Sorrento to Pompeii Tours

4.5(1.2K ratings)
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Expert guides. Unique insights.
Tours in english
Tours in english
Skip-the-line access
Skip-the-line access



Tour guide leading visitors through ancient ruins in Pompeii, Italy.
Terravision bus passengers traveling from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Center.
Pompeii Forum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
Temple of Apollo ruins with ancient columns in Pompeii, Italy.
Tour group with guide exploring ancient ruins of Pompeii, Naples.
Pompeii, Italy
Tourists exploring ancient Pompeii ruins with audio guides.
Inside the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Ancient Stabian Baths in Pompeii with preserved columns and mosaic floors.
Tour group with guide at ancient theatre ruins, Pompeii, Italy.
Tour guide leading visitors through ancient ruins in Pompeii, Italy.
Terravision bus passengers traveling from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Center.
Pompeii Forum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
Temple of Apollo ruins with ancient columns in Pompeii, Italy.
Tour group with guide exploring ancient ruins of Pompeii, Naples.
Pompeii, Italy
Tourists exploring ancient Pompeii ruins with audio guides.
Inside the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Ancient Stabian Baths in Pompeii with preserved columns and mosaic floors.
Tour group with guide at ancient theatre ruins, Pompeii, Italy.
Tour guide leading visitors through ancient ruins in Pompeii, Italy.
Terravision bus passengers traveling from Fiumicino Airport to Rome City Center.
Pompeii Forum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
Temple of Apollo ruins with ancient columns in Pompeii, Italy.
Tour group with guide exploring ancient ruins of Pompeii, Naples.
Pompeii, Italy
Tourists exploring ancient Pompeii ruins with audio guides.
Inside the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Ancient Stabian Baths in Pompeii with preserved columns and mosaic floors.
Tour group with guide at ancient theatre ruins, Pompeii, Italy.
4.5(1.2K)

From Sorrento: Pompeii Guided Tour with Optional Vesuvius Visit

from
€65
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 8 hr.
Transfers included

Based in Sorrento? This option is for you! Take advantage of round trip transfers and dive into the action.

  • Join an expert guide on a journey through the ancient streets of Pompeii, where history comes to life as you explore the exceptionally preserved ruins.
  • Customize your adventure with the option to add a visit to Mount Vesuvius, providing a unique 360° perspective along its craters.
  • Absorb captivating stories of routine life in Pompeii at landmarks like the Forum Baths, provision stores called Macellum, the Temple of Jupiter, and more!

Based in Sorrento? This option is for you! Take advantage of round trip transfers and dive into the action.

  • Join an expert guide on a journey through the ancient streets of Pompeii, where history comes to life as you explore the exceptionally preserved ruins.
  • Customize your adventure with the option to add a visit to Mount Vesuvius, providing a unique 360° perspective along its craters.
  • Absorb captivating stories of routine life in Pompeii at landmarks like the Forum Baths, provision stores called Macellum, the Temple of Jupiter, and more!

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of Pompeii with skip-the-line entry
  • Round-trip train or coach transfers from Sorrento
  • Local charismatic guide
  • Headsets for groups above 10
  • Entry to Vesuvius (optional)
  • Tip: Explore the Villa of Diomedes, a site that's often overlooked, featuring well-preserved rooms and a beautiful garden.
  • Facilities: cloakroom, luggage storage.
  • Head to the Superiore Entrance to make use of the onsite luggage facilities.
  • Only small dogs on a leash can be brought inside the park. Guide dogs are permitted (with a certificate).
  • The fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month.
  • Full names are mandatory for Pompeii bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
SorrentoSorrento to Pompeii Tours

A journey through time: Sorrento to Pompeii

Every corner of ancient Pompeii tells a story about Roman life and culture nearly two millennia ago, with Mount Vesuvius looming in the background. About 16 miles away from Pompeii, Sorrento makes for the ideal coastal base to explore its dramatic ruins that are nothing short of a real-life time capsule. Let us guide you through the best tour options, essential information and insider tips to make the most of your time there!

Why go on a Sorrento to Pompeii tour

Ruins of Mount Vesuvius Eruption

Things to know before booking a Sorrento to Pompeii day tour

  • Reach Pompeii in the deluxe air-conditioned bus and begin your tour with an English-speaking licensed guide. Headsets are provided for groups with more than 10 members.
  • Pompeii is a vast area, and a guide can explain the significance of the surrounding frescoes, houses, temples, and streets, making your visit more meaningful and immersive
  • The tour’s highlights include exploring the Civil Forum, Temple of Jupiter, Via dell’Abbondanza, Forum Baths, House of Menander, and the Large Theater of Pompeii. These important landmarks maximize your time at the site.
  • After about 2-2.5 hours, you will get to skip the lines and be escorted to the slopes of Mount Vesuvius
  • From here, you can opt to enjoy a beautiful trek to the edge of the crater, at 1280 meters.
  • It is important to note that trekking shoes are a must, given the uneven surface in the area. This also makes the tour inaccessible to people in wheelchairs or those with back problems.
  • From the top, you can catch panoramic views of Pompeii and the Gulf of Naples.
  • The tour is inclusive of round-trip transfers and you will safely be transported back to Sorrento.
  • The duration of the tour varies from 2 to 8 hours depending on the traffic, and add-ons selected, hence it is advisable to carry light snacks and drinks for the long journey. You can refill your bottle from water fountains around the site.

Important stops on your tour

mount Vesuvius aerial view

Mount Vesuvius

A delight for geological enthusiasts, the summit offers stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Mount Vesuvius is infamous for its eruption in 79 AD, which affected Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other nearby towns. Visiting it will enhance your trip to Pompeii and help you understand the scale and impact of the catastrophic event.

Best ways to reach Pompeii from Sorrento

By train
By car
By bus

Best for: Fast & convenient travel

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Closest train station: Stazione di Sorrento - Pompeii Scavi Villa dei Misteri

Frequency: Every 30 minutes

  • With a one-way ticket costing about €3-4, the train will pass through the small towns of Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento, Castellammare di Stabia, and Torre Annunziata.
  • The Porta Marina entrance, one of the primary entrances to the ruins, is just a 5-minute walk away from the station.
  • The Circumvesuviana train is a budget-friendly and convenient service.

Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel

Duration: 30-40 minutes (29 kms / 18 miles)

  • Take the SS145 (Strada Statale 145), which runs along the coast before heading inland toward Pompeii.
  • As you get closer, follow the signs for Pompei Scavi.


Parking: Parking Zeus (near the Porta Marina entrance), Piazzale Anfiteatro (near the Anfiteatro entrance)

Best for: Budget travelers and sightseeing

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Frequency: Several departures daily

  • Similar to trains, a one-way ticket costs about €2 to €3, with SITA Bus as the primary operator. Buses depart from Sorrento’s main bus station, located near the train station in the city center.
  • Passengers are dropped near the Anfiteatro entrance of Pompeii.

Pompeii’s must-see gems

Building of Eumachia Pompeii civil forum

Civil Forum

The center of public life in Pompeii, it is surrounded by temples, government offices, and markets serving as the hub for all political, religious, and social activities.

Ancient ruins of Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background, part of a half-day guided tour from Naples.

Temple of Jupiter

The temple’s steps treat visitors to a direct view of Mount Vesuvius and its ionic columns are typical of Roman architecture.

Pompeii Amphitheater

The Amphitheater

One of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters, it was used for gladiatorial games and public events, seating up to 20,000 spectators.

House of Meander Pompeii ancient ruins with intricate mosaic floor and stone columns.

House of Meander

A luxurious residence in Pompeii, whose frescoes provide insight into elite Roman domestic life.

Stabian Baths pompeii

The Baths

Pompeii’s public baths are excellent examples of Roman engineering and social life, showcasing rooms for hot, cold, and warm baths.

Forum Granary, Pompeii

Forum Granary

This area contains plaster casts, made from voids left in the ash by decayed bodies, capturing the final moments of Pompeii's residents.

Best time to take a Sorrento to Pompeii tour

  • Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) are ideal for a day trip from Sorrento to Pompeii when the crowds thin out and the weather is more pleasant. 
  • If you’re visiting during Summer (July to August), carry your water bottle, sunscreen, and umbrella/hat for protection against the heat. 
  • Winters (November to March) offer cooler weather, but unpredictable rains can make some areas inaccessible.

Remember that the fee for the excavation sites of Pompeii is free for all first Sundays of the month. Irrespective of the season, it's best to visit either early in the morning, around 9am, or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and the midday heat. The site remains closed on the following dates: January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Climate considerations: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during Spring, 18°C to 26°C (65°F to 79°F) during and Fall; 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F) during Summer, 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) during Winter

Frequently asked questions about Sorrento to Pompeii tours

What essentials should I carry and is photography allowed?

Wear comfortable clothing and trekking shoes and make sure to carry light snacks, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat. Drones are prohibited in Pompeii, but photography is allowed.

Can I bring children on the tour?

Children are welcome on the tour, but the extensive walking and uphill trek may be taxing for younger children.

Is Pompeii accessible for people with disabilities?

Given Pompeii’s uneven terrain, this tour is not recommended for visitors with mobility challenges or back issues.

Are there restrooms and other facilities available in Pompeii?

Yes, there are restrooms and water fountains throughout the archaeological site. There are also cafes near the entrance where you can take a break.

What are the opening hours of Pompeii?

Pompeii is generally open from 9am to 7pm, but hours can vary slightly by season.

How far in advance should I book my Pompeii tour?

It is highly recommended to buy your Pompeii tickets online 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid long lines at the entrance and to gain skip-the-line access to Mount Vesuvius.