Visit the Archaeological Park of Pompeii with a reserved entrance ticket and choose the option that best suits your visit.

The current booking page offers three main alternatives: Pompeii Express, Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide, and Pompeii Plus, which extends the visit beyond the ancient city to the suburban villas.

From €27.50Check availability and book

Which Pompeii ticket should you choose?

The best option depends mainly on how much time you have and whether you want to visit only the ancient city or also explore the suburban villas.

The current booking options are:

• Pompeii Express: Entrance Ticket

• Pompeii Express: Entrance Ticket + Digital Audio Guide

• Pompeii Plus: Entrance Ticket + Villa of the Mysteries

Always check the exact name and inclusions of the option selected before completing your purchase.

Pompeii Express

Pompeii Express is the standard entrance ticket for the ancient city of Pompeii.

It gives access to the main archaeological area, where you can explore ancient streets, houses, temples, public buildings, baths, theatres, shops and the Amphitheatre according to the areas open on the day of your visit.

The suburban villas are not included with the standard Pompeii Express ticket.

Pompeii Express is generally the best choice if:

• this is your first visit to Pompeii;

• you have approximately 2–4 hours available;

• you want to concentrate on the main archaeological city;

• you do not plan to visit the suburban villas.

Individual houses and buildings may occasionally be closed because of restoration, conservation or operational requirements.

Pompeii Express + Digital Audio Guide

You can also choose Pompeii Express with a digital audio guide.

This option combines entrance to the ancient city with additional explanations that can help you explore Pompeii independently.

It is particularly suitable if you prefer to:

• visit Pompeii at your own pace;

• choose your own route;

• spend more time at the monuments that interest you;

• receive additional historical information without joining a live guided group.

Before your visit, check the instructions supplied with the booking.

Depending on the product instructions, you may need to download an application or audio content in advance. Bring your own earphones or headphones if required and make sure your smartphone is sufficiently charged.

Pompeii Plus

If you have more time, choose Pompeii Plus.

This ticket includes the ancient city and extends your visit to important suburban archaeological sites.

The current Pompeii Plus route includes:

• the ancient city of Pompeii;

• Villa of the Mysteries;

• Villa of Diomedes;

• Villa Regina at Boscoreale;

• the Antiquarium of Boscoreale;

• the Pompeii Artebus shuttle service, subject to timetable and seat availability.

Pompeii Plus is particularly suitable if:

• you have half a day or more available;

• you want to visit the Villa of the Mysteries;

• you are interested in Roman villas and suburban residences;

• you want a more complete experience of the wider Pompeii archaeological area.

Opening conditions for individual villas and shuttle arrangements may change. Check the current information before your visit.

Check Pompeii Express, Audio Guide and Pompeii Plus availability

What is the difference between Pompeii Express and Pompeii Plus?

The main difference is the area included in the ticket.

Pompeii Express

Pompeii Express includes the ancient city of Pompeii.

It does not include the suburban villas.

Pompeii Plus

Pompeii Plus includes the ancient city and extends the visit to the suburban villas route, including the Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes and Villa Regina at Boscoreale with the Antiquarium.

For most first-time visitors with only a few hours available, Pompeii Express is sufficient.

If you want to visit the Villa of the Mysteries and explore the wider archaeological area, Pompeii Plus is the better choice.

Can Pompeii Express be upgraded?

Yes.

Visitors who already hold a Pompeii Express ticket can currently purchase an additional ticket for the suburban villas route at the beginning of the route at Porta Ercolano – Street of the Tombs.

Payment for the supplement is by card.

However, if you already know that you want to visit the suburban villas, choosing Pompeii Plus during the original booking is generally more convenient.

How long should you spend in Pompeii?

Pompeii is a very large archaeological site.

As a general guide:

• 2 hours: only the main highlights;

• 3–4 hours: a good first visit;

• half a day: a more relaxed visit;

• Pompeii Plus: allow additional time for the suburban villas.

Trying to see the entire archaeological site in a short visit is unrealistic. Choose your route according to the time available.

If you plan to visit the suburban villas with Pompeii Plus, arriving in the morning is recommended.

Villa of the Mysteries

The Villa of the Mysteries is one of the most famous suburban villas associated with Pompeii.

It is particularly known for its extraordinary fresco cycle and offers one of the most important surviving examples of Roman wall painting.

The villa is included in the Pompeii Plus route.

Allow additional time for the visit, as the villa is located beyond the central ancient-city itinerary.

Villa of Diomedes

The Villa of Diomedes is another important suburban residence situated along the road outside Porta Ercolano.

Its architecture, large garden and residential spaces illustrate the scale of the wealthy villas constructed outside Pompeii's city walls.

Access is included with Pompeii Plus when the site is open.

Villa Regina and Boscoreale Antiquarium

Pompeii Plus also extends the visit to Villa Regina at Boscoreale and the nearby Antiquarium.

Villa Regina is particularly interesting for understanding agricultural activity and rural life in the Vesuvian countryside during Roman times.

The Antiquarium displays archaeological finds related to the ancient territory surrounding Pompeii.

Pompeii Artebus

The Pompeii Plus ticket currently includes access to the Pompeii Artebus shuttle service connecting sites within the wider Archaeological Park.

The service is subject to:

• operating timetables;

• availability of seats;

• current arrangements established by the Archaeological Park.

Check the timetable before relying on a particular departure.

Pompeii tickets are nominative

Pompeii entrance tickets are personal and nominative.

Enter the correct first and last name of each visitor during booking and bring a valid identity document with you.

Park staff may request identification when checking the ticket.

Pompeii currently operates with a maximum daily capacity of 20,000 admissions, divided into time slots during the busiest part of the year.

Advance booking is therefore recommended, particularly during periods of high demand.

Where can you enter Pompeii?

The principal public entrances are:

• Porta Marina;

• Piazza Esedra;

• Piazza Anfiteatro.

However, the precise procedure can depend on the ticket provider and option selected.

Always follow the access or ticket-redemption instructions shown on your booking voucher.

Can you leave and re-enter Pompeii?

No.

Standard Pompeii entrance tickets are valid for one entry only.

Once you leave the archaeological area, you should not expect to re-enter with the same ticket.

Plan your itinerary carefully, particularly if you are visiting the suburban villas.

Reserved ticket and possible queues

Having a ticket booked in advance means that you arrive with admission already purchased, but it does not guarantee that there will never be a queue.

During busy periods there may still be waiting times:

• at ticket redemption points, when applicable;

• at Park entrances;

• during security checks;

• in particularly popular areas of the archaeological site.

Arrive with sufficient time and follow the instructions supplied with your booking.

What should you wear?

Pompeii involves considerable walking on ancient and sometimes uneven Roman paving.

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.

During the warmer months bring:

• a hat;

• sunscreen;

• drinking water;

• light clothing.

In cooler or rainy periods, bring appropriate weather protection.

Entrance ticket or guided tour?

A standard entrance ticket is ideal if you prefer to explore Pompeii independently.

However, Pompeii is a complex archaeological site. A live guide can help explain the houses, public buildings, religion, entertainment, daily life and the eruption of AD 79.

If you prefer a guided experience, see:

Pompeii: Skip-the-Line Ticket + Guided Tour

Visiting Pompeii from Naples

Pompeii can easily be reached independently from Naples.

If you prefer transport and a guided visit already organised, see:

Pompeii Half-Day Tour from Naples

If you are staying in Naples and would like to combine Pompeii with Sorrento in the same day, there is also an organised excursion including transport, a guided visit of Pompeii, lunch and time to explore Sorrento.

Discover the Pompeii and Sorrento tour from Naples.

Visiting Pompeii from Rome

Visitors staying in Rome can also choose a day trip with transport already organised.

See:

Pompeii from Rome

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day

Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius can be visited on the same day.

An organised excursion can simplify transport and timed access to the volcano.

See:

Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius: Guided Tour from Naples

Cancellation and rescheduling

The current Tiqets booking conditions state that:

• a full refund is available if you select a refundable ticket during checkout and cancel by 23:59 on the day before your visit;

• rescheduling is not possible for this ticket.

Always check the final conditions of the specific option selected before completing your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pompeii Express?

Pompeii Express is the standard entrance ticket for the ancient city of Pompeii. It does not include the suburban villas.

What is Pompeii Plus?

Pompeii Plus includes the ancient city and extends the visit to the suburban villas, including the Villa of the Mysteries, Villa of Diomedes and Villa Regina at Boscoreale with the Antiquarium.

Is an audio guide available?

Yes. The current booking page offers a Pompeii Express option with a digital audio guide.

Is a live guide included?

No. The standard entrance-ticket options do not include a live guided tour.

Which ticket is best for a first visit?

For most first-time visitors who have a few hours available, Pompeii Express is sufficient.

When should I choose Pompeii Plus?

Choose Pompeii Plus if you have more time and want to visit the suburban villas as well as the ancient city.

Is the Villa of the Mysteries included?

Yes, with Pompeii Plus. It is not included with the standard Pompeii Express ticket.

Can I upgrade Pompeii Express after entering?

The Archaeological Park currently allows holders of Pompeii Express to purchase the supplementary suburban-villas ticket at the beginning of the route at Porta Ercolano, subject to current Park rules and availability.

Are Pompeii tickets nominative?

Yes. Pompeii tickets are personal and nominative. Enter each visitor's details correctly and bring identification.

Is there a daily visitor limit?

Yes. The Archaeological Park currently limits admissions to 20,000 visitors per day.

Can I enter from any gate?

Pompeii has entrances at Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro, but you should always follow the instructions provided with your specific booking.

Can I leave and re-enter?

No. The ticket is normally valid for one entrance only.

Can I change the date?

No. The current Tiqets conditions state that rescheduling is not possible.

Can I get a refund?

Only if you select the refundable option during checkout and cancel within the deadline shown in the booking conditions.

Can I visit Mount Vesuvius on the same day?

Yes. You can organise both visits independently or choose a combined excursion that includes transport and guided services.

Book Pompeii Express, Audio Guide or Pompeii Plus