Naples to Pompeii — Complete Travel Guide & Getting There

Naples to Pompeii: The Easy Connection

Naples is the natural base for visiting Pompeii, and the connection between the two is straightforward. Whether by train, bus, or car, you can be at the entrance to the archaeological park within 30-45 minutes of leaving central Naples.

By Circumvesuviana Train (Recommended)

The Circumvesuviana commuter rail is the most popular and convenient way to reach Pompeii from Naples. The service is operated by EAV (Ente Autonomo Volturno).

How to Find the Station

The Circumvesuviana terminal is located in the lower level of Naples Garibaldi station, which is directly adjacent to the main Naples Centrale station. Follow signs for "Circumvesuviana" — the entrance is through a somewhat nondescript stairway.

The Journey

• Direction: Take the train toward Sorrento (not Sarno or Poggiomarino)
• Your stop: Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri (do not confuse with "Pompei Santuario")
• Duration: Approximately 35 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes approximately
• Fare: ~EUR3.60 (one way)

Tips for the Circumvesuviana

• Buy tickets at the station from ticket machines or the counter
• Validate your ticket before boarding by stamping it at the validation machine
• Watch your belongings — the trains can be crowded and petty theft is not uncommon
• Stand near the doors as your stop approaches — the train can be packed, and stops are brief
• Check the schedule before traveling, as service can be irregular, especially on weekends

By Bus

Busitalia operates bus services between Naples and Pompeii. Buses depart from Piazza Garibaldi and the journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a viable alternative when the Circumvesuviana is disrupted.

By Car

The drive from Naples to Pompeii takes approximately 30-45 minutes via the A3 motorway (take the Pompei Ovest exit). Traffic in the Naples area can be notoriously congested, especially during rush hours and on summer weekends.

Combining Pompeii with Other Attractions

Staying in Naples gives you easy access to multiple world-class attractions:

Attraction	From Naples	Transport
Pompeii	35 min	Circumvesuviana
Herculaneum	20 min	Circumvesuviana
Mount Vesuvius	50 min	Bus from Ercolano
Naples Archaeological Museum	In city	Metro Line 1
Amalfi Coast	1.5-2 hours	SITA bus or ferry
Capri	50 min	Ferry from Molo Beverello

A recommended multi-day itinerary from Naples: Day 1: Naples and the Archaeological Museum. Day 2: Pompeii (full day). Day 3: Herculaneum + Vesuvius hike. Day 4: Amalfi Coast or Capri.