Rome to Pompeii Day Trip: The Smart Way vs. The Hard Way
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So you find yourself in Rome with the spirit of adventure up your bum!
Rome to Pompeii in a Day has a nice ring to it! If you’re a lover of ancient history, there’s a good chance a trip to Pompeii has already caught your attention. A small town near Naples that was destroyed and buried under ash after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Italy – yes, even more than Venice!
So naturally, visiting the ruins caused by a still active volcano is definitely a must-do for anyone spending time in Naples or Rome. But should you put in work and effort to calculate train routes and rent the shitty little audiotape tour in Pompeii to save $30, or should you let this adventure be handled by the pros and make the most of your day trip? Here’s what you need to know to make the decision.
Before you Go
- You can get from Rome to Pompeii by Guided Tour, by Train, or by Bus.
- The bus takes too long (3 hrs each way), and so I don’t recommend it.
- There’s no direct train from Rome to Pompeii – but there is a high speed option!
- Guided tours make for the best value and least headache for a day trip like this.
- Exploring Pompeii takes about 3 – 4 hours – its quite large.
- Yes, Mount Vesuvius is still an ACTIVE volcano.
If you’re planning a proper trip to Italy, I loved doing my 2 Week Road Trip from Napoli to Sicily, which included Pompei! ❤️
THE SMART WAY: Guided Tour – Best Options From Rome to Pompeii
I usually stay away from guided tours, preferring to explore on my own, taking the time to bump along rather than follow a checklist of must-do attractions when I visit anywhere. There are a few exclusions to this rule – one being the free walking tours of a city when you first get in, and two being the historical day trips where you need the historical context and efficiency of time to fully enjoy the experience.
I recommend a guided tour for your day trip from Rome to Pompeii for:
- Anyone looking to maximize their time in Pompeii rather than get caught up in the logistics of getting there by bus or train.
- Anyone interested in skipping the lines at the gate of Pompeii Archeological Park, which in the summertime can be huge!
- Anyone interested in learning the history, context, and implications of Pompeii from an archeological tour guide, licensed in Italian history and storytelling.
- Anyone traveling with kids (for obvious reasons) or a small group.
- And anyone who is tired of navigating the hustle and bustle of Italy for a day and just wants to sit back, relax, and listen to the experts tell it like it is!
| Guided Tour | Highlights | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pompeii with Wine Tasting | Skip the Line Tickets High-Speed Train | 8 hrs | $210 |
| Pompeii & Naples Full Day Tour | Skip the Line Tickets Exploring Naples Sites Neapolitan Pizza Tasting By Car | 10 hrs | $275 |
| Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Trip | Skip the Line Tickets High-Speed Train Best for History Buffs | 8 hrs | $290 |
| Pompeii & Herculaneum with Wine Tasting | Skip the Line Tickets High-Speed Train Buffalo Mozzarella Tasting Wine Tasting at Mt. Vesuvius By Car | 12 hrs | $540 |
| Pompeii & Sorrento for a Day | Skip the Line Tickets Explore Amalfi Coast Buffalo Mozzarella Tasting Limoncello & Gelato Tasting By Car | 12 hrs | $540 |
PRO TIP: Save the more expensive day trips for when you are time-strapped and want to have a ‘blow it out of the water‘ type of trip. Or if you’re on a honeymoon and want to have at least a little bit of time on the Amalfi Coast without actually staying on the Amalfi Coast.
Which is Better: The Amalfi Coast or Sicily?
If you’re wanting to spice up your trip and see some iconic south Italian culture, taste the authenticity of a south Italian meal, and see these views in real life… yea, I got you! This was one of my favorite trips to research.
THE HARD WAY: Do it Yourself – Rome to Pompeii by Train
Doing it Yourself (DIY) is definitely an option for a day trip from Rome to Pompeii, especially for a savvy traveler who doesn’t mind fumbling around for a little bit. It’s not the easiest way, it does require some concessions on comfort and time, but it’s an option… one which I’ve done!
Of course, I came back and did it over again with a guided tour and a historical archeologist and thought… “Damn, should have done it this way from the start.” But I digress, you’ve got this!
How to Quickly Get There
The total roundtrip transportation cost for the high-speed train from Rome to Pompeii is about $50 if you book ahead, and will take you about 2 hours each way.
- Hop on the high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Naples Centrale Station. This will take 70 minutes and cost about $20 each way if you book a spot in advance. You can also just show up the day of and pay about $50, but … that’s just silly. (Book Here)
- Switch trains in Napoli by following the signs downstairs to the Circumvesuviana station – all the way to the bottom floor. These trains run from Naples to Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri every 30 minutes. They cost $5 each way and take about 40 minutes.
- Walk 5 minutes to the Pompeii Archeological site when you get off the train! Make sure you check out opening hours before you go, here!
Average DIY Costs with Pros & Cons
An entry ticket to the Pompeii Archeological Park is about $20.
- Pros: This is the cheapest option, no tour, no guide, and you get a little map of the site so you can find your way around, reading the info guides along the way.
- Cons: The lines get pretty long, the crowds big, and it’s best to book online ahead of time so you get a time slot for when you are there. You also will have no idea what you’re looking at or where you are going, noting that Pompeii is actually very large.
There are several Self Guided Apps for your phone that cost $5.
- Pros: Again, it’s cheap and easy as long as you download the app ahead of time, map out your route inside the app, and bring your own headphones.
- Cons: I spent so much time fiddling with the controls of the app, that I realized this was ruining my enjoyment of visiting Pompeii – so I gave up and simply read the physical signs posted around the ruins.
Buying the Audio Guide at the front gate will cost you about $10.
- Pros: It’s slightly better than the self-guided apps, comes in a few languages, and is cheaper than hiring an archeological guide.
- Cons: I found the audio guides to be boring and clinical in narration, basically just spewing facts and dates without a real story to support it. Also, the headphones were uncomfortable.
Hiring a certified archeological guide on the spot in Pompeii is about $70-100.
- Pros: They are certified by the Campania Region, walk around with you to the best spots and provide history, context, and implications, are a wealth of knowledge, not to mention great storytellers.
- Cons: They are a bit more expensive than the self-guided options above, and sometimes are not available on the spot if you have not booked one ahead of time through a tour.
FAQ: Rome to Pompeii in a Day
Is a day trip to Pompeii worth it?
Hell, the floof YES! If you’re interested in Roman history, a visit to Pompeii is a must. This ancient city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and today, it provides an incredible insight into Roman life and the power of an active volcano. Plus, a Pompeii day trip from Rome is easy to do – either by guided tour or independently!
A bit of history so you’re not going in blind – Pompeii was founded around 600 BC, and by the 1st century AD, it had become one of Rome’s wealthiest provinces. The city was famous for its luxury goods, and it was a popular destination for wealthy Romans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
However, all of this came to an abrupt end when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The eruption caused widespread destruction, and the city was buried beneath several feet of ash and rock. It wasn’t until 1748 that Pompeii was rediscovered, and since then it has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The ruins provide astonishing insight into Roman life, and they offer a sobering reminder of the power of nature.
Can you believe the Italians still live at the foothills of a very active Mt. Vesuvius today – it’s like Napoli has no fear… either that or God is with them!
Is Herculaneum worth visiting?
Did you know that there’s another nearby archaeological site close to Pompeii that’s well worth a visit? Herculaneum was also buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and despite its close proximity to Pompeii, Herculaneum is much less crowded than its more famous counterpart. So if you’re looking for a slightly more relaxed way to experience Roman history, this is it.
The archaeology at Herculaneum is particularly well-preserved, thanks to the way in which the town was buried. Whereas Pompeii was covered in volcanic ash, Herculaneum was submerged by a mudflow, which helped to preserve many of the wooden structures and organic materials. This means that you can see things like wooden furniture, food remains, and even human skeletons at the site.
Which is better, Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Honestly, I did both in one day, and I found both to be fascinating. I recommend hiring the archeological guide or doing the combo tour from Rome because otherwise, you’ll be roaming around ancient city ruins with no clue as to their importance. Plus, the guided tour is like stepping into a very fascinating history class back in college. Always here for an education!
When is the best time to visit Pompeii?
The good news is that Pompeii can be visited year-round. However, there are certain times of year that suck more. For example, the summer months can be very hot, making it difficult to spend hours walking around the ruins. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Pompeii, as the weather is milder and the tourists are not so abundant.
Is Pompeii closed on Monday?
For a while, during COVID, it was. But that’s no longer the case. Now, Pompeii is open almost every day of the year – you can check the schedule here.
Is there a dress code for Pompeii?
You’ll be walking around the site for about 3-4 hours, and there is not a lot of shade in Pompeii. I recommend bringing a water bottle, hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a raincoat in case you get an afternoon drizzle. Pack light, but smart!
Is Pompeii accessible for people with disability?
Yes, since 2016, Pompeii boasts “Italy’s longest accessible pathway through an archaeological site”, according to their website.
Are pets allowed at Pompeii?
Yes, small fur babies are allowed, but no big dogs and all pets must be on a leash!
Don’t Miss these 7 Sights in Pompeii!
Pompeii is a city that was frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it is easy to see why. Here are some of my favorite sights to see:
The Amphitheater – THis is the oldest amphitheater in Ancient Rome, and probably the rowdiest spot outside of the brothels, as it was the main stage for gladiator fights!
The Forum – This was the main square of Pompeii, and it would have been full of shops, stalls, and ancient temples of Apollo, Venus, etc. While you have to use your imagination for this one, it’s marked by a headless centaur – you can’t miss him!
Pompeii’s Brothel – Yep, the oldest profession known to man was alive and well in Roman times. A little bit hard to find, just follow the phallic-shaped signs in the street and it will lead you right to it. Inside, there is a menu of drawings signifying different positions, as well as fun little graffiti everywhere!
The Preserved Plaster Casts – These casts were created during the excavations of the ruins, and show the final moments of people during the eruption, including dogs, pregnant women, and children. It’s equal parts surreal and morbid, but altogether an intimate feel for the devastation caused by mother nature that day in 79 AD.
The House of the Faun – This is one of the largest and most impressive houses in Pompeii. It gets its name from the statue of a faun that was found in the garden.
Mount Vesuvius – Of course, no visit to Pompeii would be complete without seeing the volcano that destroyed the city. You can drive up to it and hike to the summit for some amazing views.
The Roman Theater – This was used for plays, concerts, and other public events. It has been beautifully restored and is still occasionally used for performances today.
Pompeii is a truly unique place, and there is no other city like it in the world – except maybe Herculaneum! 🙃
