few benches. Bicycles are impractical. Between towns use the Circumvesuviana (EAV) railway or Trenitalia regional trains; taxis wait at Pompei station and ask around €10 to the entrance. Journey times on the Circumvesuviana: check current timetables.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Herculaneum
goDoor to door: check
Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi
Smaller and better preserved than Pompeii; a good half-day pairing. Journey time check.
Mt Vesuvius summit
cautionDoor to door: check
EAV bus from Piazza Anfiteatro, then a walk up the last stretch
Check that the bus is running and the crater path is open before you set out.
Naples
goDoor to door: check
Circumvesuviana from Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri
Where most people sleep; the line is crowded at closing time.
Sorrento
goDoor to door: check
Circumvesuviana on the Napoli–Sorrento line
Same line as Pompei Scavi; useful as a base or an evening.
Capri
overnightDoor to door: check
Hydrofoil from Naples or Sorrento
Too slow as a Pompeii day trip; give it its own day.
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 (Chiaia, Centro Storico or near Napoli Centrale)
Best base: Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi, plus pizza and museums. See things to do in Naples.
Sorrento
Quieter base on the same rail line, 30–40 min to Pompei Scavi; good for the Amalfi Coast. See visit Sorrento.
Pompei town (near Pompei Santuario or Pompei Scavi station)
Only if you want to be at the gate at opening; the town itself is thin on things to do.
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
- €35–60 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- €60–110 (≈ US$70–130) excl. bed
- High
- €110 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, 3-star1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €85 | €170 |
| Pompeii one-day ticket, ancient city only2 × €18 · 2026 estimate; check | €36 |
| Circumvesuviana return from Naples2 × €10 · 2026 estimate; check | €19 |
| Official audioguide2 × €8 · 2026 estimate; check | €16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 · 2026 estimate | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €39 |
| Trip total≈ €215 per person per day, bed included | €430≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; intercity travel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pompeii one-day ticket, ancient city only2026 estimate; €22 with the suburban villas (Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes, Villa Regina) | €18 (≈ US$25) |
| 3-day pass covering the wider park2026 estimate; one entry per site, shuttle bus between sites included | €26 (≈ US$35) |
| Circumvesuviana, Naples to Pompei Scavi2026 estimate; check | €4.80 (≈ US$6) |
| Trenitalia regional, Napoli Centrale to Pompei2026 estimate; check | €3.30 (≈ US$4) |
| Freshly pressed orange or lemon juice near the entrance2026 estimate | €3 (≈ US$4) |
| Panino from a stand near Porta Marina2026 estimate | €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Taxi, Pompei station to the ruins2026 estimate; check | about €10 (≈ US$12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat on open stone: carry water, a hat and good shoes; there is little shade.
- Not every house is open at any one time; check the park's house schedule before you plan a route.
- Routes on the free map are often blocked for excavation or repair, so allow detours.
- Porta Marina, the main entrance, has many stairs; reduced-mobility visitors should use Piazza Anfiteatro.
- Tickets are capped at 20,000 entries a day: book ahead, especially Apr–Oct, and check the official ticket rules for timed slots.
Emergency numbers
- Europe-wide emergency
- 112
- Police
- 113
- Fire
- 115
- Ambulance
- 118
Pocket card
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PompeiiPompei
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A questo indirizzo, per favoreTo this address, please
Emergency
- Europe-wide emergency112
- Police113
- Fire115
- Ambulance118
Embassy
The US has a consulate general in Naples; other countries: consulates in Naples or embassies in Rome.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Circumvesuviana, Naples to Pompei Scavi: €4.80 (≈ US$6) (2026 estimate; check)
- Trenitalia regional, Napoli Centrale to Pompei: €3.30 (≈ US$4) (2026 estimate; check)
- Taxi, Pompei station to the ruins: about €10 (≈ US$12) (check)
Say or show
- Scusi — Excuse me (SKOO-zee)
- Grazie — Thank you (GRAH-tsyeh)
- Un biglietto, per favore — One ticket, please (oon bee-LYET-toh per fah-VOH-reh)
- 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)
Park hours: Apr–Oct 09:00–19:00, last admission 17:30; Nov–Mar 09:00–17:00, last admission 15:30. Closed 1 January and 25 December. Check the official site before you travel.
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 Pompeii. 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 (32–35 °C on open stone), and the first Sunday of the month if you want quiet · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-gate contract for NAP: Alibus plus Circumvesuviana timings, taxi fallback, luggage-storage rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Porta Marina and the Forum, then the Amphitheatre and Villa of the Mysteries.
- Place pages with verified opening windows for the Forum Baths, House of the Vettii, Lupanar and Villa of the Mysteries.
- Heat and crowd fixtures so gates A–D can go green in July and August.
Sources
Ask about Pompeii
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