Where is Pompeii? Location and How to Get There
How to Get to Pompeii from Naples
Naples is the main gateway to Pompeii. From Naples, there are several transportation options available:
- Circumvesuviana (local train) — the most popular and affordable way. Take the train from Napoli Centrale to Pompeii Scavi – Villa dei Misteri Station, a journey of about 35–40 minutes. Tickets cost around €2.80 per person (2025).
- EAV Train — an alternative from Naples with a similar route, equally comfortable and affordable.
- Bus from Naples — available, but slower than the train due to traffic conditions.
- Rental Car — flexible if you also want to visit Vesuvius or Herculaneum. Parking is available around the site.
- Organized Tours — many travel agencies from Naples, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast offer day trips to Pompeii with guides in Indonesian or English.
How to Get to Pompeii from Rome
- High-speed train (Frecciarossa/Italo) from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, then continue on the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii. Total travel time is around 2 hours.
- Day trip from Rome — very feasible due to the relatively short distance. Depart in the morning, return in the evening.
Brief History of Pompeii: The City Buried Overnight
To truly appreciate what you see in Pompeii, it’s important to understand the history behind the ruins before you. Pompeii was not a small forgotten town — it was one of the most prosperous port cities in the Roman Empire.
Pompeii Before the Eruption
In the first century AD, Pompeii was a bustling and cosmopolitan city. With an estimated population between 11,000 and 20,000, the city had:
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A Forum (public square) as the center of political and economic life
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An amphitheater that could hold 20,000 spectators — one of the oldest in the Roman world
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Two theaters for drama and arts performances
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Dozens of thermopolium (food stalls) serving residents daily
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A clean water network and sanitation system advanced for its time
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Markets, shops, temples, and luxurious houses with beautiful mosaics and frescoes
Rediscovery of Pompeii
Pompeii was first rediscovered by chance in 1599, when an architect named Domenico Fontana uncovered remnants of city walls while digging a water channel. However, systematic excavations only began in 1748 under the orders of King Charles III of Naples. Since then, more than two-thirds of the city area has been successfully excavated — and excavations continue to this day.
What You Can See in Pompeii City
The archaeological site of Pompeii is vast — about 44 hectares to explore. Don’t expect to see everything in one day without preparation. Here are the must-visit spots:
Roman Forum
The Forum was the heart of ancient Pompeii life. Here, residents gathered to trade, engage in politics, and worship. From the Forum, you can see Mount Vesuvius towering in the distance — a view that feels very dramatic considering its history.
- Basilica — the city’s largest courthouse and business center
- Temple of Jupiter — the main temple facing directly onto the Forum
- Macellum — the city’s main market with a distinctive circular roof
Villa of the Mysteries (Villa dei Misteri)
Located on the outskirts of the city, this villa houses one of the most stunning Roman frescoes ever discovered. The nearly 17-meter-long wall painting depicts a mysterious ritual — most likely an initiation ceremony in honor of Dionysus — in Pompeian red that still amazes today. This is a masterpiece you must see in person.
House of the Faun (Casa del Fauno)
One of the largest and most luxurious private houses in Pompeii, belonging to a wealthy Roman noble family. Here, the famous Alexander the Great mosaic was found (now displayed at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli). The size and grandeur of this house give a real sense of the opulent lifestyle of Pompeii’s upper class.
Pompeii Amphitheater
Built around 70 BC, this amphitheater is one of the oldest surviving in the Roman world. It could hold up to 20,000 spectators and was used for gladiator games and other spectacular shows. Interestingly, Pink Floyd held a concert here in 1971 — one of the most iconic music moments in history.
Thermopolium of Regio V
Fully excavated in 2020, this thermopolium is an exceptionally well-preserved Roman “fast-food” shop. It was found with remnants of food still in containers, wall paintings depicting menu items, as well as animal bones and grain remains. This discovery changed how we understand the daily life of ordinary Pompeii residents.
Plaster Casts of Victims
Perhaps the most emotional part of the entire Pompeii visit. Plaster casts of victims — lying down, embracing each other, or covering their faces — are displayed at various points within the site, including the Garden of the Fugitives. These preserved last moments of human life are unforgettable.
Lupanar (Ancient Brothel)
One of the most visited buildings in Pompeii, the Lupanar is the only officially identified brothel in the city. What makes it unique are the frescoes above each room’s door depicting various scenes — allegedly used as a sort of “menu” for clients who couldn’t communicate in Latin.
Tips for Visiting Pompeii
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by more than 3.5 million tourists every year. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and memorably, consider the following tips:
Best Time to Visit
- April–June and September–October are ideal times: the weather is comfortable, not too hot, and crowds are relatively lower than in summer.
- July–August is peak season — very crowded and temperatures can reach over 35°C. Avoid if possible, or arrive as early as possible.
- November–March is the low season with cheaper prices, but some areas may be closed for restoration.
- Arrive as early as possible — the site opens at 09:00. Crowds peak between 11:00–15:00.
Tickets and Entrance Fees
- Regular ticket: €18 per person (2025).
- Combined tickets for Pompeii + Herculaneum + other sites are available at better value.
- Free for EU citizens under 18 years old.
- It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance at ticketone.it or the official Pompeii website to avoid long queues.
- English-speaking tour guides are available directly at the entrance, or can be booked online in advance.
Physical Preparation and Equipment
- Wear comfortable closed shoes — Pompeii’s streets are made of large uneven stones and can be slippery.
- Bring enough drinking water — the site area is very large and the Italian sun can be extremely intense.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat — most areas have little shade.
- Prepare at least 3–4 hours to explore the main areas, or a full day if you want deeper exploration.
- Bring a map or download the Pompeii Sites app for navigation within the vast area.
- Light snacks are allowed — there is a cafeteria inside the site but queues are long during busy seasons.
Things to Pay Attention To
- Do not touch frescoes, mosaics, or any artifacts.
- Do not take stones, soil, or any materials from the site — there are real cases of tourists being deported for doing so.
- Some areas may be temporarily closed due to ongoing restoration work.
- Not all areas have wheelchair access — some paths are very uneven.
Staying Connected While Exploring Pompeii
Use gSIM Europe to stay online while exploring Italy and various European countries. This eSIM is valid for life, requiring only one activation, after which you simply top up data anytime when needed. It’s practical without changing SIM cards, allowing you to stay connected for navigation, searching destination information, and sharing travel moments in real time.
Why Pompeii Should Be on Your Bucket List
Pompeii is not just ruins. It is a living city — frozen in time, yet speaking loudly about who we are as humans: how we eat, love, work, worship, play, and ultimately face something far greater than ourselves. Visiting Pompeii is an experience that goes beyond any history book.
