Pompeii: Day Trips and Tours from Salerno

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Few names echo through existence quite like that of Pompeii, as this ancient Roman town was frozen in time — with day trips to Pompeii from Salerno providing visitors with a captivating glimpse into the ancient imperial destination. Pompeii was once just another popular Roman locale, a favorite for Rome’s elite to escape to, while still being close enough to the capital to attend important meetings or Senate sessions. That all changed in 79 AD when an eruption from Mount Vesuvius buried the flourishing city in a 6-meter-thick layer of ash — perfectly preserving the town, buildings and, most famously, the bodies of its residents.

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Authors

Amy Pieterse

Jakus Eloff

Few names echo through existence quite like that of Pompeii, as this ancient Roman town was frozen in time — with day trips to Pompeii from Salerno providing visitors with a captivating glimpse into the ancient imperial destination.

Pompeii was once just another popular Roman locale, a favorite for Rome’s elite to escape to, while still being close enough to the capital to attend important meetings or Senate sessions. That all changed in 79 AD when an eruption from Mount Vesuvius buried the flourishing city in a 6-meter-thick layer of ash — perfectly preserving the town, buildings and, most famously, the bodies of its residents.

Here's all you need to know about Pompeii, one of the most exciting day trips from Salerno.

How to get to Pompeii from Salerno?

Pompeii is located on the western shores of southern Italy, nestled in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius in the Gulf of Naples.

From Salerno to Pompeii by car

A drive from Salerno to Pompeii isn’t only convenient, it's also stunning. Simply exit Salerno on the E45, staying on the route as it changes into the A3 and back to the E45. The drive is 30 kilometers long and will take half an hour to complete.

From Salerno to Pompeii by public transport

Traveling to Pompeii from Salerno is pretty straightforward — at Stazione FS di Salerno board the regular Napoli service and alight at the Pompeii Archeological Park. The train journey should take roughly an hour to complete.

Guided tour to Pompeii from Salerno

A guided tour from Salerno to Pompeii is the best way to explore the ancient town, especially when arriving at Salerno by cruise. This way, your entire day trip will be expertly planned and you’ll enjoy the company of a local guide or even an archeologist — an invaluable resource when exploring the ancient ruins.

How much does the entrance ticket to Pompeii cost?

If you choose a day trip from Salerno to Pompeii, it will usually include entry tickets to the archeological park. If you’re traveling on your own, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.

Pompeii entrance tickets

General admission: €19
EU citizens (aged 18 to 25): €2
Youth (aged 0 to 18): Free

Discounted tickets cannot be bought in advance, and you’ll need to purchase these upon entry while providing the relevant documents.

What is the typical itinerary?

Given the Salerno's popularity as a stop for cruise ships, most day trips from the city depart from the harbor as shore excursions. However, most tours also provide a hotel transfer for travelers residing in the city. Following your pickup, you’ll leave Salerno behind, either traveling inland toward Pompeii Archeological Park or along the coastline.

The second option will allow you to marvel at the stunning beauty of the Amalfi Coast — enjoying mesmerizing views of the Bay of Naples, with Capri in the distance. Whatever route your tour chooses, the final destination will be the same — the haunting remains of a once-vibrant Roman city.

Here, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to explore the remnants of this wondrous settlement, with the way in which you do so depending on your tour. One of the most enlightening ways of exploring Pompeii is under the guidance of a local archeologist — leaving with a comprehensive picture of what ancient Roman life was like before heading back to the comfort of your hotel or cruise ship.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Pompeii?

The ancient town of Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in all of Italy and as such, there’s no shortage of tours to this absorbing city.

Pompeii self-guided tour with transport and audio guide

This self-guided expedition to Pompeii is perfect if you are traveling to Pompeii on your own — and it includes all of your transport to and from Pompeii, as well as an informative audio guide to make sense of the ancient settlement. Your entrance ticket will allow you to skip the line, helping you avoid the infamous queues.

Pompeii guided group walking tour from Salerno

A guided group walking tour will allow you to discover Pompeii’s secrets with the help of a knowledgeable guide — without breaking the bank. While you may be part of a larger group, you’ll have a headset to ensure you don’t miss a word from your guide — as well as a skip-the-line ticket when entering.

Pompeii ruins and wine-tasting tour with lunch

One of the reasons why ancient Romans settled at the foot of Mount Vesuvius is because of the bountiful soil — an element that remains true to this very day as you’ll discover during this wine-tasting tour.

Following quick and easy access to Pompeii, as well as an expertly led tour, you’ll head to a local winery and discover the unique terroir of the local wines while enjoying a delicious lunch.

Private tour to Pompeii plus Amalfi Coast from Salerno

This private excursion to Pompeii and the scenic Amalfi Coast is the ultimate way to spend your time in Salerno. Your expert guide will help you choose an itinerary and route that serves your interest — while also providing you with skip-the-line access to Pompeii.

Following an illuminating tour of the ruinous city, you’ll head wherever your heart desires — whether it be Capri, the temple complex of Paestum or the stunning town of Positano.

How much does a day trip to Pompeii from Salerno cost?

Day trips to Pompeii from Salerno may cost anything from €50 to €150 per person, depending on the type of tour.

A self-guided tour to Pompeii with transport and an audio guide will cost around €50, including all your transport needs — a great option for a budget trip. A Pompeii guided-group walking tour from Salerno will cost €75 per person — making it the most affordable way to explore Pompeii with a guide.

A Pompeii wine-tasting tour with lunch will cost around €300 per person — and this includes a full day’s outing as well as lunch and a wine-tasting tour.

A private tour to Pompeii and the Amalfi coast from Salerno will cost about €400 per person — but for this price, you’ll be the only people on the trip and you’ll get to determine the itinerary.

What will you see and do?

Pompeii Archeological Park

Pompeii is one of the most popular destinations in Italy — ranking among landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town is impeccably preserved, offering 2.5 million annual visitors the chance to look back through time.

Positano

Positano is widely considered one of Italy’s most beautiful towns and it's difficult to argue — with its colorful villas dotting steep cliffs and luxurious yachts lazying about in crystal clear water.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is arguably one of the most famous strips of shoreline in the world, with thousands of visitors making the journey to revel in its splendor. Serene seaside towns, jagged cliffs and sprawling beaches all combine to create a truly once-in-a-lifetime destination.

What are the opening times?

Pompeii is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM — with extended hours of 9 AM to 7 PM during the summer from 1 April to 31 October.

When is the best time to visit Pompeii?

The best time to visit Pompeii is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy walking through the ruins without the scorching sun or cold winds. You'll also avoid the tourist crowds of the summer season by visiting in the shoulder months.

Regardless of when you visit, try to arrive early in the morning. This will allow you to explore the site before it gets too crowded and hot, especially in the warmer months.

Are there any tours to Pompeii from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

Travel tips

The grounds of Pompeii are vast and uneven, so make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Carry a bottle of water, especially during the hot months.
Especially during transitional seasons, mornings can be cool, but it can get warmer as the day progresses. Dressing in layers can help you stay comfortable.
Remember that Pompeii is a precious archaeological site. Your respect helps in the preservation of the site for future generations.