Pompeii, dubbed the "Lost City," is hailed as the birthplace of modern archaeology. Devastated by Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 A.D., this historical Italian destination was once a thriving ancient civilization. A day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii offers a cultural exploration. Join a guided tour to uncover the rich history of the ruins.

You will find below all you need to know about Pompeii, one of the most fascinating destinations for day tours from Sorrento.

Travel options

By car: Pompeii, a quick 45-minute drive from Sorrento, is perfect for a day trip. Take the SS145 highway for about 24 kilometers before turning toward Pompeii Centro Commerciale.
By train: Take Line 1 (1144 Napoli Porta Nolana route) from Sorrento, riding nine stops to Moregine. From there, it's a 25-minute walk to the ancient city. Trains depart Sorrento every 20 minutes, with the entire journey lasting about an hour.
By bus: The town of Sorrento also offers buses to Pompeii that run twice daily. Board the Marozzi line and enjoy an easy 45-minute ride.
Guided tours: A guided tour from Sorrento offers the best way to explore Pompeii's mysteries. With provided transportation and expert guides, you'll have a seamless experience. Choose from various day trips, some offering skip-the-line access and others including stops at Mount Vesuvius.

Prices

Adults: €18
EU citizens (aged 18 to 25): €2

There are several surrounding landmarks that are available for visit that will cost an additional fee. Although tickets can be purchased upon arrival, it is advised to pre-book ahead of time.

General admission tickets

Villa of the Mysteries + Villa of Diomedes + Villa Regina in Boscoreale with Antiquarium: €22
Only the ancient city of Pompeii: €18
Pompeii+ + Oplontis + Villa Arianna + Villa San Marco + Libero D’Orsi Museum + Boscoreale + Shuttlebus: €26
Entrance price for each site (Boscoreale, Oplontis, Libero D’Orsi Museum): €8
All sites + Shuttle bus valid for one year: €35

Our selection of the best tours

Pompeii Express Tour by Train from Sorrento

Skip the line Pompeii express tour
Return local train tickets + guide
Price: From €29
Duration: 2 hours

Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Private Day Trip with Pick Up

2 hour visit of ancient Pompeii ruins
Stops in Positano and Amalfi or Ravello
Price: From €370
Duration: 9 hours

Pompeii and Vesuvius Tour

Visit the famous ruins of Pompeii with an authorized guide
Hike along the lava paths of Mount Vesuvius and look into the crater
Price: From €112
Duration: 8 hours

Itinerary

Guided tours from Sorrento to Pompeii range from 2 to 10 hours. Shorter trips require self-transport, while longer ones include minibus pickup. After a short drive, explore Pompeii with skip-the-line access, seeing landmarks frozen in time for 2,000 years. Longer tours may include Mount Vesuvius or stops along the coastline before returning.

Tour options

There are many options to choose from when booking your day trip from Sorrento. Some excursions include transportation as well as other interesting stops along the way.

Guided tours

A guided day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii offers scenic views and insights into the Lost City's mysteries. Select from half-day or full-day options with pickup and drop-off included. Explore the ruins with an experienced guide, discovering highlights like the arena, shopfronts, and baths.

Day trip plus Mount Vesuvius

Most Pompeii tours also feature a visit to Mount Vesuvius, continental Europe's sole active volcano. Ascend to the summit, where you can walk up to the crater, which spewed volcanic ash that destroyed Pompeii in 79 A.D. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples from the summit.

Day trip by boat

Embark on a stylish boat tour from Sorrento to Pompeii. A guide will collect you from your hotel, then you'll drive to Castellammare di Stabia port. After cruising to Pompeii, enjoy lunch at a vineyard. Explore Mount Vesuvius and take a scenic coastal ride.

Day trip plus Herculaneum

This tour includes a stop at another ancient civilization that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

Private tour

A private day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii offers an intimate exploration of the Lost City. You'll be chauffeured by a licensed guide in a private car to the site, with options often including lunch, wine tasting at a vineyard, Mount Vesuvius visit, or a stop at Capri.

Prices

Pompeii tours from Sorrento offer various options at different prices. Train trips range from €40 to €50 per person, while minibus tours cost €100 to €150. Tours with Mount Vesuvius or Herculaneum stops are similarly priced, and those with lunch may cost around €300. Boat rides range from €100 to €130 per person. Private trips range from €200 to €700, with higher-priced options often including a licensed archaeologist guide.

Highlights

Pompeii ruins

Explore the 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site, preserved after the 79 A.D. volcano eruption. Visit landmarks like the Forum, Greek Theater, Lupanare, and thermal baths, witnessing preserved plaster casts of Lost City inhabitants.

Mount Vesuvius

Explore Mount Vesuvius, the sole active volcano in continental Europe, which devastated Pompeii and its environs. Visitors can hike trails to the summit, exploring the crater's depths for an up-close encounter with this active volcano.

Villa dei Misteri

Visit the Villa of the Mysteries, an ancient house with over 60 rooms adorned with preserved frescoes, depicting mystery cult rites and ancient Roman life artifacts.

Herculaneum

Near Pompeii, Herculaneum suffered a similar fate in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Explore this village to discover how affluent residents once lived, marveling at preserved artworks from the volcanic eruption.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pompeii is in the off-season between November and March, as the ruins are very crowded during the warmer season from May to September.

Pompeii is open from 9 AM to 5 PM from Nov. 1 to March 31, with last entry at 3:30 PM. Opening hours are 9 AM to 7 PM from April 1 to Oct. 31 with last entry at 5:30 PM.

The exhibits are closed on Christmas Day, May 1 and Jan. 1.

More tours to Pompeii

Travel Tips

The ruins and Mount Vesuvius are a breathtaking piece of world history, so make sure to bring a camera.
If you’re visiting during the summer season, dress for intense temperatures.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the exhibits require a good bit of walking, especially if you visit Villa dei Misteri and Herculaneum.

Pompeii: Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento