How to Get From Rome to Pompeii: The 4 Best Ways

Vivid remnants of the past are still present in Pompeii. Famous for its evocative historical sights, this once ancient Roman town was devastated by the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D, and buried under a thick layer of dirt and volcanic ash. 

Pompeii remained mostly untouched until the late 16th century when it was discovered by a group of explorers. Some of its not-to-be-missed cultural treasures include ruins of amphitheaters, like the Teatro Grande (Large Theater), a Forum enclosed by colonnades, as well as artifacts, and even skeletons, which will provide a unique peek into daily life in this ancient Roman city.

Located near the coast of Italy, the Pompeii ruins are a prime day trip destination from Rome. Approximately 240 miles separate both places, and buses and trains connect them. 

To help you enjoy a one-of-a-kind day trip to this intriguing archaeological site, we’ve put together a guide to the best ways to travel from Rome to Pompeii, covering 3 different transport options. Have a look!

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Where Is Pompeii Located?

Pompeii is located in the modern-day Campania region, near the coast of the Bay of Naples, in Southern Italy. The city lies 240 miles, within a 2h30 minutes drive, from central Rome.

How To Get to Pompeii From Rome

Rome to Pompeii by Car

Pompeii is located within a 2h30 drive from Naples, which covers a distance of around 240 miles.

To reach Pompeii from Rome by car, you just have to take the E45 via Strada Statale (toll motorway). 

There will be tolls to pay along the route, so be sure you either bring Euros to pay in cash or have your debit/credit card ready. The drive between the two cities is straightforward and direct and will treat you to some scenic stops in villages and beautiful landscapes, including Mount Vesuvius.

There will be tolls to pay along the route, so be sure you either bring Euros to pay in cash or have your debit/credit card ready.

Rome to Pompeii by Train

Taking the train is one of the most convenient ways of getting around Italy. However, there are no direct trains from Rome to Pompeii, so you’ll need to stop in Naples and change trains.

To reach Pompeii from Rome, take a train from Roma Termini Station to Napoli Centrale Station. From the Naples Central Station, there are local trains that stop at the Pompeii Scavi station.

For an extra comfortable journey to Naples, we recommend that you take a high-speed train to Rome. These trains usually offer different levels of comfort and have amenities such as reserved seating, air-conditioning, and power outlets. They’re also faster, and the journey time to Naples takes around 1h10.

The fastest high-speed trains to Rome, are the famous Frecciarossa trains, which are operated by Trenitalia, and connect all the major cities in Italy. These modern high-speed trains offer four classes of service, all with free Wi-Fi: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. They reach Naples in just over an hour and provide passengers with great views of the Italian countryside.

Remember that with the high-speed service, it’s recommended to buy tickets and reserve seats in advance, especially during the high season, which is when trains tend to get very busy.

Ticket prices for the Rome to Naples journey on the high-speed trains start at €19.90 each way if you book online in advance and commit to a specific train.

You can buy tickets on the day, but you then pay the “base” fare, which is around €44. Reservation is required, but there are almost always places available even just before departure as there are so many seats on so many trains. Make sure you plan your journey ahead of time if you want to save on money.

High-speed trains depart every half-hour from Rome Termini to Naples Centrale train station.

Once in Naples, step off the high-speed train from Rome and follow the blue signs to get to Napoli Garibaldi station downstairs. This is a separate station within the same building as Napoli Centrale.

Then, you’ll want to take the blue ‘Sorrento’ line on the Circumvesuviana line. Tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance, meaning you’ll have to secure them at one of the station’s kiosks. The journey time to Pompeii takes 35 minutes. Be sure to stop at  Pompei Scavi/ Villa dei Misteri station, which is built around the ancient ruins of Pompeii. From the station to the main entrance of Pompeii is an 8-minute walk.

Read this blog post for the complete guide on how to go from Naples to Pompeii.

Rome to Pompeii by Bus

Alternatively, you can also take a direct bus coach from Rome to Pompeii. Long-distance bus companies such as Flixbus (see here) and GetByBus (check there) have buses departing from the Rome Tiburtina Bus Station several times per day. The earliest bus to Pompeii leaves from Rome at 4:15 am and the latest at 6:30 pm.

The journey from Rome to Naples takes approximately three hours, but the buses are comfortable, offering free Wi-Fi and hot drinks on board.

Rome to Pompeii by Guided Tour

If extra comfort is what you’re looking for, then joining a guided day tour to Pompeii is the best bet. That way, you won’t have to worry about planning the trip, or figuring out transportation connections on your own. All you have to do is book a tour online and enjoy.

There are several options available, each offering its unique features. But usually, tours from Rome to Pompeii include round-trip transport in an air-conditioned coach and a guided tour of the ruins. Some even provide lunch and refreshments as well as additional visits to the surrounding area, such as Mount Vesuvius and Naples.

FAQ

What is the distance between Rome to Pompeii?

Pompeii is located 240 miles south of Rome.

Is there a direct train from Rome to Pompeii?

No. From Rome, it’s required to change trains in Naples to reach Pompeii.

Are there high-speed trains from Rome to Pompeii?

There are no direct high-speed trains from Rome to Pompeii. However, there are high-speed trains that run from Rome to Naples Central Station.

How much is the high-speed train to Pompeii?

There are no direct high-speed trains from Rome to Pompeii. However, there are high-speed trains to Naples. Ticket fares start at €19.90 each way if you book online in advance.

From where do the trains from Rome to Pompeii depart?

Trains run from Rome Termini Station, which is located in the city center, to Napoli Centrale Station.

Can you get from Rome to Pompeii by public transport?

Yes. It’s possible to reach Pompeii from Rome by train and bus.

Why visit Pompeii?

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filled with ruins covered in ashes, Pompeii is the perfect destination for history lovers.

Is Pompeii a good day trip from Rome?

Yes. Pompeii is filled with ruins that’ll provide you with a peak of life in ancient Rome, making it a wonderful day trip from Rome.

What is Pompeii known for?

The city is known for its famous Roman ruins, which were buried under a thick layer of dirt and ash and remained mostly untouched until the late 16th century.

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