The ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, remarkably preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers an intimate glimpse into everyday life from nearly 2,000 years ago. Day trips to Herculaneum let you explore its stunning villas, mosaics, and frescoes, walk along ancient streets, and learn the fascinating history of its residents, all in a single immersive visit.

Overview:

  • Best time of year: March through October
  • Starting points: Tours from Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii
  • Key stops: Herculaneum Archaeological Park, Pompeii Archaeological Park (optional)
  • Most popular tour: Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers

Herculaneum day trips starting points

Where should you start your Herculaneum day trip?

Naples is the most practical starting point for first-time visitors. Tours from Naples are designed for day-trippers, with hotel pick-ups and comfortable transfers ensuring you reach Herculaneum in about 25 minutes. This makes it easy to enjoy a focused, guided visit without any logistical stress.

Sorrento is an ideal departure hub for travelers staying along the Sorrento Peninsula. About a 40-minute drive to Herculaneum, tours from here are convenient for those looking for a seamless experience, with direct transfers and well-paced itineraries that allow plenty of time to explore the ruins.

Pompeii offers the perfect option for visitors already exploring the region’s archaeological sites. Just 30 minutes from Herculaneum, many tours combine both Pompeii and Herculaneum in a single day, giving travelers an efficient way to experience two of the Bay of Naples’ most iconic Roman ruins.

Know before you go on your Herculaneum day trips

Frequently asked questions about day trips to Herculaneum

You can either book a GT coach with AC from Naples or take the Circumvesuviana train to the Ercolano Scavi station. From Pompeii, a local driver will escort you to Herculaneum and back.

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