Taking the train from Rome to Pompeii is one of the fastest and easiest ways to visit the ancient city. Here’s what you need to know:
- Fastest Option: High-speed trains from Rome to Naples take about 70 minutes, followed by a 30–40 minute local train to Pompeii.
- Direct Service: A special Sunday high-speed train runs directly from Rome to Pompeii in 1 hour and 47 minutes.
- Affordable Tickets: Prices for the Rome–Naples segment start at $19.75 (€18), and local train tickets from Naples to Pompeii are inexpensive.
- Convenience: Multiple daily departures and flexible ticket options make train travel the most efficient choice.
| Transport Method | Journey Time | Main Advantage | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed Train | ~2h 20m | Fastest travel time | Requires transfer at Naples |
| Direct Sunday Train | ~1h 47m | No transfers needed | Only available on Sundays |
| Car | ~3.5h | Travel flexibility | Traffic and parking issues |
| Bus Tour | ~3h one way | All-inclusive trip | Limited sightseeing time |
Trenitalia and Italo operate high-speed trains for the Rome–Naples leg, while the Circumvesuviana train connects Naples to Pompeii. For a smooth trip, book tickets early, plan transfers, and check updated schedules.
From Rome to Pompeii – Direct Train Service Guide
Train Services and Companies
This section dives into the train operators and service options that shape your travel experience on the Rome–Naples–Pompeii route. Two main operators, Trenitalia and Italo, handle the Rome–Naples segment, while the Circumvesuviana local railway covers Naples to Pompeii [3].
Trenitalia and Italo Services
Trenitalia runs several high-speed train categories between Rome and Naples:
| Train Type | Top Speed | Amenities | Service Classes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa | 186 mph (300 km/h) | Air conditioning, power outlets, café car | Executive, Business, Premium, Standard |
| Frecciargento | Lower than Frecciarossa | Power outlets, sometimes a café car | First, Second (First includes a drink/newspaper) |
| Frecciabianca | Lower than Frecciargento | Power outlets | First, Second |
Italo also offers high-speed trains on the Rome–Naples route but does not extend service to Pompeii [1]. To fill this gap, Italo provides combined train–bus services (Itabus) for destinations beyond their train network, with tickets starting at €30.90 [2].
"In August 2023, Trenitalia made changes to online tickets for regional trains, where tickets are now only good for the specific train selected, but can be changed free of charge until the day of travel." – Seat61.com, 2025
These differences in operator services highlight the variety of options available for the Rome–Naples portion of your trip.
Fast vs. Local Train Options
Traveling to Pompeii involves two distinct segments with varying service levels:
- Rome–Naples: High-speed trains with reserved seating, air conditioning, and modern amenities. Multiple daily departures provide flexibility, along with a full range of onboard services.
- Naples–Pompeii (Circumvesuviana): Basic open-air carriages with no seat reservations, meaning you might have to stand during busy times. Service is minimal compared to high-speed trains.
A unique option is Trenitalia’s special Sunday service. In 2024, a direct Frecciarossa train (FR 9693) connected Rome Termini to Pompeii, leaving at 8:53 AM and arriving at 10:40 AM. Passengers were then transferred by shuttle bus to the Pompeii archaeological site. The return train (FR 9568) departed Pompeii at 6:40 PM, reaching Rome at 8:55 PM [4]. This service may vary seasonally, so check the latest schedules.
Understanding these differences in service will help you plan your trip more effectively before diving into ticket and fare options.
Tickets and Fares
Types of Train Tickets
When traveling from Rome to Pompeii, you’ll encounter several ticket options depending on the segment of your trip. For the high-speed Rome–Naples leg, both Trenitalia and Italo offer a range of services to suit different preferences:
| Operator | Service Classes | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Trenitalia | Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca | High-speed trains with seat reservations and varying levels of onboard service [1] |
| Italo | Lounge Italo Club, Prima Business, Smart | High-speed trains with multiple fare options, plus a combined train and bus service [2] |
| Circumvesuviana | Single class only | Basic regional service without seat reservations |
Ticket Costs and Booking Times
The cost of tickets for the Rome–Pompeii journey depends on the services you choose:
- Italo’s combined train and bus service: Starts at $33.90 (€30.90) for direct travel to Pompeii [2].
- Trenitalia’s high-speed Rome–Naples segment: Prices range from $19.75 to $36.30 (€18–33) [1].
- Circumvesuviana tickets: Must be purchased separately for the Naples–Pompeii segment.
Booking early can help you save money, especially if you take advantage of discounts and special offers.
Ways to Reduce Ticket Costs
Planning ahead is key to cutting costs. Here are some strategies to help you save:
-
Trenitalia Discounts
- Join the CartaFRECCIA loyalty program to access "Economy" and "Super-Economy" fares.
- Book "Speciale Frecce" tickets at least 14 days in advance for even lower prices.
- Small groups of 3–5 travelers can use the "Insieme" discount for additional savings [3].
-
Italo Savings Programs
- Families can benefit from free travel for children under 14, while adults receive a 50% discount.
- Discounts are also available for groups and friends traveling together [2].
-
Rail Pass Options
- The Trenitalia Pass is ideal for foreign residents, offering a set number of journeys within a specific timeframe in "Easy" or "Comfort" classes.
- Special rates are available for travelers under 28 or over 60 [3].
Keep in mind that the best deals often require advance booking and may have limited flexibility for changes.
Where to Buy Tickets
Choosing the right booking option can make your Rome–Pompeii train trip hassle-free.
Train Company Websites
Both Trenitalia and Italotreno have user-friendly websites for purchasing tickets directly. Italotreno even offers a train-bus combo service, with prices starting at around $33.90 [2].
| Website | Features | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Italotreno.it | Mobile tickets, train-bus combo | Credit/debit cards, PayPal |
| Trenitalia.com | Various fare options, e-tickets | Credit/debit cards, PayPal, bank transfer |
If you want to compare more options, third-party booking platforms can be a great choice.
Booking Sites and Apps
Third-party platforms make it easy to compare prices and schedules across different services.
- Trainline: Offers fares starting at $14.50 (€13.20) [5], supports multiple languages, and provides mobile tickets.
- ItaliaRail: Features a simple, English-friendly interface, ideal for booking Italian trains.
Station Ticket Offices
Prefer to book in person? Ticket offices are available at Roma Termini, Napoli Centrale, and Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri stations. Keep in mind that hours can vary, and service might be limited during quieter times. During the busy tourist season (June–September), lines can be long, so booking online is often a better option.
For the Naples-to-Pompeii Circumvesuviana train, tickets must be purchased at station ticket offices.
Trip Planning Tips
Making your journey smooth often comes down to easy transfers and understanding station layouts.
Station Layout and Signs
Roma Termini, Italy’s largest train station, has 29 platforms and a straightforward layout. The main entrance hall is packed with shops and restaurants, while the lower level connects to the Metro’s Red and Blue lines [6]. Need help? Head to the tourist information desk near platform 24.
If you’re transferring in Naples, follow the signs from Napoli Centrale to Napoli Garibaldi station to catch Circumvesuviana trains heading to Pompeii [7].
| Feature | Roma Termini | Pompeii Scavi |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | 29 platforms | 2 platforms |
| Transit Links | Metro (Red/Blue lines); Bus hub at Piazza dei Cinquecento | Short walk to the Pompeii site entrance |
Baggage Rules and Train Facilities
Starting March 1, 2024, Trenitalia introduced new luggage rules for Frecce trains [9]. Passengers can bring two bags for free, but size limits apply:
| Travel Class | Maximum Dimensions (per side) | Total Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class/Standard | 31.5 inches (80 cm) | 63.4 inches (161 cm) |
| First Class/Business | 47.2 inches (120 cm) | 72 inches (183 cm) |
Every bag must include the owner’s name and contact information to avoid a $54 (€50) fine [9]. For added convenience, Bagaglio Facile offers door-to-door luggage transport starting at $27 (€25) for the first bag [8].
Knowing the baggage rules is just one part of hassle-free travel. Understanding ticket policies can also save you headaches.
Ticket Rules and Changes
Here’s a quick guide to changes and cancellations based on your ticket type:
- Super-economy: No changes or cancellations allowed, even within 24 hours of departure.
- Economy: One change is permitted, but you’ll need to pay any fare difference.
- Base/Normal: Multiple changes and cancellations are allowed [10].
Cancellation fees vary by operator:
- Trenitalia: 20% fee
- Thello: 10% fee on Normal fares
- Smart fares: Non-refundable
- Go fares: 50% penalty; changes must be made at least 3 days before departure [10]
If your train gets canceled, station staff can help rebook you on the next available service. Keep in mind, Trenitalia refunds can take several weeks to process [10].
Pompeii Site Access
When you arrive in Pompeii, getting to the site smoothly can make your visit much more enjoyable.
Station to the Archaeological Site
The Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri station is conveniently located next to the archaeological site, offering direct access to the Porta Marina and Piazza Esedra entrances [11]. If you’re arriving at other stations, here’s what you need to know:
| Station | Distance to Site | Transport Options |
|---|---|---|
| Pompei Scavi Villa Dei Misteri | Direct access | Walking path to entrances |
| Pompei Santuario | Walking | Near Piazza Anfiteatro entrance |
| Pompei (FS) | 15 minutes | Pompei Link bus service |
| Torre Annunziata Centrale | 5-minute drive | Local taxi or bus |
The Pompei Link service combines train and bus travel, offering a quick 15-minute transfer from the Pompeii station to the Archaeological Park [12]. Signs at all stations clearly guide you to your chosen entrance. Once you’re there, you’ll be ready to dive into the details of your visit.
Site Visit Basics
Starting November 15, Pompeii will introduce nominative tickets, limiting daily visitors to 20,000 [14]. Here’s a quick look at the visiting hours:
| Season | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| April 1 – October 31 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| November 1 – March 31 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 3:30 PM |
Ticket options and prices include:
- Ancient city with suburban villas: $24 (€22)
- Basic ancient city access: $19.50 (€18)
- Pompeii+ package: $28 (€26)
- Annual MyPompeii card: $38 (€35)
- Special discounts for EU citizens aged 18–25 (about $2.20/€2 off) and a reduced Annual MyPompeii card at €8 plus a €1.50 fee for those under 25 [13].
You can buy tickets online through TicketOne or at official ticket offices located at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra [13].
Additional details to keep in mind:
- Free entry on the first Sunday of each month
- Site is closed on December 25, May 1, and January 1
- Only small bags (30 x 30 x 15 cm or 11.8 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches) are allowed inside [14].
With your timing and tickets sorted, you’re ready to explore Pompeii’s fascinating attractions.
Main Site Attractions
Pompeii’s archaeological park is packed with highlights from ancient Roman life. One standout is the Amphitheater, built in 70 BC, which is the oldest known Roman amphitheater and could hold up to 20,000 people [15].
Other must-see spots include:
- The Forum: The heart of the ancient city
- House of the Faun: The largest residential building
- Great Theatre: A well-preserved venue for performances
- Lupanare: An ancient brothel with detailed frescoes
- Basilica: A key public building and law court
For a more relaxed experience, visit during April–May or September–October, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller [16]. The Pompeii Artebus shuttle service connects various landmarks within the park, making it easier to navigate this vast site.
Summary
Main Points Review
When traveling between Rome and Pompeii, both Trenitalia and Italo provide fast train options as well as more affordable regional services. Your choice of station in Pompeii can influence how easily you access the archaeological site. Digital tools can simplify the planning process.
Train Travel Resources
Make use of digital tools to plan your trip effectively. Traindrop’s AI-powered platform covers 45,000 European stations, offering up-to-date ticket options, travel passes, connection times, and station details. It’s a helpful way to find the best routes and stay informed about service updates. For the latest schedules and special deals, visit the official Trenitalia and Italo websites.