Allow us to explain the options available for getting to Pompeii from the three main gateway cities: Naples, Rome, and Sorrento
Pompeii is incredibly well-connected. Whether you’re staying in Naples (the closest hub), coming from Rome on a day trip, or basing yourself in charming Sorrento, you’ve got multiple ways to get there. Trains are your fastest bet from Naples or Sorrento, taking around 35-40 minutes. From Rome, you’ll need about 2-3 hours depending on your route. Buses work too, and if you prefer flexibility, driving is straightforward.
Here’s a quick overview of all your options:
| From | Mode | Travel Time | Cost (one way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naples | Circumvesuviana train | 35-40 min | €3-4 | Budget travelers, frequent departures |
| Naples | Campania Express train | ~30 min | €15 | Comfort seekers (AC, guaranteed seats) |
| Naples | SITA bus | 35-40 min | ~€2 | Rock-bottom budget |
| Naples | FlixBus | 40-50 min | €5-10 | Comfortable budget option |
| Naples | Car | ~30 min | €1-3 toll + fuel | Flexibility, carrying luggage |
| Sorrento | Circumvesuviana train | 37 min | €3-5 | Most convenient, hourly departures |
| Sorrento | Local bus (Line 563) | 55 min | €1.50-2.50 | Tightest budget |
| Sorrento | Car | 30-35 min | - | Scenic coastal drive |
| Rome | High-speed train + local | ~2h total | €30+ | Speed and comfort |
| Rome | Direct Frecciarossa (Sundays) | ~2h | €25-35 | Easiest option (Sundays only) |
| Rome | FlixBus/Marozzi | ~3h | €30-40 return | Budget day trip |
| Rome | Car | 2h 30min | €20 toll + fuel | Road trip flexibility |
Naples is your closest major city, sitting just 22-28 km from the ancient ruins.
The Circumvesuviana train is what most people use. It’s the workhorse of this route. Trains depart from Napoli Garibaldi station (which is inside Napoli Centrale, the main train station) roughly every 30 minutes. You’ll want the line heading toward Sorrento, and your stop is Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri. The ride takes about 35-40 minutes, and tickets cost around €3-4.
Now, let me be straight with you about this train. It’s cheap, it’s frequent, and it drops you right at the archaeological park entrance. Perfect, right? Well, there’s a catch. The Circumvesuviana is… let’s say, basic. No air conditioning (which matters in summer), often crowded, and you might deal with pickpockets during busy times. Keep your belongings close and you’ll be fine.
Want a better experience? The Campania Express runs from April through October. Same route, but this is the tourist-friendly version with air conditioning, guaranteed seating, and faster service (about 30 minutes). You’ll pay more at €15 one-way, but sometimes comfort is worth it. Book this one in advance since it only runs seasonally.
Buses from Naples give you another angle. SITA Sud coaches leave from near the port area (Piazza Municipio) and take roughly 35-40 minutes. A ticket costs around €2, making this the cheapest option if you’re traveling on a shoestring. The downside? No reserved seating, and you need to buy your ticket beforehand at the SITA office.
FlixBus offers a more comfortable coach experience with AC and Wi-Fi, taking 40-50 minutes and costing about €5-10. It’s a nice middle ground between cost and comfort.
Driving from Naples? Take the A3 motorway south and exit at Pompei Ovest. The drive is only about 30 minutes (28 km). You’ll pay a small toll (around €1-3) plus fuel. Parking at the archaeological site runs about €3 per hour in the official lot near Via Villa dei Misteri. Just be aware that traffic around Naples can get heavy, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Returning to Naples: All these options work in reverse. The Circumvesuviana trains back to Naples run until late evening, and buses follow similar schedules. Check the return timetables when you arrive so you’re not caught off guard.
Rome is further out at 240 km north, so this becomes more of a day trip commitment.
The high-speed train route is your smoothest option. Take a Frecciarossa or Italo train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (about 1 to 1.5 hours, costing from €20-50 depending on when you book). From Naples, you’ll switch to the local Circumvesuviana or a regional train for that final 35-40 minute leg to Pompei Scavi (add €3-4). Total journey time is around 2 to 2.5 hours door-to-door.
Trenitalia now runs a direct Frecciarossa from Rome to Pompei on Sundays. It departs Roma Termini at 8:53 AM and reaches Pompei by 10:40 AM. The return train leaves at 6:40 PM. Tickets cost about €25-35, and this eliminates that annoying train change in Naples.
Long-distance buses like FlixBus or Marozzi run direct from Rome to Pompei. The journey takes about 3 hours, and roundtrip tickets run around €30-40.
Driving from Rome is doable but it’s a haul. You’re looking at 2.5 to 3 hours covering about 240 km via the A1 autostrada south toward Naples, then continuing on the A3. Tolls will run around €20, plus fuel costs. The benefit? You can leave when you want and potentially stop at other sites along the way. The downside? Italian highway traffic can be unpredictable, especially around Naples, and you’ll need to navigate city driving at both ends.
Returning to Rome: The logistics work the same in reverse. The Sunday direct train leaves Pompei at 6:40 PM, giving you a full day. Regular high-speed trains from Naples back to Rome run until late evening. Buses typically have afternoon departures. Just factor in that you’ll be tired after walking around ancient ruins all day.
Sorrento is the closest of the three cities, sitting just 17 km south of Pompeii. If you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast, this is your launch point.
The Circumvesuviana train runs hourly between Sorrento and Pompei Scavi, taking about 37 minutes and costing €3-5. You’ll board at Sorrento’s main train station, and it’s a direct shot with no changes needed. This is probably your most convenient option because the frequency works in your favor.
Local buses are available too. The EAV SITA Line 563 runs from Sorrento center to the Pompei Scavi bus stop in about 55 minutes for €1.50-2.50. It’s slower than the train but dirt cheap. FlixBus also operates this route with air-conditioned coaches (about 55 minutes, €4-7).
Driving from Sorrento takes about 30-35 minutes. You can take the SS163 coastal road, which is scenic but narrow and can get clogged with summer traffic. Alternatively, head inland slightly to connect with the A3 motorway for a faster route.
Returning to Sorrento: Trains back to Sorrento run until late evening, roughly once per hour. The schedule is pretty reliable. Buses follow their timetables, which you should check at the station. If you’re driving, just retrace your route.
Look, there’s no single “right” answer here. It depends on where you’re staying, your budget, and what else you want to see on your trip.
If you’re based in Naples and traveling on a budget, take the Circumvesuviana train. It’s €3-4, runs constantly, and gets you there in 40 minutes. Yes, it’s crowded and basic, but you’ll save money for a nice dinner that evening. Plus, Naples deserves at least a day or two of exploration.
If comfort matters more than cost, spring for the Campania Express (€15) or even a private tour from Naples. Some tours include skip-the-line access and a guide who brings the ruins to life. That can be worth it if you’re not confident navigating on your own or you want deeper historical context.
Coming from Rome for a day trip? Your budget and timeline determine everything. The Sunday direct Frecciarossa (€25-35 roundtrip, plus Pompeii entrance) is elegant and hassle-free. You’re back in Rome by evening with energy to spare. But if you’re watching your wallet, the long-distance bus (€30-40 roundtrip) works fine even though it’s slower. Just know that a Rome-Pompeii day trip is ambitious. You’ll spend 4-6 hours traveling for about 4-5 hours at the site. Totally doable, but it’s a full day.
Here’s another angle: if you’re already planning to visit Naples or the Amalfi Coast, base yourself there for a few days instead of Rome. A Naples-Sorrento-Pompeii loop gives you way more flexibility and less travel fatigue.
For families or groups, renting a car makes sense. You can control your schedule, carry snacks and water (essential at Pompeii in summer), and you’re not herding everyone onto crowded trains. The parking cost (€3/hour) splits nicely among four people.
The absolute fastest way to reach Pompeii is from Naples via the Campania Express train at 30 minutes. But realistically, most people use the regular Circumvesuviana at 35-40 minutes since it runs more frequently.
From Sorrento, you’re looking at 37 minutes by train, making this the closest “resort town” gateway.
One practical tip: the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station is literally steps from the main archaeological park entrance. If you end up at the other station called just “Pompei” (on the national rail line), you’ll need to walk about 1-2 km or catch a shuttle bus. Always double-check you’re getting off at Pompei Scavi (with the “i”), not the town station.
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