Rome boasts exceptionally preserved ancient sites; but Pompeii takes “preserved” to an entirely different level.
After that fateful day of August 24, AD 79, what remains is largely the same 2,000 years later. The insanely preserved buildings, objects, and even people, are a sight unlike anything you’ll see in Rome.
Take a rather macabre day trip from the Capuchin crypts of Rome to the Pompeii Archaeological Site that was once lost to ash. Here’s what you need to know about taking a day trip from Rome to Pompeii by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Photography by Jeremy Villasis. Philippines.. Image Location: Vineyard in Pompeii, Naples, Italy
At a glance: Rome to Pompeii
- Rome’s station: Roma Termini | Roma Tiburtina
- Pompeii’s station: Pompeii | Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri
- How far is Rome to Pompeii by train: 131 miles
- Fastest duration for high-speed trains: 1h 46m
- Average duration for general trains: 2h 15m
- Number of trains per day: 26
- Ticket prices: As low as $13.77 when you book in advance
- Earliest departure: 00:03 AM
- Latest departure: 22:40 PM
Is a day trip to Pompeii from Rome worth it?
Booking a day trip to Pompeii from Rome is only worth it if you want to see some of the most iconic Roman archaeological sites in all of Italy in a single vacation. Hint: You absolutely do. There’s nothing like spending one day touring the Colosseum and the next passing by Mount Vesuvius en route to the unimaginably well-preserved ruins of Pompeii.
See also: Best day trips from Rome, including Venice, Milan, Florence, and Cinque Terre.
How far is Pompeii from Rome by train?
Pompeii is 131 miles from Rome by train. That’s not far by a long shot. Florence, the perennial day trip from Rome, is 10 miles farther. Pompeii also has a fantastic neighbor, Naples, which means a day trip to Pompeii from Rome can immediately include a day trip to Napoli.
How long is the journey from Rome to Pompeii by train?
Let’s go ahead and round the journey time from Rome to Pompeii by train to 2 hours flat. Sure, you’ll pick up or lose a few minutes depending on which train you catch, but that’s nothing to erupt over. Unless you’re setting off on a Sunday, you’ll need to hop trains in Naples no matter if you’re running late or getting an early start so don’t fret.
How often is the train from Rome to Pompeii?
You’ve got around 26 chances to catch the train from Rome to Pompeii. The good news is that you can wake up at the stroke of midnight and get going. The better news is that you have until nearly 11 o’clock at night to get to the platform.
How much is a train ticket from Rome to Pompeii?
A train ticket from Rome to Pompeii costs less than a pizza if you buy it ahead of time. Purchasing in advance could land you a ticket worth roughly $13. Make sure to keep some spare change in your back pocket so you can buy a pizza from Naples, where pizza was invented, during your Rome to Pompeii train connection.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: Pompeii, Naples, Italy
What is the best train station to get to Pompeii?
The best train station to get to Pompeii is Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri. This train station is the L1 train that runs from Naples down to Sorrento and drops you right at the door. You could also get off at Pompeii railway station and walk a short distance to the archaeological site.
The best train station to get to Pompeii from Rome? Roma Termini: the main station in the Eternal City is usually your best bet to get to any city in Italy.
Is there a direct high-speed train from Rome to Pompeii?
Yes, there is a single direct high-speed train from Rome to Pompeii. It only runs every third Sunday, leaving Rome at 8:53 AM and arriving in Pompeii at 10:40 AM. Sunday is the best time for a day trip to Pomepii from Rome because it also has a direct high-speed train departing from Pompeii at 6:40 PM and arriving in Rome at 8:55 PM.
What is the train schedule from Rome to Pompeii?
The train schedule from Rome to Pompeii is pretty similar from day to day, but disruptions, delays, cancellations, and even railway strikes happen. We recommend checking the train schedule the day of your departure and learning how to read a train board to make sure everything is still on track.
How many days do you need in Pompeii?
You can take a day trip from Rome to Pompeii, see many radical ruins, and feel fulfilled with your visit. That said, a long day of ruin walking under the sun is rough — and you probably still won’t have seen it all. If exploring the site in full is on your bucket list, plan at least a two-day-long visit.
Why is Pompeii famous?
When Mount Vesuvius erupted around 2,000 years ago, it didn’t wipe away the city like so many volcanoes do. Pompeii was rapidly covered in ash, which preserved the city. Its ruins are a major archaeological attraction today.
Back when it was an ash-free city, it was the place to be. Roman elites used to holiday here, and the preserved site shows just how fancy these vacay homes were.
Image Credit: Getty Images, siete_vidas. Image Location: Pompeii, Naples, Italy
Can you explore Pompeii for free?
On the weekends, no. But there is one day that you can explore Pompeii for free: the first Sunday of every month has free entry into Pompeii. You’re not the only savvy shopper who wants to save a buck, though — so be prepared for a larger crowd than usual.
Do you need to buy Pompeii tickets in advance?
Nope, you should have zero issue getting a ticket to Pompeii the day of your trip. But — and how can we put this delicately — don’t!
If you’re galivanting around Italy without a plan, a budget, or a care in the world, feel free to pull the trigger on that impromptu day trip to Pompeii. However, if you’re actively planning to take a trip from Rome to Pompeii, then buy your ticket in advance to spare yourself the long wait in the ticket line.
Another ticket you should buy in advance? Your train ticket. While you won’t have to wait hours in the train station queue, you will spend way more money than you need to. Download the Trainline app, purchase your ticket from Rome to Pompeii in advance, and use the money you saved for souvenirs.
How long are the queues at Pompeii?
Queues at Pompeii can have you lined up like statues for over an hour, maybe even two, or longer. There are “skip-the-line" tickets you can purchase in advance, which we highly recommend. If you’ve got your heart set on buying your ticket in coins at the ticket booth like the Pompeians did, arrive early.
Can you walk around Pompeii without a tour?
Yes, you’re free to explore Pompeii’s site without a tour guide once you’ve punched your ticket. Should you walk around Pompeii without a guide? That depends on what you want to get out of the experience. Remember, Pompeii is crazy-well-preserved. Seeing this site without any context is spectacular in its own right; however, if you love history or enjoy explanations of exhibits at museums, you should take a tour.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Malcolm P Chapman. Image Location: Pompeii, Naples, Italy
