Pompeii on Your Own: Pompeii From Naples Cruise Port
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You can easily visit the Italian archeological site from the Naples cruise port.
Visit Pompeii From Cruise Port Naples: (Jump To)
How To Get From Naples to Pompeii
You can take the bus to Pompeii from the Cruise port with these easy steps. From the Naples cruise port, the simplest plan is how to get from Naples to Pompeii via the Circumvesuviana train or the nonstop 5000 bus, both cheap and frequent, so you can reach the ruins fast and be back to the ship on time.
It’s relatively easy to get to Pompeii from the cruise port of Naples. If you don’t mind a little walking you can walk from the cruise port to the bus station in about 35 minutes.
The scenic walk hugs the marina that is overshadowed by Mt. Vesuvius, the star of much of your day in Pompeii.
If you decide to walk, set your Google Maps walking route to end at the bus stop Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana (Google Maps). The walk is about 1.75 miles (2.8km) and will take about 35 minutes.
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If you’d rather save the steps (you’ll be doing a lot of walking in Pompeii) you can also take a bus for just €5. Alibus will take you from the port to the Naples Central Train Station. The bus runs every 15 minutes from the bus station immediately outside the cruise terminal mall. The ride will take about 20 minutes on the bus. You can pay the driver as you board or book a ticket online in advance here.
Once you arrive at the train station you’ll need to walk to the bus stop Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana, that walk will take about 15 minutes.
Once you’re at the bus stop Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana (either via the Alibus or on foot) you can simply take the 5000 Napoli - Pompei - Scafati - Nocera Inferiore bus. For about €3 you will get a 25-minute non-stop ride to the ruins.
Round trip per person via bus this journey will cost about €16.
Lets Recap:
How To Get To Pompeii On Your Own:
Either:
Walk to the bus stop called Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana (Google Maps) or
Save some steps and take the Alibus (located right outside the port) to the Naples Central Train Station, then walk 15 minutes to Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana.
Then From Naples Ferraris Stazione Vesuviana take the “5000 Napoli - Pompei - Scafati - Nocera Inferiore” bus (nonstop) to Pompeii.
How Much is a Taxi From Naples to Pompeii?
The city has a fixed taxi rate. This is a great way to save money on an excursion to Pompeii. Confirm the flat price at the stand, ask to be dropped at the Pompeii Archaeological Park entrance, and agree on the pick-up spot and time before you roll.
The city sets a standard cab fare of €100 for a round trip to Pompeii including two hours of wait time to view the ruins. (At time of publishing, rates may have changed since then). Depending on your party size and your budget, this may be a great option. The taxi stand is directly outside the terminal. Do not take the taxi before agreeing to the €100 fare. If the first taxi will not honor it, go to the next taxi driver.
An important thing to remember for your day is that you are going to the Archeological site of Pompeii, not to the modern city of Pompeii. Make sure the taxi driver knows for sure where you want to go.
How Long Does it Take To Visit Pompeii?
You want to know what to see in Pompeii and you don’t want to miss anything, so plan ahead. Most travelers budget two to three hours inside the site, which covers top landmarks without rushing and still fits a one-day in port schedule. Check entry lines and timed tickets in advance so your time in Pompeii goes to the Forum, the baths, and the amphitheater—not the queue.
We spent about two hours walking through the ruins of Pompeii. If you decide to make the trip on your own make sure to use the free or inexpensive resources available at the ticket counter to make the most of your day. You can also choose to join a group tour.
It’s a solid idea to book your tickets online in advance from their website or a skip the line ticket (recommended) from a site like Viator or Get Your Guide.
What To See in Pompeii
We list the top things to see in Pompeii. Start with the Forum and the casts of victims, then work your way to the House of the Faun, the House of the Vettii, and the Villa of the Mysteries for the greatest hits in one loop. Add the amphitheater, the Street of Abundance, and the Temple of Apollo if you have extra time, and keep an eye on return trains from Pompeii to Naples so you’re not sprinting back to the ship.
The best guide to seeing the top stops on your walking tour of Pompeii, and putting them into enough historical context without creeping into boredom is Rick Steves website. You can download maps and guides for free, or use his free app for step-by-step instructions for your walk. You can also go old-school and buy one of his guides (or check it out from your local library for the duration of your trip).
Top sites in Pompeii include the Forum Granary where shops have been unearthed that are filled with pots and ceramics. Here you can also view plaster molds of the final moments of life for the residents of Pompeii.
At the Forum Baths, you can view impressive ancient tile work that was preserved by the layers of ash. Here you can imagine the beauty of the ancient city as it stood before the eruption.
Walking along the stone streets of the city gives you the chance to see pieces of the city as they were. Around every corner is an unearthed archeological marvel. You can see pieces of the ancient plumbing and aqueduct system, parts of homes, stone furniture pieces, and even public toilets from the times.
The Theatre is also a must-see. You can climb up the stone steps and take a seat where the people of Pompeii once did.
If you have more time to spend in Naples, check out our one day guide to visiting Naples by clicking here.
Things To See in Pompeii:
Forum
Amphitheater
Villa of the Mysteries
House of the Vettii
Temple of Apollo
Baths
Street of Abundance
House of the Faun
Casts of Victims
Pompeii Archaeological Museum
Use this quick checklist to maximize a short visit: Forum, Forum Baths, amphitheater, House of the Faun, House of the Vettii, Temple of Apollo, Street of Abundance, Villa of the Mysteries, and the casts of victims. If your schedule allows, pair the site with the Pompeii Archaeological Museum in Naples or lock in an easy return on the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii.
