Pompeii Practical Guide: Transport, Rules & Facilities

Getting to Pompeii from Naples

Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra: Circumvesuviana Naples to Sorrento, stop Pompei Villa dei Misteri.
Piazza Anfiteatro: Circumvesuviana Naples to Poggiomarino, stop Pompei Santuario.
Main-line train: FS Naples to Salerno, stop Pompei. The Park lists Pompei Link, a combined train and bus service of about 15 minutes to the Park.
Bus: SITA from Naples and Salerno.
Car: A3 Naples to Salerno, exit Pompei Scavi.

Source: the Park’s How to get there page. We do not give timetables or fares here, because they change. The Park’s easy-reading guide recommends the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance for its own route because it is the closest to where that route starts.

Rules and facilities inside the Park

The Park’s easy-reading guide (April 2024) sets out the following. Nothing here replaces the signs on the day.

Security and bags

Entrance has metal detectors and bag checks. Backpacks, large bags and suitcases must be left in the cloakroom, which is near the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance. Umbrellas are not allowed inside. Our existing ticket guide gives the size limit of 30 x 30 x 15 cm.

Toilets

Near each of the three entrances, near the theatres, inside the Antiquarium and at the Casina dell’Aquila (which involves some steps).

Drinking water

The guide says many ancient fountains give drinkable water. Bring a bottle and fill it as you go.

Where to eat

Food may be eaten only at the bar near the Forum or on the terrace by the Casina dell’Aquila. Drink outside the ancient houses.

Shops

Three, including one behind the Piazza Esedra ticket office and one inside the Antiquarium.

Behaviour

Walk slowly, photograph without flash, bin your litter, and do not touch frescoes or statues or climb on walls and fountains.

Best months

The guide suggests the less hot months: April to June and September to October. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a raincoat and expect stone paving that can be slippery.

Accessibility and families

The Park has a route of over 3.5 km called Pompeii for All, for visitors with limited mobility, parents with buggies and anyone who prefers an easier visit. It starts at the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance and runs along the main streets to the Sanctuary of Venus.

Limits the Park states

Some ramps can be steeper than 8%. There are small sudden height changes, usually under 5 cm. Paving is ancient and uneven, there are no wheel stops on pavements and crossings, and two wheelchairs can pass only in some stretches. Check the Park’s current arrangements before you go.

Baby-changing rooms: Three: Via dell’Abbondanza, Via di Nola, and the corner of Via Stabiana and Via della Fortuna. Collect the key at the entrance and return it at the end.
Deaf visitors: The Park lists specially trained sign-language (LIS) staff, through an agreement with the National Agency for the Deaf, Naples section.
Villa of Diomede: For visitors with disabilities, access is from Via Villa dei Misteri after calling the Park on 081 8575 400 / 333 or 081 8575 347.

Visiting with children? Our guide to Pompeii with children covers tickets, baby-changing points, audioguides for kids and how to pace the day with the family.

Short FAQ

Which entrance should I use?

The one closest to your transport and your first stop. The Park lists three: Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro.

Can I leave and come back?

Not on the same ticket, as the existing ticket guide explains. Plan meals and breaks first.

What bags are allowed?

Nothing larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm. The ticket guide notes paid storage at Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro.

Is the Villa of the Mysteries included in the cheapest ticket?

No. It is in Pompeii Plus, not Pompeii Express, according to the ticket guide.

Where can I drink and eat?

The Park’s guide says many ancient fountains give drinkable water, and food may be eaten only at the bar near the Forum or on the Casina dell’Aquila terrace.

When is the best time to visit?

The Park’s guide suggests April to June and September to October.

Is every building open?

No. The Park lists which buildings are open, closed or visible only from outside.

Is the Lupanar suitable for children?

The Park describes erotic paintings in its corridor, and the House of the Vettii has erotic paintings too. Parents should decide for themselves.

Where are the originals of the Faun statue and the Alexander mosaic?

In the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Copies are shown in the House of the Faun.

Is this the official site?

No. It is an independent guide that links to the official sources.

Information from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii (pompeiisites.org), checked on 28 October 2026. Hours, closures and access change, so check the Park before you travel. This site is an independent guide and is not the official site.

Practical visit guide