How to Get to Pompeii from Naples Cruise Port
How to get to Pompeii from Naples cruise port is a question I get asked a lot—and since I’ve visited Naples a few times—twice on a Mediterranean cruise and once during a three-day vacation, when I finally had the chance to take the train to Pompeii—I’m happy to share my tips.
Although many people describe Naples as chaotic or even unsafe, it’s still one of my favorite cities in Europe. The city is full of contrasts, rich history, and hands down the best pizza in the world—only Sicilian pizza comes close. 🍕🙂
If you’re planning to visit Pompeii from Naples cruise port and you’re not sure where to start, keep reading.
I’ll walk you through all the practical ways to get there—by train, taxi, private transfer, or excursion—so you can make the most of your time ashore.
🎥 I also made a video guide to Naples cruise port, where I share the best things to do in the city, how to get to Pompeii, and practical tips for cruisers. If you prefer a quick overview in video format, feel free to watch below, or keep reading for the full step-by-step guide.
Where Cruise Ships Dock in Naples
Naples is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean, and luckily for cruisers, the main terminal is located right in the heart of the city.
Stazione Marittima Cruise Terminal
Most cruise ships dock at Stazione Marittima, also known as Molo Beverello. This modern terminal is well-equipped, with shops, cafes, tourist information, and direct access to taxis and excursions.
It’s located just a short walk from the historic city center and key transport hubs.
From the terminal exit, you’ll have clear views of several major landmarks—like Castel Nuovo and Castel Sant’Elmo perched on the hilltop—and easy access to the main road.
The Municipio metro station sits just across the square next to the castle, so you can quickly reach other parts of the city or transfer to the main train station.
🛳️ I go into more detail about the cruise terminal, transport, and nearby sights in my Naples cruise port guide 🧭 if you’d like a full overview before planning your day trip.
How Far is Naples Train Station from the Port?
The main train station—Napoli Centrale / Garibaldi—is about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the cruise terminal.
You can get there in around 10 minutes by taxi, but due to Naples’ chaotic traffic and frequent crowds, it can easily take 20–25 minutes, especially during peak cruise hours.
Alternatively, you can take the metro: walk to the Municipio station (Line 1), located near the port (less than a 10-minute walk, directly across from the terminal), ride three stops to Piazza Garibaldi, and follow the signs to the Circumvesuviana trains.
We’ll go over exact train directions in the next section, but the good news is: getting from your ship to Pompeii is very doable on your own.
How Far is Pompeii from Naples Cruise Port?
Pompeii is located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) southeast of Naples cruise port. Depending on your mode of transportation, the journey can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
- By train, the ride between Napoli Centrale and Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri takes about 30 minutes. But when you factor in the walk or transfer from the cruise terminal to the train station, you should plan for at least 1 hour each way.
- By taxi or private car, it can take 30 to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
- With a guided tour, the total duration is usually around 4 to 5 hours, including transportation and the guided visit to Pompeii. However, some tours include extra stops, so it can turn into a half- or full-day experience, depending on the itinerary.
Although the distance isn’t far, Naples traffic and train delays can add extra time, so it’s always smart to leave a buffer, especially if you’re on a tight cruise schedule.
Best Ways to Get from Naples Cruise Port to Pompeii
🚆 By Train (Most Popular Option)
Taking the train is the most affordable and popular way to reach Pompeii from Naples.
- From the cruise terminal, walk or take a quick taxi/metro to Napoli Centrale / Garibaldi station.
- Board the Circumvesuviana train toward Sorrento, and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri.
- The train ride takes about 30 minutes, and trains run roughly every 30 minutes.
- Tickets cost around €3.20 one way. You can buy them at the station, but if you want to avoid the lines, there’s also the GoEav app, which lets you buy Circumvesuviana tickets in advance. It’s available for both iPhone and Android and works pretty well. Another option is to use your contactless credit or debit card—just tap it at the entrance and exit, and the system charges the correct fare automatically. I still recommend having a bit of cash on hand, as some machines or kiosks might not take cards.
- If you prefer something more comfortable, check out the Campania Express—a tourist-friendly train with AC, reserved seats, and fewer crowds. It’s a bit more expensive, but totally worth it in high season, and you can book those tickets online too.
- The station in Pompeii is located right across the street from the ruins, just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance.
✅ Check the official Circumvesuviana and Campania Express website for updated schedules and availability before your trip.
⚠️ Trains can be crowded and hot, especially in summer. Watch your belongings, as pickpocketing is common.
🚕 By Taxi
Right in front of the Naples cruise terminal, you’ll find plenty of taxis offering transfers to Pompeii. Many drivers propose round trips with wait time, or even short tours that include stops at Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, or local viewpoints.
- Fares vary, depending on the driver, time of day, and whether it’s a one-way ride or includes return and waiting time.
- Some drivers offer fixed-rate round trips with a couple of hours at the ruins. Always ask and agree on the fare before starting the ride.
- As a rough estimate, expect to pay between €80 and €150 total per vehicle. This makes it a good option for small groups or families.
- It’s a comfortable and direct option if you want to skip the hassle of trains and transfers.
🛑 Tip: If you prefer not to negotiate, consider pre-booking a private transfer online to lock in a guaranteed price and itinerary.
🧭 By Guided Tour
If you’d rather have everything arranged for you, a guided tour is a great option. There are two main types: cruise line shore excursions and independent tours you can book on your own.
🛳️ Cruise Line Shore Excursions
These are the tours sold directly by your cruise company, often bookable in advance or onboard.
✅ Pros:
- Guaranteed return to ship—even if there’s a delay
- No need to organize transport or tickets
- Usually includes a licensed guide and skip-the-line entry
- Easy to book through your cruise planner
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than independent options
- Larger groups and less flexibility
- Often includes additional stops you may not be interested in
🚐 Independent Tours
These are guided tours you can book online directly with the local tour agency or through third-party providers like Viator or GetYourGuide. Most depart from the port area or central Naples and offer smaller groups or private options.
✅ Pros:
- More affordable than cruise excursions
- Smaller groups or private guides available
- Often more flexible with timing and add-ons (like Mt. Vesuvius or wine tasting)
❌ Cons:
- You are responsible for getting back to the ship on time
- Requires a bit more planning (meeting point, schedule, etc.)
That said, many reliable tour operators are used to working with cruise passengers and know the importance of ship departure times. If you let them know your all-aboard time, they’ll usually plan the return to bring you straight back to the port on time.
👉 Personal tip: I’ve personally used both Viator and GetYourGuide in many other ports, and I always had a blast. Some tours were even identical to the cruise line excursions, but three times cheaper and in smaller, more relaxed groups.
👉 Check out the most popular Pompeii tours from Naples here
🚗 By Rental Car (Not Ideal for Most Cruisers)
Renting a car to visit Pompeii from the Naples cruise port is technically possible, but not recommended for most cruise passengers.
- Driving in Naples can be stressful—the traffic is hectic, local driving habits can be aggressive, and parking near Pompeii is limited and often chaotic.
- You’ll also need to watch out for ZTL zones (limited traffic areas), which can result in fines if entered by mistake.
- Unless you’re planning to continue to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, or other remote areas after Pompeii, it’s usually not worth the hassle.
🚘 However, if you’re planning a longer itinerary after your cruise or doing a land-based stay in southern Italy, renting a car can make sense.
👉 I recommend comparing rental prices on Discover Cars—it’s what I personally use when renting cars in Europe. Just make sure your itinerary doesn’t rely on tight cruise ship deadlines.
🏛️ What to Expect at Pompeii Archaeological Park
🎟️ Entry Tickets and Opening Hours
- The standard ticket to Pompeii costs €19 (or €18 + €1 presale fee when booked online via the official TicketOne platform).
- You might also see ticket prices starting from €23.90 on third-party sites—these often include extras like skip-the-line entry, audio guides, or cancellation flexibility.
- Reduced tickets are available for EU citizens aged 18 to 25, while children and teens under 18 can enter for free.
- If you’re planning to visit other archaeological sites in the area (like Herculaneum or Oplontis), or if you’d like a guided tour of Pompeii itself, you’ll find various options—including combo tickets and more expensive guided tours—available through third-party websites.
- When I visited, there were also licensed guides offering tours right outside the entrance—no need to book in advance if you prefer something spontaneous.
💡 Tip: For convenience and to avoid waiting in line, I recommend booking tickets online—either through the official website or a reliable platform like Viator or GetYourGuide.
Opening hours:
- April 1 – October 31: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
- November 1 – March 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM)
- Closed: December 25, January 1, and May 1
⏱️ How Much Time You Need
For cruise visitors, 2 to 2.5 hours is usually enough to explore the main highlights, especially if you plan your route ahead of time.
Must-see areas include:
- The Forum, the heart of ancient Pompeii
- The public baths, with remarkably preserved mosaics
- The amphitheater, one of the oldest surviving Roman arenas
- The haunting plaster casts of victims frozen in time
- The Villa of the Mysteries, famous for its vivid frescoes (a bit farther but worth the walk)
If you’re short on time or want to avoid wandering aimlessly, consider joining a guided tour—you’ll see more in less time and gain valuable context.
📺 I also cover these must-see highlights in my YouTube video here if you’d like a quick visual overview before your visit.
🧰 Facilities and Practical Tips
- Amenities: Toilets, cafes, several eateries and souvenir shops are available near the entrance.
- Inside the ruins: Shade is limited; bring water, sun protection, and a hat.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, as paths are uneven and can be slippery when wet.
- Luggage: Large bags are not permitted; storage facilities are available.
- Accessibility: The site offers accessible routes for visitors with mobility challenges.
🚢 Final Tips for Visiting Pompeii from a Cruise Ship
- Start early: Trains and sites get crowded by late morning, especially on busy cruise days. Try to disembark as soon as the ship clears.
- Bring euros: Some small shops, cafés, and public toilets near Pompeii may only accept cash.
- Watch the time: Always aim to be back at the port at least one hour before all-aboard—don’t cut it close, especially if you’re traveling independently.
- Stay hydrated: Bring water with you or buy some before entering the site—there are fountains inside, but they can be hard to find.
- Restrooms: Toilets are available near the site entrance but are limited once you’re inside.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Pompeii from Naples Cruise Port
1. What’s the easiest way to get to Pompeii from the Naples cruise port?
The most popular and budget-friendly option is the Circumvesuviana train. You’ll need to get to Napoli Centrale / Garibaldi station first (about 10–25 minutes from the port depending on traffic), then hop on the train toward Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri. The station is right across from the ruins. Taxis and private transfers are also available if you prefer a more direct (and more expensive) option.
2. Do I need to buy Pompeii tickets in advance?
I definitely recommend it, especially during cruise season. You can buy tickets on-site, but lines can get long. Booking online means you can skip the ticket line and walk straight in. I’ve linked the official website and some trusted third-party platforms earlier in this guide.
3. Is it worth doing a guided tour?
Yes! Pompeii is massive, and it’s easy to miss important areas if you’re exploring on your own. A good guide brings the ruins to life and helps you understand what you’re looking at. You can book a tour in advance or hire a licensed guide right at the entrance.
4. Is Pompeii accessible for people with limited mobility?
Pompeii is an ancient site, so the terrain is uneven and challenging in parts, but they’ve made improvements. There’s an accessible route through part of the ruins that’s suitable for wheelchairs and visitors with mobility issues. It’s not the whole site, but it gives access to several key areas.
5. What should I bring with me?
Here’s what I always recommend:
- Comfortable shoes (the stone paths are no joke)
- Hat, sunscreen, and water, especially in summer
- A bit of cash—some places near the entrance still prefer it
- A small bag or backpack (large bags aren’t allowed inside)
- Optional: snacks, portable fan, or a lightweight poncho if rain is in the forecast
📚 Helpful Resources
📍 Naples Cruise Port Guide — terminals, transport tips, and things to do nearby
🎥 YouTube Video: Exploring Naples + How to Get to Pompeii
🚐 Book a Guided Tour to Pompeii on Viator
Planning more cruise stops around the Mediterranean? Here are some guides you might find helpful:
🛳️ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guides:
- Barcelona Cruise Port Guide
- Civitavecchia (Rome) Cruise Port Guide
- Palma de Mallorca Cruise Port Guide
- Marseille Cruise Port Guide
- Livorno (Florence & Pisa) Cruise Port Guide
- La Spezia (Cinque Terre) Cruise Port Guide
- Ajaccio (Corsica) Cruise Port Guide
- Valletta (Malta) Cruise Port Guide
- Messina (Sicily) Cruise Port Guide
- Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide
- Kotor (Montenegro) Cruise Port Guide
- Santorini Cruise Port Guide
- Mykonos Cruise Port Guide
- Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port Guide
- Corfu Cruise Port Guide
- Katakolon (Olympia) Cruise Port Guide
- Split Cruise Port Guide
🧭 Want all this info in one place?
Check out my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide ebook—it covers 40+ ports with insider tips, maps, and local advice to help you plan every step of your cruise.
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