Our family of four will be visiting Pompeii on our way from Cortona to Sorrento on a Saturday in July, most likely arriving Pompeii sometime around 1:00pm. As this is summertime, the middle of the day and the height of tourist Season, should we pre purchase our Pompeii tickets online before we leave the states? And when I look to purchase the tickets, there is a time on the ticket (it says 8:30am.) Is that the time it opens in summer or do all the online tickets allow you to come in only at 8:30am? Twenty years ago, my husband and I did this same drive without pre purchasing tickets and it was totally fine...but that was a long time ago! Thanks for your thoughts and advice!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23657 posts
Unless the tickets are cheaper see no point in purchasing on line.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8067 posts
I don't think the line will be that long to buy on the spot. You will perhaps have to wait in a second line to check your bags, anyway. As you know, this board does not recommend leaving luggage in a car, especially if any hint of it is visible to a thief. Are you going to the Porta Marina entrance? (You did say "same drive", however. I cannot recommend taking a car to Sorrento in July.) Maybe you also already know how HOT and SUNNY it is in Pompeii in July. Dress appropriately, and buy or bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
I did not buy online, so I can't comment on the 8:30 issue. It seems impossible to me that you can't come later. There would be no time on the paper tickets sold to walk-ups.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA & Bordeaux, France
355 posts
So, it sounds like we shouldn't have a problem purchasing tickets on the spot? I would prefer to buy them once we arrive at Pompeii. We plan on checking our luggage at the baggage hold on site (or if they're full, go down to train station and check the bags. We'll see what our options are once we arrive.) July is sure to be hot! Especially the middle of the day, among ruins with no shade! Driving in a foreign country is not for everyone. We do enjoy it but will only be driving for part of our trip (dropping off car in Sorrento.) The whole thing will be an adventure for sure!
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
Pompeii in July at midday, SUPER HOT and no shade, large araes to cover between exhibits. I suggest that you consider Herculaneum. It has shaded areas, is easy to tour self guided and is better preserved than Pompeii. Look online at the websites; H. Is very interesting and excavations are ongoing, which I find very cool!
Google Pompeii vs Herculaneum and see some good comparisons.
Luggage storage at both sites.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
8:30 is when they open and tickets are not time specific. You can get a wristband to exit and re-enter the site on the same day (as you might do if you arrive early and leave for lunch). I also think that lines to purchase in person are not bad. Rick's book does not suggest booking ahead.