Planning a visit to Pompeii? This legendary ancient city near Naples is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world, but figuring out how to buy tickets can be confusing. With multiple entry options, tour types, and third-party sellers, it's easy to get overwhelmed.
Here’s the thing: we’ve done this many times and helped thousands of travelers navigate the process. In this guide, you’ll find straightforward advice on ticket types, the best ways to book, and how to make the most of your time at Pompeii.
Let’s simplify your planning so you can enjoy the wonder that is Pompeii.
Quick Summary of Pompeii Ticket Options
| Ticket or Tour Type | What’s Included | Where to Buy | Prices | More Info |
| Pompeii Express Standard Entry | Entry ticket to the main Pompeii ruins | Official Site - TicketOne | Adults - from €18 | Go here |
| Pompeii + Sites Combo | Entry ticket to Pompeii plus Villa dei Misteri and suburban villas | Official Site - TicketOne | Adults - from €22 | Go here |
| Guided Group Tour | Entry ticket + licensed guide (often archaeologist) | Recommended - Walks of Italy and LivTours | From €50 per person | Go here |
| Private Tour | Entry ticket + licensed guide (often archaeologist) | Recommended - LivTours private | From €180 | Go here |
READ: Staying in Rome? Take a look at this Rome to Pompeii day trip guide.
How to Buy Pompeii Tickets Online
Official Pompeii Ticket Site
The official website of the Pompeii Archaeological Park is called Pompeiisites.org. However, all ticket purchases are made through TicketOne, the official ticket site. TicketOne is an Italian company that sells tickets to events and historical locations across Italy.
Unfortunately, this website is not easy to use and is sometimes confusing, as ticket information is translated from Italian to English. Plus, their refund policy is not ideal and difficult to navigate.
- Pros of booking on TicketOne – TicketOne is the official page, tickets are cheaper than third-party partners, and there is only one ticket option, so the choice is not overwhelming
- Cons of booking on TicketOne – The system can be difficult to navigate, and there is little to no information about the ticket and what is included
READ: Pompeii day trip from Rome with Mt Vesuvius and winery lunch.
Authorized Third Party Booking Sites
As you've no doubt discovered, there are many places you can buy tickets to visit Pompeii. Official ticket partners we recommend are GetYourGuide, Viator, Tiqets. LivTours, and Walks of Italy.
Besides the range of ticketing and tour packages that these partners offer, you’re almost guaranteed to find availability for your ideal date and time. We strongly suggest using one of these options when you visit Pompeii because of their 24-hour free cancellation policy, reasonable prices, and user-friendly interface.
- Pros of booking on official partners – great range of ticket/tour packages, good availability, the websites are easy to navigate, cancellation policies are clearer, and payment is easier for tourists using foreign credit cards.
- Cons of booking on official partners – prices are more than the Pompeii ticket official website, and the selection of tickets and tours can be overwhelming.
These authorized sites often include added extras like an audio guide or free cancellation. You will pay a couple of Euro more per ticket however, the booking process is simpler and you can keep your tickets on their app. We use this method ourselves and with our clients because it is easier to get refunds and make changes.
GetYourGuide is an online tours and experiences marketplace that offers flexible booking options. It is also much easier to use than TicketOne. Do expect to pay a little more for a better online experience and customer service. Suggested ticket Pompeii Entrance with Audio guide
Tiqets – offers individual entrance, audioguides and small or large group tickets for touring Pompeii. Tiqets is easy to use and provides a variety of tours to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius – Browse Pompeii Tickets on Tiqets
Guided Tours of Pompeii
We’ve tried many different tours over the years and heard feedback from hundreds of Untold Italy followers. These are the ones we consistently recommend because they’re small, insightful, and well-run by people who truly know and love the site. We describe these tours in more detail later in this article
| Operator | Group Size / Style | Duration | Price | Where to Buy |
| GetYourGuide | Up to 35 | 2 hours | From €55 per person | Click here |
| Walks of Italy | Up to 15 | 3 hours | From €59 per person | Click here |
| LivTours | Up to 6 | 2.5 hours | From €129 per person | Click here |
| LivTours | Private | 2.5 hours | From €399 per couple | Click here |
| LivTours | Private for kids | 2.5 hours | From €429 per family | Click here |
DISCOUNT: Get 5% off LivTours with code UntoldItaly.
What Does Your Pompeii Ticket Include?
What your Pompeii ticket includes will depend on which ticket provider you book Pompeii tickets through. The Pompeii entrance ticket from the official site offers two options:
- Pompeii Express – Single-timed entrance to the Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Pompeii Plus – Included entry to Pompeii and several ancient Roman villas under excavation in the area
If you want to experience more, it’s recommended that you book a guided tour through an official third-party site. Make sure to double-check the details of your preferred tour. It may state the time of your Pompeii entrance and the time you can spend in the ancient city.
Certain ticket options may even include audio guides, skip-the-line entry, and a visit to nearby Mount Vesuvius. There are a variety of available ticket packages to explore Pompeii and other sites that were destroyed by Vesuvius in 79AD, including Herculaneum.
Are Guided Tours of Pompeii Worth It?
When planning your day at the archaeological site of Pompeii, you can choose between a guided tour or a simple entry ticket.
Here’s the thing: Pompeii is huge. The site spans over 150 acres of ancient streets, and features crumbling villas, frescoed bathhouses, and once-bustling marketplaces – many without signage or explanation. And while it’s incredible to walk in the footsteps of the Romans, the truth is… without context, it can feel a little overwhelming.
That’s why we almost always recommend booking a guided tour – especially if it’s your first time.
A passionate, knowledgeable guide can turn what looks like a pile of ruins into a vibrant city frozen in time. They’ll help you imagine the chatter of the forum, the scent of fresh bread at the bakery, and the quiet tragedy of homes buried mid-meal. You’ll also get insights into daily Roman life, and learn what we’ve discovered through modern archaeology (some of it will surprise you!).
If you love stories, history, or simply want to make the most of your visit, a guided tour is absolutely worth it.
If you’re not keen on a skip-the-line entry ticket but not entirely sold on a guided tour, audio guides are available from the ticket offices at Pompeii Archaeological Park. The audio guides are available in a variety of languages. It’s suggested that you bring your own 9mm earphones (not Bluetooth) for best ease of use.
Recommended Pompeii Tours (Curated Picks)
There are a few things to consider when choosing a guided tour of Pompeii. Consider the size of the group, preferred tour dates and times, length of the tour, and the areas covered
Here are our preferred group tour options when you visit Pompeii.
- General Pompeii Ruins Ticket – If you only have an hour or two to spare and want to tick off the ancient town of Pompeii on your bucket list, a general entry ticket to Pompeii is the perfect option. This ticket allows you to enter Pompeii and explore at your own pace. Unfortunately, there aren’t many signs along the way, and the audio guide is not included in the ticket price.
- Walks of Italy – Complete Pompeii Experience: Skip the Line Tour & Archaeologist Guide – This 3-hour tour of the Pompeii ruins is the perfect way to experience Pompeii on a day trip from Rome or Naples. The tour is for a maximum of 15 guests at a time and includes skip-the-line entry. Plus, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide throughout the tour. The tour explores the theater, Porta Marina, Pompeii’s Main Street, the famous plaster-cast remains of Pompeii’s residents, and more.
- LivTours – Semi-Private Pompeii Tour – If you like the idea of a guided tour but would appreciate a more intimate experience while exploring Pompeii, this semi-private tour is the best option. The tour takes a maximum of 6 guests at a time and includes skip-the-line entry to the park. On the tour, you’ll visit all of the ancient city’s highlights, such as the Roman bathhouse, the Pompeii theater, the main street views of the infamous Mount Vesuvius, and more. The tour is also led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. You can also book a private tour experience with LivTours.
PLUS: Book a tour with LivTours, get 5% with code UntoldItaly.
Pompeii Tickets FAQ
Do You Need to Buy Pompeii Tickets in Advance?
In 2026, tickets are limited to 20,000 per day and you must pre-purchase tickets for a specific time slot between April 1 and October 31. The time slots are 9.00 am to 12.00 pm (maximum of 15,000 admissions) and 12.00 pm to 5.30 pm, (maximum of 5,000 admissions). Tickets are allocated to a named person and each ticket must be matched back to their passport or ID.
Tickets can be purchased on the ground, but availability is not always guaranteed, especially with these new limits on daily visitors. Furthermore, the ticket line can be very long – sometimes up to two hours of waiting time in summer.
Purchase your tickets well in advance for the best chance to find availability on your preferred dates.
📌 TIP: Buying tickets from the ticket office is not advised, especially if you’re visiting Pompeii on a day trip from a nearby city. It’s best to book your ticket to Pompeii online and in advance.
When Do Pompeii Tickets Go on Sale?
Unlike many of the major sites in Italy, tickets for Pompeii are not released to a set schedule.
Can You Buy Pompeii Tickets on the Day?
Yes, tickets can be bought at certain gates of the Pompeii ruins. Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, and Piazza Anfiteatro are the entrances where you can purchase tickets. The Pompeii entrance fee is about €19 per person.
What Are the Opening Hours for Pompeii?
From April to October, the archaeological park is open from 09:00 to 19:00, and from November to March, the Pompeii opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Pompeii?
The best time to visit Pompeii is in the afternoon, after cruise ship passengers have left the park. In the morning, the park is crowded as most visitors try to avoid the heat of the day in summer. But, to really appreciate the ruins and see some of the unique buildings up close, visiting in the afternoon is a better experience.
Note – the first Sunday of each month is a free entry day for museums and sites in Italy and best avoided
Are There Any Discounts or Free Entry for Pompeii?
If you visit on the first Sunday of the month, you can get a free entry ticket to Pompeii at the physical ticket office. But do be warned, these days attract many visitors from across Italy and Europe, and availability is limited to prevent overcrowding.
EU citizens between the ages of 18-25 qualify for a reduced fee of €2.00, and children under the age of 18 are granted free access. An identity document needs to be presented in these cases.
Do I Need to Print My Pompeii Tickets?
No. While having a copy of your ticket is never a bad idea, you can show the PDF version of your ticket from your smartphone to enter the Pompeii Ruins. You will need your passport or ID to match the name on your ticket.
Making the Most of Your Pompeii Visit
Pompeii is one of those places that stays with you. Its ancient streets and walls whisper stories you’ll be thinking about long after your trip. Whether you decide to explore on your own or join a guided tour, the key is to plan just enough so you can be present in the moment once you're there.
And if you're piecing together your Italy itinerary and feeling a bit overwhelmed, you're not alone. We've helped thousands of travelers create unforgettable journeys that balance iconic sights with magical, untold moments.
Need help planning your trip? Explore our Italy travel resources, download our app, or reach out for a custom itinerary consultation. We'd love to help you make it effortless and unforgettable.
READ: our guide to making the most of your Visit to Pompeii.
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