Things to know before booking your Pompeii tickets
Booking window
• Tickets are best purchased online up to several days in advance during peak season.
• During busy months (April–August) and on free-entry Sundays, advance booking secures your preferred time slot and may reduce waiting times.
Entry & access
• All Pompeii tickets are for timed entry only; you must arrive within 15 minutes before or after your slot to be admitted.
• Timed entry tickets bypass the ticket counter but not the mandatory security check, where waits of around 15–30 minutes are common in peak conditions.
What’s included
• A standard Pompeii entry ticket grants access to the extensive open-air archaeological park. It covers the core ruins and main highlights found along ancient streets, baths, and public sites.
• Standard tickets do not include suburban villa circuits (such as the Villa of the Mysteries) unless you purchase the the 'Pompeii Plus' ticket.
• Optional add-ons like audio guides or guidebooks are available with select tickets to provide historical context for self-guided exploration.
Ways to explore
• Self-guided visits offer flexibility; using a map or audio guide can help you navigate the expansive ruins at your own pace.
• Guided tours are ideal for efficient routing and insightful commentary that brings Pompeii’s history to life. These tours often include reserved entry and may feature small group sizes for a more personal experience.
• Combo tickets combine Pompeii with nearby attractions (such as Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius) and sometimes include train or coach transfers from Naples or Sorrento, offering a fuller day-trip experience.
Policies
• All tickets are nominative and require a valid ID on entry (name on ticket must match name on ID). Once you leave the site, re-entry is not permitted.
• Dogs larger than 40cm or heavier than 10kg are not permitted. Service animals with valid certification are allowed.
• Note that while accessible routes are offered (such as the “Pompeii for all” path from Piazza Anfiteatro), the uneven terrain means not all areas are suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
