How to get from Naples to Pompeii
Circumvesuviana, Trenitalia regional train or the Campania Express: times, prices and which entrance of the ruins to use.
The picture in 30 seconds
The ruins of Pompeii are the most popular day trip from Naples, and the train is by far the best way to get there: no parking, no traffic, and a station steps from the entrance. You have three options: the Circumvesuviana (the classic), the Trenitalia regional train and the tourist Campania Express. All leave from the Central Station area, which you reach on Line 1 or Line 2 (Garibaldi / Piazza Garibaldi stations).
Important: Pompeii is outside the urban area — the €1.70 TIC and the ANM single are not valid: you need an extra-urban ticket (EAV or Trenitalia).
The three options compared
Circumvesuviana (EAV)
The station is 2 minutes from Porta Marina, the main entrance to the ruins. Trains get very busy in high season.
Trenitalia regional
More modern, less crowded trains. The FS station is a ~10–12 minute walk from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, also handy for the sanctuary.
Campania Express
Same tracks as the Circumvesuviana but few stops and guaranteed seats: worth the extra €2–3 in the hot months.
Recommended route
Step by step: from central Naples to Porta Marina
- Reach the Central Station by metro: Garibaldi (Line 1) or Piazza Garibaldi (Line 2).
- Go down to level -1 of the Central Station and follow the Circumvesuviana / EAV signs.
- Buy a ticket to «Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri» (~€3.30) and board any train on the Naples–Sorrento line.
- Get off at Pompei Scavi after ~35–40 minutes: the Porta Marina entrance is a 2-minute walk to your right.
- For the return, trains to Naples leave from the same platform every ~30 minutes until the evening.
The route on the map
The arrival point: Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station is 2 minutes from Porta Marina; the Trenitalia «Pompei» station is on the other side, near the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance. · Map: © OpenStreetMap
The buttons open Google Maps with live directions (times and connections included).
Good to know
Mind your bags
The Circumvesuviana is safe but very crowded: keep bags and phones in front of you, as on any touristy metro in the world.
Go early
The ruins open at 9:00: catch the 8:00–8:30 train to beat both the platform crowds and the ticket queues (better still: buy your Pompeii ticket online).
Water and a hat
There is almost no shade inside the ruins. A water bottle (there are fountains), a hat and comfortable shoes are essential in summer.
Herculaneum the same day
Herculaneum is on the same EAV line: many visit Herculaneum in the morning and Pompeii in the afternoon (or vice versa). Herculaneum guide →
Frequently asked questions
The Trenitalia regional train (~€2.90) or the Circumvesuviana (~€3.30). The Circumvesuviana drops you closer to the main entrance; the FS regional is less crowded.
No: Pompeii is outside the Naples urban area, so neither the €1.50 ANM single nor the €1.70 TIC are valid. You need an extra-urban EAV or Trenitalia ticket.
About 35–40 minutes both on the Circumvesuviana (Pompei Scavi stop) and on the Trenitalia regional (Pompei station). The Campania Express takes ~30 minutes.
From the Central Station area: the Circumvesuviana from level -1 of Napoli Garibaldi (or the Porta Nolana terminus), the Trenitalia regional from the surface platforms of Napoli Centrale.
In high season, yes: €6 for a guaranteed seat and air conditioning, skipping the intermediate stops. It runs from mid-March to mid-October.