🚂 Navigating Italian transport doesn’t have to be confusing! Discover how to travel from Naples to Pompeii like a pro with this complete guide to trains, buses, and smart travel tips.
Why This Transportation Guide Matters
Getting from Naples to Pompeii isn’t just about moving from point A to B—it’s about starting your journey back in time efficiently and affordably. While the ruins await, the transportation puzzle can be daunting for first-time visitors. This guide cuts through the confusion with locally-tested methods that save you time, money, and stress.
Quick Comparison: Your Transportation Options at a Glance
| Method | Travel Time | Cost (One Way) | Best For | Key Stations/Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circumvesuviana Train | 35-40 minutes | €2.40 – €3.20 | Budget travelers, independent explorers | Naples: Piazza Garibaldi Pompeii: Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri |
| Campania Express Tourist Train | 30-35 minutes | ~€15 (round trip) | Comfort seekers, families, those with luggage | Naples: Piazza Garibaldi Pompeii: Pompei Scavi |
| Trenitalia Regional Train | 30-35 minutes | €2.90 – €4.50 | Travelers near Napoli Centrale | Naples: Napoli Centrale Pompeii: Pompei (town station) |
| SITA Bus | 45-60 minutes | €2.50 – €3.50 | Those who prefer buses, traveling from specific areas | Naples: Piazza Garibaldi Pompeii: Piazza Esedra |
The Complete Guide: Naples to Pompeii Transport Options
🚆 Option 1: Circumvesuviana Train (The Local Favorite)
Why it’s popular: This is the workhorse of Campania transport—affordable, frequent, and direct to the ruins’ entrance.
Step-by-step guide:
- Find the station: Head to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station, located beneath Napoli Centrale (the main train station).
- Buy tickets: Purchase from EAV ticket windows or automated machines. Look for “Pompei Scavi” destination.
- Validate: CRUCIAL—stamp your ticket in the small green/yellow machines on the platform.
- Board: Take any train on the Naples-Sorrento line (usually marked “Linea 2”).
- Alight: Get off at “Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri” (not just “Pompei”).
Insider tip: Board at Porta Nolana (the line’s starting point, a 5-minute walk from Garibaldi) to secure a seat before the crowds board at Garibaldi.
Cost breakdown:
- One-way ticket: €2.40
- Daily tourist ticket: €12 (unlimited travel on Circumvesuviana)
✨ Option 2: Campania Express Tourist Train (The Comfort Choice)
Perfect for: Travelers prioritizing comfort, families with children, or those with heavy luggage.
Key advantages:
- Guaranteed seating (no standing in aisles)
- Air conditioning (a lifesaver in summer)
- Fewer stops (direct service)
- Informative announcements in multiple languages
How to use it:
- Schedule check: Trains run 3-5 times daily in each direction—verify times at the station or online.
- Ticket purchase: Buy at dedicated Campania Express counters or online in advance.
- Boarding: Present your ticket and board from Track 3 at Napoli Piazza Garibaldi.
Pro tip: Combine with an ArteCard for discounted transport plus entry to Pompeii and other sites.
🚊 Option 3: Trenitalia Regional Train (The Alternative Route)
Best suited for: Travelers already at Napoli Centrale or those combining Pompeii with other regional destinations.
Important distinction: This train stops at Pompei station in the modern town, NOT at the ruins. You’ll need to:
- Walk 20-25 minutes to the ruins
- Take a local bus (€1.50) to the Porta Marina entrance
- Grab a taxi (€10-15)
When it makes sense:
- You’re traveling from cities north of Naples (like Rome) directly to Pompeii
- You prefer wider, more comfortable seats
- You have a rail pass (Eurail, Interrail)
🚌 Option 4: SITA Bus (The Road Alternative)
Consider this if: You’re staying near the bus departure points or want to combine Pompeii with other destinations along the route.
Routes to know:
- Naples-Pompeii direct: Departs from Piazza Garibaldi
- Naples-Sorrento line: Stops at Pompeii along the scenic coast road
Bus advantages:
- More luggage space
- Scenic views (especially on the Sorrento line)
- Direct to some hotel areas not served by trains
Potential drawbacks:
- Traffic delays (especially in peak season)
- Less frequent than trains
- Can be confusing to find correct bus and stop
🎯 The Smart Traveler’s Decision Guide
Choose Circumvesuviana if:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You don’t mind crowds
- You value frequency over comfort
Choose Campania Express if:
- You’re traveling in summer heat
- You have children or elderly companions
- You want a stress-free, tourist-friendly experience
Choose Trenitalia if:
- You’re arriving at Napoli Centrale from another city
- You have heavy luggage (more space)
- You plan to continue to other destinations like Salerno
Choose SITA Bus if:
- Your accommodation is near a bus departure point
- You want to stop at other towns along the coast
- You missed the last train
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
1. Ticket Validation is Non-Negotiable
Italian transport fines for unvalidated tickets range from €50-200. Look for small green, white, or yellow machines at station entrances or on platforms. Insert your ticket until you hear a “click” or see it stamped.
2. Beware of Pickpockets
These trains are notorious for theft. Keep bags in front of you, wallets in front pockets, and avoid flashing expensive electronics.
3. Time Your Trip Right
- Best times to travel: Weekday mornings (8-10 AM) or early afternoons (1-3 PM)
- Worst times: Friday evenings, weekend mornings, Italian holidays
- First/last trains: First train ~6 AM, last train ~10:30 PM (confirm current schedules)
4. Combine with Vesuvius
At Pompei Scavi station, you’ll find official “Vesuvio Express” shuttles that take you directly to the volcano crater (combined transport and entry ~€25-30).
5. Language Help
- “Dove è la stazione per Pompei?” = Where is the station for Pompeii?
- “Un biglietto per Pompei Scavi, per favore” = One ticket to Pompei Scavi, please
- “Questo treno va a Pompei Scavi?” = Does this train go to Pompei Scavi?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Getting on the wrong train: Ensure your train is heading toward Sorrento, not Poggiomarino or Sarno.
- Going to the wrong station: “Pompei” station vs. “Pompei Scavi” station—the latter is what you want.
- Not buying water: The Pompeii site has limited shade and water fountains. Buy water before entering.
- Attempting too much: Pompeii + Vesuvius in one day is extremely ambitious. Choose one or start very early.
Beyond Pompeii: Connecting to Other Destinations
From Pompeii Scavi station, you can continue to:
- Sorrento (30 minutes further on same train line)
- Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi station, 20 minutes back toward Naples)
- Naples Airport (Take train to Naples, then Alibus shuttle)
📝 Final Checklist Before You Go
- [ ] Validated train/bus ticket
- [ ] Water bottle (filled)
- [ ] Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes
- [ ] Printed or digital ticket for Pompeii (buy online in advance)
- [ ] Small cash for snacks/emergencies
- [ ] Downloaded offline map of Pompeii ruins
🚀 Ready to Explore? Armed with this knowledge, you’re prepared to navigate from Naples to Pompeii like a seasoned traveler. The journey is part of the adventure—watching the urban landscape give way to vineyards with Mount Vesuvius ever-present on the horizon is a perfect prelude to stepping back in time.
Found this guide helpful? Explore more European transport guides in my Italy Travel Hub or check out my complete Weekend in Naples Itinerary to plan your perfect trip.
Ready to connect history with logistics? Your journey to Pompeii begins with a local adventure in itself. Figuring out the best way to get there is half the fun (and can save you time and stress). For a deep dive into every option—from the classic Circumvesuviana train to the comfortable Campania Express—be sure to check out my detailed, step-by-step guide: Naples It covers costs, Hidden Gems, tickets, and insider tips to ensure your trip to the ruins is as smooth as ancient Roman pavement.
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