Train service
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
Check times & pricesOfficial website
Check times & pricesTrain tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rome to Pompeii by train takes around 2 hours in total. You change trains once, in Naples. Take a Trenitalia Frecce or Intercity from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (around 1 hour 10 minutes), then switch to the EAV Circumvesuviana at Napoli Garibaldi or Napoli Porta Nolana for the 35 to 40 minute run to Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri). The ruins are a short walk from that platform.
There is no direct train for most of the year. The Circumvesuviana requires a separate ticket, bought before you board.
Getting from Rome to Naples
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains leave Roma Termini roughly every 15 to 30 minutes during the day. The fastest Frecciarossa journeys take around 1 hour 10 minutes. Intercity trains cover the same route in around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours and cost less.
Italo also runs high-speed trains between Rome and Naples at similar times. Italo does not serve Pompeii, so you still need the Circumvesuviana from Naples regardless of which operator you use for the first leg.
Advance fares on Trenitalia high-speed trains start from around €18 for standard class. Prices go up with demand, class, and booking time. Flexible tickets that allow changes cost more.
Booking
Book Trenitalia trains on trenitalia.com or at Roma Termini ticket machines. Book Italo at italotreno.it.
Before you commit to a specific fast train departure, check the Circumvesuviana timetable. Around 20 to 30 minutes between trains in Naples is comfortable. Less than that and you are rushing.
Getting from Naples to Pompeii
The EAV Circumvesuviana runs frequently through the day from central Naples to Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri), the station right next to the archaeological park.
The two Naples Circumvesuviana stations
The Circumvesuviana departs from two places in central Naples:
- Napoli Garibaldi is below Napoli Centrale, on the lower level of the same building. If you arrive on a Trenitalia train, follow the signs down to EAV/Circumvesuviana. The walk takes around 5 minutes.
- Napoli Porta Nolana is a separate surface station a few minutes on foot from Garibaldi. Some services, including parts of the Campania Express timetable, run from here.
Check your specific train’s departure station on the EAV timetable before you travel.
Campania Express
EAV’s Campania Express is a premium Circumvesuviana service with air-conditioning and reserved seats. It runs 8 times daily since 28 March 2026, departing from both Napoli Garibaldi and Napoli Porta Nolana. It stops at Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri).
The standard Circumvesuviana is cheaper and runs more frequently. In summer, the Campania Express is worth considering if you want air-conditioning and a guaranteed seat. Book tickets via the EAV website or the Campania Express online ticket portal before you travel.
Buying Circumvesuviana tickets
Buy your ticket before boarding at station machines, ticket offices, or the GoEav app. There are no ticket sales on the train. Validate your ticket at the platform barrier before you get on.
Two stations called Pompeii, and why it matters
There is a Trenitalia regional station in the modern town of Pompei. Booking engines sometimes list it as “Pompei” or “Pompei Scavi”. It is on the mainline FS network, not the Circumvesuviana, and sits around 15 minutes by bus from the archaeological park.
The station you want is Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. That is the EAV Circumvesuviana stop, roughly a 2-minute walk from the Porta Marina entrance to the ruins.
If you take a Trenitalia regional train to Pompei instead of the Circumvesuviana from Naples, you will arrive at the wrong station.
Interrail and Eurail passes
Trenitalia high-speed and Intercity trains for the Rome to Naples leg are covered by Interrail and Eurail passes. You still need to book a seat reservation on Frecciarossa or Frecciargento services. That reservation typically costs around €13 for a standard seat.
The EAV Circumvesuviana is not on the Interrail or Eurail network. Pass holders pay separately for the Naples to Pompei Scavi leg.
Train types on the Rome to Naples leg
| Train type | Typical journey time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa | Around 1h 10m | Fastest; seat reservation required |
| Frecciargento | Around 1h 10m to 1h 20m | Seat reservation required |
| Intercity | Around 1h 40m to 2h | Slower; no high-speed; reservation recommended |
Frecciarossa trains have four travel classes: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. For a day trip to Pompeii, Standard is a reasonable choice.
Tickets and fares
Rome to Naples
Trenitalia advance fares for Frecciarossa or Frecciargento typically start from around €18 for standard class. Prices vary by train, demand, class, and booking window.
CartaFRECCIA loyalty members can access discounted Super Economy fares when booking at least 14 days in advance. Groups of 3 to 5 can use the Insieme fare for additional savings.
Ticket flexibility depends on the fare type. Super Economy tickets allow no changes or cancellations. Economy tickets allow one change before departure, with any fare difference to pay. Flexible tickets allow multiple changes and cancellations, though a cancellation fee applies.
Naples to Pompeii
The standard Circumvesuviana fare is a local short-distance ticket. It is inexpensive. Buy at station machines, ticket offices, or the GoEav app.
The Campania Express runs at a premium fare. Booking required in advance through EAV.
Luggage on Trenitalia Frecce trains
Trenitalia allows two bags free of charge on Frecce services. In Standard class, each piece must fit within 80 cm on any side (total dimensions within 161 cm). Business and First class allow up to 120 cm per side (within 183 cm total). Bags must carry a visible name tag. The fine for non-compliance is €50.
Napoli Centrale has left luggage storage if you want to leave larger bags in Naples.
Arriving at Pompei Scavi
The Circumvesuviana stop at Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri) is on the western edge of the site. The Porta Marina entrance is a 2-minute walk from the platform exit. Signs point you there.
Opening hours
| Season | Open | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April to 31 October | 09:00 to 19:00 | 17:30 |
| 1 November to 31 March | 09:00 to 17:00 | 15:30 |
Closed 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.
Site tickets
Pompeii now operates a daily visitor cap of 20,000, with nominative (named) tickets required on peak days. Book in advance, particularly for summer visits.
- Full site access (including suburban villas): €22
- Standard access: €18
Free entry applies on the first Sunday of each month.
Bags larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm are not allowed inside the park. Leave larger luggage at the lockers near the entrance or at left luggage in Naples before you depart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Rome to Pompeii by train?
Take a Trenitalia Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, or Intercity train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale (around 1 hour 10 minutes), then change to the EAV Circumvesuviana at Napoli Garibaldi or Napoli Porta Nolana for the 35 to 40 minute journey to Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri) station. The total journey takes around 2 hours. The Circumvesuviana requires a separate ticket bought before boarding.
Is there a direct train from Rome to Pompeii?
There is no regular direct train from Rome to Pompeii. A seasonal Sunday Frecciarossa has run previously, but check the current Trenitalia timetable before planning around it. For most travellers on most days, the standard route is a high-speed or Intercity train to Naples, then the Circumvesuviana to Pompei Scavi.
How much does a Rome to Pompeii train ticket cost?
Trenitalia advance fares from Rome to Naples start from around €18 for standard class on Frecce trains, though prices vary with demand and booking time. You buy the Circumvesuviana ticket separately in Naples; it is a short-distance local fare and is inexpensive. EAV's Campania Express, a premium air-conditioned service with reserved seats, runs at a higher fare and must be booked in advance.
How often do trains run from Rome to Naples?
Trenitalia runs Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed trains from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale roughly every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day. Italo also operates high-speed trains on the same route at similar frequencies. Intercity services run less frequently but cost less.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail pass from Rome to Pompeii?
An Interrail or Eurail pass is valid on Trenitalia Frecce and Intercity trains for the Rome to Naples leg, but you still need to pay for a seat reservation (around €13 for standard class on Frecciarossa or Frecciargento). The EAV Circumvesuviana from Naples to Pompei Scavi is not covered by Interrail or Eurail, so you pay separately for that leg.
What is the difference between Pompei Scavi and Pompei FS?
Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri) is the EAV Circumvesuviana station a 2-minute walk from the main entrance to the archaeological park. Pompei FS (or Pompei) is a Trenitalia regional station in the modern town of Pompei, around 15 minutes by bus from the ruins. If you take the Circumvesuviana from Naples, you arrive at Pompei Scavi. If you accidentally book a Trenitalia regional train to Pompei, you arrive at the wrong station.
What is the Campania Express?
The Campania Express is a premium EAV Circumvesuviana service running between Naples and Sorrento with stops including Pompei Scavi (Villa dei Misteri). It has run 8 times daily since 28 March 2026, departing from Napoli Garibaldi and Napoli Porta Nolana. Unlike the standard Circumvesuviana, it is air-conditioned and has reserved seats. Book tickets via the EAV website or the Campania Express online ticket portal.
