Pompeii

[jimb98]

I did look at this some time ago and was hoping to get some up to date timetable information.

We're hoping to DIY to Pompeii from Naples. The ship docks at 8.00am and departs at 5.00pm. We're not bothered whether it's bus or train but I suppose whatever is nearest to the port is usually the simplest. We plan on hiring a guide when we get there; how much would that cost; and entrance fee please.

 

Many thanks,

 

Jim

[euro cruiser]

The bus is nearest to the port (one third of a mile, depot at Piazza Immacolatella) unfortunately, due to the timetable it's not the best option for you. You'll miss the 8 AM bus and the next one isn't until 9:30. Schedule here: http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/archivio/Download/corse/sitasud/Campania/Salerno/88590e19-808a-4031-bedc-9c56315a5178_5001.pdf/0

 

So it's the train for you. Since you want a guide you'll need to start at the Porta Marina entrance, which means taking the crowded Naples-Sorrento line of the Circumvesuviana to get there.

 

To get to Porta Nolana, the beginning of the Circumvesuviana line, use the #1 tram in the street in front of the cruise port. Porta Nolana is the first stop after the train makes a left turn onto Corso Garibaldi. The stop is directly in front of the train station.

 

The ticket you need to cover both the tram and the train to Pompei is the NA-3 Integrato, which costs €3,20. You can purchase this from the newsstand on the corner. You'll need the same ticket to come back so you might as well buy both at the same time.

 

Here's the schedule for the train: http://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/default/files/eavferro/Napoli%20-%20Sorrento_1.pdf

 

My advice is to plan your visit to Pompei in one direction, beginning at Porta Marina and ending at Anfiteatro, so you can take the Poggiomarino-Naples train back. This has two advantages, it avoids the crowds on the Naples-Sorrento line and it allows you to avoid backtracking within the Pompei site (and therefore not climbing back up the hill to the Porta Marina entrance/exit).

 

Poggiomarino-Naples return schedule here: http://www.eavsrl.it/web/sites/default/files/eavferro/Poggiomarino%20-%20Napoli.pdf

 

On this map of Pompei transit you can see the Porta Marina entrance/exit on the left, near the Pompei Scavi train station and the Anfiteatro entrance/exit in the middle, with the Pompei-Santuario train station slightly to the right: http://unicocampania.it/files/mappe/pompei.pdf

[jimb98]

Please excuse my confusion.

If I do get the train as suggested from Porta Nolana, do I get off at Pompei S. Villa Misteri at say 9.17am? Then get perhaps the 13.16 back to Porta Solana at 14.03?

Any idea how much the guides charge or any advice on where to look for one?

[euro cruiser]

Yes, Pompei S. Villa Misteri is the station right at the Porta Marina entrance to the ruins. At this entrance is where you'll find guides looking to put together a group for a tour.

 

You are reading the schedules correctly. Don't be freaked out if the train doesn't arrive on time, these are commuter lines (like subways in the States, but running mostly at ground level rather than underground) and they approximate the schedules rather than run to them.

 

Another option for getting to the ruins in the morning but avoiding the crowded commuter trains is to use the Campania Express train at 9:06: http://www.eavsrl.it/web/it/content/campania-express-2016-1 These do run more to schedule and while they are more expensive the AC works and you'll get a seat.

Edited June 7, 2016 by euro cruiser