Planning to visit Pompeii, Italy in a Day? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure!
In 2022, we explored the ancient ruins of Pompeii during a special family trip to Italy. We met up with our family there, celebrating the upcoming wedding of our niece. Luckily, her fiancé (now husband!) had visited Pompeii before and shared insider tips that made our day even more memorable.
We drove to Pompeii from the Amalfi Coast, which turned out to be simple and scenic. However, there were a few important things we wish we had known before arriving, especially about parking and entrance gates.
Quick tips from our experience:
- Parking: Convenient lots are available near the main entrances.
- Entrances: Pompeii has more than one! Make sure to choose a clear meeting point if you are meeting others or joining a guide.
- Tickets: We highly recommend buying tickets online in advance to save time and avoid confusion.
Thanks to our family’s insider knowledge, we also discovered some must-see spots inside the archaeological site — and we’ll share them all with you!
Whether you’re planning your first visit to Pompeii, Italy in a Day or just curious about walking through this ancient Roman city, you’re in the right place.
Be sure to read until the end for essential travel tips, ticket advice, and a link to watch our full Pompeii travel vlog!
DISCLOSURE NOTE: Our Blog Post contain few affiliate links to products We personally use, trust, and suggest. These help support our efforts in creating valuable and informative content.
When you make a purchase or engage with our affiliate partners through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support enables us to continue producing quality content and exploring new topics. Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us grow! Sharing is caring ! Click here to learn more.
A Brief History of Pompeii, Italy
Our curiosity about Pompeii, Italy started long before we ever set foot in the ancient city. Like many people, we first learned about Pompeii in school, amazed by the stories of a Roman city frozen in time after a massive volcanic eruption.
Years later, a close friend took an European Cruise that included a stop in Italy and visited Pompeii. After hearing his stories, our interest grew even more! That’s when we decided to watch the movie Pompeii (2014), starring Kit Harington from Game of Thrones. Even though the movie didn’t get amazing reviews, it helped spark our imagination about what it must have been like to walk those ancient streets.
Finally, during our 2022 family trip to Italy, we had the chance to explore Pompeii, Italy in a Day ourselves — and it was everything we hoped for and more!
Pompeii, Italy – From Prosperity to Tragedy
Pompeii was founded around the 7th or 6th century BC by the Oscans. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and location near the Bay of Naples, it grew into a bustling Roman city full of life and commerce.
In 79 AD, everything changed when Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, burying Pompeii under meters of ash and pumice. Life stopped instantly, yet remarkably, many parts of the city were preserved just as they were.
Centuries later, in the 18th century, workers accidentally rediscovered the city while digging a well. Since then, Pompeii has revealed priceless treasures about daily Roman life.
Why Pompeii Is So Fascinating
Today, Pompeii stands as one of Italy’s top archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Visitors can see:
- Beautifully preserved homes and mosaics
- Ancient markets, bakeries, and fast-food stalls
- Temples, forums, and Roman baths
- Casts of residents frozen in their final moments
Walking through Pompeii, Italy in a Day feels like stepping into a real-life time capsule. Every street and building tells a story of a once-thriving city lost to nature but never forgotten.
Sources:
Information for this section was summarized from UNESCO World Heritage – Pompeii and Britannica – Pompeii.
If you’re arriving in Italy by cruise or simply exploring from nearby cities, we highly recommend booking a guided Pompeii tour. You can find trusted options with easy pickup and skip-the-line tickets through our partner GetYourGuide — check them here.
How to Get to Pompeii, Italy
When planning Pompeii, Italy in a Day, we chose to visit the archaeological site during a day trip from the Amalfi Coast.
At the beginning of our Italian adventure, we rented a car in Rome after exploring the city. From there, we drove south to the Amalfi Coast, where we spent four beautiful nights discovering charming villages, relaxing beaches, and delicious local food. We dedicated one day to visit Naples and another full day to explore Pompeii.
If you’re wondering how to get to Pompeii, here are the main options available depending on where you’re coming from:
By Car: From Amalfi, Naples, or Rome
Driving to Pompeii, Italy is a great option if you want flexibility and the freedom to explore the surrounding areas.
- From Amalfi Coast: Driving from towns like Amalfi or Positano to Pompeii usually takes about 1 hour to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- From Naples: If you’re based in Naples, the drive is very short — around 30 minutes to reach Pompeii.
- From Rome: Driving from Rome to Pompeii takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, using the A1/E45 highway heading south. Just a heads-up: our drive from Rome to Amalfi took almost an hour longer than expected because of rain and heavy traffic.
Tips for Driving to Pompeii, Italy:
- Tolls: Expect tolls if you’re driving from Rome or using the main highways. A great tool to calculate toll costs in advance is TollGuru Italy Toll Calculator.
- Parking: There are several paid parking lots close to the main entrances of Pompeii.
While we don’t remember the exact cost from our visit in 2022, recent searches in 2025 show that parking typically costs between €3 and €5 per hour. - Arrive early: Especially during the high season, parking spots near the Porta Marina entrance can fill up quickly. We arrived around 9:00 AM, just as the site opened, and were able to find a good parking spot easily.
- Rental car tip: Picking up your rental car after leaving big cities like Rome saves you from the stress of driving in busy downtown traffic!
If you’re planning to rent a car for your Italian adventure, we recommend checking great rental deals with our trusted partner Auto Europe here. It’s a great way to find the best rates for Rome, Naples, and Amalfi Coast!
Toll Extra Tip:
If you’re planning to drive from Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast to visit Pompeii, Italy in a Day, keep in mind that some highways have tolls. To calculate the estimated toll costs for your trip, you can use tools like TollGuru. It’s a handy way to plan your driving budget in advance!
Public Transportation Options to Pompeii, Italy
If you’re considering public transportation, although we traveled by car, we found there are several convenient ways to reach Pompeii.
If you are in Naples:
- Train: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi Station to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri Station. The ride takes around 35 minutes, and trains depart frequently. You can also check Trenitalia official website for further information.
- Bus: For regional bus services, you can check schedules and tickets on the Busitalia Campania website.FS Bus Italia
From Rome:
- Train: First, take a high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Naples, which takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train as mentioned above.
- Train Tickets: You can book train tickets through the official Trenitalia website or ItaliaRail, which offers 24/7 English-speaking customer support.
To Pompei From the Amalfi Coast:
- Bus: Direct buses from towns like Amalfi or Positano to Pompeii are limited. It’s often more convenient to travel to Naples or Sorrento first and then take the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii.
Extra Tip from Amalfi: If you are staying along the Amalfi Coast, you might be able to reach Pompeii by combining local buses and trains. For instance, buses operated by SITA Sud connect towns like Amalfi and Sorrento to Naples, where you can easily hop onto a train to Pompeii.
When we traveled from the Amalfi Coast to Naples back in 2022, we used a SITA Sud bus and paid only €2 for the ride. However, schedules and prices might change depending on the season and route.
For updated bus schedules and prices, you can:
- Check the official SITA Sud website.
- Or watch our vlog sharing more about our experience traveling by bus in the Amalfi Coast region: Watch it here.
Important Tip: Always check the latest timetable close to your travel date, especially during holidays or weekends when bus frequency can be reduced.
Stress-Free Option: Book a Guided Pompeii Tour
While traveling by car, bus, or train are great options, sometimes you just want everything handled for you — especially when visiting a historic site as vast as Pompeii, Italy in a Day.
If you prefer a stress-free experience with no worries about schedules, parking, or ticket lines, booking a guided Pompeii tour is a fantastic choice!
With a GetYourGuide tour, you can find options to:
- Enjoy comfortable transportation from Rome, Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast.
- Benefit from a knowledgeable local guide who brings Pompeii’s history to life.
- Skip the long ticket lines and make the most of your visit.
- Choose tours that include extras like Mount Vesuvius visits or wine tastings nearby.
We personally used GetYourGuide for tours during our travels in Morocco and Colombia, and we had fantastic experiences. That’s why we confidently recommend them! Another great advantage is that you can read real customer reviews and choose the best tour based on your needs and preferences.
Ready to explore Pompeii without any stress? Find trusted tours with top reviews and flexible options through our partner GetYourGuide here!
Whether you’re staying nearby or arriving on a European cruise, a guided tour will help you experience Pompeii, Italy in a Day in the best possible way.
How to Buy Tickets to Pompeii, Italy
When planning your visit to Pompeii, Italy in a Day, it’s a good idea to secure your tickets in advance — especially during the high season — even though you will find ticket booths at the entrances, we highly recommend buying your ticket ahead of time to avoid lines and ensure a smoother experience.
Before leaving Montreal, we booked our entrance tickets directly through the official Pompeii website. It’s a reliable option where you can check the latest prices, opening hours, and any special exhibitions available during your visit. You can visit the official page here: Pompeii Official Website – Timetables and Tickets.
However, if you prefer more flexibility or want to compare options, there are other excellent platforms to buy your Pompeii tickets:
- GetYourGuide: Offers skip-the-line tickets, guided tours with professional archaeological guides, and real customer reviews to help you pick the perfect experience.
- Tiqets: Another great platform where you can compare prices, find combination tickets, and even bundle your entrance with guided tours.
✨ Pro Tip:
Booking through GetYourGuide or Tiqets allows you to see detailed tour descriptions and customer ratings before making a choice. It’s an excellent way to find experiences that match your interests — whether you want a simple entry ticket or a deep dive into Pompeii’s fascinating past.
When we visited Pompeii, we were lucky to have Nico — our niece’s fiancé at the time (and now husband!) — who is Italian and had already visited Pompeii during school trips. He shared incredible stories and insights as we explored the ruins.
However, after seeing how much history is hidden within those ancient walls, we agreed that we would love to return someday with an expert archaeological guide to uncover even more secrets of this amazing ancient city!
Check the best Pompeii ticket options and guided tours through GetYourGuide here or compare more choices on Tiqets.com!
Where to Stay for Visiting Pompeii, Italy
When we visited Pompeii, Italy in a Day, we chose not to stay in the town of Pompeii itself. Instead, we stayed along the Amalfi Coast, which gave us the chance to explore beautiful coastal villages while traveling with family.
Since we had rented a car, it was easy to reach Pompeii by driving. Plus, staying in Amalfi made it convenient to plan other day trips in the region.
Why You Might Choose to Stay in Pompeii
If you prefer to stay closer to the archaeological site, Pompeii offers several good accommodation options. Some hotels are located just minutes from the entrances and may even provide transport services to the ruins, making your visit much easier.
To help you find the best options, we researched hotels based on:
- Location (close to the archaeological park)
- Guest ratings from Google reviews and Hotels.com
- Comfort and service quality
Hotels Bonus Tip:
If you’re planning a day trip to Pompeii from Rome, check out our complete guide to the Best Places to Stay in Rome here.
Recommended Hotels Near Pompeii
Here are three excellent accommodation options for those planning to stay near the archaeological site of Pompeii. We selected these based on high guest ratings, convenient locations, and the amenities travelers often appreciate the most.
Diana Pompei Hotel – Pompeii, Italy
Hotels.com: 9.0 | Google Rating: 4.4 (April 2025)
Diana Pompei it is a simple yet comfortable hotel and appears to be one of the favorite choices because it’s located just a short walk from the main entrances to the archaeological park. Guests love its friendly atmosphere, convenient location, and excellent value for money. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want easy access to the ruins without needing transportation.
Features include:
- Walking distance to the Pompeii ruins
- Beautiful private garden for relaxation
- Helpful and multilingual staff
- Comfortable, clean rooms with air conditioning
Hotel Forum – Pompeii, Italy
Hotels.com: 9.4 | Google Rating: 4.6 (April 2025)
Hotel Forum Pompeii is a highly rated four-star hotel offering modern comfort right across from the entrance to the Pompeii archaeological site. Guests love its unbeatable location, peaceful gardens, and excellent breakfast. It’s a perfect choice for visitors who want to stay just steps away from ancient history while enjoying great amenities.
Features include:
- Directly across from the main entrance to Pompeii ruins
- Spacious, elegant rooms with garden or city views
- Beautiful private garden and sun terrace
- On-site restaurant offering local Italian cuisine
Resort & Winery Bosco De Medici – Pompeii, Italy
Hotels.com: 9.4 | Google Rating: 4.6 (April 2025)
For a truly unique stay, Resort & Winery Bosco De Medici offers a beautiful resort atmosphere surrounded by vineyards. Located just a few minutes from Pompeii’s archaeological site, this resort blends luxury, relaxation, and local wine culture for a perfect vacation. Many guests appreciate the peaceful setting after a day exploring the ruins.
Features include:
- Outdoor pool and peaceful garden areas
- On-site winery offering tastings and tours
- Modern rooms with private terraces
- Shuttle service available to Pompeii ruins
Things to Do in Pompeii, Italy: What to See Inside the Archaeological Park
Before we dive into the list of things to do in Pompeii, Italy, I’d like to point out that when planning your visit to Pompeii, Italy in a Day, it’s important to know there is more than one entrance to the archaeological site.
We personally entered through Porta Marina, one of the main entrances located near the train station and parking areas. However, some of our family members entered through a different gate without realizing it! Because we were using our Airalo eSIM cards, we managed to stay connected and quickly arranged a meeting point inside Pompeii — otherwise, it would have been much more complicated.
Extra Tip:
If you’re visiting Pompeii with friends or family, make sure you coordinate the entrance ahead of time!
Also, for those who love planning ahead, you can download the official Pompeii map from their website. It’s very helpful to study the main sites before visiting:
Download the official Pompeii map here.
Now, based on our experience starting from Porta Marina, here’s a list of the top sites and attractions we recommend seeing during your day at Pompeii:
Highlights of What to See in Pompeii, Italy
1. Porta Marina Entrance
The historic entrance once used by travelers and merchants arriving from the port of Pompeii. It’s a symbolic way to start your journey into the ancient city!
2. Pompeii Antiquarium (Museum)
One of the best spots to visit first!
Inside, you’ll see original artifacts, mosaics, statues, and the haunting plaster casts of people and animals who perished during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
3. The Forum
The heart of Pompeii’s public life.
You’ll find the ruins of markets, government buildings, and important temples surrounded by impressive views of Mount Vesuvius.
4. Temple of Apollo
One of the oldest temples in Pompeii, dedicated to the god Apollo.
You’ll recognize the standing columns and statues that are some of the most photographed parts of the ruins.
5. Basilica
Located just off the Forum, the Basilica was used for business transactions and legal matters — a symbol of Pompeii’s sophistication.
6. Santuario di Venere (Sanctuary of Venus)
You’ll find the remains of a beautiful sanctuary dedicated to Venus, goddess of love and protector of Pompeii.
7. House of the Faun
One of Pompeii’s most luxurious residences, famous for its grand size and the famous “Alexander Mosaic” found inside.
8. Casa della Fontana Grande (House of the Large Fountain)
Marked as site 23 on the official map, this house is well known for its beautiful fountain decorated with colorful mosaics.
9. Casa di Romolo e Remo (House of Romulus and Remus)
Found near Regio VII, Insula 10 (marked 4b), the Casa di Romolo e Remo (House of Romulus and Remus) references the mythological founders of Rome. It’s a fascinating connection between history and legend.
10. House of the Menander
A stunning private house decorated with beautiful frescoes.
It belonged to a wealthy citizen, possibly connected to the entertainment world of Pompeii.
11. Thermopolium of Asellina
One of the many ancient “fast-food” restaurants where locals used to grab a hot meal. Recently restored and beautifully preserved.
12. Amphitheater of Pompeii
The oldest surviving Roman amphitheater!
It could hold up to 20,000 spectators and hosted gladiator fights and public events.
13. Palestra Grande (The Large Gymnasium)
Located next to the amphitheater, this space was used for athletic training and socializing by young citizens.
14. Garden of the Fugitives (Giardino dei Fuggiaschi)
One of the most emotional parts of Pompeii, where the plaster casts of fleeing victims are preserved in situ, showing the tragedy of the eruption.
15. Bakery of Popidius Priscus (Panificio di Popidius Priscus)
An incredible site where you can see the remains of ancient ovens and mills, showcasing how bread was made and sold in ancient times.
Lia & Serge from Discovering Destinations
Discovering Destinations: Travel Tools & Planning Tips
Traveling is exciting—but a well-planned trip can make the experience smoother and more affordable. We’ve learned through years of travel that starting early helps you find the best deals, avoid stress, and make the most of your time.
Use trusted tools to compare prices, read real traveler reviews, and book with confidence. From flights and hotels to eSIMs and local tours, these platforms have helped us—and now they can help you too.
Download the Official Pompeii Map
If you want to plan your own route or get familiar with the different entrances and major sites before your trip, we highly recommend downloading the official Pompeii map in PDF format.
It’s a great way to study the park in advance, especially if you’re traveling with family or planning to meet others inside.
What to Wear and Bring When Visiting Pompeii, Italy
When visiting Pompeii, Italy in a Day, being well-prepared makes a huge difference in your experience.
We visited Pompeii on a gorgeous sunny day in June 2022. The weather was beautiful but also very warm, with temperatures reaching around 28°C (82°F). Walking for hours under the sun among the ancient stones can be tiring if you’re not dressed comfortably!
A Quick Look at Pompeii’s Weather by Season:
- Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant, temperatures around 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Occasional rain.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, often 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F). Little shade inside the ruins.
- Fall (September-November): Warm early fall, cooler later. Temperatures between 17°C to 25°C (62°F to 77°F).
- Winter (December-February): Cooler and wetter, temperatures between 8°C and 15°C (46°F to 59°F).
Sources for weather info:
- World Weather Online – Pompeii Climate
- Cross-checked with Pompeii official website Pompeiisites.org
Extra Tip:
Summer months can get very hot, and there’s very limited shade inside the archaeological site. Winter visits may require a raincoat and waterproof shoes.
Essentials to Wear and Bring Based on Our Experience:
During our visit, we realized a few key items made all the difference for comfort and enjoyment:
• Comfortable Shoes:
The streets are paved with uneven, original Roman stones, which can be slippery and tough on the feet. Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers are essential.
• Hat and Sunscreen:
With little shade inside Pompeii, a sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen are crucial. We even saw visitors using umbrellas to protect themselves from the strong sun!
• Sunglasses:
Don’t forget a great sunglasses to protect your eyes during those long walks under the sun.
• Reusable Water Bottle:
There are a few water fountains (potable taps) scattered around the site. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated. You can spot these taps in our travel vlog too!
• Lightweight Backpack:
A small lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying water, sunscreen, snacks, and your essentials.
• Snacks:
Nico, our family member, was smart enough to bring a small sandwich to eat inside.
Although there are some restaurants and snack bars inside the site (like the one near Porta Marina entrance), bringing a small snack is very helpful, especially if you’re visiting with kids.
• Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer:
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer it’s always useful when bathrooms are limited or after eating snacks on the go.
Respect the Site:
If you do bring food or drinks, always remember to dispose of your trash properly. Pompeii is a priceless historical treasure — let’s help preserve it for future generations.
Usually we even carry some
Final Tips: FAQ About Visiting Pompeii, Italy
Before wrapping up our Pompeii, Italy in a Day guide, we thought it would be helpful to answer some of the most common questions travelers have — with a few personal tips based on our experience!
Is one day enough to visit Pompeii?
Yes, but plan wisely!
We spent almost a full day there, and although we didn’t see absolutely everything, we covered all the major highlights.
Our tip: Start early in the morning, wear comfortable shoes, and list your must-see sites ahead of time.
How much walking is involved?
A lot!
Expect several kilometers of walking on uneven, original Roman stone streets.
Our tip: Bring a reusable water bottle, take breaks, and wear sturdy walking shoes to stay comfortable all day.
Is Pompeii accessible for people with reduced mobility?
It’s improving, but parts are still challenging.
Pompeii offers accessible routes with ramps and smoother paths marked on the official map.
Our tip: If you need assistance, check the Pompeii accessibility page before visiting and plan your route carefully.
Can you buy food and drinks inside Pompeii?
Yes, but choices are limited.
There’s a café and restaurant near the Porta Marina entrance. However, our family member Nico brought a small sandwich, which was a great idea.
Our tip: Bring snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids, and plenty of water to stay energized.
Do you need a guided tour?
Not mandatory — but highly recommended!
We explored Pompeii on our own, guided by family insights. However, after seeing the richness of the site, we totally believe a professional archaeological guide would make the experience even better.
Our tip: Check highly-rated tours on GetYourGuide for a deeper experience!
Can you visit Mount Vesuvius on the same day?
Yes, you can!
After exploring Pompeii, it’s possible to drive or join a tour to Mount Vesuvius.
Our tip: Plan about 2 extra hours for the climb. Bring good shoes, water, and enjoy the spectacular view over Naples!
Where can you find the official Pompeii map before visiting?
You can easily download the map in PDF format from the official Pompeii website.
Our tip: Study the map before your visit to plan your route and avoid getting lost inside the huge park!
Click here to download the official Pompeii map
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Visit to Pompeii
Visiting Pompeii, Italy in a Day is truly like stepping back in time. Walking through ancient streets, discovering hidden frescoes, and imagining life before the eruption is an experience we’ll never forget.
We hope our tips and personal experiences help you plan an amazing visit of your own!
For even more inspiration, practical tips, and a closer look at what it’s really like to explore Pompeii, don’t miss our travel vlog!
Click here to watch our Pompeii vlog on YouTube
Thank you so much for reading — and if you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment. We love connecting with fellow travelers and helping you plan unforgettable adventures!
