Vesuvius: Day Trips and Tours from Rome

Less than 10 kilometers outside of Naples, the infamous Mount Vesuvius looms over the city. The volcano serves as a reminder of the historical event that impacted so many people in 79 A.D.

While the eruption of Vesuvius happened so long ago that most disregard its significance, a visit to the volcano is both chilling and fascinating. If you're interested in either history or geology, embarking on a Vesuvius day trip from Rome is a must.

Here’s everything you need to know about Vesuvius, one of the most captivating day trips from Rome.

How to get to Vesuvius from Rome?

Mount Vesuvius sits in the southwest of Italy, towering above the Bay of Naples. Getting to Vesuvius has limited options, but it's worth it once you're there.

From Rome to Vesuvius by car

The drive to Vesuvius from Rome covers more than 200 kilometers and takes around 2.5 hours. Starting on the A24 to get out of the city, you'll take the E45 exit towards Firenze/Napoli.

Stay on the E45 for just over 200 kilometers, and then take the Ercolano exit to follow the Via Cupa Monti, until you see signs for Vesuvio.

Guided tour to Vesuvius from Rome

A guided tour takes away the hassle of figuring out how to reach the volcano by public transport. The tour lasts approximately nine hours, and the day starts around 7 AM, with a pickup from your accommodation.

You can expect to travel in an air-conditioned minivan, and you will have an English-speaking tour guide.

How much does the entrance ticket to Vesuvius cost?

Entry fee to the Vesuvio National Park

• Adult: €10
• Students: €8
• Children: free

Persons with disabilities and the accompanying persons can both access the national park for free.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Vesuvius from Rome?

In order to get the most out of the day, guided day tours to Vesuvius from Rome start early, around 7 AM. You will be picked up from your hotel by either a small coach or minivan and your journey will begin with a two-hour drive to Pompeii.

Some tours include a knowledgeable guide, whom you'll meet in the city of Pompeii, to enjoy a captivating tour of the old ruins. Other tours allow you to have free time to wander the streets at your own leisure, taking in the remnants of the devastation.

Then, it's on to the source of the destruction — Mount Vesuvius itself. While it seems like it would take hours upon hours to hike up the mountain, that's not the case. In reality, it is just over a kilometer from the parking lot to the crater, which is a terrific photo opportunity.

After visiting the volcano, it's back onto the bus to Rome, where your day trip to Vesuvius ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Vesuvius?

There are several different tours to Vesuvius from Rome for various budgets, and most include a stop-off at Pompeii too.

Day trip to Vesuvius plus Pompeii from Rome

Wander the ruins at your own leisure with this excursion to Vesuvius. The trip includes tickets to Pompeii, where you'll have a few hours to marvel at the ancient ruins by yourself. The tour group is limited to 24 guests and you'll travel by coach.

Guided tours to Vesuvius from Rome

Guided tours are a popular way to see the well-known town of Pompeii, and the mountain behind the catastrophe. You will have a professional tour guide to show you all of the interesting historical points around the city.

Private day trip without guide to Vesuvius plus Herculaneum from Rome

If you want to visit Herculaneum on your day trip to Vesuvius, you can opt for a private day tour. This doesn't include a guide, but you will have an English-speaking driver to chauffeur you between destinations. Lunch and entry tickets will be at your own expense.

Private day tour to Vesuvius plus Naples from Rome

You will be met at your hotel by an English-speaking driver, who will escort you to Vesuvius. After two hours at the volcano, you'll continue on your jaunt to Naples for some free time before returning to Rome. Park access is included in the price.

How much does a tour to Vesuvius from Rome cost?

A day trip to Vesuvius and Pompeii starts at €139, and includes a tour coordinator for the day. Entrance fees are also taken care of and your tour of Pompeii will be self-guided.

A fully guided tour of Vesuvius costs around €129 and includes an archeologist guide in Pompeii, as well as the park entrance to Vesuvius.

A private day trip to Vesuvius and Herculaneum is a faster tour, taking just 9.5 hours, and includes a private vehicle. Entry tickets to Vesuvius and Herculaneum are at your own expense, and excursion prices start at €906 for a group of up to three.

A private day tour to Vesuvius and Naples takes 10 hours, and includes hotel pickup, park entry and free time in Naples. Tickets cost around €415.

What will you see and do in Vesuvius?

The main attraction of Mount Vesuvius is the hike to its crater. Here, you can peer into the heart of the volcano and get an insight into the sheer magnitude of the infamous eruption.

The trail up to the crater and back to the parking lot is under 4 kilometers and is suitable for most abilities.

Although the crater of the volcano sits at a whopping over 1,200 meters tall, the first kilometer is traveled by bus. This allows you to hike the exciting final stretch, without being wiped out from the strenuous effort of climbing the entire volcano.

Vesuvius last erupted in March 1944, and although it is considered dormant at the moment, it has been very active throughout history. In fact, the volcano has erupted over 50 times since the infamous explosion that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Along the hike, you will see traces of lava from the last volcanic eruption, and the mount provides glorious views over the Bay of Naples, just a few kilometers away.

When is Vesuvius open over the year?

Vesuvio National Park is open throughout the year, however, it can close at any time due to bad weather. During the wintertime, ice and snow can make the volcano inaccessible. It's worth checking that the national park is open, via the official website, before driving over 200 kilometers to reach it.

What are the opening times?

November, December, January, February:
From 9 AM to 3 PM

March and October:
From 9 AM to 4 PM

April, May, June, September:
From 9 AM to 5 PM

July and August:
From 9 AM to 6 PM

Those who are able to reach the national park before 9:30 AM will be rewarded with Mount Vesuvius all to themselves.

When is the best time to visit Vesuvius?

It's a bad idea to visit Mount Vesuvius in the winter when visibility is poor, walking conditions are slippery and the weather changes quickly.

The highs of summer can also be less than ideal, as the blistering sun does not pair well with a hike up a volcano, which has no shade.

Instead, visiting in the shoulder months of April, May, June and October guarantees the most pleasant conditions for hiking Mount Vesuvius.

Those that visit during these months will benefit from fewer crowds, better photo opportunities and more enjoyable walking conditions.

What are the other day trips from Rome?

• Villa d'Este day trips from Rome
• Day trips to Tivoli from Rome
• Hadrian's Villa day tours from Rome
• Day trips to Florence from Rome
• Day tours to Tuscany from Rome
• Capri island day trips from Rome
• Assisi day trips from Rome

Are there any tours to Vesuvius from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:

• Day trips to Vesuvius from Amalfi
• Vesuvius day trips from Positano
• Day tours to Vesuvius from Salerno
• Vesuvius day tours from Sorrento

Travel tips

• Weather conditions can change quickly on Mount Vesuvius. If you can't see the crater from the parking lot, avoid climbing to the top.
• It is recommended to bring a sweater on your Vesuvius day trip, as temperatures at the summit can be much cooler than on the ground.
• Although the hike to the crater lake is fairly easy and short, ensure you bring an ample supply of water. It's also worth bringing a sun hat and sunscreen in the heat of summer, as the volcano offers no shade.
• This day tour to Vesuvius includes a lot of walking, so choose comfort over style, and wear practical footwear and clothing.