How far is Pompeii from Rome?

The city of Pompeii is one of the most visited areas of Italy, famous for its ancient preserved sites and historic demise. But where exactly is Pompeii? And what’s the best way to get there?

One of Italy’s best attractions, Pompeii is one of the largest archaeological sites in Italy and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the perfect day trip from Rome. If you’ve had enough of city life, take a trip to this one of a kind location. Not just for history buffs, the ancient city of Pompeii is a truly fascinating experience for all. See the horrors of the volcano’s eruption for yourself as you wander the cobbled streets. Victims frozen in the same position in which they died – a mother holding her child, a young boy hiding, slaves chained to cellar walls with no hope of escape. People, animals, homes. A whole city frozen in time offering invaluable insight into the past. Convinced?

The journey from Rome to Pompeii will take just over two hours, depending on what transport you choose. If you’re wondering how to get there, then check out our list of options below.

How far away from Rome

Pompeii is located more than 200 kilometres south of Rome, nestled nearby the coast, about a 23 kilometres from Naples. It remains next door to the looming volcano of Mount Vesuvius.

How to get to Pompeii

Getting there can be a bit of a pain depending on which route and transport you pick. So, working out beforehand which suits you best is crucial when minimising your frustration and making this a stress-free visit!

• Car

  If you’re planning to drive to Pompeii from Rome, you’re looking at a 2 hour, 32-minute journey via the E45 road, south-bound. This is a good option if you have your own form of transport or a rented car for your time in Italy. Quite an easy, straight forward drive and means you can make the most of your transport. Saying this, we also want to make you aware of all the pros and cons for each of these transport options, as there are things to consider with all of them. For overseas visitors, the roads can feel unfamiliar and tricky, especially if you’re driving on the opposite side of the road to what you’re used to. This can become stressful if the roads get busy, which they will be if you’re close to a city centre, and especially in high season. There is also the factor of fuel to take into account, as an over 2-hour journey means you’ll likely need to top up on fuel. Parking as well can cost you an arm and a leg depending on where you park, so make sure to research the cheapest option beforehand. Italy also has zona a traffico limitato (ZLP), restricted traffic zones, which may affect how close you can get to the site anyway, as these zones are usually put in place to protect historical locations.

• Train

  

  If you aren’t a fan of the winding roads, simply hop on a train in the morning and sit back and relax. The train line heads down the coast which guarantees you a stunning scenic view for your journey. The train takes around a couple hours, but tickets can vary in price depending on how in advance you purchase them. Closer to the date will ensure a more expensive journey, and which cabin class you choose can also change the cost. When it comes to taking the train there are two options. Firstly there are the high-speed Frecciarossa trains. These offer a faster and more comfortable journey with reserved seating, air-conditioning and power outlets. You can purchase first or second class tickets, with first-class passengers receiving a free drink and choice of newspaper. The second option is cheaper and as you can imagine, not as luxurious as the high-speed Frecciarossa train. This is the Circumvesuviana. A typically older and slower regional train, which doesn’t require you to reserve tickets, passengers can instead buy them on the day. This is good if you prefer a more relaxed holiday without any planning. Saying that, in high season the train can get very busy, which means you might not be able to find a seat.

  If you’re still unsure, know that the AV Frecciarossa train does not go directly to the Pompeii site, but stops at Napoli Centrale (Naples). Get off here and walk 8 minutes to Piazza Nolana where you can get another train which will take you to the entrance of the Pompeii ruins. The Circumvesuviana line on the other hand takes you straight to the Pompeii Scavii-Villa dei Misteri station, a short walk from the entrance of the Pompeii site. If you’re coming from Rome, get on at the Roma Termini.

• Tour

  Skip checking the timetables, route, or any other travelling chore when you join a tour. All you need is to purchase a ticket prior to the tour date and set off. Be picked up and dropped off at your Rome hotel and make the journey by a tour bus as your guide fills you in on all the Pompeii facts! Most tours include transport in their package which automatically takes out the stress of getting there. This is a great option for anyone who is looking to truly relax on their holiday. This also means that when you arrive you can avoid the queues with your skip the line tickets and led into the site with your own personal guide. Having a guide is the best way to make the most of your time at Pompeii. They can bring the artefacts and ancient ruins to life, creating an interesting and thrilling experience that you will remember for life. Feel free to ask questions as you go around and enjoy the luxury of being guided. The site is vast, and to explore it on your own would be challenging and tiring! Our Private Pompeii Tour is a good example of a stress-free visit.

Travelling to Pompeii from other main cities

If you’re travelling to Pompeii from other major cities, the route is fairly similar apart from your departing point, timing and knowing when to get off. If driving, Naples is a quick thirty-minute drive, Sorrento a forty-five-minute trek, and Florence a whopping four-and-a-half-hour drive. Even still, Pompeii is worth 3-4 hours of your time at least, so your journey won’t be wasted.