Pompeii travel guide

Pompeii is not a small collection of ruins. The excavated city covers long ancient streets with houses, baths, temples, theatres and an amphitheatre. A first visit should choose a route rather than trying to enter every open building.

Official visiting information was checked on 28 August 2026. Timed access, daily visitor controls, named tickets, open buildings and route changes can be updated, so the park website should be checked again for the actual visit date.

Choose the entrance

Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and other entrances suit different routes and transport arrivals. Confirm where the ticket and accessible itinerary should begin.

Build a site route

The Forum, theatres, selected houses and amphitheatre are spread across the city. Use the official map and current open-building list instead of walking back and forth.

Follow site rules

The official regulations note uneven paving, height changes and fragile areas. Comfortable footwear, water and attention to marked routes are essential. Bag limits and ticket rules should be checked before arrival.

A focused Pompeii visit

1. First hour: enter through the chosen gate and orient with the official map.
2. Middle of the visit: focus on the Forum area, baths and a small number of open houses.
3. Final section: continue toward the theatres or amphitheatre according to the exit and energy available.
4. After the site: allow time to reach the station without attaching another major archaeological visit.

Getting there

Different rail operators and stations serve the modern town and archaeological entrances. Check which station matches the selected gate. Naples and Sorrento are common bases, while long-distance trains normally require a change.

Getting around

Movement inside the park is on foot along ancient streets. Routes, open houses and exits can change. Use the official map and staff directions, and avoid assuming that every marked building is open.

Food to look for

Eat before or after the visit rather than planning around a full meal inside. Carry water within current rules and use designated facilities. Pompei town has cafés and restaurants outside the entrances.

When to visit

Spring and autumn suit long outdoor visits. Summer heat is serious on exposed streets. Winter brings rain and slippery surfaces, with shorter daylight.

Accessible travel

The park’s Pompeii for All route begins at Piazza Anfiteatro and covers a long adapted itinerary, but official guidance still notes slopes, small height changes and ancient paving. Confirm the current map and assistance before travel.

Practical limits

Date-sensitive information must come from the Archaeological Park. Do not rely on old ticket prices, opening hours or lists of open houses. The site requires significant physical effort even on a shortened route.

Nearby places

The National Archaeological Museum in Naples provides valuable context. Herculaneum is a separate site and should not be added automatically to the same day. Mount Vesuvius access depends on separate official arrangements.

Places to add to your map

• Porta Marina: Major entrance near the Forum side.
• Piazza Anfiteatro: Entrance used for the Pompeii for All route.
• Forum: Central civic area within the ancient city.
• Amphitheatre: Large venue toward the eastern excavation area.

Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider Italy trip.

Continue planning

• Plan Campania
• Use Naples as a base
• Use Sorrento as a base
• Compare ancient Rome

Questions about Pompeii

How long should I spend at Pompeii?

Four hours allows a focused route. A longer visit can cover more houses and public buildings, but the terrain and exposure make breaks important.

Do I need to book Pompeii in advance?

Official entry arrangements can use named and timed tickets. Check the Archaeological Park website for the current date and authorised seller.

Is Pompeii accessible to wheelchair users?

The Pompeii for All itinerary improves access to major parts of the site, but slopes and ancient surfaces remain. Use the current official map and entrance guidance.