Pompei question

It was quite a while ago--2003--when we did Pompeii. Early April. I don't remember waiting in any line, but it would probably depend on the season and timing. I remember being surprised that it wasn't more crowded. Don't know if they now have more organized timed entry. We just walked around by ourselves with a guide book or map, no audio guide. My most vivid memory is the pouring rain almost the whole time we were walking around and the slippery stone pathways. We did walk into the outskirts of the ruins, away from the most popular baths/houses/brothels, and the quiet was nice. I remember certain areas of the ruins get a lot of people and some areas were very deserted.

It can vary a lot, I think. There were no lines at the time of my visit on February 23, but I'd expect a different experience in busier months. And it could vary a lot, depending on the time of day. In his guidebook Rick mentions an option of buying a ticket elsewhere that at the main entry point. I don't know whether that is still a possibility now.

This text appears on www.pompeiisites.org, the official website: "It is possible to buy the ticket online, through the TicketOne circuit (Official seller). It is also possible to buy the ticket at the entrances, and at the self service ticket offices at Piazza Esedra and at Piazza Anfiteatro."

With reference to tickets bought online, the website says if you have already purchased your tickets, you can go straight to the turnstile.

I was there three months ago (February) on a Sunday morning, threatening to rain, and there were a lot of people there, quite crowded actually, but the line to buy tickets moved rapidly as there were a lot of ticket agents.

We were the in late April and there were lines to buy tickets. We even had a guide meeting us, but we were sent to the line to buy tickets before heading in. Having said that, both times the line was less than 15 minutes. You can save time by buying tickets online in advance.

I was just at Pompeii in early May and be aware that on the first Sunday of the month many historic places and museums are free in Italy so it was more crowded than usual at that time of year. Nonetheless, we were there relatively early in the day which helped make it much less crowded re: lines and pathways vs 2 hours later. It’s such an amazing experience tied in with the archeological museum in Naples that has the discovered artifacts of Pompeii including the many wonderful mosaics. Very worthwhile!

Thank you all for your responses!

Are you driving or taking the train to Pompeii?

I’m response to Pat from California: We have a driver taking.

Having a driver will really help your quick visit plan. We are in the area now, and I'm amazed at how long it takes to get around, as there's so many people jammed onto such narrow roads. Congestion is the name of the game, and using the regional train is almost painful ( Shouder-shoulder crowded, standing room only, train delays, and it's extremely hot on the Circumvesuvia train.)

However, to answer your question, the lines buying tickets didn't seem too long, there's just a lot of people congestion at the entrance due to the train traffic, vendors, and incoming folks.

Once you leave Pompeii, do plan for traffic and slow travel to your lodging.

Have a great trip!