Day trip from Rome to Pompeii

Back in 2010, my friend and I had a few days in Rome and we both really wanted to see Pompeii but didn't want to do it on our own either. Our host from Nicolas Inn suggested Carrani tours and here is the link - http://www.carrani.com/index.php/new/128-carrani-tours-awarded-top-rated-on-viator-2015

It was a long day, the tour included pick up and drop off from our hotel, a 45 minute stop in Naples, a so-so lunch in Pompeii and the obligatory coral tour before we entered Pompeii. We spent about 3 hours in Pompeii with a guide. I would definitely recommend it but it was a 12 hour day. The drive is about 3 hours each way. There is so much to do in Rome and I've had a chance to return there and still have so much more to check off on my list! However, Pompeii has been on my bucket list since I was a kid so I don't regret taking a day away from seeing Rome.

The three days in Rome are on our own and our tour has another 2 days there before heading out to other places. As I was looking, I see the fast train connections seem easy and it might be do-able without the extra time in Naples and 'tour' stuff. Thanks for the input as we decide whether to take the day or not. Mike

Have you considered a day trip to Ostia Antica.?

It will give you the experience of a "ruined city" similar to Pompeii without the long travel day.

If you want to do it, do it. It's fabulous, and it's Pompei.

Leave early from Roma Termini station, and I mean before 8AM. Switch at Naples Centrale to the Circumvesuviana to the Pompei Scavi stop. 4-6 hours at the ruins should do it, and when finished, retrace your steps, although you may want to stop in Naples for pizza on the way back. Should be back in Rome either way by early evening.

Several years ago we used a tour company called enjoyrome.com and the provided a no frills day trip to Pompeii. The ticket included roundtrip bus service from Roma to Pompeii, a ticket, and a brief lecture before arrival. Once there we were free to explore on our own. It was a LONG and HOT day. Pompeii has few amenities and is huge.

Someone above mentioned Ostia Antica and that is a very good suggestion. Ostia does not have the history, but it does have the same sights and SHADE with a welcome sea breeze blowing in to the site. This is a good idea.

Buon viaggio,

Mike, looking back I probably would've just done it myself as well. There was a few hours wasted on sites other than Pompeii. RS outlines what to do for a daytrip so you shouldn't have any problems if you follow his tips. I hope you can go. It's an awesome thing to check off on your bucket list.

Looking at the train schedules, it looks like an easy trip down. Does it pay to purchase train tickets when we arrive in Rome on Friday as we arrive in the city for a Monday excursion? If we were to purchase round trip tickets, are we restricted to specific trains and times? Is there a great difference in cost or should we just buy as we go? Any thoughts?

Getting the train tickets is super easy. Just get them when you go Termini from the automated kiosks. Just note there are two train companies with different kiosks, you'll want the TrenItalia rather than Italo. A round trip ticket is less expensive, but not especially so. Not sure if you have to pick your return time. Tickets for the Circumvesuviana are purchased from a window at its entry. Sorrento bound trains are always on the same track, look for the sign. There's a little counter there with surprisingly good coffee and pastries as well!

I think Enjoy Rome is the group we used for transportation to Pompeii from Romeand I don't remember any stops for us to buy merchandise. The advantage of Enjoy Rome is less exposure to pickpockets, who are notorious on the Circumvesuviana train.

As I have been reading I think we will try the train on our own since it looks pretty easy. Thanks for the extra information. We'll check when we come into the city on Friday, and keep plans flexible for that Monday. I appreciate all the great comments and advice. Mike

Rome to Naples train is fast and easy; I recommend Herculaneum over Pompeii for many reasons...it is more smaller, and in very good condition, a wealthier sea vacation town at the time of the volcano eruption and also more opulent homes..much cooler, shaded areas, still under excavation, I see new things each time I visit...and you won't have to walk and walk and walk in the heat between exhibits as one does in Pompeii.

Pompeii gets all the press, but Herculaneum is better preserved due to the type of destruction it underwent. 25 minutes by Circumvensuvia from Naples and 1.5-2 hour visit leaves time to see the archeological museum in Naples...I cannot believe people go to the ruins but don't complete the story with a visit to see the artifacts taken from them! :)

There are some great blogs that you can search for that compare the two sites! Ostia Antica is also a wise recommendation from someone on this thread.

For your trip to Pompeii, use the Campania Express. It's faster and has AC. Cost 6E. Problem is it has a limited schedule.

http://www.eavsrl.it/web/content/campania-express-2017-it

Otherwise use the Circumvesuvian.

http://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule

I will check out both of these suggestions...about Herculaeum and the guide, depending on which way we decide to go. Thanks for the new ideas. Mike

One additional comment on Pompeii, it's Pompeii! It is like no other site in the world and there is no substitute (and I have been to Ephesus, Bodrum, Carthage, Masada, Beth Shean, and many many others including all the main big ones all over the world). My first time in Pompeii I was ten years old and I still remember the impression it made. And yes, how hot it was. That is part of the experience! Don't miss it and don't think that visiting another nearby site is a substitute for it, even if interesting nonetheless. Rome was not built in a day nor can you see it all in 3, but a trip to Pompeii is always worth it!! Taking my kids in two weeks and very excited for them to see it for the first time. Rome they will visit again I am sure, if their interest is piqued from this trip but I must make sure they see Pompeii under my watch!

Mike, definitely do this by train: you'll get there so much faster than on a bus tour. From Termini, fast trains can have you at Napoli Centrale in a little over an hour - no changes - and it's only 30 minutes or so from there (walk over to adjoining Garibaldi station) on the Circumvesuviana to the Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. It's right in front of the main Porta Marina entrance to the scavi.