Rome to Pompeii by train

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

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

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.