Pompeii: frequently asked questions
Is this the official Pompeii website?
No. Pompeii Vesuvius Visit is an independent visitor guide. The official site is pompeiisites.org, run by the Parco Archeologico di Pompei (Ministry of Culture). We do not run the park and we do not sell official tickets. The tickets and tours featured here are sold by our partner Tiqets, a third party.
How much is a ticket for Pompeii?
On the Park's website the Pompei Express costs 20 € (ancient city only), Pompei+ costs 25 € (it adds the suburban villas and a shuttle) and the 3-day ticket costs 30 €. EU citizens aged 18 to 24 pay 2 €. Tiqets sells entry tickets at 27.50 € and 27 €. Prices were read on 23 October 2026.
Do I need to book a time slot?
Tickets are named and show the day and the time slot (9:00 to 13:00, or from 13:01 to the last entry). The Park limits entries to 20,000 a day. On free days there is no online booking and no named ticket, but the limit applies.
Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
Yes. The Park has ticket offices and automatic machines at Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro. A named ticket bought on the spot needs a valid ID, and the Park may ask for it at the gate. The daily limit can be reached, so buy ahead in busy periods.
What are the opening hours?
9:00 to 19:00 (last entry 17:30) from 16 March to 14 October, and 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 15:30) from 15 October to 15 March.
Is Pompeii open on 25 December and 1 January?
The Park lists both days as closed unless announced otherwise. For 1 January 2026 it opened with reduced hours, until 13:00. Check the Park's notices for 1 January 2027.
When is Pompeii free?
On the first Sunday of every month; the Park has confirmed 1 and 4 November 2026. National free days such as 25 April and 2 June are not listed on the Park's pages that we read: check before you go.
How long does a visit take?
The Park says at least 2 to 3 hours. Its suggested routes take about 2, 3, 5 and 7 hours, but those pages date from 2021 to 2024 and some of the buildings they list may be closed today. As advice, allow a full morning or more.
What can I bring inside?
Bags up to 30 × 30 × 15 cm. Larger items go to the cloakroom at the Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro gates, which is paid (we could not confirm the price). There are many drinking fountains inside; food is allowed only in the places set aside for it.
Can I bring a dog?
Only dogs up to 10 kg and 40 cm in height, on a lead and carried in your arms inside buildings. Guide dogs are allowed with certification.
Is Pompeii accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
The “Pompei per tutti” route, over 3.5 km from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance, is designed for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but some stretches slope more than 8% and the ancient paving is uneven. The Park's wheelchair loan was suspended until further notice when the page was last updated.
Can I use my own audio guide?
The regulation (art. 6) forbids entering with audio guides other than those provided by the Park's official concessionaires or by parties authorised by the Park. Check what a third-party product supplies.
Are all the houses open?
No. The Park's list of visitable buildings changes. On 23 October 2026 the Fullonica of Stephanus and the House of the Nave Europa were closed, and the Large Theatre had reopened on 14 October.
Can I see Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day?
It is possible but long. Our guide to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in one day sets out a plan built on the published bus and train timetables.