How to Get to Pompeii (from Naples, Sorrento & Amalfi Coast)

Pompeii is one of those places that stays with you. The first time I walked through the ancient streets, I remember how quiet everything felt, even with thousands of visitors around.

It is strange to stand inside houses that look frozen in time, or to see the colors of frescoes that survived under ash for almost two thousand years.

Because it is so close to Naples, Sorrento, and even the Amalfi Coast, it is also one of the easiest day trips in the region. If you’re planning to visit Pompeii as a day trip and want to understand timing, pacing, and how long to spend inside, I put everything together in this Pompeii day trip guide.

Still, figuring out the best way to get there can feel messy the first time you try. Multiple train lines, several entrances, and slow buses along the coast don’t make planning straightforward.

This guide breaks everything down in a simple way. You’ll find the pros and cons of each transport option, the easiest routes from every major base, and the tours that remove all the stress if you prefer a smooth, guided day.

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii sits in the Campania region, roughly halfway between Naples and Sorrento. Because it is so close to both cities, it is one of the easiest major archaeological sites to reach in Italy.

Distances and travel times:

• Naples → Pompeii: about 30 minutes by car, around 35 minutes by train (17 miles / 27.6 km)
• Sorrento → Pompeii: about 50 minutes by car, around 35 minutes by train (18 miles / 28.6 km)
• Amalfi Coast → Pompeii: 1.5 to 2 hours depending on where you are staying (around 22–36 km)

Public transport usually takes a bit longer, especially from the Amalfi Coast, where you need to combine buses or ferries with the train.

How to Get to Pompeii at a Glance

From Naples:
The Circumvesuviana train is the fastest and cheapest option. A guided tour is best if you want zero logistics.

From Sorrento:
The same train line is the easiest way. Tours are great if you prefer door-to-door transport.

From the Amalfi Coast:
Public transport is the most budget-friendly but takes time. A tour is usually the simplest option.

From Naples

Naples is the easiest base for visiting Pompeii. You can reach the site by local train, drive or take a taxi, or join a guided tour that includes transport and a visit with a licensed guide.

Naples to Pompeii by train (Most Popular Option)

The most popular way to travel from Naples to Pompeii is by local train. You take the Circumvesuviana line from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi (the lower-level station under Napoli Centrale) to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.

Trains usually run about every 30 minutes from as early as 5.40 AM. The journey takes around 35 minutes, and tickets are under €4. You can buy them at the EAV ticket office or from the self-service machines at Napoli Piazza Garibaldi.

Pompei Scavi station is right next to one of the main entrances to the archaeological park. When you get off the train, you cross the street and follow the signs for the ruins.

Pros
✓ Cheap and fast compared to other options
✓ Direct route with no changes on the way
✓ You arrive right next to the main entrance of the ruins

Cons
✕ No A/C always, so it can be very hot and stuffy in summer
✕ Trains are often crowded and you might have to stand
✕ It is a basic commuter train, not a scenic or particularly comfortable ride

Other train options

Besides the Circumvesuviana, there are a couple of alternatives you can consider.

• Campania Express is a more comfortable tourist service on the same route, with fewer stops and reserved seats. The journey takes a similar time, but tickets are more expensive, at around €17.
• Trenitalia also runs regional trains from Napoli Centrale to Pompei station, which is in the modern town. From there, you either walk longer to the ruins or change to the Circumvesuviana to reach Pompei Scavi, which is the closest station to the site.

Naples to Pompeii by car or taxi

If you prefer door-to-door convenience, you can drive yourself or take a taxi from Naples to Pompeii. The drive takes about 30 minutes in light traffic.

There is a small official car park at the ruins, but spaces are limited and often full in high season. A more realistic option is to leave your car in one of the private parking lots near Porta Marina Superiore, the main entrance.

Parking Zeus is the closest option, just a short walk from the gate. Other nearby choices include EuroParking Turistico and Maxi Parking, both about 10 minutes from the site. Some of these lots only accept cash, so it is a good idea to have some on you.

Renting a car in Naples for the day usually starts at around €45, while a taxi can cost roughly €85–€100 one way. Some drivers offer a fixed round-trip price that includes waiting time while you visit the site, which can work out better than paying for two separate rides.

Pros
✓ Flexible schedule. You decide when to leave and how long to stay
✓ Very convenient for families and groups
✓ With a taxi, you do not have to worry about driving, directions, or parking

Cons
✕ Naples traffic is heavy and can be stressful if you are not used to it
✕ Parking around the ruins is limited and tricky in peak season
✕ Taxis are expensive, and you may need to arrange your return time in advance

Naples to Pompeii with a guided tour

If you do not want to deal with train schedules, tickets, or driving, joining a guided tour from Naples is the most straightforward option. Transport is included, and you usually get skip-the-line entrance and a guided visit of the site.

Many tours also combine Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius. Some add a pizza lunch or a winery stop on the slopes of the volcano, which turns the day into a fuller experience rather than just a quick visit.

Here are some solid options for Pompeii tours from Naples:

*Prices are approximate and based on current 2026 listings. Always check live rates when you book.

Pros
✓ No logistics. transport, tickets, and guiding are handled for you
✓ You get context and stories from a licensed guide instead of wandering on your own
✓ Easy way to visit both Pompeii and Vesuvius in one day

Cons

✕ More expensive than arranging everything on your own
✕ Fixed schedule with less flexibility on timing
✕ You share the experience with other travelers unless you book a private tour

---

From Sorrento

Sorrento is another very easy base for visiting Pompeii. You can reach the ruins by local train, drive or take a taxi, or book a guided tour that includes transportation and a visit with a licensed guide.

Sorrento to Pompeii by train (Most Popular)

The simplest way to get from Sorrento to Pompeii is by local train. You take the Circumvesuviana line from Sorrento’s train station to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, which is the stop right by the ruins.

The journey takes around 35 minutes and there are frequent departures throughout the day. Tickets are usually under €5 and you buy them at the station before boarding.

Because this is a commuter train used by locals, it can get crowded and you might have to stand. If you want a better chance at a seat, avoid rush hour, aim for mid-morning after 9.30 AM, and return before 4 PM.

Pros
✓ Cheapest way to travel between Sorrento and Pompeii
✓ Fast and direct, with no changes on the way
✓ You arrive at Pompei Scavi station, right across from the main entrance

Cons
✕ Trains can be very crowded in high season
✕ No A/C on many trains, so it can feel hot and stuffy in summer
✕ Basic commuter service, not especially comfortable or scenic

Sorrento to Pompeii by car or taxi

If you prefer more comfort and flexibility, you can drive from Sorrento to Pompeii or hire a taxi. The drive usually takes 45–50 minutes, and the road out of Sorrento is quite scenic, with views over the Bay of Naples before you join the highway.

Once you arrive, you can try the small official lot by the ruins, but spaces are limited and often full in high season. Most visitors use the private parking lots around Porta Marina, the main entrance.

Parking Zeus is the closest option to Porta Marina. EuroParking Turistico and Maxi Parking are also nearby, about a 10-minute walk from the site. Some lots only accept cash, so it is a good idea to have some euros with you.

The price of a rental car in Sorrento can be quite high in peak season and often starts around €70 per day. A taxi to Pompeii usually costs about €100 one way, though many drivers offer fixed round-trip rates that include waiting time while you visit.

Pros
✓ Very flexible timing, you decide exactly when to leave and come back
✓ Great if you want to pair Pompeii with another stop, like Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum
✓ Comfortable option for families and groups, especially with luggage
✓ With a taxi, you do not have to drive or worry about parking

Cons
✕ Parking in and around Pompeii is stressful in high season
✕ Driving in this area can be intense, with busy traffic and narrow roads
✕ Renting a car comes with extra costs like fuel, tolls, and parking
✕ Taxis are expensive compared to the train

Sorrento to Pompeii on a guided tour

If you prefer not to deal with train tickets, parking, or planning, a guided tour from Sorrento is the easiest option. Transportation is included, and most tours add skip-the-line entry plus a guided walk through the ruins.

You can choose a shorter half-day focused only on Pompeii, a full-day that also includes Mount Vesuvius, or even a private experience that adds a winery stop and Herculaneum. Use the comparison table below to see the main differences at a glance.

These are some of the best-rated Pompeii tours from Sorrento:

*Prices are approximate and based on recent 2025 listings. Always check live rates when you book.

Pros
✓ No logistics. Transport, tickets, and guiding are organized for you
✓ You get context and stories instead of walking the ruins on your own
✓ Easy way to combine Pompeii with Vesuvius or a winery stop in one day

Cons
✕ More expensive than arranging the trip independently
✕ Fixed schedule, with less flexibility on timing
✕ You share the experience with other travelers unless you pick a private tour

---

From the Amalfi Coast

If you are staying in Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Ravello, or any of the nearby towns, visiting Pompeii is a very doable day trip. You can reach the ruins by bus + train, by ferry + train in summer, by car or taxi, or on a guided tour that handles all transportation for you.

Amalfi Coast to Pompeii by bus and train

This is the most budget-friendly option, but it requires a connection. You first take the local SITA bus from your town to Sorrento, then switch to the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.

The total travel time varies between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes depending on where you start. Buses on the Amalfi Coast can be very crowded and slow in high season, especially on the stretch between Positano and Sorrento, so you will need a lot of patience.

Pros
✓ Cheapest way to reach Pompeii from the coast
✓ Frequent services between towns and Sorrento
✓ You arrive at the train station right across from the ruins

Cons
✕ Buses are often packed and may run late in peak season (or might not pick you up if they are already full)
✕ Standing for part of the journey is common
✕ Multiple steps: bus to Sorrento + train to Pompeii
✕ Longest travel time of all options

Amalfi Coast to Pompeii by ferry and train (summer only)

In summer, ferries run between Positano, Amalfi, and other towns on the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. If you prefer to avoid the winding coastal road, the ferry can be a more pleasant way to reach Sorrento before switching to the train for Pompeii.

The ferry takes around 30–45 minutes depending on your departure point. From Sorrento, you walk uphill to the train station (10–15 minutes) and take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi.

Pros
✓ Scenic, comfortable, and not affected by road traffic
✓ Often faster than the bus in high season
✓ A great choice if you get motion sick on winding roads

Cons
✕ Only available in the warmer months
✕ More expensive than the bus
✕ Still requires a switch to the train in Sorrento
✕ Ferry schedules are limited outside peak season

Amalfi Coast to Pompeii by car or taxi

Driving from the Amalfi Coast to Pompeii usually takes between 60 and 80 minutes depending on your town and traffic.

The route is via the SS163 coastal road and/or the A3 highway depending on where you are based. The road out of Positano and Amalfi can be slow and narrow, especially in summer.

Once you reach Pompeii, you can park at one of the private lots near Porta Marina. Parking Zeus is the closest to the entrance. Other nearby options include Maxi Parking and EuroParking Turistico, about a 10-minute walk from the ruins.

Driving gives you the most flexibility, but you might prefer not to deal with the busy coastal roads. In this case, hiring a taxi or private driver is much more comfortable. A one-way taxi from Positano or Amalfi to Pompeii typically starts at around €120–€150 depending on the town and season.

Pros
✓ Fastest way to reach Pompeii
✓ Total flexibility with timing and additional stops
✓ Comfortable door-to-door option with a taxi or private driver
✓ Good for families and groups

Cons
✕ Coastal driving can be stressful and slow in high season
✕ Parking near Pompeii fills up quickly
✕ Taxi fares are high compared to public transport
✕ Renting a car on the coast is expensive in summer

Amalfi Coast to Pompeii on a guided tour (easiest Option)

If you want the easiest option, a guided tour from the Amalfi Coast is the most seamless choice. Transportation is included from towns like Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Ravello, Maiori, or Minori, and most tours include skip-the-line tickets and a guided walk through the ruins.

You can choose a tour that includes only Pompeii, or a full-day that adds Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum. A private tour is ideal if you prefer a slower pace or want to customize the itinerary.

These are three excellent options to compare:

*Prices are approximate and based on recent 2025 listings. Always check live rates when you book.

Pros
✓ No planning. Transportation, tickets, and timing are handled for you
✓ A guide makes the ruins much easier to understand
✓ Great for travelers who want a smooth, comfortable day

Cons

✕ Most expensive option overall
✕ Less flexibility unless you book a private tour
✕ Full-day tours can feel long in the summer heat