Rome Attractions
Visiting Pompeii is like stepping into a time capsule of ancient Roman life, and choosing the right entrance can make a big difference in your experience.
The archaeological site has three main entrances—Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra—each offering unique access points to different parts of the ruins.
Whether you’re looking for the most convenient entry, the best starting point for famous landmarks, or an easy route for guided tours, this guide will help you decide which entrance suits your visit best.
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Porta Marina: The main entrance to Pompeii
Porta Marina is the most popular entrance to Pompeii, conveniently located near the Pompei Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri train station.
It offers easy access to key landmarks like the Forum, Stabian Baths, and House of the Faun, making it a great starting point for exploring the ruins.
The entrance is well-equipped with information kiosks, souvenir shops, and free luggage storage, and even provides a special path for visitors with mobility issues.
Due to high visitor numbers, wait times can range from 1-2 hours, but booking tickets online helps reduce delays.
Open daily from 8.30 am to 7 pm, Porta Marina remains the best choice for an easy and well-connected entry into ancient Pompeii.
Recommended
Piazza Anfiteatro: A key entrance to Pompeii
Piazza Anfiteatro is the closest entrance to modern Pompeii and a great starting point for exploring its most important sites, including the amphitheater, Palestra Grande, and Garden of the Fugitives.
This entrance is ideal for visitors with mobility issues, offering a dedicated accessible route called Pompeii for All.
Facilities like ATMs, bookshops, and toilets are available for convenience. Located 15 minutes from Porta Marina, it is also the final bus stop for trips to Mount Vesuvius.
Open daily from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, wait times here can range from 1-2 hours, depending on the day and time of visit.
Recommended
Piazza Esedra: A quieter entrance to Pompeii
Piazza Esedra, located near Porta Marina, is mainly reserved for group tours and tends to be less crowded than other entrances.
While it lacks facilities like shops and restrooms, this also means shorter wait times, making it a quick way to enter the site.
It provides access to the Antiquarium and connects back to Porta Marina. Visitors can reach Piazza Esedra by bus (routes 60, 105, 170, 590, 910, 150F, H) or by getting off at Pompeii Scavi train station and walking.
Open daily from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, and this entrance is ideal for those booking guided tours or looking for a quieter way to explore Pompeii.
Recommended
Which entrance to choose
Visitors should choose the entrance based on their mode of transportation.
If you want to travel to Pompeii by train, choose Porta Marina Gate, which is the closest to Pompeii Scavi Station.
If you wish to see Pompeii’s modern town while also having easy access to the forum and amphitheater, two of the most important ancient Roman sites, or if you are thinking of using various facilities or travel to Mount Vesuvius then come through Piazza Anfiteatro as it is the last stop before Mount Vesuvius.
If you are traveling by bus and considering booking a private tour, you can enter through Piazza Anfiteatro, as most of the buses pass through this gate and are only used for group tours.
Related: Visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on a single-day tour
Best tours to explore Pompeii
Pompeii offers a variety of guided tours that bring its ancient history to life. The Skip-the-Line Guided Tour is perfect for those who want a hassle-free experience with priority entry and expert insights into the city’s ruins. For a more personalized experience, the Premium Small-Group Guided Tour offers an intimate setting with fewer participants, allowing for deeper exploration. If you’re looking for a flexible, all-in-one ticket, the Pompeii Pass provides access to key sites at your own pace.
For those traveling from Naples, the Half-Day Pompeii Tour is a great option, offering a guided experience with transport included. If you want to combine Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius, the Pompeii & Vesuvius Skip-the-Line Tour takes you through both historic sites in one day. For a broader archaeological experience, the Pompeii & Herculaneum Tour covers two of the most famous cities buried by Vesuvius, providing a fascinating look into ancient Roman life.
Whether you’re looking for a quick tour or a full-day adventure, these options cater to different travel styles, making it easy to explore Pompeii in a way that suits you best.
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- Interesting trivia about Pompeii ruins
Best time to visit Pompeii
The best time to visit Pompeii is right when it opens—at 9 am on weekdays and 8.30 am on weekends—to avoid crowds.
Weekday mornings are ideal, as afternoons and weekends tend to be busier. It’s also best to avoid holidays, as they attract the largest crowds.
Opening hours vary by season:
- Winter (November–March): Thursday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm (last entry at 3.30 pm)
- Summer (April–October): 9 am – 7 pm (last entry at 5.30 pm)
Planning your visit around these hours ensures a more comfortable and less crowded experience.
