Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Naples

One station for both: how to get there, how the Vesuvius tickets work and what to check.

Herculaneum (Ercolano) and Mount Vesuvius are both reached from the same Circumvesuviana station, Ercolano Scavi, so they are easy to plan together. They are very different visits: an ancient town buried by the eruption of 79 AD, and a walk up a volcano.

The excavated ruins of Herculaneum seen from above, with the modern town of Ercolano rising behind them.Inside the crater of Mount Vesuvius, with steep rocky walls and a slope of gravel at the bottom.
Herculaneum

By Circumvesuviana

Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi (next to Napoli Centrale) and get off at Ercolano Scavi. The journey is about 15-20 minutes, and not every train stops there, so check the destination before you board. The park entrance (Corso Resina 187) is about a 6-minute walk from the station.

Vesuvius

Train, then shuttle or taxi

Take the same train to Ercolano Scavi. According to the Vesuvius National Park, taxis and private shuttles to the mountain leave from that station. The Gran Cono trail starts from a car park about 1,000 m above sea level.

If you'd rather not plan

Organised tour

Organised tours from Naples handle the transport for you. They cost more and follow a fixed schedule, but you don't have to work out the connections yourself.

Herculaneum: before you go

  • Herculaneum was buried by the same eruption of 79 AD as Pompeii. It is smaller, which makes it easier to see in a few hours.
  • Check the park's official website for current tickets and rules before you travel.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: the ancient paving is uneven.
  • Bring water, and sun protection in the warmer months.
  • Timetables, tickets and opening hours change: check the train operator and the official websites before you travel.

Vesuvius: how the visit works

The Gran Cono trail leads towards the crater and is managed by the Vesuvius National Park. These are the rules it publishes:

  • Tickets for the Gran Cono can only be bought online, through the park's official ticketing. You cannot count on buying one when you arrive.
  • Each ticket is for a time slot. The gate lets you in from 40 minutes before to 100 minutes after the time on your ticket.
  • The trail closes on days when the regional Civil Protection issues a weather alert from orange level upwards.
  • Wear appropriate shoes and check the weather before you go.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Naples to Herculaneum?

Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Ercolano Scavi, about 15-20 minutes. The park entrance is about a 6-minute walk from the station.

How do I get to Vesuvius without a car?

Take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi, where taxis and private shuttles to the mountain leave from, according to the Vesuvius National Park. The park also lists EAV buses to Vesuvius from the Pompei – Villa dei Misteri station.

Do I need to book Vesuvius in advance?

Gran Cono tickets are sold only online, for a specific time slot, so you need to buy yours before you arrive. Check the weather as well: the trail closes on days with an orange weather alert or higher.

Can I visit Herculaneum and Vesuvius in one day?

They share the same train station, so it is possible to combine them. Because the Vesuvius ticket is for a specific time slot, choose that first and plan Herculaneum around it. It makes for a full day.

Should I visit Herculaneum or Pompeii?

Pompeii is larger and more famous. Herculaneum is smaller, closer to Naples and easier to see in a few hours. If you have time for only one, both are good choices: it depends on whether you prefer scale or a calmer visit.

How many days do you need in Naples

It mainly depends on whether you also want day trips outside the city.

Plan the rest of your trip

See how many days to allow and what else fits into a day trip.

Day trips from Naples