Day tour from rome to herculaneum and pompeii

A Roman vacation is not complete without a day trip from Rome to visit the historic sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The cities were destroyed in the 79 A.D. eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Now you can freely explore the excavated sites for a window onto life during the Ancient Roman Empire. About 2 hours from Rome by train, the sites are convenient for a day trip. Of course there are plenty of chauffeured car options available. But if you’re up for the adventure – and would like to save some money – taking the train is an easy option. The trip from Rome consists of two legs – the train to Naples and the train from Naples to Herculaneum and Pompeii.

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A Roman vacation is not complete without a day trip from Rome to visit the historic sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
First Leg: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale
Second Leg: Napoli Centrale to Herculaneum and Pompeii
Looking for a Vacation Rental near Termini Station?
Meeting Point + Tour Duration
Transportation
What’s Included
Estimated Local Cash Needed
What’s Extra
Restrictions
Tours by Paolo G.
Can you visit Herculaneum and Pompeii in one day?
Can you do a day trip to Pompeii from Rome?
Is Herculaneum better than Pompeii?
How far apart are Pompeii and Herculaneum?

First Leg: Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale

Trains to Naples (Napoli Centrale) leave several times an hour from Rome’s Termini Station. Regional and intercity trains take 2 – 2.5 hours, Frecciabianca trains take about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and the fast Frecciarossa trains an hour and 10 minutes. The Frecciarossa train costs about 35 euros one way in economy class. You may be able to find supereconomy tickets for 25 euros one way. The regional and intercity trains, though much slower, cost about 11-14 euros one way. You can purchase tickets from machines at Termini Station or online at www.trenitalia.com.

Second Leg: Napoli Centrale to Herculaneum and Pompeii

Once you arrive at Napoli Centrale, follow the signs for the Circumvesuviana or Garibaldi Station. Garibaldi is the metro station connected to Napoli Centrale. The metro is called the Circumvesuviana. Buy a ticket at the office or machine next to the entrance to the Circumvesuviana. Take the line that goes to Sorrento. If you are going to Herculaneum, get off at Ercolano Scavi. For Pompeii, get off at Pompei Scavi. Tickets cost less than 4 euros one way and trains leave about twice an hour. The train might be very packed, so don’t count on getting a seat.

It takes about 20 minutes to get from Garibaldi station to the Herculaneum site. When you arrive, you will see shuttle services to the site being advertised. However, it is only a ten minute walk to the site. Just walk down the road to a small roundabout, cross and walk down the main street opposite you.

Herculaneum is smaller than Pompeii but was coated in a thick layer of pyroclastic material during the eruption which preserved the ancient city much better. In addition to preserved buildings, skeletons and interior decorations, wooden objects like beds, doors, and roofs have were protected from decay. Herculaneum was a wealthier city than Pompeii, so the glimpse into ancient life is even more luxurious and impressive.

Pompeii

Pompeii is about 45 minutes from Garibaldi station on the Circumvesuviana. Once you arrive at the Pompeii Scavi station, turn right and walk about 5 minutes to the entrance of the site.

The site itself is huge, with countless buildings to explore. A guided tour might be useful, but if you want to explore on your own we suggest you download an app with information about the different buildings. Pompeii: A Day in the Past costs $3 on the app store and provides lots of useful information that will help you imagine the city as it was.

Make sure you allocate enough time to fully explore the site. You’ll want at least 2 hours, but there is plenty to explore for even up to 6 or 7. It is difficult to do both Pompeii and Herculaneum in a day, and it is probably better to fully explore only one.

Looking for a Vacation Rental near Termini Station?

Get an early start to your day trip to Pompeii by staying close to the train station! ROMAC manages over 40 vacation rentals in the center of Rome and has over 10 years of experience hosting guests.

If you’re looking for something with some real class, check out the Jazz Apartment rental near Piazza Vittorio by ROMAC. Designed around a jazz scene concept, the 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment is perfect for a small group of friends or a couple visiting the city for a few days.

Bringing the whole family to Rome? The Principe Amadeo vacation rental near Termini Station offers accommodations for up to 12 guests, with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.

Have you taken a day trip from Rome to Pompeii or Herculaneum? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

When in Rome do not miss this day trip! skip the line and private transportation included

If you're staying in Rome, take a chance to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum too!
I will be your personal archaeologist for the day!
I've been working as professional and field director and lived in that area for many years,
and it's my 2nd home!
Visiting those cities is a life experience to be enjoyed through a detailed tour.
A tour I Pompeii and Herculaneum is a must if you stay in Italy. Nowhere else shall you see History in such conditions, neither in Rome!
The stories behind these famous places lay bare as you wander around the streets entering houses as a city still alive. You will see the last moments in the lives of the people of Pompeii, forever captured by the erupting volcano.
Herculaneum is much smaller, but even better preserved than Pompeii. While the latter had been covered in four to five meters of ashes, a 20 meters thick avalanche of muds had buried Herculaneum. It is still possible to see two-storey houses, carbonized wooden objects, intact paintings and beautiful mosaics.
Ready to join me?

Itinerary

I suggest leaving Rome at 7/max 7. 30 AM.

• I'll meet you and Pick-up in Rome with my driver and transfer to Pompeii

•Pompeii 2 hours with me:
This tour of Pompeii lasting two hours allows seeing in detail the western part of the ancient town where the most important public buildings, homes and shops are located. Highlights: the Marina Gate, the Basilica (court house), the Forum (main square), the Forum Baths, the Lupanar (brothel), the bakery, the House of Faun, the Thermopolium Capuano, the House of the Tragic Poet, the plaster casts.

•Stop for lunch in a typical restaurant, winery or pizzeria

•Herculaneum 2 hours with me:
A wonderful walk through the city of Herculaneum with the Temple of the Augustali, the beach where more than 300 skeletons were found, the thermal baths, the Forum, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, the Samnite House, the gymnasium, the House of the Dears and much more.

•Transfer back to Rome and drop off back at your accommodation

**THIS TOUR CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ON REQUEST**

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options: Rail or Bus Station, Airport, Hotel, Address or Intersection, Monument/Building

Duration: 11 hours

Transportation

Private modern minivan or car Mercedes/Ford

What’s Included

Guiding Services
Private Transportation
Admission Tickets

Other: -Admission fees (SKIP-THE-LINE) in Pompeii and Herculaneum

Estimated Local Cash Needed

20 euros - Meals, optional

What’s Extra

Personal Expenses

Other: -Meals and personal expenses

Restrictions

Due to Italian rules, I'm licensed to guide you inside museums, archaeological areas, cities.

I'm not a licensed driver.
For tours including private transportation my associated professional driver will be at your disposal.

A Recent Review of this tour

We had a great time ! Paolo is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Pompeii and Herculaneum, I felt like going back in time. For those who are interested in history, the privilege of having Paolo as a guide makes a huge difference.
Matheus Tarzia

Tours by Paolo G.

See more of the tours offered by this guide.

Can you visit Herculaneum and Pompeii in one day?

You only have time to visit either Pompeii or Herculaneum; we do not recommend attempting both in one day. You want to explore it all, as many of the houses and buildings are not open to the public.

Can you do a day trip to Pompeii from Rome?

In order to visit Pompeii in one day from Rome and have time to fully explore the very large Pompeii site you will need to use the high-speed trains which are at least twice as fast as the next level inner-city. High speed trains only take around 70 minutes and are much more punctual than other types of trains too.

Is Herculaneum better than Pompeii?

Yes, Pompeii is more famous, huge and usually takes three to five hours to walk around and see nearly everything. Herculaneum is much smaller, better preserved and can take just a couple of hours to see nearly everything. Both places are inland and will probably be hot towards the end of May so take water and sunhats.

How far apart are Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Getting From Pompeii To Herculaneum Herculaneum is just under 11 miles from Pompeii. Car and taxi rides take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic; for parking, follow the parcheggio signs to the on-site underground lot.