The Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri takes 30–35 minutes and runs every 30 minutes. It is the easiest and most popular route. The train departs from Sorrento station on the Naples-direction service — alight at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (not ‘Pompei’ town station).
Sorrento is one of the most popular bases for a Pompeii visit — the Circumvesuviana puts you at the site in under 35 minutes, and the town is beautiful enough to be a destination in its own right. Whether you prefer the independence of the train, the comfort of a guided tour, or the flexibility of a car, this guide covers every option clearly.
Top Tickets
# Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
# Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
# 2-Hour Small Group Tour
Table of Contents
Option 1: Circumvesuviana Train — Easiest
Which station in Pompeii is closest to the ruins? Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri is the correct station for the archaeological site — a 5-minute walk from the Porta Marina entrance. Do not confuse it with ‘Pompei’ station, which is in the modern town centre and a 15-minute walk from the ruins.
- Depart from: Sorrento station — take the Naples-direction Circumvesuviana service
- Alight at: Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri (not ‘Pompei’ station)
- Journey time: 30–35 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes, approximately 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Price: Approximately €2.60 each way
- From the station: 5-minute walk to Porta Marina entrance, well-signed
Common mistake: Many visitors alight one stop early at ‘Pompei’ town station, then spend 15–20 minutes wondering why the ruins seem far. Always check the sign in the carriage or ask another passenger to confirm the right stop.
Option 2: Bus
SITA buses run between Sorrento and Pompeii via the coastal road. Depart from Sorrento’s bus terminal at Piazza Giovanni Battista de Curtis (next to the train station). Journey time approximately 50 minutes. Bus is slower than the train but scenic — the coastal road views are excellent. Check the SITA schedule before travel as frequency varies seasonally.
Option 3: Car
From Sorrento, take the SS145 road toward Castellammare di Stabia. Follow signs for Pompeii. Journey time 25–35 minutes off-peak, longer in summer traffic. Parking is available near all three entrances — see our parking guide.
Option 4: Guided Day Tours from Sorrento
Guided tours from Sorrento remove all logistics — transport, entry, and expert interpretation in one booking. Particularly popular tours combine Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius.
- Sorrento: Skip-the-Line Pompeii Express Tour by Train — round-trip train included, skip-the-line entry, 2-hour guided tour — Book This Tour
- Sorrento: Pompeii & Vesuvius Guided Tour with Lunch — full day covering both sites with lunch included — Book This Tour
See our full Sorrento to Pompeii day tours guide for the complete list.
