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Visiting both Pompeii and Herculaneum from Sorrento

Curious of experience of others doing this via the Circumvesuviana (is it really as bad as some say??) train in the same day, or if other options might be preferable. I noticed that Rick mentions a 2-hour guide in Pompeii, but nothing in Herculaneum. Thanks!

Posted by
4209 posts

It is "doable," but it depends on your interest and time available. Pompeii is really big! Are you planning on going to Naples any? If you have another day, you could pair Herculaneum and the archaeological museum.

I think people who find the Circumvesuviana anxiety-inducing usually have traveled with all of their luggage on it. For a day trip, I'd be less concerned. But there is an alternative, the Campania Express: https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/campania-express-train-schedule

Posted by
7179 posts

The Circumvesuviana is intimidating to someone who has never used public transportation in a large city. It is extremely difficult with luggage. But empty-handed as a daytrip, it is a superb use of Sorrento's good transportation options.

You don't say "in one day". (?) Pompeii is too large to see 100% of in one day. Both locations are subject to extreme sun and heat from May to October. Herculaneum has no food inside, and neither can be re-entered on a same-day ticket after eating. Pompeii has a big canteen style restaurant, with air conditioning. Herculaneum is 15 minutes downhill from the station.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/herculaneum-and-pompeii-questions

Posted by
2462 posts

We took the Circumvesuviana to both Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii from Sorrento. I think the Herculaneum stop is the same as the one to go up Mt. Vesuvius. We were there in July and the train back from Mt. Vesuvius was not air conditioned and very crowded as we managed to depart during rush hour. It was not intimidating but it was miserable. The next day we went to Pompeii. The trains in both direction were air conditioned and we left Pompeii before rush hour so it was not crowded.

I understand pick pocketers are common but we didn't have anything with us but a small backpack and used a money belt. So had no issues.

Personally, I would not want to do Pompeii and Herculaneum in one day, if that is what you are thinking. But as I said, it was July and we were ready to go back to air conditioning by mid afternoon at Pompeii.

Posted by
1059 posts

I wouldn't try to do both in a single day, seems a bit rushed. Also perhaps a bit overwhelming; there's only some many hours you can walk around looking at ruins and maintain interest.

We've taken the Circumvesuviana several times. Including from Naples to Sorrento with all our luggage. Never had a problem. Which isn't to say there never is, but we did not ever feel like it was something we were foolish for attempting. Use common sense, wear money belts, and if you have luggage don't sit right by an exit.

You might also consider the ArtCard https://www.campaniartecard.it/?lang=en which includes transit and museum admission. We bought it in the Naples train station on our way to Sorrento.

Posted by
41 posts

I did visit both Pompeii and Herculaneum in the same day. Long visit in Pompeii and spent less than an hour in Herculaneum -- that was enough time and worth visiting.

Claudia

Posted by
7448 posts

I guess I will be a bit contrary as well. You can do both, we did on our second trip to the area (First trip we did Pompeii and the Archeological museum).

We took the Circumvesuviana to Pompeii from Sorrento, getting there as they opened (9:00?) and spent 3 hours or so there. Will you see everything? no, but you will see the best things, and to be honest, unless you are a serious history buff or a Rome nerd, 3 hours is plenty.

We then went into Naples, had a nice couple of pizzas and a stroll, then hit Herculaneum on the way back. Maybe two hours tops, figuring the walk from the station and back, then back to Sorrento for cocktails. Herculaneum is very compact, a loop through and you're done.

Like I said, you could probably spend 8 hours at each site if you really wanted, but the quality of your time really ebbs after a few hours unless you are really, really, really, into it, and this is coming from someone with a more than passing interest in History.

Posted by
856 posts

I basically did the exact same thing Paul did. It’s totally doable if you manage your time right. Get to Pompeii as early as possible. Avoiding the heat and crowds that develop by the afternoon is critical. You’ll likely max out by then, but that is plenty of time to see the key areas and then some. Pompeii is indeed huge, but the “tourist area” is maybe 1/3 of it. By then it’s lunchtime, and you can head back to Sorrento for a siesta or onward to Naples if you’re feeling crazy. A great thing about Herculaneum is that it’s open late in season, I think until sunset which is quite late. So, if you just chill during the midday hours seeing both sites in one day is a lot less intimidating. I believe I didn’t get to Herculaneum until 5pm or so on my trip. I always recommend both sites equally, they are quite different from each other. I believe I just got an audio guide at both sites. I recall the guide at Herculaneum being very good. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum is small enough that you won’t be too worried about missing anything.

The Circumvesuviana can be a little tough, you just need to be prepared and careful. The trick is everyone’s first experience is getting on in Naples, where the train and platform are most often crowded, hectic and hot. Tourists stick out like a sore thumb. Just stick out less than the other guy and watch your stuff like a hawk. Once you get out of Naples the train tends to clear out. Around Sorrento it’s practically empty.