How to skip the lines at Herculaneum

What to bring

• Carry a valid photo ID or passport for verification at entry.
• If you opt for a digital audio guide, bring your own headphones for a better listening experience.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the ground is uneven in many areas.
• Since most of the visit takes place outdoors, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a hat. The site remains open in all weather conditions, so a light raincoat or umbrella is also useful.

What’s not allowed

• Large backpacks, suitcases, and bulky luggage cannot be brought inside or on transfer services.
• Food and drinks are not included and may be restricted in certain zones.
• Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.
• Smoking, alcohol, and any prohibited substances are strictly banned on-site.
• Flash photography and the use of tripods or professional filming gear may be limited in some areas.

Accessibility

• Due to uneven surfaces and steep sections, the site is not fully accessible and may pose challenges for visitors with reduced mobility.
• Some ramp access can be arranged at the entrance for those with motor disabilities, though not all parts of the site can be reached.
• Accessible restrooms are available.
• There is no facility for storing luggage on-site.

Additional information

• The guidebook is available only in English and in a digital, downloadable format. No hard copies available.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult during the visit.
• Certain areas may be closed temporarily due to restoration work or operational needs.
• The site is open from 8:30am to 5pm from 15 October to 15 March (last entry 3:30pm), and from 8:30am to 7:30pm between 16 March and 14 October (last entry 6pm).
• Free admission is offered on the first Sunday of each month and on select public holidays; reduced fares are available for eligible visitors with a valid ID.
• If you’re using a digital audio guide app, it’s best to download it before arrival, as mobile network coverage on-site may be limited.

Inclusions #

• Access to Archaeological Park of Herculaneum

• Digital audio guide in English, Italian, French & Spanish (as per option selected)

• Digital guidebook (as per option selected)

• Guided tour with an expert English-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)

• Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples (as per option selected)

Buried in minutes, preserved for millennia: explore this ancient port city with an archaeologist who knows its secrets firsthand.

• Everything you get: Join a 2-hour guided tour inside the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum, entering with priority access so you head straight past ticket lines. Spend your time exploring the ruins, wall frescoes and baths as your guide brings the site's history to life.
• Why choose this: An archaeologist doesn't just name what you're looking at. They explain why it matters, what life looked like inside these walls, and what the eruption revealed.
• Upgrades: Pick tours in English, Spanish, French, German or Italian, or upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience.

Inclusions #

• Access to Archaeological Park of Herculaneum with priority entry

• 2-hour guided tour of Herculaneum

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)

• Private tour with an archaeologist guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Transfers

What to bring

• Photo ID: Carry a valid photo ID, as you may need it at ticket check.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable, supportive shoes, as many paths are uneven.
• Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some water to stay hydrated.
• Weather gear: Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella, as much of the visit is outdoors.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access: The terrain has slopes and uneven surfaces, so full wheelchair access is not available.
• Ramps: Entrance ramps are available on request, but some sections may remain hard to reach.
• Restrooms: Accessible restroom facilities are available on-site.
• Storage: There are no lockers or luggage storage facilities at the site.

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage: Do not bring large bags, suitcases, or bulky luggage, as these cannot be taken inside or stored on-site.
• Food and drinks: Follow on-site signs, as some zones restrict food and beverages.
• Pets: Do not bring pets, except for certified service animals.
• Substances: Do not consume smoking products, alcohol, or prohibited substances anywhere on the grounds.
• Professional gear: Avoid flash, tripods, and professional filming gear in restricted areas.

Additional information

• Supervision: Ensure children are accompanied by an adult throughout the visit.
• Site access: Expect some areas to be closed for maintenance or preservation, which may change the route.
• Seasonal hours (15 Oct to 15 Mar): Opening hours are 8:30am to 5pm, with last entry at 3:30pm.
• Seasonal hours (16 Mar to 14 Oct): Opening hours are 8:30am to 7:30pm, with last entry at 6pm.
• Free and reduced entry: Free admission is offered on the first Sunday of the month and select public holidays, with reduced fares available with valid proof.
• Group size and headsets: Group capacity may vary, and if the group is larger, headsets are provided.

2 UNESCO sites in 1 day: Pompeii’s streets & Herculaneum’s villas, with a local expert and round-trip transfers.

• Day out to: A full-day trip to the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, with convenient round-trip AC coach or minivan transfers and pick-up from central Naples.
• You’ll get: Comfortable round-trip transfers from the nearest major city, with onboard commentary and guided tours of Pompeii and Herculaneum, plus skip-the-line access at both sites.
• Pompeii: Skip the queues and explore highlights with your expert guide, from the Forum and amphitheater to baths, bakeries, and haunting plaster casts. Discover the scale of a thriving Roman city, frozen in 79 AD.
• Herculaneum: Continue to the more intimate ruins of Herculaneum, remarkably preserved under 20 meters of volcanic mud. Explore lavish villas, mosaics, thermal baths, and even carbonized wooden furniture, offering vivid insight into Roman daily life.
• Upgrades: Choose with archaeologist guide for in-depth commentary at both sites or add lunch for a relaxed, worry-free break between the two tours.

Inclusions #

• Day trip to Pompeii and Herculaneum

• Round-trip AC coach/minivan transfers from Naples

• Guided tour of Pompeii with skip-the-line entry

• Guided tour of Herculaneum skip-the-line entry ticket

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Archeologist guide (as per option selected)

• Lunch (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What to bring

• Valid ID or passport (mandatory for entry).

What’s not allowed

• Large bags and luggage are restricted inside the sites.

Accessibility

• Not suitable for travelers with limited mobility due to uneven terrain.

Additional information

• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes early; late arrivals count as no-show.
• For guided tours, routes may adjust the route depending on restoration work, closures, or crowd levels.

What to bring

• Expect moderate walking on uneven terrain,wear comfortable shoes.

What's not allowed

• Strict dress code (no indecent clothing or shirtless entry).
• Large dogs (>10kg/40cm) aren’t permitted, except certified guide dogs.
• No commercial photography or tripods.

Accessibility

• This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
• Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people with impaired mobility and cardiac issues.

Inclusions #

• Day trip around Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius

• Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples

• Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park

• Entrance ticket to Herculaneum Pompeii Archaeological Park

• Access to Mt. Vesuvius National Park

• Audio guide for Pompeii in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German

• Map for Pompeii

• Transfers between the sites

• Lunch (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Your group, your pace, your archaeologist. A fully private window into the Roman city Vesuvius sealed in an instant.

• Everything you get: Exclusive skip-the-line entry for your group alone, with a dedicated licensed archaeologist for the full 2 hours. Your guide builds the visit around what your group actually wants to understand, from the engineering of the thermal baths to the forensic story of the boathouses.
• Why choose this: On a shared tour, your guide is managing 15 to 20 people. Questions get deferred, stops get shortened, and the itinerary belongs to the group, not you. Here, the archaeologist's full attention is yours from the moment you walk in, which, at a site this layered, changes everything about what you take away from it.

Inclusions #

• Private tour of Herculaneum

• Fast-track entry to Herculaneum

• Expert English, French, Italian, or, Spanish, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Maximum of 10 guests

Exclusions #

• Transfers

What to bring

• Carry a valid photo ID for verification at entry.
• Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as some paths are uneven.
• Sun protection is recommended (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), along with a bottle of water.
• The visit runs in all weather conditions, so pack a light raincoat or umbrella if needed.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, trolleys, and oversized luggage cannot be taken inside the site.
• Food and drinks may not be allowed in certain zones of the site.
• Pets are not allowed, except for certified service animals.
• Smoking, alcohol, and prohibited substances are strictly forbidden within the site.
• Flash photography, tripods, and professional film equipment may have restrictions depending on area rules.

Accessibility

• Due to uneven ground and excavation terrain, the site is not entirely suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility.
• Some ramps and assistance may be available at the entrance, but several areas may remain inaccessible.
• Accessible restrooms are available.

Additional information

• Children must remain under adult supervision throughout the visit.
• Certain routes or areas may occasionally be closed for conservation or restoration work.
• Opening hours vary by season:
  • 15 Oct – 15 March: 8:30am–5pm (last entry at 3:30pm)
  • 16 Mar – 14 Oct: 8:30am–7:30pm (last entry at 6pm)
• Free entry is offered on the first Sunday of each month and selected national holidays, and discounted entry is available for eligible visitors with valid documentation.

Make the most of your Herculaneum visit with easy departures from nearby cities and ample time to explore the ruins.

• Everything you get: Travel comfortably from Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii and walk straight into Herculaneum with priority entry. Once inside, explore centuries-old houses, colourful frescoes, wooden structures, and ancient pathways at your own pace for an enriching visit.
• Why choose this: A seamless way to explore one of the world's best-preserved archaeological sites without the hassle of handling the transits or long ticket queues.
• Options: Choose your preferred departure point among Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii, each offering fixed scheduled times for a smooth and convenient start to your visit.

Inclusions #

• Timed entry to Herculaneum

• Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii (as per option selected)

• 3 hours of free time to explore Herculaneum

Exclusions #

• Live guide

What to bring

• Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be checked during pickup or entry.
• Wear sturdy and comfortable footwear, as you’ll be walking extensively throughout the visit.
• Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions and consider bringing sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during your visit.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, suitcases, and bulky luggage are not permitted within the archaeological areas for security reasons.
• Pets are not allowed, with the exception of certified service animals.
• Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or participation while intoxicated is strictly forbidden.
• Drones, tripods, and professional video or photography equipment are prohibited inside the sites.

Accessibility

• The uneven pathways and inclines within the site make it only partially accessible, which may create difficulties for visitors with limited mobility.

Additional information

• Your booking voucher includes the pick-up point details in Naples, Pompeii, or Sorrento (usually in the city center), with departures at 9:20am from Naples, 9:10am from Pompeii, and 8:50am from Sorrento.
• The experience lasts approximately 6 hours from start to finish.
• The tour operates in most weather conditions. However, in cases of extreme weather, the schedule or route may be modified for safety.

Inclusions #

• Guided tour of Herculaneum with skip-the-line entry

• Round-trip express train ticket from Sorrento

• Maps

From Naples to 79 AD: archaeologist-led, queue-free, with the ride included.

• Everything you get: Round-trip transfers in an AC van from central Naples, plus skip-the-line entry and a 2-hour walking tour led by a licensed archaeologist. Wander frescoed villas, thermal baths, the Forum, and the haunting boat sheds.
• Why choose this: Herculaneum draws far fewer crowds than Pompeii, so your archaeologist can actually slow down at the good stuff—vivid mosaics, intact upper floors, and frescoes that survived the eruption.
• Upgrades: Enhance your experience with the full-day option that includes a guided tour of Pompeii along with Herculaneum, either starting from Naples or directly from Pompeii. If your base is Sorrento, you have the option to begin your experience from here too.

Inclusions #

• Priority entry to Herculaneum

• Guided tour of Herculaneum

• Guided tour of Pompeii (as per option selected)

• Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples (as per option selected)

• Round-trip express train ticket from Sorrento (as per option selected)

• One-way Circumvesuviana train ticket from Pompeii (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Meals

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID for entry and verification.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven and ancient terrain.
• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
• Pack an umbrella or raincoat, as the tour operates rain or shine.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, or suitcases larger than 30 x 30 x 15 cm are not allowed inside the sites.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
• The tour operator is not liable for any loss of personal belongings.

Accessibility

• Not recommended for travellers with reduced mobility.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

• Arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure as the tour leader will wait only 10 minutes.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• The itinerary may vary depending on site openings, restoration work, or visitor flow.
• If you have a train, flight, or ship booked on the same day, please inform in advance to help manage your schedule.

One ticket gets you from central Naples to the Roman city that Vesuvius buried whole and preserved almost perfectly.

• Everything you get: One-way train transfer from Naples Porta Nolana to Ercolano Scavi in just 18 minutes, aboard an air-conditioned coach with scenic views along the way. On arrival, skip-the-line entry takes you straight into Herculaneum Archaeological Park. No ticket office queue, no wasted time at the gate.
• Why choose this: The Circumvesuviana runs every 3 hours from Porta Nolana, so a missed connection is never a crisis, just a short wait before the next one. From the moment you board to the moment you walk into the site, every step is taken care of.

Inclusions #

Herculaneum Tickets

• Skip-the-line entrance to Herculaneum

Campania Express Transfer

• One-way express transfers to/from Naples Porta Nolana Train Station and Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train Station

• Air-conditioning onboard

Exclusions #

• Live guide

• Audio guide

What to bring

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes throughout — the ancient paving stones are uneven across the site and open shoes or sandals make navigation genuinely difficult.
• Herculaneum is largely open-air with limited shade, so a hat and sunscreen are worth packing regardless of the season.

What's not allowed

• Touching or disturbing ruins, mosaics, or artifacts is strictly prohibited throughout the site.
• Large bags and wheeled luggage are not permitted inside.
• Drones are not allowed. Pets are welcome without breed or size restrictions but must remain on a leash at all times.

Accessibility

• The site has some accessible routes, ramps, and bridges, including a path along Cardo III.
• However, much of Herculaneum's terrain involves uneven ancient paving, steps, and sloped surfaces that may present challenges for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
• Accessible restrooms are available at the entrance, visitor centre, and ticket office.

Additional information

• Herculaneum is a 10 to 15 minute walk from Ercolano Scavi station on exit.
• On the train, keep an eye on platform displays and listen for loudspeaker announcements — board only trains marked Campania Express to ensure you reach the correct stop.

Inclusions #

• Skip-the-line access to the Herculaneum

• Expert English-speaking archeological guide (optional)

• Headsets (for groups of 10 or more)

Exclusions #

• Visiting the crater of Mount Vesuvius