herculaneum tours from naples

Herculaneum Italy - Tickets & Tours

Visit the roman ruins of herculaneum (ercolano) from naples italy.

Tips, tours from Naples and Ercolano tickets for visiting the archaeological park of Herculaneum Italy, a former fishing village that was hit by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

Visit Herculaneum, the city next to the Vesuvius

The city of Pompeii is often mentioned in the same sentence with the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, but on the other side of the volcano was also another city, namely Herculaneum or in Italian Ercolano . The city of Herculaneum was also affected by the volcanic eruption, albeit to a lesser extent. Pompeii was covered in a large layer of ash and mud during the volcanic eruption in 79. Herculaneum, however, was covered by a 20-meter-thick lava flow. This is why houses were much better preserved than in Pompeii . They are still fairly intact, especially the upper floors. In addition, many paintings have been preserved and you can even see some furniture. Some of the best archaeological finds of the archaeological park of Herculaneum can now be found in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, Italy.

Discovery of Herculaneum (Ercolano)

Herculaneum was discovered by accident in the year 1709 during the construction of a well. From that year on, the city was excavated by archaeologists, but especially from 1927, archaeologists actively started excavating. It is almost impossible to excavate everything of the Archaeological Park of Herculaneum and so parts of the city are still underground. 5 of the 20 hectares have now been excavated. If you visit Herculaneum nowadays you will end up in a kind of valley.

The big differences between Pompeii and Herculaneum

If you compare Pompeii to Herculaneum you will come across two completely different cities. In Herculaneum you can easily walk through houses, while that is impossible in Pompeii. In addition, Herculaneum is a lot smaller and you can see everything within half a day, while you could really spend a few days in Pompeii. In the smaller city 'Ercolano' you have more the feeling that you are walking through an authentic Roman city, while Pompeii was much more destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius .

Visit Herculaneum Italy

Another reason to visit Herculaneum Italy is because the archaeological park of Herculaneum is only 15 minutes away from the train station of Naples . A visit to Herculaneum is also easier to combine with a visit to the Mount Vesuvius , since from the train station of Herculaneum ('Ercolona Scavi') the Vesuvius Express buses depart to the top of the Mount Vesuvius . It is a good idea to book a guided tour during your visit of Herculaneum. The guides will provide you with all kinds of useful facts and tips. More info about tours and Herculaneum tickets :

Video: Documentary about Herculaneum

Where is ercolano (herculaneum) in italy.

Herculaneum Italy, also known as Ercolano, is located in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is located on the west coast of the peninsula, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city of Naples. Herculaneum is located at the foot of Vesuvius , an active volcano that has had a great influence on the surrounding cities in the past. The city is easily accessible by train or bus from Naples and is an important archaeological site due to the well-preserved remains of the ancient Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash.

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Herculaneum Tour

• 8 / 10 155 reviews | 1,777 travellers Very interesting, very knowledgeable guide, even if the various explanations were made in Spanish, there were only two Italians, the guide, Raffaele, summarized everything for us too. Very rave 8 Maurizio
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
• Hotel pick up

Step back in time to Ancient Rome  with this tour of the Herculaneum ruins and explore houses with well-preserved rooms, buildings with original Roman columns, and intact shops and public buildings. A unique trip to an archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Between 8 and 9 am, we'll pick you up from your accommodation and leave Naples behind to head to Herculaneum, an ancient Roman city destroyed in the  eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

When we arrive, this city in ruins will make us travel back in time. We'll start our route at the House of the Corinthian Atrium , one of Herculaneum's oldest, which stands out for its mosaics on the wall and towers. Then, we'll continue towards the House of the Deer , where the frescoes and the marble floor are well-preserved.

While we admire the thermal baths of the Forum and the house with the mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite , we'll learn about the life of the citizens of Herculaneum. Did you know that this house even had a grocery store?

We'll continue to discover the  buildings of this ancient city , learning about its history and the people that once lived here. Then, finally, we'll take the bus back to Naples, where our tour will finish at about 11:30 am.

This tour includes hotel pickup, between 8 and 9 am , from the main hotels and central areas of Naples. If your accommodation is not on the list, you must indicate the nearest hotel that appears on the list. After making your booking, the local provider will get in touch with you to establish the exact time and place of the pickup.

You can see the various hotels and their respective pickup times for this excursion to Herculaneum here .

Important Information

If there are fewer than 6 people in the group the guide will be substituted by an  audio guide at the ruins of Herculaneum.

Changes to the Itinerary from April 1st

From April 1st 2024 pickup from the hotels in Naples will be between 1 pm and 2 pm . The tour will finish at 5 pm.

More Information

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and other languages.

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Transport by bus or minibus

English–speaking guide or audio guide for groups of less than 6 people

Entrance ticket to Herculaneum

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• Printed material is avoided.
• No single-use plastics are used.
• The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
• No printing of documentation required.
• Promotes local employment.
• Has a gender equality policy.

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Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

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Private Pompeii and Herculaneum Tour from Naples

Explore the legendary sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum and learn about their tragic story on this private Pompeii and Herculaneum tour from Naples. With personalized attention from own your dedicated guide, skip the line entry, and comfortable transportation throughout the day, this immersive experience offers the opportunity to enjoy two acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Sites at your own pace.

• Families with Kids
• Art & History Lovers

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What to Expect

Uncover the superlative power of Mt. Vesuvius while exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum, villages that were destroyed in the violent eruption of A.D. 79. The small seaside town of Herculaneum was preserved by mudflows while Pompeii, the larger of the two cities, was covered by ash. The resulting preservation of these two cities is unlike anything else in the world. You will encounter a history lesson like no other today!

Set out with your private car and guide on a full day discovery of two of the most important archaeological sites in all of Italy. Get a glimpse into everyday life in the Roman era exploring the two ill-fated towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Marvel at the grid-like streets, bordered with bars, shops and public baths, and see everything from mosaics to furniture to frescoes in elegant villas.

Meet your personal driver and expert guide at your accommodation in Naples and begin your history journey towards the extraordinary ruins of Herculaneum. This ancient city was a holiday getaway for Rome’s elite until the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. On the way, your guide will entertain you with captivating stories behind the lives of these Roman patricians.

Walk through history in the ancient city of Herculaneum. Visit homes of wealthy Romans while hearing stories that will capture your imagination. Smaller than the commercial port town of Pompeii but better preserved, in some places Herculaneum is as if the locals had just left. Though Pompeii is more widely known, this exquisitely preserved site offers a vivid impression of the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthier citizens of the early Roman Empire.

You will then take a break for lunch before continuing on to the nearby city of Pompeii. This awe-inspiring site will take you back in time to the moment when life here came to a fiery end. See the best of the archaeological area together with the plaster casts of some of Pompeii’s residents on a journey that will ignite your imagination.

Walk among the stone-slabbed streets where Pompeian villagers and aristocrats alike once went about their daily activities. Your guide recreates for you the final days of Pompeii explaining what each building was for, where families ate their meals, did laundry and socialized – and where sailors went when they docked.

Explore their homes, including villas which have only recently reopened to the public, and admire the brightly painted frescoes and marvelous mosaics. Your guide will bring these relics back to life through rich, entertaining and educating stories and captivating commentary. Your private tour will end with transportation back to your accommodation.

• Pompeii’s Main Street
• Plaster casts at Pompeii
• Pompeii Domus just newly opened to the public
• Amphitheater at Pompeii
• Roman Forum at Pompeii
• Roman baths at Pompeii
• Roman houses at Pompeii
• Roman shops at Pompeii
• House of Neptune and Amphitrite at Herculaneum
• Lanarius Shop at Herculaneum
• Hall of the Augustals at Herculaneum
• Cucumas shop at Herculaneum
• House of the Mosaic Atrium
• Palaestra at Herculaneum
• Terrace of M. Nonius Balbus at Herculaneum
• Sacred Area at Herculaneum
• Barrel Arches at Herculaneum

What Is Included

• Private licensed professional local guide
• Private driver
• Private transportation in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle
• Combo tickets & reservation fees for skip the line access to Pompeii & Herculaneum excavation sites

What Is Not Included

• Food & drinks
• Tips (optional)
• Anything not expressly mentioned as included

Meeting Point

Important information.

• This private tour is available on request any day except on Wednesdays,  Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Labour Day.

Good to Know

• For a smooth operation, this itinerary may operate in reverse.
• Pompeii & Herculaneum are an ongoing excavation sites. The itinerary might encounter some changes depending on the archaeologists’ daily duties.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as you will walk upon ancient surfaces and uneven ground.
• Once inside Pompeii and Herculaneum, concessions are limited so plan to bring snacks in advance if you need to.
• There is very little shade in these huge archaeological areas, so during summer, expect high temperatures. Dress in layers. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is suggested.
• Note to parents with young children: Pompeii and Herculaneum are ancient sites that are not stroller friendly. For young ones, consider a baby carrier.
• Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

How to Book Your Private Tour

• Send Us Your Inquiry Fill out the tour inquiry form and we will respond with availability and price quote.
• Payment Policy Full payment by credit card is required to make a reservation. We use industry leader Stripe for all card transactions.
• Tour Voucher Within two business days of payment, we will email you a voucher with all the booking details. Such email constitutes your proof of purchase.

I will have luggage with me on the day of the tour. What are my options?

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Last update: October 21, 2022

As ever, we put health and safety first. Since the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, all of our tours comply with the necessary safety and security regulations as per local guidelines. For more information, including specifics associated with requirements and restrictions associated with travel to and within Italy, read the following Covid-19 updates or consult the Italian embassy in your country.

• Naples Attractions

Herculaneum

Samnite House

Villa of the papyri.

• Frescoes and Mosiacs

House of Neptune

• Plan Your Visit
• Skip the Line Tours
• Guided Tours
• Herculaneum and Pompeii
• Audio Guide Tours
• Herculaneum and Vesuvius
• Pompeii Tickets & Tours
• Royal Palace of Naples
• Museo Di Capodimonte

Mount Vesuvius

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• Museo Archaelogico Nazionale di Napoli
• Certosa di San Martino
• Catacombs of San Gennaro, Naples Tickets
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• Naples Underground
• Maradona Tours
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• Veiled Christ
• Alibus Airport Transfers
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• Sightseeing Cruises

Herculaneum Tickets

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets

• Explore Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town better preserved than Pompeii during the aftermath of Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in 79 AD.
• Discover the picturesque ancient villas, bathhouses, frescoes, and more all preserved in their near-perfect glory.
• Take advantage of your skip-the-line tickets into the UNESCO World Heritage Site to bypass the long tourist lines.
• Unlock the Artercard Campania for free entry to the first 5 sites of your choice around Naples, and discounts at around 80 more! Find the full list here .
• Elevate your experience and navigate site highlights effortlessly with a detailed map and audio guide, available in 8 languages for a truly immersive experience!
• Skip-the-line entrance to Herculaneum
• Campania Artecard 7-Day Pass (optional)
• Audio guide in 8 languages (optional)
• Map (optional)
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility.
• The optional audio guide is available in French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• The ancient town of Herculaneum is a must-visit for history and culture buffs when in Naples.
• Most renowned for its archeological Roman excavations, Herculaneum has traces of Samnite, Greek, Etruscan influences (apart from the obvious Roman presence).
• Did you know: Legend has it that Herculaneum was founded by the mythological hero, Hercules!
• Thanks to the expert archeologist who will walk alongside you, you'll be privy to captivating anecdotes, secrets, stories, and chilling facts about Herculaneum.
• Learn all about the tragic effects of Mount Vesuvius's eruption (much like Pompeii as you walk through the town).
• As you explore this unique site on foot, you'll pass along the monumental basilica, the grand spa complex, the gymnasium, and then some.
• Skip-the-line entry into Herculaneum ruins
• Guidance from expert archeologist in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian (optional)
• Tip: Overlooking the Gulf of Naples in a dramatic fashion, this world-renowned town has much to offer, aesthetically speaking. Bring out your cameras for the panoramas!

Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide

• Bypass the long queues and dive straight into the ancient wonders of Herculaneum in Italy’s picturesque Campania region.
• An audio guide allows you to immerse yourself in the well-preserved ruins of this lesser-known historic city, rivaling the nearby Pompeii in significance.
• Explore the opulent House of the Deer and Villa of the Papyri, and walk along the ancient main street Decumanus Maximus, lined with shops and houses.
• Discover the narratives woven into the colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and stunning structures offering insight into the lives of ordinary citizens.
• Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
• Audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish & German
• Tip: Want to visit a supposed ancient cult temple rumored to be run by imperially-sanctioned freedmen? Stop by the College of Augustales.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Luggage Storage.
• Please note that there is free entry for wheelchair users and 1 companion.
• The audio guide is available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German.

Combo (Save 5%): Pompeii + Herculaneum Tickets

• Appreciate the beauty of the archaeological sites that once were Pompeii and Herculaneum, grand cities in Italy’s Campania region.
• Mt Vesuvius forms an imposing backdrop as a reminder that both towns were buried under meters of ash and pumice after its tragic eruption in 79 A.D.
• The preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site features excavated ruins of streets and houses that visitors can freely explore.
• Take in the town’s heartbreaking history as you see remains that are almost perfectly preserved by volcanic ash - from frescos, buildings, and even human plaster casts.
• Learn about the intellectual traditions of these towns, like the Villa of Papyri where scrolls containing 1st century philosophy were uncovered.
• Discover everyday objects, an amphitheater, public baths, and other sites that will give you a glimpse of the life of ancient Romans.
• This ticket includes skip-the-line access to Herculaneum allowing you to bypass the long tourist lines.
• Entrance tickets to Pompeii

From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with Archaeologist

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Tick off two important archeological sites ingrained in myth and history - Pompeii and Herculaneum, on the same day with a fun guided tour.
• Walking beside an archeologist will lend you a unique perspective, a sneak peek into the typical lifestyle of Romans over 1900 years ago.
• If you are in Naples, choose the option with roundtrip transfers for a comfy adventure in a GT coach with AC. Or take the local train to Herculaneum.
• Tune into digital audio guides to listen to fascinating stories of ancient Rome in the language of your preference. 5 options are available.
• Marvel at perfectly preserved frescoes, intricate mosaics, and lavish villas of Herculaneum as you listen to its tragic tale of fire and ash.
• 5.5-7hr guided tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum (as per option selected)
• Entry to Pompeii Archaeological Park & Herculaneum
• Train ticket from Pompeii to Herculaneum (optional)
• Roundtrip transfers from Naples (optional)
• Expert English-speaking archaeologist guide
• Small group tour (up to 20)
• Headsets (optional)
• Digital audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, French, or German (optional)
• Please note that there will be no breaks when visiting the sites at Pompeii. Please ensure that you carry a bottle of water should you need it as there are no beverages and food included in this tour aside from your mid-day meal.
• During the low season, i.e. November to March, the live guide inside the ruins will be replaced with an audio guide if the group is less than 6 people.

From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Day Trip

• Experience a full day of adventure and history, as you gain entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park.
• Round-trip transfers from your hotel in either Pompeii or Naples, an expert driver, and a carefully curated route allow you to make the most of your trip.
• Benefit from an insightful audio guide and map of Pompeii, followed by a visit to the homes and public spaces of the smaller city of Herculaneum.
• At Mount Vesuvius, you’ll climb to the active crater along with a volcanic guide, and find a thriving wine industry on its fertile slopes!
• Day trip to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius
• Round-trip transfers from Pompeii/Naples (as per option selected)
• Entry to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Vesuvius National Park
• Audio guide and map of Pompeii
• Tip: Don’t miss Herculaneum's boathouses, holding the skeletal remains of those who tried to escape the eruption by sea.
• While Pompeii and Herculaneum are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the climb up Mount Vesuvius is not.

Campania Express One-Way Tickets: Naples Porta Nolana to/from Herculaneum

• Tired of travel hassles? Hop on board this one-way express transfer from Naples Porta Nolana Train Station to Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train Station.
• With train connections available every 3 hours, you won't miss a beat and zoom to your destination in just 18 minutes flat!
• Sit back, relax, and soak in the sights from vibrant city neighborhoods to the majestic Mount Vesuvius in the distance in air-conditioned coaches.
• At Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train Station, you've got options galore: heading further afield or exploring local gems, the station got you covered.
• One-way express transfers between Naples Porta Nolana Train Station and Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train Station
• Air-conditioning onboard
• Tip: First things first, grab a map at the Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train Station to navigate this ancient region and plan your day ahead.
• Please pay attention to the local displays and loudspeaker announcements and look out for trains having the name "Campania Express" on them.

Artecard Campania: 2 or 5 Museums Pass

• Experience Campania's top sights—including Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and more with this convenient city card!
• Enjoy free entry to your chosen initial sites followed by discounted rates on others, all supported with English and Italian language assistance.
• Over 80 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites in the area are accessible to you.
• Choose between a 3-day pass for free access to 2 museums and unlimited transportation or upgrade to a 7-day pass for free entry to 5 museums.
• Free entry to the first 2/5 sites of your choice (as per option selected) (Full list here )
• Up to 50% discount from the 3rd/6th site onwards (as per option selected)
• 3/7-day validity (as per option selected)
• Tourist assistance in English and Italian
• Unlimited travel on Unicocampania Consortium network (optional)
• Tip: No matter when you visit, Campania offers a unique experience so make sure you look up what you want to do before deciding on a time to visit.
• In order to activate the Card, you must contact the service provider as per the instructions in the voucher you will receive after booking.
• These tickets are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Top things to do in Naples

Herculaneum | Vesuvius’ well-preserved victim

Besides Pompeii, there was yet another ancient Roman city that was smothered under Mount Vesuvius’ outburst in 79 AD. Enter Herculaneum, smaller yet more opulent than Pompei. Proof of its richness lies in the perfectly preserved ruins of villas and town squares that were previously used by Roman noblemen and women as holiday homes and retreats. 

Even today, the remains of wooden furniture, doors and roofs, mosaics and frescoes, and organic substances like food have been remarkably preserved. This is due to the unique pyroclastic, or volcanic, residue that blanketed the settlement, trapping its contents in an infinite fire-freeze. Visit Herculaneum in the Campania region of Italy to discover its secrets.

Things to know before booking Herculaneum tickets

• Booking combo tours to both Herculaneum and Pompeii to understand the full aftermath of Vesuvius’ wrath makes sense. But don’t feel pressured to visit both sites on the same day. Your tickets allow you to book entry to them on different dates.
• Besides Herculaneum and Pompeii, opt for the Artecard Campania to enter 5 top sites and grab discounts on several more! The Artecard Campania is valid for 7 days from the time of purchase.
• Purchasing skip-the-line tickets helps you save anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour’s worth of time , otherwise spent in long tourist lines. Better still, take a guided tour with a knowledgeable professional who can explain in detail the ins and outs of Herculaneum, its history, secrets, myths and more.
• Short on time but don’t want to miss out? Ride the superfast Campania Express from Naples to Herculaneum in just 18 minutes! Note that this is a one-way ticket either from the Herculaneum Ercolano Scavi Train station to Naples Porta Nolana station or vice versa. Additionally, it doesn’t guarantee entry to Herculaneum, so those tickets will have to be purchased separately.
• To learn more about the main reason behind Herculaneum — Mount Vesuvius itself, make a stop at the volcano , climb its summit, peer into its craters and know what makes it as famous as it is fearsome!
• Traveling with kids? Spirit them away on a 3D walking tour. Put on AR glasses and be transported to Herculaneum’s bejeweled past – be it entering lavish villas or appreciating splendid mosaics. 
• Those with mobility constraints / wheelchair users can avail a specially designed route by informing the help desk at the beginning of the site.
• Did you know that many of Herculaneum’s treasures are no longer housed in Herculaneum? Head to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples to see artifacts and items rescued from Herculaneum.

Your Herculaneum ticket types explained

Skip-the-line tickets.

Suited for: Those short on time

What you get

• Breeze through the entry and meet your guide, or begin your exploration on your own without waiting for anyone.
• If you’ve booked a guided tour additionally, meet the archeologist who will whisk you away into the settlement’s folds and regale you with tales of majesty, heroism and heartbreak.  

Guided tours

Suited for: History and culture enthusiasts

• Interesting history, anecdotes and trivia about the site from an expert local guide.
• If you're visiting Mount Vesuvius, benefit from a volcanic guide who will offer little-known facts and insights about these areas in an active volcanic belt.

Suited for: Those looking for an end-to-end package tour

• Round-trip options offer pick-up-and-drop from Naples/Pompeii, depending on your choosing.
• You can either book round trips from Naples or Pompeii to Herculaneum and back. Else, you can book round-trips from Pompeii to Herculaneum and back.

Combo tickets

Suited for: Those who are seeking an in-depth experience

• Tick off other attractions on your Campania visit besides Herculaneum. Combo tickets offer better savings as compared to buying individual tickets.
• Include Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in your itinerary to get a well-rounded understanding of the region, the consequences of the 79 AD eruption and more.

Booking guide: Find the best Herculaneum ticket for you

What to see inside herculaneum.

Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.

Considered one of the most magnificent villas in Herculaneum, this site gained fame due to the discovery of numerous papyrus scrolls that offer insights into the philosophical and intellectual rigor of the time. The Villa of the Papyri is thought to once have a vineyard and gardens, and has a direct view of the sea from its terraces.

Thermae (thermal baths)

The thermal baths date back to the 1st century BC and clearly demarcate separate areas for men and women. Once can still identify how the water was heated by a large, still-intact furnace.

Hall of the Augustales

Devotees of Emperor Augustus’ cult met here for their meetings and claimed it as their official seat. It is also identified by various frescos, famous ones portraying Hercules wrestling Achelous.

From all the excavation projects, the Samnite House was identified as one of the oldest aristocratic residences in Herculaneum. Of note is its beautiful flooring, rainwater pool and still-standing columns and pillars.

House of the Deer

On this spot, one can find another grand villa in Herculaneum, facing the oceanside. These were decorated with statues of deer and large marble tables that one can find in the on-site museum as well. Notice the unique flooring of this villa, as it is covered with intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble chips.

House of the Relief of Telephus

One of the largest buildings to have been excavated in Herculaneum, this house features a relief of Telepho, son of Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This residence is believed to be owned by Roman senator Marco Nonio Balbo.

It was in this boat house that some 300 skeletons were found. The remains are thought to be of people who sought to flee Vesuvius’ wrath by the sea, but the heat got to them before they could escape. 

Plan your visit to Herculaneum

March 16 to October 14: 8:30am to 7:30pm. October 15 to March 15: 8:30am to 5pm.

Last admission: 90 minutes before closing time. Closed: January 1 and December 25.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Herculaneum is in the morning (before 11am) or during the off-season, between October to April. This offers a more relaxed tour experience.

Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy. Find On Map .

Getting there

By train:   L1, L4 Nearest station: Ercolana Scavi By bus: ANM Nearest stop: Herculaneum By car: via A3, E45 Car parking: In addition to various private car parks in the area, the municipal car park in Viale dei Papiri Ercolanesi is operating regularly. 

• Guests with motor disabilities can be assisted with the III Cardo ramp by reaching out to the staff at the entrance.
• There is an experimental app called Coloredibluerculanus that is available for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Interested visitors can email the site staff a week in advance to use it.

• Audioguides
• Information desk

• Please carry a small backpack or a purse as large bags aren’t allowed.
• Children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Infants must be carried in a sling or baby carrier as it is difficult to handle strollers in the cobblestoned areas.
• During the opening hours of the park, be sure to experience the Pomegranate Garden inside the House of the Relief of Telephus. It’s also a good idea to visit Maiuri Park, designed by the archeologist who extensively headed Herculaneum’s excavation projects. This botanical oasis is a gateway to appreciating the Naples countryside.
• If you’re a book lover, look out for and be part of the book sharing exchange that usually happens at the entrance on Corso Resina.
• There aren't many eateries around, so it is best to carry snacks or food and have a picnic around the site.

• Pappamonte:  Enjoy a delectable selection of salads, Italian favorites (like gnocchi and eggplant parmigiana) and seafood at Pappamonte, located 1.7 km away .
• Bistrot Italia: Great interiors and sumptuous food (try the porcini!) spanning seafood, desserts and more, Bistrot Italia is just 1.6 km away.
• Ristorante Vesum: Good food and good views, Ristorante Vesum has an array of local delicacies including a selection of Campania red wine. Vesum is also known for its seafood. Vesum is located 7.7 km away.

• Budget: Herculaneum Maison and Hotel ( 40 m away ), Ruins B&B ( 1 km away )
• Mid-range: Miglio D’Oro Park Hotel ( 290 m away ), Villa Signorini Events and Hotel ( 900 m )
• Luxury: Il San Cristoforo ( 3.3 km away ), Sisina Luxury Room ( 1.6 km away )

Pompeii, Herculaneum’s twin site, was also entombed by hot ash and pumice by the Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, preserving the city's structures, artifacts, and even human remains. Unlike Herculaneum, however, the debris that coated Pompeii was far lesser, aiding easier excavation of its remains.

Location: 16 km away

Still a fire-breathing dragon, Vesuvius is an active volcano that has lost some steam over the years. Now no longer as deadly as it once was, small spurts of sulfur occasionally escape from its mellow peaks. Visit this geological site to get an insight into its terrain and character — and discover how it reduced the cities on its foothills to near ash.

Location: 12.9 km away

National Archeological Museum

The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts from ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites in southern Italy. Some noteworthy works include the Bronze Runners from Herculaneum’s Villa of the Papyri, erotic charms and phallic symbols salvaged from Pompeii.

Location: 19.2 km away

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum tickets

Booking Herculaneum tickets online offers convenience and flexibility. You can easily book anytime, select your preferred date and time, and access various ticket options, including priority access and guided tours. Plus, enjoy customer support assistance and flexible cancellation policies, providing added convenience for your travel plans.

You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.

Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, sculptures and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.

Although nothing quite tops a guided tour, you can still learn about the history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide . If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.

You can listen to your audio guide in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.

Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.

Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, etc.

While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics. 

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Naples Airport to Herculaneum and then on to Sorrento - Naples Forum

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Naples Airport to Herculaneum and then on to Sorrento

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1. Is there a bus from the airport to the Centrale train station?

2. Can I purchase 1 ticket and hop back on the train after seeing Herculaneum?

Yes, the Alibus goes from the airport to Napoli Centrale in about 15 minutes. You can buy the ticket (5 euro) from vending machines in the airport arrivals area or from the driver.

At Napoli Centrale you can get the local Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano but here is where you need to make an important distinction.

For the regular service you will have to pay separately for the two different segments. You can buy tickets or use Tap&Go with a credit card. The fare in this case would be 6 euro (2,60 for Naples to Ercolano plus 3,40 for Ercolano to Sorrento ). You will be standing for all or part of both segments of this trip.

The Campania Express tourist train costs 15 euro but (1) it is not overcrowded, they limit ticket sales to capacity, (2) the AC actually works, (3) pickpockets are not an issue as they won't pay for the tickets and there are only a few stops, so no handy exit strategy, and (4) the ticket allows you to hop on, hop off.

Campania Express info: https://www.eavsrl.it/web/campania-express-en

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