One of the best known archaeological sites and just a few hour trip from several major Italian cities, Pompeii is a perfect day trip and a must see. Learn how to travel to Pompeii from Florence, Rome or the Amalfi coast. Also read about the top things to see while at Pompeii and other recommendations.

Rome to Pompeii

A train runs from Rome to Napoli several times a day and is about 2 hours in length. Once you are at Napoli central station you will catch the subway which runs to Sorrento and stops right outside of Pompeii. Another option is to rent a car and will be about a 2 hr 45min drive.

Florence to Pompeii

Florence to Pompeii is also easiest by train and takes about 4-5 hours. Again you will have to change at Napoli central to Sorrento. By car this will be about a 5hr 20min drive.

Amalfi Coast to Pompeii

There are a couple options when coming from the Amalfi coast depending on which city you are coming from. If you are coming from Salerno train will be the easiest. This is only a 2 euro trip one way as well! This trip is about 40min and makes for a super easy day trip.

If you are further down the coast in Amalfi or Positano rather than back tracking it is probably easier to take the bus down the coast to Sorrento then catch the subway. Now this bus ride is not for the faint of heart. Coming from someone with motion sickness, the sharp curves at higher speeds in a bus does not bode well for the stomach. Once in Sorrento you catch the subway to Naples right at the station. The tickets are bought once inside in a little tobacco stand. If I remember right it is about 15 stops on the subway and still takes a little while but will drop you off right outside of Pompeii’s entrance.

Top things to see in Pompeii

There are so many little things around each corner at Pompeii that made me more and more in awe of the place. I have actually been to Pompeii twice and discovered things I hadn’t seen the first time on my second visit. It is an active archaeological site and things are actively changing and new things are opening all the time. Below is a quick guide to all my favorite sites.

• Forum: when you walk in the entrance just outside the train station you will walk into the main forum. With large pillars and a grand statue a one end facing the amazing backdrop of Mt Vesuvius this was definitely a grand entry to the ruins.
• Antiquarium: once you have entered the forum take a left and walk along to get a view of the antiquarium. It houses the artifacts that have been preserved but couldn’t be left in place. Here you will find many beautiful large urns and vases in various conditions.
• Stabian Baths: one of the better preserved areas the bath houses are a must see. Walk through the original spas of the ancient days and marvel at the grandeur. Make sure you also look up at the ceilings while here the detail is phenomenal!
• Ampitheatre: Tucked back in the corner near a vineyard is the amphitheater. While small in size if you have already visited the colosseum this entertainment venue is still worth seeing.
• Other theaters: Closer to the entrance there are also other notable theaters worth visiting. Somehow I missed this theatre my first visit but am glad I stumbled upon them on the second.
• The brothel: Yep that’s right brothels date back to the ancient times! Complete with the wall drawings of various positions and the hard slabs that passed for beds this shows a different side to the ancient city. If you are lucky you will even find the penis in the stone street which points the way to visitors. On my second visit this was closed due to flooding and repairs which was a disappointment.

Tips for Pompeii

• If you have luggage with you check it at the subway stop for a carefree entrance.
• Skip the audio guide. Pompeii is quite large and I was excited for the audioguide but in the end became very disappointed. Several of the numbers listed didn’t work and the other half that did have audio information weren’t open to the public the day I was here.
• If you want to buy tickets ahead of time I highly recommend the Tiqets site or app. This is my go to for any tickets I book around Europe. Skip the line tickets are a must if you are there during peak season.
• Make sure you get a map and give yourself several hours. Pompeii is a vast area and you will want to make sure you have a game plan and idea of where the main attractions are.
• Certain attractions or houses are only open for certain hours of the day. If there is something you are really set on seeing make sure to look it up before you go.

Visit my other post, 10 photos that will make you want to travel Italy for more inspiration before you go!