Combine natural wonder and ancient history on a day trip from Naples to Mount Vesuvius. With efficient transfers, skip-the-line access, and optional Pompeii or Herculaneum visits, it’s an easy, unforgettable volcano experience you can comfortably complete in a single day.

Overview

  • Distance from Naples: 23 km
  • Travel time: ~30 minutes each way by AC coach/train
  • On-site visit duration: 1.5–3 hours at the crater. Add 1–2 hours for Pompeii or Herculaneum
  • Cost range: €25–€135 per person, depending on inclusions (entry only, transfers, or combo packages)
  • Best season: March–October for mild, pleasant weather. Spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Central Naples (e.g., Piazza Municipio, Naples train/coach hubs, or city-center hotels)
  • Key attractions: Mount Vesuvius National Park, the Great Cone hike, panoramic views of the Bay of Naples
  • Additional stops along the way: Pompeii, Herculaneum

What to expect on a Naples to Mount Vesuvius day trip

Customers smiling on air-conditioned bus during Mount Vesuvius tour from Naples.
Hiker on Mount Vesuvius trail with view of crater, Italy.
Aerial view of Mount Vesuvius crater near Naples, Italy.
Ancient Pompeii ruins with large sculpture and Mount Vesuvius in background, Naples, Italy.
Grapes in a wooden barrel on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, Naples.
Tourists enjoying coffee and pastry with a view of Mount Vesuvius on a Sorrento walking tour.
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Departure from Naples

Meet at central Naples (Piazza Municipio, city-center hotels, or coach/train hubs) and board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the 30–45 minute journey to Vesuvius.

Arrive at the volcano

With skip-the-line access, head straight to the base of Mount Vesuvius. The surrounding landscapes and views of the Bay of Naples set the stage for your hike.

Hike to the Crater

Follow well-marked trails to the volcano’s crater at your own pace. Marvel at panoramic vistas, volcanic terrain, and the unique natural features that make Vesuvius a must-see.

Optional visits to nearby ruins

Enhance your day with optional stops at Pompeii or Herculaneum. Explore ancient streets, frescoed villas, and amphitheaters while avoiding the long queues.

Breaks and local treats

Pause for refreshments or snacks along the way. Many tours provide opportunities to enjoy local cafés, small-town eateries, or pre-arranged meals to recharge during your adventure.

Return to Naples

After the crater hike and any optional stops, relax on the return coach. Arrive back in Naples refreshed, with unforgettable volcanic and historical memories from your day trip.

Things to know before booking a Naples to Mount Vesuvius day trip

  • Distance & travel time: Mount Vesuvius is about 23 km from Naples. The journey takes roughly 30–45 minutes by coach, making it an easy and rewarding half-day adventure.
  • Departure points: Most tours depart from central Naples (e.g., Piazza Municipio) or nearby coach/train hubs. Some options include hotel pick-up for added convenience. Independent tickets require you to reach the volcano base on your own.
  • Trip duration: Expect 1.5–3 hours to climb and explore the crater. Adding Pompeii or Herculaneum extends the day to 4–6 hours, while full combos with multiple archaeological sites can reach 6–8 hours.
  • Transfers: Depending on the ticket option, travel by AC coach or private minivan. Round-trip transfers are included for most tours, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
  • What’s included: Entry tickets to Mount Vesuvius are standard. Optional upgrades include transfers from Naples , combined Pompeii or Herculaneum tickets, or a full combo with all three sites. Some packages provide audio guides for a self-paced, informative experience.
  • Exploring Vesuvius: Standard access allows self-paced hikes to the crater rim along marked trails. Optional packages let you combine the hike with visits to Pompeii or Herculaneum. All entry tickets are skip-the-line, avoiding long waits.
  • Meals & breaks: Tours vary, with some including pre-arranged meals or snacks, while others provide free time at nearby cafes or small towns.
  • When to book: Reserve at least 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season (March–October). Mount Vesuvius experiences high demand, and skip-the-line tickets can sell out quickly.

Your Naples to Mount Vesuvius tickets and tours explained

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsPompeii/Herculaneum accessTransfers includedUpgrades/Add-onsBook now

Mount Vesuvius

1.5–3 hrs

Skip-the-line entry to Mount Vesuvius

None

Not included

Guidebook, digital audio guide, volcanological guide (when available)

Mount Vesuvius tickets

Mount Vesuvius with Transfers

1.5–3 hrs

Skip-the-line entry + round-trip transfers

None

AC coach

Digital audio guide

Naples to Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius + Pompeii/Herculaneum

4–6 hrs

Skip-the-line entry + round-trip transfers

Pompeii or Herculaneum (optional)

AC coach

Digital audio guide

Vesuvius + Pompeii/Herculaneum

Pompeii + Mount Vesuvius combo

4–6 hrs

Skip-the-line entry, audio guide for both sites

Pompeii included

Not included

None

Pompeii and Vesuvius combo

Pompeii, Herculaneum, & Mount Vesuvius

6-8 hrs

Skip-the-line entries, round-trip transfers

Pompeii + Herculaneum included

AC coach

None

Book now
More time hiking and less time waiting!

Skip long lines and tiring logistics. With AC transfers from Naples and skip-the-line access, you arrive fresh and ready to fully enjoy the Mount Vesuvius crater hike, with optional Pompeii or Herculaneum stops.

Tourists walking along a hiking trail at Mount Vesuvius, Italy.

Highlights of Mount Vesuvius

Hikers ascending Mount Vesuvius with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Italy.

Mount Vesuvius National Park

The park surrounding Mount Vesuvius features diverse ecosystems, including lush vegetation and rare plant species. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers and hikers alike.

Great Cone hike
Vineyard with Mount Vesuvius in the background, showcasing lush grapevines and volcanic landscape.
Italy. Mount Vesuvius - inside the crater
Fascinating geology

Hiking Mount Vesuvius

Embark on an unforgettable climb along the Gran Cono Trail, where volcanic landscapes unfold with every step. From sweeping coastal views to the edge of the crater, the hike immerses you in nature, history, and adventure all at once.

Trail highlights

  • Length: 3,807 meters (round trip)
  • Elevation Gain: ~140 meters
  • Maximum Altitude: 1,170 meters
  • Gradient: 14%
  • Difficulty: Medium – Suitable for moderately fit hikers
  • Duration: ~3 hours (round trip)

Guide to hiking and climbing the volcano

Explore more along the way

Pompeii

Step into the ancient Roman city preserved by Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. Wander through streets, villas, and frescoed homes to experience daily life frozen in time.

Sights covered: Forum, Villa of the Mysteries, Amphitheatre, plaster casts, thermal baths

Time required: 2–3 hours

Included in select day trips: From Naples: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip

Book Pompeii tickets and tours

Herculaneum

Smaller but exceptionally well-preserved, Herculaneum showcases intact wooden structures, mosaics, and frescoes, allowing for a more intimate experience.

Sights covered: House of Neptune and Amphitrite, Sacello degli Augustali, thermal baths

Time required: 1–2 hours

Included in select day trips: From Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Day Trip

Book Herculaneum tickets and tours

What your day looks like from Naples to Mount Vesuvius

Standard Mount Vesuvius day trip

Morning: Depart central Naples by AC coach or private minivan, about 30–45 minutes to the volcano base. With skip-the-line access, begin your self-paced hike along marked trails to the crater rim.

Midday: Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and volcanic terrain. Pause for photos and take your time exploring the unique landscape.

Afternoon: Return to the base and relax on the coach back to Naples, arriving by early afternoon.

Mount Vesuvius + Pompeii or Herculaneum

Morning: Depart Naples and begin your journey at Pompeii or Herculaneum, depending on your selected package. Explore the ancient streets, villas, frescoes, and amphitheaters with skip-the-line access. Optional audio guides offer in-depth insights at your own pace.

Midday: Take a break for lunch if included, then continue exploring the archaeological site or enjoy free time to relax before the next leg of the trip.

Afternoon: Head to Mount Vesuvius and hike to the crater rim. Admire sweeping views over the Bay of Naples and the surrounding countryside before returning to Naples by late afternoon.

Mount Vesuvius + Pompeii + Herculaneum (Full-day option)

Morning: Begin your day in Pompeii, exploring its vast archaeological site, from the forum and ancient villas to the baths and haunting plaster casts. Enjoy skip-the-line access for a smooth start to your tour.

Midday: Continue to Herculaneum, a smaller yet remarkably well-preserved site where you can admire vivid frescoes, intricate mosaics, and rare wooden structures that survived the eruption.

Afternoon: Conclude your journey with a visit to Mount Vesuvius. Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Naples Bay and a close look at the crater before returning to Naples by early evening, a perfect finale to a day of natural and historical discovery.

Different ways to reach Mount Vesuvius from Naples

Best for: Budget-friendly, independent travel
Duration: ~45 minutes to the Vesuvius base via Circumvesuviana train to Ercolano or Pompeii, plus shuttle or taxi to the volcano
Cost: €3–€6 one way

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Ercolano Scavi or Pompei Scavi stations. From there, local shuttles or taxis transport you to the Mount Vesuvius visitor entrance. Expect some waiting and limited schedules during off-peak hours.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who prefer direct routes
Duration: ~40–50 minutes from central Naples to Vesuvius base
Cost: €3–€8 one way
Frequency: 4–6 times daily, varies by operator

Several regional bus services (SITA and local operators) run from Naples, including Piazza Garibaldi and Naples Capodichino Airport, to towns near Mount Vesuvius like Ercolano or Pompei. From there, shuttle services or taxis can take you up to the crater entrance. Buses are affordable but less flexible than guided transfers and may require coordination with the shuttle schedule.

Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel
Duration: ~30–40 minutes
Cost: Parking ~€5–7 plus fuel

Drive via the A3 motorway from Naples toward Salerno, exit at Ercolano or Pompei, and follow signs to the Vesuvius National Park entrance. GPS is recommended due to narrow streets and traffic.

Guide explaining Mount Vesuvius to tourists

How it works: Day trips from Naples include AC round-trip transfers to Mount Vesuvius. Many options also combine optional stops at Pompeii or Herculaneum.

Why choose this: Traveling independently involves multiple legs such as, train to Pompeii or Ercolano, then a taxi or shuttle to Vesuvius, plus separate tickets. With transfers included, one vehicle handles the entire journey, so you can focus on the hike and views without worrying about transport logistics.

Helpful tips for your visit

  • Plan your timings: Morning departures help you avoid heat and crowds on the crater hike. Late afternoon can also offer stunning sunset views.
  • Best season: March–June and September–October for mild weather and clearer panoramas of the Bay of Naples. Summer can be hot and windy near the crater.
  • Travel & transfers: Most day trips include round-trip AC coach transfers from central Naples. Independent visitors should plan how to reach the volcano base efficiently.
  • What to bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, and light layers. Trails are marked but uneven in parts.
  • Optional stops: Combine your hike with visits to Pompeii or Herculaneum for a half- or full-day adventure. Skip-the-line tickets make the experience smoother.
  • Safe hike: Stay on designated paths, follow posted signs, and take time to enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscape safely.

Frequently asked questions about Naples to Vesuvius day trips

Mount Vesuvius is about 23 km from Naples. The drive takes roughly 30–45 minutes by coach, making it an easy half-day trip.