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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Campania, Italy

Air Travel: Flying to the Campania Region

Major Airports & Airlines

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest major airport to Pompeii. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA) are larger international hubs further north.

Flight Information

  • NAP is ~30 km from Pompeii, serving European flights.
  • Most direct flights to Naples from outside Europe hold limits; connect via a major European hub.
  • Flight frequency and prices vary with seasons; higher in peak.

Airport Transfers to Pompeii

From Naples Airport (NAP) to Naples Central Station, use Alibus (€5) or taxi (€20-€30). From Naples Central Station, take the Circumvesuviana train directly to "Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri."

Connecting from Airports

  • Alibus from NAP to Napoli Centrale (20-30 min, ~€5).
  • Taxi from NAP to Napoli Centrale (~€20-€30).
  • Circumvesuviana from Napoli Centrale to Pompei Scavi (35-40 min, ~€3-€5).

Air Travel Insights

Naples Airport is compact. Rome airports (FCO/CIA) serve as larger international hubs, requiring further train travel to Naples.

Land Travel Insights

The Circumvesuviana train is the most direct public transport to Pompeii from Naples/Sorrento. Renting a car presents flexibility.

Sea/River Insights

No direct sea/river arrivals to inland Pompeii. If reaching Naples by ferry or cruise, transfer to the train station.

Finding Your Flight

Flight Search Tools

  • Dollar Flight Club: Alerts for cheap flights.
  • Skyscanner: Comprehensive flight search engine.
  • Major European airlines operate flights to Naples from various European cities.
  • Low-cost carriers display extensive routes to NAP, presenting budget-friendly options.

Airport Facilities & Services

  • Car rental agencies, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes.
  • Currency exchange services and ATMs.
  • Wi-Fi displays general availability at both Naples and Rome airports.
  • Naples Airport stands compact and easy to navigate.

Land Travel Essentials

Train Services

Circumvesuviana train is the main local transit to Pompeii Scavi, direct from Naples. Trenitalia also serves the modern Pompei town.

Bus Options

Long-distance buses (e.g., FlixBus) link various Italian cities to Naples; from Naples, use Circumvesuviana for Pompeii.

Self-Driving

Renting a car presents flexibility. A valid national driver's license plus an IDP (International Driving Permit) are necessities.

Land Transportation: Trains, Buses, and Driving

Train Connections

The Circumvesuviana train is the main local transit to Pompeii from Naples and Sorrento, arriving directly opposite the archaeological park entrance.

Routes & Benefits

  • "Napoli Porta Nolana - Sorrento" line.
  • "Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri" station is main arrival point.
  • Economical and reliable choice for direct access.

Bus Options & Companies

Long-distance companies like FlixBus present connections from various Italian cities to Naples. From Naples' main bus station, proceed via Circumvesuviana to Pompeii.

Intercity Bus Travel

  • FlixBus offers connections to Naples.
  • Requires transfer to Circumvesuviana train from Naples for Pompeii.
  • Can display budget-friendliness for inter-city travel within Italy.

Self-Driving Guidelines

Renting a car presents flexibility for exploring the wider Campania region, including the Amalfi Coast. A valid national driver's license and IDP are necessities.

Driving Details

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) highly suggested for non-EU citizens.
  • Credit card in driver's name is necessary for rental and deposit.
  • DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Scooters prove popular in Southern Italy for navigating coastal roads. Rentals stand available in Naples and Sorrento.

Scooter Benefits & Limitations

  • Valid motorcycle license is necessary for larger bikes.
  • Hold utility for moving around towns.
  • Prove impractical for exploring within the archaeological site of Pompeii.

Driving & Parking Cautions

  • Driving Laws: Drive on the right, speed limits enforced.
  • Road Conditions: City traffic in Naples can prove challenging due to narrow streets and assertive drivers.
  • ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones): Avoid driving into these zones without permission to prevent hefty fines.
  • Parking: Paid lots stand available near Pompeii Archaeological Park entrance (Camping Zeus).
  • Parking in towns can display challenge. Blue lines: paid; white lines: free (often resident); yellow lines: restricted.
  • A Michelin Regional Map can prove helpful for navigating.

Sea/River Arrivals: Ferries and Cruises

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Naples is a major port with extensive ferry connections to islands like Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Cruise ships often dock in Naples.

Coastal Connections

  • No direct sea or river arrivals occur at inland Pompeii.
  • From Naples port, transfer to Napoli Centrale train station for Circumvesuviana to Pompeii.
  • Taxi or bus connects port area to train station.

Immigration & Transfers

If reaching by international ferry or cruise, standard immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation at the port of entry.

Port Arrival Guidance

  • Confirm your passport and any necessary visa documents are ready upon disembarkation.
  • Buses link the port area to Napoli Centrale train station.
  • Taxis display ready availability from the port of Naples.

Departing by Air

Arrive at Naples Airport (NAP) 2-3 hours before your flight. Grants ample time for check-in and security.

Departing by Train

For high-speed trains from Naples Centrale, arrive 15-20 minutes before departure. For Circumvesuviana, allow extra time for crowds.

Rental Car Return

Grant time to return your rental car and for the shuttle to the airport terminal if the agency stands off-site. Factor in potential traffic delays.

Departure Information: Planning Your Exit

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes exist for departing from Italy by air or land, beyond what typically forms part of the price of your flight or train ticket.

Departure Timing Suggestions

  • Flights: 2 hours before domestic/Schengen, 3 hours before non-Schengen international.
  • High-speed trains: 15-20 min before departure.
  • Circumvesuviana trains: Grant extra time during peak hours as they can display crowds.

Airport & Station Facilities

Airports present a range of facilities for departing travelers, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shopping, and lounges. Train stations usually hold newsstands, cafes, and sometimes luggage storage facilities.

Services for Departures

  • Dining options for last-minute meals or snacks.
  • Duty-free shopping for non-EU departures.
  • Airport lounges for comfort before your flight.

Important Considerations

Flight Booking

Book flights in advance for better rates and availability, especially during peak season.

Ground Transfers

From Rome airports, train travel to Naples (approx. 1hr 10min) is necessary before connecting to Pompeii.

Car Rental Return

Verify rental agency location (on-site or off-site shuttle) and factor in traffic delays.

Final Departure Tip

For visiting Pompeii, the Circumvesuviana train often displays more convenience and less stress compared to driving, especially given city traffic and parking challenges.