Find out the Best Entrance to Pompeii

The Pompeii Archaeological site offers three main entrances for visitors wishing to explore this remarkably preserved ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

These entrances are Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra, each providing a unique access point to different areas of the ruins.

Choosing the right entrance can significantly enhance your visit, depending on your priorities, such as proximity to transport, desired sites, or crowd levels.

Not sure which Pompeii entry tickets are right for you? Let us guide you through the best options, from skip-the-line tickets and guided tours to convenient day tours to Pompeii, to make the most of your visit!

Porta Marina entrance – the main tourist gateway

Porta Marina is the most popular gateway to Pompeii. It is conveniently located near the Pompeii Scavi—Villa dei Misteri train station, just a five-to-ten-minute walk away.

This entrance offers a host of conveniences, including a large parking lot nearby. It also provides a scenic route into the ancient city and easy access to many of Pompeii’s most iconic sites, such as the Forum and Basilica, Temple of Apollo, Temple of Jupiter, Macellum, Stabian Baths, House of the Faun, House of the Tragic Poet, House of the Vettii, and the Lupanar.

Porta Marina is well-equipped with various facilities, including shops, souvenir stands, an information desk, a bookstore, and a café.

There are also facilities like first aid, a police station, a washroom, and a smoking area. Due to its popularity and proximity to important locations and the train station, the waiting line at Porta Marina gate usually runs the longest (1 hour).

However, if you have a skip-the-line ticket, you can bypass the ticket counter and proceed directly to the security check-up.

Porta Marina is suggested for visitors who come by train, wheelchair users (as it has the best path for them called ‘Pompeii for All’), and visitors who are short of time. You can also get a wheelchair for free at this entrance.

Timing: 9 am to 7 pm. The last entry is at 5.30 pm

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Piazza Anfiteatro entrance – the best for exploring the city center

The Piazza Anfiteatro entrance is located on the eastern side of Pompeii and is considered a calmer alternative to the busier main entrances. It is the closest entrance to modern Pompeii and is about a 15-minute walk from Porta Marina.

This entrance offers quick access to the quieter Amphitheater and the Garden of the Fugitives, providing a different perspective on Pompeii. Other important sites accessible from here include the Palestra Grande.

While it has fewer facilities than the Porta Marina entry, such as only essential amenities like ticket offices and restrooms, it still offers convenience.

You can find facilities like ATMs and bookshops here. Piazza Anfiteatro is ideal for those who prefer exploring the park’s more peaceful areas or for returning visitors. It is also the final bus stop for trips to Mount Vesuvius.

The wait times here can also range from 1-2 hours depending on the day and time, though generally, the Anfiteatro gate has shorter wait times (20 minutes) than Porta Marina.

Piazza Anfiteatro is suggested for visitors who want to visit the east side of the ruin, see the amphitheater and nearby area, and want the least crowd.

It is also the only possible route for those visiting Pompeii with disabled individuals, as special walkways have been built here for wheelchairs.

Entrance timing: 9 am to 7 pm. The last entry is at 5.30 pm. 

Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for visitors, and enjoy convenient dining and refreshment spots within Pompeii.

Piazza Esedra entrance – the least crowded access point

The Piazza Esedra entrance is located on the southwestern side, just a 15-minute walk from Porta Marina. It is an excellent choice for visitors arriving by public transportation, as it is conveniently located near the Circumvesuviana train station, although Porta Marina is closer.

Piazza Esedra is mainly reserved for group tours and tends to be less crowded than the other entrances, resulting in shorter wait times. The average wait is around 45 minutes.

At Piazza Esedra, you’ll find ticket offices and essential facilities like information kiosks. However, it lacks facilities like shops and restrooms.

This entrance provides direct access to Pompeii’s main road, the Via dell’Abbondanza, and the bustling theatre district. It also provides access to the Antiquarium.

Piazza Esedra is suggested for visitors who come as a group and wish to experience a smaller crowd. You can reach Piazza Esedra by bus (routes 60, 105, 170, 590, 910, 150F, H) or by getting off at Pompeii Scavi train station and walking.

Entrance timing: 9 am to 7 pm. The last entrance is at 5.30 pm.

Wondering how to reach Pompeii from different locations? Whether you’re coming from Rome, Naples, Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano, we’ve gathered the best travel options to make your journey easy and hassle-free.

Pompeii entrances: which one is best for you?

Each entrance caters to different needs and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Porta Marina: The most convenient entrance, especially for those arriving by train, wheelchair users, and visitors who want to see major sites in a short time.
• Piazza Anfiteatro: A calmer alternative, ideal for visitors wanting to see the amphitheater and the east side of the ruins with potentially fewer crowds. It is also suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
• Piazza Esedra: A good option for groups and those arriving by public transport (near the Circumvesuviana train station), often with shorter wait times.

Pompeii Day tours

# Journey from Naples to Pompeii for an unforgettable day tour
# Take a Rome to Pompeii day adventure through history
# Experience Sorrento to Pompeii with guided tours of ancient ruins
# Embark on an Amalfi to Pompeii day trip to explore the past
# Discover Pompeii’s secrets with a guided tour from Positano

How to reach each Pompeii entrance?

• Porta Marina: The closest entrance to the Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station on the Circumvesuviana line. Trains from Naples and Sorrento stop here. It can also be reached by buses D-E and SITA. If arriving by car, the highway A3 Pompei Ovest exit leads directly to the archaeological park entrance, with parking lots nearby.
• Piazza Anfiteatro: Located about a 15-minute walk from Porta Marina. If you are taking a bus to Mount Vesuvius from the Pompei Villa dei Misteri station, Piazza Anfiteatro is the last stop.
• Piazza Esedra: Close to the Porta Marina entrance. You can reach it by bus routes no 105, 150F, 170, 590, 60, 910, and H. If you take the FL5 or R train, you can get off at the Pompeii Scavi train station and walk to Piazza Esedra.

Tips for choosing the right entrance

When deciding which Pompeii entrance is best for you, consider the following factors:

• Your mode of transportation: If you’re arriving by train, Porta Marina is the most direct. If by bus, Piazza Esedra or Anfiteatro might be more convenient depending on the route.
• What you want to see: If your priority is the Forum and central areas, Porta Marina or Esedra offer good access. For the amphitheater and eastern side, Piazza Anfiteatro is ideal.
• Crowd levels: Piazza Esedra generally experiences the least crowds, while Porta Marina is usually the busiest.
• Accessibility needs: Both Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro offer dedicated accessible routes for visitors with mobility issues.
• Time constraints: If you have limited time, Porta Marina’s proximity to the train station and major sites makes it a practical choice.

FAQs about Pompeii entrances 

Here are some questions that visitors ask about Pompeii entrances.

What time do these Pompeii entrances open?

All three Pompeii entrances open from 8.30 am to 7 pm.

How far is the Pompeii entrance from the railway station?

Porta Marina is 240 meters (787 feet) away, and it takes 3 minutes to walk.

Which gateway gives you the quickest access to Pompeii’s main street?

The major thoroughfare of Pompeii, Via dell’Abbondanza, is directly accessible from Piazza Esedra. It comes in the middle, and both Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro stay on the right and left side of Piazza Esedra, respectively, when you face the entrance.

Are wheelchairs available at Pompeii entrances?

Yes, wheelchairs are available for free at all entrances. We recommend going through the Porta Marina entrance as it has the best path (Pompeii for All) for wheelchair users.

Can I rent a wheelchair at the Porta Marina entrance?

You can get a wheelchair at the Porta Marina entrance for free. The other two entrances also have wheelchair facilities, but their paths are uneven.