Visiting the Great Cone of Mount Vesuvius requires some advance planning. The entrance ticket must be purchased online, and you also need to decide how you will reach the access point on the upper slopes of the volcano.
You can buy an entrance ticket only, or choose an option that also includes round-trip transportation from Naples, Pompeii or Herculaneum. Combined tours with Pompeii and Herculaneum are also available.
Compare Mount Vesuvius tickets, transportation and tours
Mount Vesuvius tickets are sold online
Standard admission to the Great Cone is available through online booking.
There is no traditional ticket office at the crater entrance where visitors can simply arrive and purchase a normal admission ticket.
For visitors who want to buy the official entrance ticket directly, Vivaticket is the only official online ticketing platform authorized by Vesuvius National Park.
Vesuvionline also allows you to compare experiences that combine admission with additional services such as:
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round-trip transportation;
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audio guides;
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tour escorts;
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guided visits when specifically included;
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combined visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Which Mount Vesuvius ticket should you choose?
The best option mainly depends on where you are travelling from and whether you already have transportation.
Great Cone entrance ticket only
This option is suitable if you have already organized your journey to the upper part of Mount Vesuvius.
It gives access to the Great Cone trail according to the conditions and time indicated on your booking.
Mount Vesuvius: entrance ticket
Before booking, check carefully whether the selected product includes only admission or any additional service.
Entrance and transportation from Herculaneum
Herculaneum is one of the easiest departure points for reaching Mount Vesuvius.
You can book a package combining admission to the Great Cone with round-trip transportation.
Vesuvius ticket + transport from Herculaneum
Transportation only from Herculaneum
If you already have a valid Great Cone ticket, you can also book transportation separately.
Transport from Herculaneum to Mount Vesuvius
Remember that a transport-only ticket does not include admission to the Great Cone.
Make sure the shuttle schedule is compatible with your entrance booking.
Entrance and transportation from Naples
Visitors staying in Naples can choose an organized transfer that includes transportation to and from Mount Vesuvius.
Some products also include the Great Cone entrance ticket.
Mount Vesuvius: entrance and round-trip transport from Naples
This can be a convenient choice if you do not want to organize train connections, parking and local transportation independently.
Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii
Pompeii is another popular departure point.
Organized excursions are available with transportation to the volcano and different combinations of admission and assistance.
Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii: entrance and transportation
When are official tickets released?
Standard Great Cone tickets are normally released up to 30 days before the date of the visit.
For each 10-minute time slot, the Park makes 50 standard tickets available online.
During busy periods some time slots may sell out, particularly during:
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spring;
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summer;
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weekends;
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public holidays;
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peak tourism periods.
If your travel date is already fixed, booking in advance is therefore recommended.
Last Minute tickets
Vesuvius National Park also provides a limited number of Last Minute tickets.
For each time slot, an additional 10 tickets are released approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled entrance time.
Last Minute tickets:
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are available only shortly before the relevant time slot;
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can only be purchased using the Wi-Fi network available near the entrance;
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are limited to a maximum of 5 tickets per email address;
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are personalized.
Availability is extremely limited.
For this reason, it is not advisable to travel to Mount Vesuvius without a reservation and rely entirely on Last Minute tickets.
Buy the entrance ticket before arranging transportation
If you are organizing the visit independently, the safest order is:
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check Great Cone ticket availability;
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select your date and entrance time;
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purchase your admission ticket;
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arrange transportation or parking;
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calculate enough time to reach the entrance.
Having a parking reservation or transport ticket does not automatically guarantee admission to the Great Cone.
Where does the Great Cone trail start?
The main entrance to the Great Cone trail is located at:
Piazzale di Quota 1000 – Ercolano
Visitors cannot park directly at Piazzale di Quota 1000.
If you travel by car, you need to use the designated parking facilities further down the road and then continue towards the entrance.
For travelers unfamiliar with the area, a package including transportation can therefore be easier than organizing each stage separately.
Reaching Mount Vesuvius from Herculaneum
The Ercolano Scavi Circumvesuviana station area is one of the main departure points for services to Mount Vesuvius.
This is particularly convenient if you also want to visit the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
You can choose between transportation only or a package that already includes admission.
Reaching Mount Vesuvius from Pompeii
Pompeii is another useful starting point.
You can visit the archaeological site and then continue to Mount Vesuvius, or choose an organized excursion combining the two destinations.
Always check:
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the exact departure point;
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total duration;
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whether Great Cone admission is included;
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whether a live guide is included;
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return transportation.
Reaching Mount Vesuvius from Naples
Visitors staying in Naples can avoid arranging several separate public transport connections by choosing a direct excursion or transfer.
This option can be particularly convenient for travelers who:
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are staying in central Naples;
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do not have a car;
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prefer a single booking;
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want to combine Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius can be visited on the same day.
However, both visits involve considerable walking and transportation needs to be carefully coordinated.
An organized tour can simplify the day by combining admission and transportation.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: guided tour from Naples
Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius
It is also possible to visit all three major sites with an organized excursion.
This makes for a very full day, so check the itinerary carefully before booking.
Pompeii, Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius from Naples
Always check what is included
Mount Vesuvius products do not all include the same services.
Before booking, check whether your selected option includes:
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Great Cone entrance;
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outbound transportation;
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return transportation;
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live guide;
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tour escort;
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audio guide;
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Pompeii or Herculaneum admission;
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meals;
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cancellation or rescheduling options.
In particular, transportation to Mount Vesuvius does not necessarily include the entrance ticket.
Is a guide always included?
No.
Some experiences include a guide, tour escort or audio guide, while others provide only admission and transportation.
Do not assume that the word “tour” automatically means a private or live guided visit.
Always check the exact list of inclusions for the option you select.
How long does a Mount Vesuvius visit take?
The Great Cone experience includes a walk on volcanic terrain with uphill sections.
For the Great Cone trail itself, allow approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the route, walking speed and conditions.
If you book transportation from Naples, Pompeii or Herculaneum, the total excursion will naturally take longer.
Always use the duration shown for your specific booking when planning the rest of your day.
What should you wear?
Comfortable footwear is essential.
Recommended items include:
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walking or hiking shoes;
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water;
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hat and sunscreen in summer;
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light jacket or windbreaker;
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weather protection during cooler months;
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a charged smartphone.
Conditions near the crater can be cooler and windier than in Naples, Pompeii or Herculaneum.
Can Mount Vesuvius close?
Yes.
Access to the Great Cone can be temporarily suspended because of:
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adverse weather;
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strong winds;
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snow or ice;
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fire risk;
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unsafe trail conditions;
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civil protection alerts;
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other safety requirements.
A previously purchased ticket cannot override a safety closure.
Check current conditions if bad weather is expected.
Opening hours
Great Cone opening hours vary throughout the year.
The normal first admission is at 9:00 AM, while the last admission changes according to the season.
Before travelling, check the current timetable:
Mount Vesuvius opening hours and entrance information
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Mount Vesuvius ticket at the crater?
Standard Great Cone tickets must be booked online. There is no normal walk-up ticket office at the crater entrance.
What is the official online ticket platform?
Vesuvius National Park identifies Vivaticket as the only official platform for direct Great Cone ticket sales.
How far in advance can tickets be booked?
Standard tickets are normally released up to 30 days before the visit.
How many standard tickets are available?
The Park releases 50 standard tickets for each 10-minute time slot.
Are Last Minute tickets available?
Yes. An additional 10 tickets per time slot are released approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled entrance.
Can I rely on Last Minute tickets?
It is not recommended. Availability is very limited and they can only be purchased under the conditions established by the Park.
Is transportation included in the Great Cone ticket?
Not automatically. It depends on the product you purchase.
Can I travel from Naples?
Yes. Direct transportation and organized excursions are available from Naples.
Can I travel from Pompeii?
Yes. Several services operate from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius.
Can I travel from Herculaneum?
Yes. Herculaneum is one of the main departure points for Mount Vesuvius.
Is a guide always included?
No. Some products include a guide, while others include only admission and transportation.
Can I visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day?
Yes. You can organize the two visits independently or choose a combined excursion.
Do I need to print my ticket?
For most online bookings, a digital ticket or voucher on your smartphone is sufficient. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific booking.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The Great Cone may be closed when weather or trail conditions make the visit unsafe.