How to skip the lines at Herculaneum

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Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum with Mount Vesuvius in the background.

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at Herculaneum

Compared to Pompeii, Herculaneum is smaller and usually calmer, and on many weekdays you may only wait a few minutes to enter. But from late March to October, especially on summer weekends and free-entry Sundays, ticket queues can swell to ~30–60 minutes (approx.), with a further ~5–10 minutes (approx.) for security. If you’re stacking Herculaneum with Pompeii or Vesuvius in one day, that time adds up quickly.

You don’t always need a skip-the-line ticket here, but it’s the easiest way to protect your time on busy days and lock in your entry. Here are the main options:

  • Skip-the-line entry tickets (From €16): Pre-booked timed tickets that let you bypass the on-site ticket office and head straight to ticket scan and security. On quieter days you may only save ~10–20 minutes (approx.), but on summer weekends and free Sundays you can cut waits of ~30–60 minutes (approx.) at the ticket counter.
  • Skip-the-line guided tours (From €40+): Small-group tours led by an archaeologist or expert guide. You meet at a set point, use a managed group lane, and usually enter within ~10–20 minutes (approx.) including security, while getting structure and context for a 2–3 hour visit.
  • Private guided tours (From €330+): A private archaeologist-led tour with tailored pacing and priority entry, best for families, friends, or archaeology fans who want depth, flexibility, and space for photos without keeping up with a group.
  • Skip-the-line tours with transfers (From €70+): Packages that bundle Herculaneum entry with transport from Naples or other nearby hubs. You skip the ticket queue and train logistics; security still applies, but this is the smoothest option for day-trippers or tight itineraries.

See all your options to skip the queues at Herculaneum ↓

From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+
Ian Nurser

Ian

Oct 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Luciano Leone was an amazing guide, providing his enthusiasm and archeological knowledge to bring the site alive! Fun and informative, an action-packed tour. No way we could have enjoyed it or learnt so much without him.
Sara Lubowitz
AU

Sara

Australia
Oct 2025
5/5

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Very good tour guide who really knows his subject. Even though it was raining the tour was so very well organised. Really worth the money. I would highly recommend.
Marie Milburn
GB

Marie

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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My experience was beyond my highest expectations. This was a dream destination for me. The degree of preservation there is amazing! I had an injury and struggled to get around easily but it was worth the struggle. I hope I'll be able to return someday to see some of the sights I didn't get to. There's so much to see!!! I loved doing this at my own pace, and having time to linger in areas of particular interest. Thank you to all those hard workers for making my visit and this site so special!
Makayla A Byerly
US

Makayla

United States
Oct 2025
5/5

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I would highly recommend Herculaneum over crowded Pompeii. It is very reasonably priced, there are practically no waiting lines and it is much better preserved than Pompeii. It is a much better experience overall! You will not regret seeing this wonderful site.
TEYSSIER ép MONTBRESSOUS Sabine
FR

Teyssier

France
Jul 2025
5/5

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Exceptional site 🤩🤩🤩 We spent 5 hours there and didn't see the time go by
Fanny Poirier
FR

Fanny

France
Aug 2025
5/5
Vincenzo was really interesting and passionate, it was really interesting! I recommend the most the combo Pompei+Herculanum, it was worth it!
Kevin Tracey
US

Kevin

United States
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent guide and great tour, highly recommended. I recommend booking the ride back to Naples before hand as taxis were difficult to find.
Stefan Keßler
DE

Stefan

Germany
Dec 2025
5/5
The Organisation was very good. The time of Vesuv snd Heracleum was perfekt. For Pompeii we neef morr rhan the two hours, but the Guide Show US the Highlights of Pompeii.
























































What does “skip-the-line” really mean for Herculaneum?

Skip-the-line tickets for Herculaneum allow you to bypass the on-site ticket counter, which can see wait times of up to an hour during peak travel months. With these tickets, you’ll head straight to the security check, usually a 5 to 10-minute wait, and enter the site without the hassle of standing in the general admission queue. If you join a guided tour, entry is even quicker, with most groups entering within 5–10 minutes of arrival.

How long are the queues at the Herculaneum entrance?

The busiest time to visit Herculaneum is between late March and October, with the highest crowd levels around midday. From 10am to 1pm, it’s not uncommon for ticket queues to last up to an hour.

  • During peak season (March to October), expect ticket queues of 20–60 minutes and security checks of 5–10 minutes.
  • In the off-peak months (November to February), ticket waits are shorter at 10–20 minutes, with around 5 minutes for security.

Types of queues at Herculaneum

Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Ticket redemption queue

  • Location: Main entrance on Corso Resina
  • Skip-the-line? ✅ Yes
  • Avg wait time: 20–60 mins (peak season), 10–20 mins (off-peak)
  • Who it’s for: All visitors with timed-entry tickets
Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Security queue

  • Location: Just past the ticket checkpoint at the entrance
  • Skip-the-line? ❌ No
  • Avg wait time: 5–10 mins
  • Who it’s for: All visitors, regardless of ticket type
Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Guided tour group queue

  • Location: Main entrance on Corso Resina
  • Skip-the-line? ✅ Yes
  • Avg wait time: 5–10 mins
  • Who it’s for: Guided tours with skip-the-line access
Bypass the lines, walk into the past.

Queues at Herculaneum can hold you back, but with fast-track entry you’ll step straight into one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities without the wait.

All your options to skip the queues at Herculaneum

Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

1. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance

Reserve your Herculaneum tickets online to bypass the ticket counter queues. With a timed-entry slot, you can head straight to the security check and start exploring without unnecessary delays. Audio guide upgrades are also available.

Book Herculaneum tickets
Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

2. Join a guided tour for quicker access

Guided tours include priority access and expert insights from archaeologists.Many visitors choose this option as part of a day trip covering Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius.

Book Herculaneum tours
Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

3. Visit during quieter hours

For a more relaxed visit, plan your trip to Herculaneum in the early morning before 10am or after 4pm. These hours tend to have fewer visitors, allowing for quicker entry and a more peaceful experience.

Best time to visit
Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

4. Avoid free entry days

Free entry days can draw large crowds and significantly increase wait times at the entrance. If you prefer a smoother visit with minimal queuing, it’s best to avoid these dates when possible.

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Why book skip-the-line tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the long ticket queues and help you access the site faster and more efficiently. Options include basic timed-entry tickets, guided tours, audio guide upgrades, and multi-site combos.

What happens if you don’t book skip-the-line tickets?

Without a reserved ticket, you may face wait times of 20 to 60 minutes at the entrance, particularly between March and October.

Do I still need to go through security?

Yes. All visitors, regardless of ticket type, must pass through a mandatory security check at the entrance. Wait times typically range from 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I buy skip-the-line tickets at the gate?

Not always. Skip-the-line tickets are limited and may sell out in advance. It's recommended to book online ahead of your visit.

Are audio guides included with skip-the-line tickets?

Not by default. Basic skip-the-line tickets do not include an audio guide, but you can purchase a ticket option that bundles skip-the-line access with the official audio guide.

Is a guided tour better than a basic skip-the-line ticket?

If you want expert insights into the site’s history and archaeological features, yes. Guided tours, especially those led by archaeologists, offer deeper context and faster group entry.

Can I re-enter Herculaneum after exiting?

No, re-entry is not allowed. All tickets are valid for a single entry only.

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