How to Organize a Day Trip to Pompeii from Naples
Pompeii needs no introduction. We are talking about one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world. Almost 2000 years ago, Mount Vesuvius erupted and covered the thriving Roman city. Today, you can see it all in great condition!
The place is huge and incredible. UNESCO included it, together with Herculaneum and the Torre Annunziata, in its list of World Heritage Sites. We prepared this post with the information you need to explore Pompeii. No worries, it’s very easy to organize a day trip from Naples!
How to Get to Pompeii
By Train
We always take the Circumvesuviana line that departs from Naples Porta Nolana Station. You can also board at Napoli Piazza Garibaldi, under Napoli Centrale Station (same station, different level). It arrives at Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri station, super close to the remains. The trip takes 40 minutes and costs some 4US$.
From March to October you can also take the Campania Express. This train leaves four times a day, costs 6$, and is a bit faster.
By Car
You can drive there in approximately 30 minutes. Take Road A3 that goes from Naples to Palermo and exit at Pompei Ovest. You will have to pay a toll and then parking. That’s way the train makes more sense. Expect if you want to explore a wider area, or travelling with a group.
If you decide to spend the night, as you should, the two hotels we recommend have free parking and are super close to the remains.
By Organized Tour
If you don’t feel like going on your own, we have great suggestions for you. This tour is the easiest and fastest way to go. It includes pick up from selected places in Naples, transportation on a private bus, skip the line tickets, guided tour in several languages, and drop off.
However, this tour is to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in 8 hours! It includes pick up, ticket, transportation, guided tours, and pizza for lunch! Seeing the remains and then the volcano is an unforgettable experience.
Now, for those of you who want to go to Amalfi, we suggest this tour. It takes approximately 8 hours and includes the remains and the best of the Amalfi coast.
What to Do in Pompeii
Explore the Archaeological Park
Porta Marina is the closest entrance to Pompei Scavi Train Station, where the Circumvesuviana arrives. The park opens from 9 AM to 5 PM from November 1st to March 31st. From March to October it closes at 7 PM. If you are visiting in the summer, try to go as early as possible or in the afternoon. The heat in Pompeii can be too much.
There are several types of tickets. The Pompeii Express Ticket is the basic one that grants access to the remains but not the suburban villas. The Pompeii Plus Ticket includes the Villas. The 3 day ticket gives you access to more villas and the museum. Plus you can use it for three days.
Forum of Pompeii
Once you enter, you will walk along Via Marina to the massive Forum of Pompeii. It was the city’s epicenter. You will see several structures, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Basilica. Besides, the views of Mount Vesuvius from the forum will take your breath away.
House of the Faun
The 2nd Century BC House of the Faun is the grandest and most lavish ancient house you will see in Pompeii, and probably in the world. It’s some 32000 square feet (3000 m2) big. Notice the elegant colonnades and atriums. It used to home the Alexandre Mosaic, now in display at the Naples Archaeological Museum.
Lupanar
The Lupanar was Pompeii’s brothel! The 2 floor building homes 10 rooms, 5 in each floor. Each room has a stone bed. However, what makes the Lupanar fascinating is its paintings. These show the services provided. Our favorite is the one of Priapus, the god of fertility. Yes, he has two male organs!
Stabian Baths
The Stabian Baths is one of the oldest structures in Pompeii. It’s in great condition too. People used the two floor compound to bathe. It’s got a section for women and one for men in the ground floor, while the changing and resting rooms are upstairs. Beautiful frescoes cover the baths.
Teatro Grande
The Teatro Grande is one of the most elegant and impressive ancient theatres in the world. It’s the biggest in Pompeii. Experts consider its acoustic perfect. So much, that every year from June to July the Pompeii Theatrum Mundi Festival takes place in the theatre.
Odeon – Amphitheater
The other theatre in Pompeii is much smaller but equally beautiful. The Odeon had a capacity of 1500 people, while the Grande of up to 6000. Thus, it was used for smaller performances and acts. Notice the inscriptions the line the walls around the theatre.
Praedia of Giulia Felice
The Praedia is one of the best preserved mansions in Pompeii. It belonged to a wealthy upper crust woman, Giulia Felice. The house is huge and has elaborate frescoes.
Mother and Child
You will see the calcinated remains of people all around Pompeii. Actually, you can even see the remains of a dog! The ones that impressed us the most were the remains of a mother holding her child. When the volcano erupted, she tried to protect her child and died.
If You Still Have Time
Go all the Way to Villa dei Misteri
Walk to the northern edge of Pompeii to the Villa dei Misteri, another fabulous mansion preserved by the ashes. What sets this one apart is its frescoes, considered by experts the best in Pompeii. Besides, it’s one of the less crowded places in the park, even in summer.
Visit the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei
Please take note that the Shrine of the Virgin of the Rosary is not within the archaeological remains but outside, in the town of Pompeii. If you think the 19th Century’s façade is stunning, wait till you get inside. The painting of the Virgin of the Rosary is superb. Catholics from all over the country visit the temple to pray, so be respectful and enjoy the more authentic side of Italy.
Spend the Night or Two in Pompeii
We strongly recommend spending at least one night in Pompeii. Pompeii is so big and fascinating that you will end up your day exhausted. Another option is to spend the night, wake up early, and be amongst the first to visit the site. Besides, the crowds leave early in the evening, so you will get to experience this authentic Italian town.
We stayed at the Hotel del Sole, directly in front of the entrance to the site. In fact, the top floor rooms have views over the remains and Mount Vesuvius! However, the hotel is super quiet and has a lovely garden. Free parking and delicious complimentary breakfast!
Another option is the Hotel Forum, also in front of the entrance to the site. The top floor rooms have memorable views. It has a garden too, and free parking and breakfast.
