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Pompeii day trip, direct train from Rome

Posted by (Colorado) on

I'm planning a day trip from Rome to Naples and Pompeii in early June. I've read many helpful tips already on this forum, but have a question specifically around the logistics of using the direct train route between Rome and Pompei Station on Sundays. There is a direct train from Rome that arrives at Pompei at 10:40a. And a return train that leaves Pompei at 6:40p Sundays only. I would like to visit both Pompeii and the Archaeology Museum in Naples in the same day, so at most I would use the direct train only one direction. I'm estimating I'd like 3-4 hours in Pompeii, possibly including a 2 hour tour, 2-3 hours at the MANN (not trying to see everything), and allow ~2 hours to eat and travel between sites. Travel time between MANN and Pompei Scavi looks to be about an hour. Is this right?

Here are my options based on what I've read. I'm leaning toward Option 2, but any advice or other considerations are welcome:

Option 1: Direct Rome to Pompei station, Visit Pompeii, then to Naples and MANN, then train from Naples to Rome. With the train arriving at 10:40, I'd be at Pompeii roughly from 11 - 2 which seems like the worst part of the day to visit. And, if I want to take a tour, I'd have to get from Pompei station to the main Pompeii entrance to meet the group. That said, is it worth it to visit the site before the museum?

Option 2: Rome to Naples, get to MANN around opening, then lunch and travel to Pompeii. Visit Pompeii. Direct train from Pompei to Rome
I think I like the logistically easier return after a long day. But it makes me less flexible in how long I spend in Pompeii, especially if I want to pre-book a tour (considering ASKOS). I'd probably aim for a 2:00 entry, allowing ample time to see the site and then get to the Pompei station. It looks like I could exit the site from not the main gate and just walk to the Pompei station. Is that right?

Option 3: Neither of the above, connecting in Naples both directions which gives a little more flexibility in times and the order of what to visit first.

I don't have to go on a Sunday, as I'll be in Rome for a week. But the convenience of the direct train makes me consider it. It if really is a convenience. I'm solo for this part of my trip, so I have lots of flexibility.

Thank you!

Posted by
2787 posts

Option 3. Because your trip is in June, you’ll be visiting during peak season on a weekend during Italy’s Jubilee year.
All three elements mean Pompeii is going to be more crowded than usual during your visit. I would want to be at Pompeii’s entrance gate with a pre-bought admission ticket at 9am so you at least have a jump on the throngs of visitors who arrive later. Avoid visiting on the first Sunday of June because that’s when Pompeii gets absolutely hammered on free admission day
Not only will the crowds be a factor— the heat in Pompeii in June can be intense ( highs are a humid 79-82 degrees on average) and there is no shade at the site since there are no trees. This is another reason to get into the archaeological park first thing when it opens. Be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and your water bottle.

Posted by
5006 posts

I like your option 3. The direct train to Pompei station is a mile or two from Pompeii Scavi anyway so you need to factor in time of getting to the site. For flexibility I'd consider going to Naples and then taking the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi station which stops right at the main entrance. The Circumvesuviana runs about every half hour. This way you could get an earlier start to your day.

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