The easiest way is the Circumvesuviana train from Naples Centrale (or Porta Nolana station) to Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. The journey takes 35–40 minutes, trains run every 30 minutes, and the station is a 5-minute walk from the Porta Marina entrance. Tickets cost approximately €2.80 each way
Pompeii is only 24 km from Naples Centrale — close enough that most visitors combine the two in a single day. The Circumvesuviana train is the standard approach for independent travellers: affordable, frequent, and it drops you almost at the gate. If you prefer everything handled for you, Naples to Pompeii day tours range from half-day guided visits to full-day combinations with Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and Sorrento.
Top Tickets
# Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
# Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
# 2-Hour Small Group Tour
Table of Contents
Option 1: By Train — Recommended
Which train goes from Naples to Pompeii?The EAV Circumvesuviana is the standard train from Naples to Pompeii. Depart from Naples Porta Nolana or Napoli Centrale (lower level) on the Sorrento-direction service. Alight at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri — do not confuse this with ‘Pompei’ (the town station). Journey time: 35–40 minutes.
Circumvesuviana (EAV)
The Circumvesuviana is the narrow-gauge commuter rail that links Naples and Sorrento, stopping at all the Vesuvian sites. It is the most practical option for the vast majority of visitors.
- Departure stations: Naples Porta Nolana (most central) or Napoli Centrale lower level
- Correct stop: Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri — do NOT alight at ‘Pompei’ (town station)
- Journey time: 35–40 minutes
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes, approximately 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Price: Approximately €2.80 each way — buy at the station or online
- From the station: Porta Marina entrance is a 5-minute walk; well-signed
Practical tip: Keep your bag in front of you on the Circumvesuviana — it is busy in tourist season and pickpocketing is an occasional issue, particularly on the Naples–Sorrento line.
Campania Express
A more comfortable, tourist-oriented version of the Circumvesuviana, running seasonally (typically April–October). Air-conditioned carriages, fewer stops, reserved seating. Slightly higher price than the standard Circumvesuviana but significantly more pleasant in summer.
If you want an up-and-down ticket to Pompeii, you can take the Porta Nolana Train Transfer to/from Pompei.
Option 2: By Bus
SITA Bus (Route 5001)
The SITA bus service from Naples to Pompeii (Route 5001 Napoli–Nocera–Salerno) is the most affordable option — approximately €2–€3 each way. Departs from the SITA bus terminal near Napoli Centrale. Journey time approximately 40 minutes. Frequency varies — check the SITA schedule before travelling.
Shuttle Bus
Private shuttle buses operate direct Naples–Pompeii services, typically departing twice daily (9:20 am and 11:05 am from Naples). More comfortable than SITA but more expensive. A round-trip shuttle transfer from Naples includes a fixed return time and is a good option if you want no logistical thinking.
FlixBus
FlixBus operates a Naples–Pompeii service departing from Napoli Metropark. Journey: approximately 35 minutes. Book in advance online — seats can sell out.
Option 3: By Car
From Naples, take the A3 motorway southward, exiting at either Pompei Ovest or Pompei Est depending on which entrance you are targeting. Journey time 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available near all three entrances — see our Pompeii parking guide for the best options and current prices.
Note: The A3 has tolls. Driving through Naples itself can be stressful for those unfamiliar with Italian urban driving. For first-time visitors, the train is usually less stressful than driving.
Wondering how to reach Pompeii from different locations? Whether you’re coming from Rome, Amalfi, Sorrento, or Positano, we’ve gathered the best travel options to make your journey easy and hassle-free.
Option 4: Guided Day Tours from Naples
Guided day tours from Naples are the most popular option for visitors who want transport, skip-the-line entry, and expert interpretation in a single booking. Tours range from half-day to full-day and can include Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, and lunch.
- Pompeii Guided Tour with Naples Pick-up — skip-the-line entry, live guide, hotel pick-up from Naples — Book This Tour
- Pompeii & Vesuvius Guided Day Trip with Lunch — both sites in one day from Naples — Book This Tour
- Pompeii & Herculaneum with Archaeologist — expert archaeologist guide at both sites — Book This Tour
- Naples or Sorrento: Pompeii Half-Day Tour — best for a shorter visit — Book This Tour
See our full Naples to Pompeii day tours guide for the complete list of options.
If you wish to go on a Mercedes Benz with AC and onboard Wi-Fi and hear the driver’s live commentary about Pompeii Roman history from Naples and vice versa, follow the link.
Journey Times from Naples at a Glance
- Circumvesuviana train: 35–40 minutes
- SITA bus: 40 minutes
- By car (A3): 30–45 minutes (traffic-dependent)
- Organised day tour: Typically departs 9:00–10:00 am; managed schedule
