Visiting Herculaneum — Opening Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Planning Your Visit to Herculaneum

Herculaneum (Ercolano in Italian) is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD — the same disaster that destroyed Pompeii — Herculaneum was sealed under a deep layer of volcanic material that preserved wooden furniture, food, textiles, and even the upper stories of buildings. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Getting to Herculaneum

Herculaneum is located in the modern town of Ercolano, about 10 kilometers southeast of Naples city center. It is easily reached by public transport.

• By train: The Circumvesuviana commuter railway runs from Naples Garibaldi station (beneath Napoli Centrale) to Ercolano Scavi station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From the station, it is a 10-minute walk downhill to the site entrance.
• By car: If driving, follow the A3 motorway toward Salerno and take the Ercolano exit. Parking is available near the site, though spaces can fill up during peak season.
• By tour bus: Many organized tours from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast include Herculaneum as a stop, sometimes combined with Pompeii or Vesuvius.

Opening Hours

Herculaneum follows a seasonal schedule:

• April to October: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
• November to March: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)

The site is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Hours may be adjusted on other public holidays. Always verify current times on the official Parco Archeologico di Ercolano website before your visit, as schedules can change.

Tickets and Prices

• Standard adult admission: approximately 13 euros
• Reduced rate (EU citizens aged 18-24): approximately 2 euros
• Free entry: EU citizens under 18, and all visitors on the first Sunday of each month (during certain periods)
• Combined tickets: A multi-site ticket covering Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Boscoreale is available and valid for three consecutive days

Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance. During peak season (June through September), buying tickets online is recommended to avoid queues at the ticket office.

What to See at Herculaneum

Despite being smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum offers an extraordinarily rich experience. Key highlights include:

• The Suburban Baths: Among the best-preserved Roman bath complexes anywhere, with intact marble floors, mosaics, and heating systems
• The House of the Deer (Casa dei Cervi): An elegant seaside villa with a garden, sculptures, and views toward the ancient shoreline
• The College of the Augustales: A shrine to the cult of Emperor Augustus, featuring remarkably well-preserved frescoes
• The Boat Houses (Fornici): Arched chambers along the ancient shoreline where over 300 skeletons were discovered — people who had fled to the waterfront hoping to escape by sea
• The House of the Wooden Partition: Notable for its preserved wooden screen dividing the atrium from the tablinum, a survival almost unheard of at other Roman sites
• The Palaestra: A large exercise ground with a cross-shaped swimming pool

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Early morning (arriving at opening time) or late afternoon offers the smallest crowds. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. The spring and autumn months (April-May, September-October) combine pleasant weather with moderate visitor numbers.

Wear comfortable shoes: The site has uneven ancient paving stones, ramps, and steps. Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers are essential. Heels and flimsy sandals are not suitable.

Bring water and sun protection: There is limited shade within the ruins. In summer, temperatures can be intense. Carry a refillable water bottle, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.

Audio guides and guided tours: An official audio guide is available for rent at the entrance and is worthwhile for understanding the significance of what you are seeing. Guided tours led by licensed archaeologists or historians provide even deeper context and can be arranged in advance or sometimes at the entrance.

Photography: Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the site. Tripods and professional equipment may require a special permit.

Accessibility: Herculaneum has limited wheelchair accessibility due to its archaeological nature. The site involves steep ramps at the entrance, uneven surfaces, and stairs. Visitors with mobility difficulties should contact the site in advance to discuss access options.

Combining Herculaneum with Other Sites

Many visitors pair Herculaneum with other attractions in the area. Pompeii is a 30-minute train ride farther along the Circumvesuviana line. Mount Vesuvius can be reached by bus from Ercolano, making a combined Herculaneum-Vesuvius day entirely feasible. The Naples National Archaeological Museum, which houses many of the finest artifacts removed from both Herculaneum and Pompeii, is an essential complement to any visit to the ruins themselves.