Multiple privately operated car parks are located near all three main entrances, particularly around Piazza Esedra (north) and Piazza Anfiteatro (south-east). There is no official Archaeological Park car park. Prices typically range from €5 to €10 for a full day. In July and August, arrive before 9:00 am to secure a space — the lots fill quickly. There is no free parking close to the entrances.
Pompeii is easily reachable by train from Naples, Sorrento, and Rome — and for most visitors, the train is significantly less stressful than driving, particularly in summer when the roads around the modern town are congested. But if you are travelling by car — arriving from Rome, combining multiple sites in one day, or travelling with family — parking is manageable with the right information.
Top Tickets
# Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
# Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
# 2-Hour Small Group Tour
Table of Contents
Best Car Parks by Entrance
Near Porta Marina (Main Entrance)
The main entrance area on Via Villa dei Misteri has several private lots. Parking Pompeii and Parcheggio Villa dei Misteri are the closest — typically €5–€8 per day. These fill first; arrive before 9:00 am in peak season. The Circumvesuviana station is immediately adjacent, making this the best parking area for visitors who want to combine a drive with the option of using the train for subsequent days.
Near Piazza Anfiteatro (South-East Entrance)
The area around Piazza Anfiteatro has several lots along Via Plinio and Via Sacra. These are often slightly less crowded than the Porta Marina lots, particularly on summer mornings — useful if the western lots are full. Typical price: €5–€8 per day. The Amphitheatre entrance is directly accessible from this area.
Near Piazza Esedra (North Entrance)
Fewer formal lots in this area; some street parking along the surrounding roads. This entrance is less used by car-arriving visitors and more by guided tour groups. Not recommended as a primary parking target unless the other areas are full.
Typical Parking Prices (2026)
- Most private lots: €5–€10 per day
- Attendant-operated lots: Often flat-rate regardless of duration
- Street parking: Limited; subject to local traffic regulations (blue lines = paid; yellow lines = residents only)
- Note: Prices vary by operator and are not officially regulated — compare a few lots on arrival
Disabled Parking
Disabled parking bays (contrassegno invalidi) are available near the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances. A valid European Blue Badge or Italian disabled parking permit is required. Spaces are limited; arrive early. The ‘Pompeii for All’ accessibility route starts from Piazza Anfiteatro — disabled parking near that entrance is recommended for visitors using the accessibility route.
Summer Congestion: What to Expect
In July and August, the roads around Pompeii town are heavily congested from approximately 9:30 am as day visitors arrive from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. The congestion affects both arrival and departure. Strategies that work:
- Arrive before 9:00 am — traffic is light before the Circumvesuviana peak; parking is available
- Leave before 1:00 pm or after 3:30 pm — the worst midday departure congestion is between 1:00–3:30 pm when tour groups and day visitors leave simultaneously
- Park near Piazza Anfiteatro — the southern exit via Via Plinio is sometimes faster than the Via Villa dei Misteri road
Train vs Driving: Honest Comparison
Choose the train if:
- You are based in Naples, Sorrento, or Herculaneum
- You are visiting in July–August (parking availability and road congestion make driving more stressful)
- You want to have a glass of wine at CHORA café without worrying about driving
Choose to drive if:
- You are combining Pompeii with Oplontis, Boscoreale, or Stabiae on the same day
- You are arriving from Rome or central Italy and the train journey adds significant time
- You are travelling with young children or significant luggage
- You are visiting in winter when parking is easy and roads are clear
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free parking near Pompeii?
Free parking is not available close to the entrances. Occasional street parking on peripheral roads exists but is limited and subject to regulations. Budget €5–€10 for a full day’s parking.
Can I leave my luggage in the car?
Technically yes, but this is not recommended — car break-ins targeting tourist vehicles are known to occur in the Pompeii area, particularly in peak season. Use the free on-site cloakroom for bags you cannot carry into the site.
Where can I park if visiting Oplontis or Boscoreale the same day?
Oplontis (Torre Annunziata) and Boscoreale have their own parking — drive between sites rather than relying on the Pompeii car park for a multi-site day. See our Oplontis guide and Boscoreale guide for specific parking details.
