Rome Attractions
Planning a visit to Pompeii and Herculaneum? These ancient cities, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offer a fascinating glimpse into Roman life.
While both are renowned for their historical significance and remarkable preservation, the difference in visitor numbers is striking—Pompeii attracts over 2.5 million tourists annually, whereas Herculaneum sees only 300,000.
Despite being smaller, Herculaneum offers a more intimate and well-preserved experience, making it a hidden gem for history lovers.
If you’re wondering about visiting both sites in one day, this guide has everything you need—from ticket options and must-see highlights to transport tips and expert recommendations—ensuring a smooth and unforgettable journey through history.
Top Tickets
# Full-Day Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Naples
# Pompeii & Herculaneum Full-Day Tour from Rome
# Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento
It’s highly recommended to book your Pompeii and Herculaneum tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
Is Herculaneum the same as Pompeii?
No, Herculaneum and Pompeii are not the same, though both were buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Pompeii was a busy commercial city, while Herculaneum was a smaller, wealthier town with grand villas.
Pompeii was covered in ash, preserving buildings but leaving them exposed over time.
Herculaneum, buried under a thicker layer of volcanic material, kept wooden structures, furniture, and even scrolls intact.
This makes Herculaneum feel more intimate and detailed, while Pompeii gives a bigger picture of Roman city life. Visiting both offers a unique look at how different communities experienced the same disaster.
Distance between Herculaneum and Pompeii
Herculaneum and Pompeii are approximately 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) apart, making it easy to visit both in a single day.
The most convenient way to travel between them is by train. The Circumvesuviana train line connects the two sites, with a journey time of about 15-20 minutes between Ercolano Scavi (Herculaneum’s station) and Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (Pompeii’s station).
Alternatively, taxis and private transfers are available for a quicker and more comfortable ride. If you’re on a guided tour, transportation is usually included, ensuring a seamless visit to both ancient cities.
Visual Story: 13 must-know tips before visiting Pompeii
Pompeii and Herculaneum tour from Naples
Naples is the best place to start your journey to Pompeii and Herculaneum since it’s the closest major city to these ancient ruins.
With easy access by train, bus, or guided tours, many travelers choose Naples for a stress-free visit.
There are plenty of great tours to choose from, depending on your preferences. If you want a hassle-free experience with guided visits and lunch included, check out the Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Tour with Lunch from Naples.
For a comprehensive guided tour of both sites, the Full-Day Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Naples is a great pick.
If you prefer a personalized tour with an expert archaeologist, the Private Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour offers a more tailored experience.
Want to add a hike up Mount Vesuvius to your itinerary? The Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Full-Day Tour lets you explore the ruins and visit the volcano that changed history.
And if you’re arriving by cruise, the Small-Group Shore Excursion to Pompeii & Herculaneum ensures you make the most of your limited time with a guided visit.
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Pompeii and Herculaneum tour from Rome
Rome is one of the most popular starting points for a trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum. With high-speed trains and guided tours making the journey smooth and convenient, many travelers choose to visit these famous ruins as a day trip from the Italian capital.
For a comfortable journey with premium transport, the Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Tour by Luxury Bus from Rome offers a relaxed way to explore these historic sites.
If you want to maximize your time with a high-speed train, the Rome to Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour by Train gets you there faster, ensuring more time at the ruins.
For those looking for a fully guided experience with in-depth history, the Pompeii & Herculaneum Full-Day Tour from Rome provides expert insights and well-organized transport.
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Pompeii and Herculaneum tour from Pompeii
Pompeii itself is a fantastic starting point for exploring both Pompeii and Herculaneum. Since you’re already at the heart of the ruins, getting around is easier, and you can spend more time soaking in the history instead of traveling.
With direct access to the sites and convenient transport options, many visitors choose to begin their journey here for a smoother and more immersive experience.
If you need an easy way to travel between the ruins, the Pompeii to Herculaneum Train Transfer is a hassle-free option.
For those looking to skip the lines and enjoy a guided experience, the Pompeii & Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tour offers an informative tour in English, covering both sites with an expert guide.
If you want a deeper dive into history with an archaeologist, the Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with an Archaeologist provides expert insights that bring these ancient cities to life.
Pompeii and Herculaneum tour from Sorrento
Sorrento is a popular starting point for visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum, thanks to its stunning coastal views, easy access to the ruins, and relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
Many travelers choose to stay in Sorrento to enjoy its charming streets and seaside atmosphere while still being just a short drive or train ride away from these famous archaeological sites.
For a stress-free guided experience, the Small-Group Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento (with Lunch) offers an expert-led exploration of both sites, complete with a delicious local lunch.
If you prefer a more immersive small-group tour with expert guides, the Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour from Sorrento provides a deep dive into history with a three-hour guided tour of Pompeii and a two-hour guided tour of Herculaneum.
Travel in a comfortable minivan or minibus, depending on group size, while enjoying scenic views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. With expert storytelling and skip-the-line access, this tour brings ancient Roman life to reality.
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Can you do Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day?
Yes, you can visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day with good planning.
Pompeii is much larger and takes around three hours to explore, while Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, requiring about two hours.
Since both sites offer unique insights into ancient Roman life, a guided tour helps you see the highlights without feeling rushed.
With easy train connections and day tours from Naples, Sorrento, or Rome, visiting both in a day is completely doable!
Must read
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- Interesting trivia about Pompeii ruins
How to Get to Pompeii & Herculaneum
Reaching Pompeii and Herculaneum by public transport is simple, affordable, and convenient from Naples, Sorrento, and Rome. Whether you prefer the fast Circumvesuviana train, a scenic ferry ride, or a budget-friendly bus, there are plenty of ways to get to these famous ruins.
By Train
The Circumvesuviana train is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Naples or Sorrento to both sites.
- From Naples: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi (Naples Centrale) towards Sorrento. Get off at Ercolano Scavi for Herculaneum (15-20 min) or Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri for Pompeii (35-40 min).
- From Sorrento: Take the Naples-bound Circumvesuviana train, stopping at Pompeii (30 min) or Herculaneum (40 min).
Train tickets cost €2 to €3.50 one way, and trains run every 20-30 minutes.
By Bus
SITA buses run between Naples and Pompeii/Herculaneum, but they take longer due to traffic.
- Naples to Pompeii: approx. 50 minutes
- Naples to Herculaneum: approx. 30 minutes
- Bus fare: €2 to €3 one way
By High-Speed train
If traveling from Rome, the quickest route is by high-speed train to Naples, then transferring to the Circumvesuviana train.
- Rome to Naples: Take the Frecciarossa or Italo train (1-1.5 hours, €20 to €50 one way).
- Naples to Pompeii/Herculaneum: Take the Circumvesuviana train (15-40 minutes).
- Total travel time from Rome: 2.5 hours.
