Naples to Pompeii by train
For most visitors the Circumvesuviana is the usual train for Pompeii. It is the regional line of EAV that runs around Mount Vesuvius. Train and local bus are usually simpler than a car, because the archaeological site has several entrances.
Two stations matter. Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri is the stop built for the ruins. The station called Pompei belongs to the modern town and is not automatically the right starting point for the entrance you want. The entrance printed on your ticket or tour voucher decides which one to use.
Which way suits you
Pompeii is a day trip from several bases. These are the main routes.
| From | Main route | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Naples | Circumvesuviana train | Pick the stop that matches your entrance and check the timetable. |
| Sorrento | Local train | Guided train trips also start at Sorrento station. |
| Rome | High-speed train or coach, then a local connection | A fast train does not run to the park gate, so plan a second leg. |
| Naples airport (NAP) | Transfer to the city, then train | See the airport section below for the planned closure. |
| Own car | Road to the town of Pompei | Useful for the villas outside the main site. Not needed for the ruins. |
For most people arriving on their own, the train is the simpler choice. A guided option that includes transport is easier if you do not want to plan connections yourself.
Our pick: train and entry in one booking
Return train tickets and skip-the-line entry from Naples in one booking; add the guided option if you want a guide too.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Pompeii tours with transport
Day trips by bus, train and transfer from Naples, Rome and Sorrento, with live prices and availability.
Getting to Pompeii by train from Naples
Step by step.
1. Choose your entrance first
The park has three entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. Your ticket or tour voucher usually tells you where to start. Piazza Anfiteatro is also where the accessible route begins.
2. Take the Circumvesuviana
Check the timetable and the destination board before you board, and travel to the stop that matches your entrance.
3. Get off at the right stop
Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri is the stop for the archaeological area. The station called Pompei serves the modern town. Do not expect a train into the excavations, or a shuttle with every rail booking.
4. Walk to the gate
Follow the signs to the entrance on your ticket. A booked tour may give a different meeting point, so read the voucher before you leave.
Park tickets are named. See Pompeii tickets for the two ticket types and entry rules.
From Rome and Sorrento
Longer trips need more planning.
From Rome
You can take a high-speed train to Naples and continue by local train, or join a coach or train tour that bundles the legs. Allow a long day. A fast train does not stop at the park, so there is always a local leg at the end. See Pompeii from Rome.
From Sorrento
A local train links Sorrento and Pompeii, and train tours with a meeting point at Sorrento station are one option. The Amalfi Coast is reached the same way: go to Sorrento first, then continue. See Pompeii from Sorrento.
Bus and Campania Express
The Campania Express is a separate EAV service with its own timetable and fares. It is not the same as the standard Circumvesuviana. EAV also runs line 808 between Pompei and Vesuvio; the volcano itself needs its own ticket.
Naples airport and Capodichino
Napoli Capodichino (NAP) is the airport for Naples.
The route from the airport to Pompeii runs through the city. The airport has announced a closure in November 2026. Exact dates and the effect on flights are set by the airport operator, so check its current notice before you book flights or a transfer. If your plans depend on NAP, keep an alternative arrival in mind.
From the airport, travel to the city first, then continue by train. Private and group transfers also exist; ask the provider where they drop you, because the park entrances are not the same as the train stations.
By car
A car helps for the villas, less for the ruins.
A rental car makes sense for the villas outside the main site, such as Oplontis and Stabiae. For the ruins themselves the train is usually easier. Check parking arrangements near your entrance and local traffic restrictions before you set off.
If you have time in Naples, the city's underground is covered at the Ipogeo dei Cristallini, and Capri is reached from Naples by ferry.
If you want a car for the villas, you can look at rental cars at Naples airport for your dates.
Plan the rest of your visit
Related pages.
Pompeii tickets and entry rules
Express, Plus and the rules for named tickets.
Where to stay for Pompeii
Pompei town, Naples or Sorrento.
Best time to visit Pompeii
Summer and winter opening hours and heat.
Herculaneum at Ercolano
A separate site with its own station, Ercolano Scavi.
Getting to Pompeii: frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to get from Naples to Pompeii?
The Circumvesuviana train. Get off at the stop that matches your entrance, usually Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri for the ruins. Check the current timetable before you go.
Which station do I need?
Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri serves the archaeological area. The station named Pompei belongs to the modern town. Use the entrance on your ticket to decide which suits you.
Is there a direct train from Rome?
High-speed trains run from Rome to Naples, not to the park. After Naples you take a local train or a tour transfer. Plan a long day.
Can I fly into Naples airport?
Napoli Capodichino (NAP) is the airport for Naples, but a closure has been announced for November 2026. Ask the airport operator for dates and check your flights before you book.
Do I need a car?
Not for the ruins. A car is useful for villas outside the main site, but for most visitors the train is the easier choice.
Can I visit Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day?
They are two separate parks with their own tickets and hours. A combined tour must name both entries and transfers. See Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day.