What's the best method for purchasing Pompeii tickets?

I would not think you need to purchase ahead of time based on our experience. We were there 2 years ago in mid-September, arrived around 10:30 and the line was not very long. There was a man checking the line to see if anyone wanted to join a group tour in English and I think he expedited our ticket purchase so that we could join a tour that was starting. That tour was well worthwhile, in my opinion. I believe it was 10€ each. Have a great time!

stephen,

It's very easy to buy the tickets when you arrive at the site. There are often local guides in the vicinity of the ticket booth so you may be offered a tour after you've bought your tickets.

If you are going in peak season (summer) and are certain of the date you will be there, I'd buy on-line in advance. Last week we were there about 10 AM and the line was about an hour long, out in the sun in 95 degree (F) heat. We had bought on line a few days before and walked right in. The down side is that later that same week we were there there was an unannounced strike of a few hours that shut down the site. If that happens, you might be out for the cost of tickets. If you want a guide you can still get one in the vicinity of the ticket office.

You can also buy the tickets at the "info point" kiosk at Pompei Scavi train station on the Circumvesuviana line.

I think it depends on your time of year. We were there beginning of June this year and we bought them at the entrance and waited 10-15 min in line

Ok I'm thinking I'll buy them online. I know which day we're going.

Uhh... what website do you get them from? :)

Pompeii Tickets: http://www.ticketone.it/biglietti.html?affiliate=ITT&erid=988882&action=tickets&doc=artistPages/tickets&fun=artist&language=en#eventInfo