Herculaneum: Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento

A day trip to Herculaneum from Sorrento is a must if you’re spending a few days on Italy’s favorite peninsula. Along with neighboring Pompeii, the ancient town of Herculaneum was buried under ash during the 79 A. D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

On a day trip to Herculaneum from Sorrento, you can visit the archaeological site to see the remains of houses and streets, which are better preserved than Pompeii.

Here's all you need to know about Herculaneum, one of the most exciting day trips from Sorrento.

How to get to Herculaneum from Sorrento?

The Herculaneum ruins are located in the Campania region of central Italy, just south of Naples. It’s easy to reach the site from Sorrento, either on a tour or by using public transport.

From Sorrento to Herculaneum by car

The journey to Herculaneum from Sorrento by car is straightforward and takes about 50 minutes. You’ll need to follow the SS145 north out of town toward Naples. At Pompeii, turn onto the E45, which runs all the way to Herculaneum.

There is no official parking at Herculaneum, but you’ll find plenty of car parks close by.

From Sorrento to Herculaneum by train

It’s simple to travel to Herculaneum by train from Sorrento. Just hop on the Circumvesuviana line from Sorrento towards Naples and get off at Ercolano Scavi. The archaeological site is a short, signposted stroll from the station.

The trip takes around 40 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes.

Guided tour to Herculaneum from Sorrento

If you want a hassle-free day out, then booking a guided tour to Herculaneum from Sorrento is the best option. Most excursions last a full day and include a visit to Pompeii. Shorter, half-day visits to just Herculaneum are available for those with less time.

Some Herculaneum day trips offer hotel pickups, while others have a central meeting point in Sorrento.

How much does the entrance ticket to Herculaneum cost?

Although Herculaneum is less visited than Pompeii, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. Prices are as follows:

• Adult: €13
• EU citizens aged 18 – 24: €3.50

On the first Sunday of every month, Herculaneum is free to visit. Complimentary tickets are limited and must be booked online to avoid disappointment.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips to Herculaneum begin at a pre-arranged meeting point in Sorrento, where you’ll be collected by minibus. A few tours offer hotel pickups, so check with your provider to see if this is an option.

You’ll then be driven the short distance to Herculaneum – the journey takes less than an hour. Next up is a guided tour of the historical site with an archaeologist. Some trips give you free time to explore instead, which is a practical option for those who prefer a bit of independence.

On half-day Herculaneum tours, you’ll return to Sorrento in the afternoon. However, if your excursion includes a stop at Pompeii, you’ll visit this famous site first, before continuing to Herculaneum.

Longer tours provide lunch at a local restaurant, to give you a break between exploring the two famous attractions. You’ll then be driven back to Sorrento in the early evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Herculaneum?

Guided tour to Herculaneum from Sorrento

The most popular day tour to Herculaneum runs on a group basis, making it an affordable option for all travelers. Hotel pickups can sometimes be arranged for an additional fee.

Your group, usually up to 25 participants, will be transferred from Sorrento to the archaeological site by minivan. A guided tour gives an insightful overview of Herculaneum, and you can ask questions as you walk around the site.

Day tour to Herculaneum plus Pompeii from Sorrento

This jaunt to Herculaneum takes in two of Italy’s most famous sites. It’s a long day out, but worth it if you want to visit both places and are short on time. Travel is by minivan with  like-minded explorers for a convivial day out. This is a cost-effective way to see the two sites, with guided tours at each spot.

Day trip to Herculaneum from Sorrento by train

One of the easiest ways to get to Herculaneum is by train, which runs directly from Sorrento to the archaeological site. These excursions are led by a local guide, with a 2-hour tour on arrival. Round-trip rail travel and skip-the-line entrance tickets make this a hassle-free day out.

Private tour to Herculaneum plus Pompeii from Sorrento

For a more personalized experience, book a private day trip to Herculaneum from Sorrento. You’ll have your own vehicle and driver, plus an archaeologist guide to show you around the ruins. These tours are ideal for families or couples who prefer to travel on an exclusive basis.

Private excursions are more expensive, but you’ll have more flexibility in the schedule. Wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius can be incorporated for a bit of variety.

How much does a day trip to Herculaneum from Sorrento cost?

The cheapest Herculaneum excursion is by train, which costs €30 per person for an inclusive package. A group tour by minivan is €40 per participant for 4 hours, and €130 for 6 hours. Road transfers and a guided visit are provided, plus lunch if you opt for the longer trip.

If you want to see Pompeii as well as Herculaneum, tours cost between €110 and €140 per person.  Most include guided visits at both sites, while some offer lunch in a local restaurant.

For private Herculaneum day tours from Sorrento, expect to pay €210 per person. These trips cover both Herculaneum and Pompeii, with hotel pickups included in the package price. Lunch and entrance tickets to the archaeological sites are at your own expense.

What will you see and do?

Engulfed in ash from the deadly volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the ruined town of Herculaneum gives a glimpse into the lives of Ancient Romans. Part of the old settlement has been excavated, revealing the remains of an ancient world.

Often overshadowed by the importance of its sister site, Pompeii, Herculaneum is just as impressive. In fact, the streets and buildings here are better preserved than in Pompeii, which makes it easier to visually comprehend. It almost feels like the residents have only just left!

You can explore houses and stroll down the roads where the Romans themselves once walked. There are even shops, mosaics and wooden balconies to behold – a few of the features which survived the hot ash.

Down in the boathouses, you’ll find the skeletons of people who were desperately hoping for rescue by sea. Unfortunately, the volcanic gas reached them first, leaving their remains frozen in time.

Herculaneum receives fewer visitors than Pompeii, which makes it a far more relaxing experience. If you have time, try to visit both sites.

What are the opening times?

Herculaneum is open throughout the year during the following times:

• Summer (April to September): 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (last admissions 6 PM).
• Winter (October to March): 8:30 AM – 5 PM (last admissions 3:30 PM).

Note that the archaeological site is closed on Wednesdays.

When is the best time to visit Herculaneum?

A Herculaneum day trip can be enjoyed all year round, with summer being the most popular season. To avoid the crowds, visit in spring or fall – weekdays are often quieter than weekends.

Temperatures soar in July and August, with little shade on site. Come in the early morning or late afternoon for a cooler experience.

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

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

• Day trips to Herculaneum from Naples
• Day trips to Herculaneum from Salerno

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking on uneven ground. Allow around 2 hours for your visit.
• Free luggage storage is available at the entrance – larger bags will need to be left here.
• If you have time, combine your Herculaneum visit with a trip to Pompeii for a greater understanding of the catastrophic Mount Vesuvius eruption.