In a country brimming with antiquities from the Roman Empire, the ruins of Pompeii might seem like just another dusty relic. What sets this UNESCO World Heritage site apart from the scores of historical areas in Rome.
While there is a wealth of things to do in Rome, an escape out of town to experience this remarkable site is time well spent.
Unearth the wonders of Pompeii with our top3 recommendations. Or read on for our complete guide to help you choose the best Pompeii tours from Rome.
| Activity Type | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pompeii & Naples Day Trip | From 107€ | 12 hours |
| Pompeii Tour by Train | From 185€ | 9 hours |
| Pompeii & Amalfi Private Tour | From 428€ | 10 to 12 hours |
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How to get to Pompeii from Rome?
Getting to Pompeii from Rome takes between 1.5 and 3 hours depending on the time of day, season and means of transport. High-speed trains as well as efficient highways connect the two cities. Guided tours to Pompeii from Rome are a great way to witness the ruins without the hassle of driving or dealing with public transportation.
By car
The A1 links Rome and Pompeii in a drive of about 2.5 to 3 hours. From central Rome, take A24 for about 18 kilometers. Exit onto E35/E45/A1 and follow these highways for about 195 kilometers. Take the Pompei Ovest exit and follow SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore/SR18 until you reach the archeological park. Be prepared for several toll booths along this route as well.
By train
Depending on the time of day, you can reach Pompeii from Rome by train in 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains to Pompeii run regularly from Roma Termini Station. Most routes require changes in Naples, where you’ll either pick up another train or a bus.
The most convenient trains are Frecciarossa (high speed) trains that make short work of the 225 kilometers between Rome and Naples. You’ll save time, money and carbon output by choosing rail over road travel.
By organized tour
Put a guide at the helm of your Pompeiian expedition. Don’t bother renting a car or wandering labyrinthine train stations alone when organized tours exist. Hop in a coach, train or private vehicle and let the professionals take charge.
In one convenient package, you’ll have transportation to the archeological park and most often a guided visit included. Some tours even throw in a lunch of local specialties.
How to choose the best Pompeii tour from Rome?
Knowing which Pompeii tour from Rome to choose depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you’re looking for out of a day trip. Journey south by coach, high-speed rail or private vehicle, depending on how much time and money you’re willing to part with.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly outing, book a round-trip shuttle that reserves a 3- to 4-hour window to take in Pompeii on your own. It’s also possible to find guided group tours that won’t break the bank. Small-group tours generally are a step up in cost, but you’ll enjoy a more laid-back vibe than you’ll get with a larger tour.
Want an affordable jaunt for a large private group or a luxurious way to beat the crowds? Private tours are an appealing option for you. Customize your itinerary, sightsee at your own pace, and eliminate the stressors of a group tour.
Near Pompeii is Naples, ground zero for pizza. Pick a tour that stops in this gritty yet alluring town for the world’s best pie and memorable locales like Castel dell’Ovo and the Royal Palace. Looming ominously over the city is Mount Vesuvius. Some tours also take you to the peak of this destructive volcano for a peek into the crater and peerless vistas.
With the Amalfi Coast so close to Pompeii, it’d be a pity not to witness its seaside beauty. Take advantage of the chance to tour this stretch of Mediterranean coastline, or opt for a tour that concentrates on a jewel box town like Sorrento or Positano. Some tours even whisk you to the island of Capri for a quick visit.
Pompeii Tour by bus
Board a coach or mini-bus in central Rome for large or small-group excursions to Pompeii. On tours with groups of up to 100 people, you’ll travel in air-conditioned comfort and have an elevated vantage point in a coach. For small-group tours of up to 25 people, head south in either a downsized bus or minivan.
Group tours by bus offer attractive prices and often provide service in less-common languages. A combination of live guided tours with audio guides in various languages (if necessary) and round-trip transportation from Rome are the prime lures for this kind of travel. Some disadvantages are the lack of personalization and traveling in a large group.
- Bus tours to Pompeii last about 12 hours, with at least 4 hours of travel time between Rome and Pompeii round-trip. The ride, while long, is scenic. Relax with views of verdant, rolling countryside as you head toward Naples.
- Many tours escort you on a brief driving tour of Naples. Some include a stop for lunch before reaching Pompeii, occasionally included in the price of the tour.
- Upon arrival at the archeological park, you'll begin your tour. There are independent options with or without an audio guide in a variety of languages, or you can accompany a live guide with a group. You'll spend 2 to 3 hours touring the city site before beginning the drive back to Rome.
- Tours to Pompeii from Rome by bus range in price from about €70 per person to €175 per person.
- Lower-cost tours do not include a guided tour of the ruins.
- Higher-cost tours provide round-trip transportation from your Rome hotel and other perks like additional stops and/or lunch.
Our review
Getting to see Pompeii on a day trip by bus from Rome is very worth the long drive. Bus tours are the most economical guided tours, and the combination of comfortable buses, beautiful sights and well-informed guides make these tours a great choice.
Pompeii Tour by high speed train
Fast, affordable, eco-friendly travel by high-speed train is an exciting way to get to Pompeii for a tour. Train travel in a new country shows you a slice of culture that you might not otherwise see. Marvel at both how quickly you’ll reach Pompeii and the engineering that allows the train to reach speeds of several hundred kilometers per hour.
Private tours from Rome to Pompeii entail a combo of train and private car travel. Make the trek between Rome and Naples by high-speed train, and reach the archeological park and other attractions by private car or bus. Some tours transport you from Rome south by private car and include a return ticket by high-speed rail.
- Head out from Roma Termini Station between 7 and 9 AM. The ride between Rome and Naples is about 1.5 to 2 hours, and in Naples, you'll board a car or bus for the short drive to Pompeii.
- Spend 2 to 4 hours exploring the city site with a guide before some time for a self-directed or provided lunch. Your tour may make extra stops to discover Naples, Vesuvius or towns on the Amalfi Coast. Return to Rome in the evening.
- Group tours to Pompeii from Rome by high-speed train cost between €125 per person and €215 per person. Tours that cost over €200 per person tend to offer lunch and/or a visit to an additional town like Naples, Sorrento or Herculaneum.
- Private tours cost between €215 per person and €690 per person, depending on inclusions and group size.
Our review
We give these tours high marks for efficiency and eco-friendliness. You’ll cut hours off of your travel time between Rome and points south as well as get rid of the carbon output from car or bus travel.
Pompeii tour with Vesuvius visit
The hulking cone of Vesuvius stands sentry over swaths of land it has created for millennia. Extend your Pompeiian excursion to include a visit to Vesuvius’s crater to add a chilling depth to your day trip. Choose group or private tours of these legendary spots.
Do note that tours to the crater are not available from November to March.
The region’s volcanic soils are ideal for growing wine grapes, and it’s possible to find guided tours that also pause for wine tastings and farm-to-table meals. There are affordable group tours that provide lunch as well as private outings that serve a meal to remember.
- Depart from a central meeting point in Rome or with pickup from your hotel in early to mid-morning. Sit back on the 2.5- to 3-hour drive south and take in the bucolic landscape.
- At Pompeii, spend 2 to 4 hours with a well-read guide to help make the most of your tour. Pause for lunch on your own if it's not included on your tour, or head to a slope-side vineyard for lunch and a wine tasting.
- Feeling sated and brave, buckle in for a driving ascent of Vesuvius. Near the peak, lace up your walking shoes for the short climb to the summit. After a humbling view of the crater, begin the journey back to Rome.
- Group tours to €140 per person and €200 per person. Higher-cost tours often include lunch and the guarantee of smaller groups.
- Private tours range between €190 per person and €935 per person.
- Price differences depend on group size and whether entrance tickets to Pompeii and Vesuvius, guided tours of Pompeii or lunch are included.
Our review
The opportunity to see both the volcanic crater and evidence of its destructive capability is eye-opening. We highly recommend making the most of the 3 to 6 hours of travel time between Rome and the area around Pompeii by tacking on a visit to another fascinating site.
Pompeii & Naples day trip
If you’re looking to squeeze in as much as possible in your Pompeii day trip, consider an option that takes you to the birthplace of pizza. No matter if you make the journey by bus, car or train, the route to Pompeii passes through Naples. Why not take a break here for a quick exploration?
Many day trips provide a driving tour of the city with chances to investigate a bit on foot. Besides the unmissable pizza, you’ll spot landmark buildings like the Royal Palace, the Castel dell’Ovo and the San Carlo Theater.
The highlight of your whirlwind tour of Naples may be the unparalleled panorama you’ll get of the curving bay, hillside neighborhoods and Vesuvius keeping watch from the south. Some tours offer optional visits to a cameo workshop as well. One minus to adding a Naples visit to your day trip is that it may cut into your time at Pompeii.
- This hefty itinerary gets you going early with a departure from Rome between 7 and 9.
- After the 2- to 3-hour drive south, embark on a guided tour of Pompeii.
- Your lunch break may be before or after your walking tour of the site.
- Guided tours of the ruins tend to last 1.5 to 3 hours. You'll return to Rome by the evening.
- Group tours to Pompeii and Naples range in price between €130 per person and €390 per person. Cost differences depend on group size and whether lunch is included.
- Private tours cost from €160 per person and €1,200 per person, depending on group size. The lowest tour prices per person are calculated for large private groups.
Our review
Although Naples is rarely a top priority on people’s travel wish lists, its authentic feel will stick with you. There’s plenty to see, and while you may only spend an hour here, the visit will likely whet your appetite for a longer stay in this multifaceted city. A tour that provides a glimpse of Italy’s past and present gives you a fascinating contrast.
Read more: Things to do in Naples
Pompeii & Amalfi Coast day trip
Just a glance at pictures of the Amalfi Coast confirms why UNESCO has protected this stretch of Mediterranean shoreline. The towns of Positano and Amalfi have earned their reputation as must-see sites. At just an hour south of Pompeii, it’s too tempting to miss out on during your day trip.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll among the steep lanes of a coastal town in your free time. Coupled with a break for a limoncello, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a tour of Pompeii.
- After your travel from Rome and a 2- to 3-hour guided tour of Pompeii, set out on the 1-hour drive to the Amalfi Coast. You're certain to have vistas that leave you speechless as your driver leads you along the coastal roads.
- You'll have several hours in Positano and/or Amalfi, just enough time to shop, dine and dip your toes in the sea. Make it back to Rome by train, bus or car in time for a late dinner.
- Group tours cost around €150 per person. Opt for a tour with a maximum of 8 to 15 participants for between €155 per person and €320 per person. Price differences are based on group sizes, duration of the guided tour and whether tickets to enter the Pompeii archeological site are included.
- Price ranges for private tours vary according to group size and what is included. For large groups, you may pay as little as €200 per person. At about €1,000 per person, higher-cost excursions tend to fit in visits to both Positano and Amalfi as well as skip-the-line entrance to Pompeii.
Our review
We love tours that mix education with pure pleasure. Soak in the history of Pompeii before slowing the pace for the beauty of the towns of the Amalfi Coast.
Read more: Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast
Pompeii & Sorrento day trip
Lovely Sorrento has the look of towns on the Amalfi Coast and is a bit closer to Pompeii than Positano. Less driving means more time to get lost on the winding, hilly streets of Sorrento after your edifying tour of Pompeii.
Within view of Sorrento is the Capri Island, an idyllic outpost for the rich and famous. Some packages whisk you to this rocky paradise for a quick visit by boat.
- Depending on the tour or the time of year, you may either spend the morning or the afternoon in Sorrento with the other part of the day in Pompeii. The drive between Pompeii and Sorrento is about 45 minutes, and day tours often split the time equally between the two locales.
- Along with a guided visit to the ruins at Pompeii, you'll benefit from either a guided tour of Sorrento, free time or a combination of both.
- Group excursions to Pompeii and Sorrento cost around €180 per person. These tours tend to set a limit of 18 participants per group.
- Private tours cost between €375 per person and €900 per person. Lower-cost tours tend to have a set price for your group, making prices per person go down as you add more people. These tours typically don't provide many inclusions. You may have to purchase entry tickets to Pompeii separately for about €15 per person.
- Higher-end private tours offer skip-the-line tickets to Pompeii. These tours are usually fully guided and may include tastings of limoncello and other local specialties in the price.
Our review
Day trips from Rome that visit both Pompeii and Sorrento earn our praise for allowing you to maximize your time in both places. With either small groups or private tours, you’ll have extra attention from your guide and a more peaceful travel experience.
Read more: Things to Do in Sorrento
Pompeii private tour
Sightseeing can be stressful enough to take away the thrill of a new place. Private tours from Rome eliminate a handful of factors that can make a day trip less pleasant. If you’re looking for more of a round-trip private transfer or a detail-rich walk through the ruins with your own guide, a private Pompeii tour is the way to go.
Also, if you are traveling with a family or have mobility issues, private tours offer the most flexibility and customization to meet your needs. However, only a few private tours can accommodate wheelchair users.
- Once you've arrived in Pompeii after a morning departure from Rome, you'll have 2 to 3 hours to get to know the ruined city. If your tour provides a guided visit, your guide will fill you with facts about this ancient Roman site for
- As these tours are just for you and your chosen few, the guide will happily take more or less time in certain spots according to your interests. As long as the activities fit into the 8- to 10-hour window of your tour, your guide can add stops to your itinerary if opportunities arise.
Our review
If you have a few more Euros at hand or are traveling with a large family, it’s hard to beat the convenience of a private tour. Round-trip private transportation between your lodging in Rome and Pompeii is reason enough to decide on a private tour. Add the luxury of a flexible schedule, and private tours win hands down.
Is a guided tour of Pompeii necessary?
Pompeii is visually stunning, and exploring on your own has its charm. However, the benefits of a guide making the site come alive are well worth the additional cost. We suggest finding a tour that gives you both a guided tour and time to investigate on your own.
Alone, you’ll get to know the town’s layout and absorb the beauty of the remaining ruins and surrounding countryside. Add the knowledge of an experienced guide, and you’ll be privy to facts and nuances that you wouldn’t otherwise get. All in all, enlisting a guide will greatly enrich all that you see.
What languages are available for Pompeii tours?
Tours of Pompeii are offered in English and Italian. There are many tours available in major European languages. Some tours offer tours by audio guide for other languages. There are a few tour providers that require a fee of up to €30 per person for tours in languages besides English or Italian.
Can I customize my private Pompeii tour?
The beauty of a private tour is that you can customize it to your tastes and needs. Inform your tour provider when you book if you’d like to customize your itinerary. There may be extra stops you’d like to make between Rome and Pompeii. The tour of the ruins themselves can be catered to your wants.
What will I see on a Pompeii tour?
Layers of ash and mud managed to preserve Pompeii’s ruins to a shocking degree after that fateful day when Vesuvius showed its might. Nearly 2,000 years after the eruption buried the town, archeologists are still unearthing artifacts in this once-thriving town.
As the site was excavated, the city plan was unearthed, mosaics dusted off and macabre forms of ash-encrusted humans were found. A visit to Pompeii, guided or not, presents you with a snapshot of one day in 79 AD when all life here stopped.
Some of Pompeii’s more noteworthy places to see are the Forum, the amphitheater, the thermal baths and the Villa of Mysteries. These remains have well-preserved features like mosaics and frescoes.
The amphitheater is the largest of its kind still standing in Italy. Pink Floyd even recorded a live album here in 1972! Spy the curious frescoes at the brothel and the Villa of Mysteries. Note that the Villa is an active archeological site and may be closed for study at the time of your visit. Displays of unearthed objects and bodies will remind you that this was once a bustling city.
How much time do I need to visit Pompeii?
If you decide on a day tour that only includes Pompeii, it’s best to choose one that gives you at least 2 hours to tour the park. To see all of Pompeii, it would take several days. If your main interest is the ruins, we recommend day trips that concentrate all their time at the archeological park rather than including other area attractions.
If you think you’ll be content with a Pompeii tour of up to 2 hours, day trips that tack on visits to the Amalfi Coast, the crater of Vesuvius, Sorrento or Naples are an appealing option. You’ll make the most of your 3- to 6-hour travel time between Rome and Pompeii, albeit for shorter visits to each site.
What should I bring on a Pompeii tour?
No matter the season, be sure to dress comfortably and wear sensible shoes. These day trips are intense and action-packed. Be sure to stay hydrated and fuel up with an energizing meal or snacks. Bringing a refillable water bottle is a smart choice for your health, your pocketbook and the environment.
Summer in southern Italy can be brutal. Sunscreen and sun hats or umbrellas will greatly increase your comfort, as Pompeii has little or no shade. Consider smart casual clothing that’s also appropriate for an active day. Other items that can make or break your excursion are having cash and a phone charger or external battery.
What is the best time of year to visit Pompeii?
A tour of Pompeii can be amazing at any time of year. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, plan your visit for times outside of local school holidays. Summer months see heavy traffic as well as vacation time around All Saints’ Day, Christmas and Easter.
Are there any discounted Pompeii tours?
Shop around! Many travel websites offer the same tours at different prices. The Tourscanner website and mobile app are the easiest ways to sift through the offerings to find the best deals.
Travel tips
- Be sure to travel with plenty of water. The best choice is to bring a refillable water bottle. Tap water in Italy is safe for drinking.
- Carry both cash and credit cards, as some shops, restaurants and attractions only accept one or the other.
- The travel time between Rome and Pompeii is significant. If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication before you travel. Be sure to bring enough medication for the return ride as well.