Mount Vesuvius Tours

Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets

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Flexible duration

Audio guide

Transfers included

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From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers

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3 hr.

Audio guide

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From Naples: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip

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6 hr. - 8 hr.

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From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip

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5 hr. - 8 hr.

Transfers included

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What are Mount Vesuvius opening hours?

9am to 5pm (April, May, June, and September)
9am to 4pm (March and October)
9am to 3pm (January, February, November, and December)
9am to 6pm (July and August)

Closed on: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th

Detailed Vesuvius opening hours

Best time to visit Mount Vesuvius

High season Vs low season: The peak season for visiting Mount Vesuvius is typically between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it a popular time for tourists to visit the volcano. However, this also means that the site is likely to be more crowded, and you may experience longer wait times and higher prices.

Weekday vs weekend: Visiting on a weekday is generally recommended as it tends to be less crowded than on weekends. If you do visit on a weekend, aim to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds that tend to arrive in the afternoon.

Where is Mount Vesuvius located?

Mount Vesuvius is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near the city of Naples.

Closest Landmarks

Detailed directions to Mount Vesuvius

Getting to Mount Vesuvius

By Public Transport

By bus: From Naples, you can take the EAV bus from the Naples Central Station, which will take you directly to the entrance of Mount Vesuvius. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can also take the EAV bus from the Circumvesuviana Station in Naples, which will take you to the same destination.

By train: From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from the Naples Central Station to the Ercolano Scavi Station, which is the closest station to Mount Vesuvius. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.

By car

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Naples or other nearby cities and follow the signs to Mount Vesuvius. Please note that there is a parking fee at the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.

The official parking lot is located at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level. It is a large, unstaffed lot that costs EUR 5 for all day. Shuttles to the ticket office depart from here, and cost EUR 2 round trip
Parking along the road is also possible. There are a few small parking areas along the road leading up to the volcano, but these tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

⚠️ Top 5 first-timer mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1. Arriving too late for parking

The upper parking area fills up fast — it holds only around 40 cars. Arrive after 10:30am, and you’ll likely be parking down the road (1–1.5 km away), adding an uphill walk before you even start the actual trail.

2. Forgetting to buy crater entry tickets

You can’t buy entry tickets at the crater — you need to book online in advance or buy them at official ticket points before entering the park area. Many assume they can just show up and pay at the gate, and end up turned away.

3. Thinking you can drive all the way to the top

Private vehicles must stop around 800m elevation, near the Y-shaped intersection (Strada per Belvedere Vesuvio). From there, it’s either a 1.5 km uphill walk or a €2 return shuttle to the ticket office at 1000m.

4. Wearing flip-flops or bad shoes

The trail to the crater is a mix of steep tarmac and loose gravel — not flip-flop friendly. You’ll want proper sneakers or walking shoes with grip to avoid slipping, especially on the way down.

5. Not carrying enough water

There’s no water source once you start the hike. On hot days, it gets intense — pack at least 1 liter per person. The climb is short but sweaty, and you’ll thank yourself at the top.

Your Mount Vesuvius itinerary

🧭 Half-day itinerary

Ideal for those short on time or pairing Vesuvius with a relaxed schedule.

Option A: Morning visit from Naples or Ercolano

7:30am – Train from Naples to Ercolano
8:45am – Shuttle or taxi to Mount Vesuvius
9:15am – Start crater hike
10:30am – Rest, photos at summit
12:00pm – Return to Ercolano for lunch or onward travel

Option B: Direct visit from Sorrento

8:30am – Transfer or drive from Sorrento
10am – Begin crater visit
11:30am – Return journey starts
1:00pm – Back in Sorrento for lunch

🏞️ Full-day itinerary

Perfect for combining Vesuvius with Pompeii, Herculaneum, or a vineyard visit.

Option A: Pompeii + Vesuvius

8am – Arrive at Pompeii (train or local transfer)
8:15–10:30am – Explore main Pompeii highlights
11am – Shuttle or taxi to Mount Vesuvius
12pm – Crater hike and photo stop
2:30pm – Return to base for late lunch or continue exploring

Option B: Vesuvius + Wine Tasting

9am – Transfer from Naples or Sorrento to Mount Vesuvius
10:30am – Crater visit
12:30pm – Head to a nearby vineyard for lunch and tasting
3:30pm – Return to accommodation or make a short stop in Herculaneum

Know before you go to Mount Vesuvius

Access to the crater is exclusively available through two designated gates: the automated gate located at Quota 1000 Square in Ercolano, and the gate at Quota 1,050 Square in Ottaviano.

Visitor center
Restrooms
Gift shop.

Climbing Vesuvius may not be suitable for children due to safety risks. The trail is slippery with loose volcanic gravel, and the only barrier is a rope that kids could easily slip under. If you bring children, keep them close at all times.
The path to the summit is not wheelchair accessible. There are a few steep steps and uneven surfaces, making it difficult for wheelchair users to get around. There is a shuttle bus that can take visitors up to the ticket office, but it is not wheelchair accessible. There is also a walkway that leads up to the ticket office, but it is not wheelchair friendly.
While elderly people do reach the crater of Mount Vesuvius, consider their fitness and health before bringing them along, as the climb can be challenging.

To ensure the safety of visitors, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed when visiting Mount Vesuvius, including:

Do not climb into the crater. The crater is very dangerous, and there is a risk of falling rocks or fumes.
Do not smoke or light fire when you are hiking the trails of Mount Vesuvius.
Each group is required to stay strictly to the right side of the pathway, whether moving uphill or downhill.
Guides must stay in constant communication to ensure that uphill and downhill groups do not meet near narrow passages or ramps. If they do, the uphill group has priority over the downhill group.
The hike on the trail must always be completed within one hour of the last permitted entry to the crater.
The maximum capacity for hikers is limited to 360 individuals per hour. Therefore, access to the trail is allowed for up to 60 people every 10 minutes, divided into three groups of 20 participants each.
There are many dangerous areas on the volcano, and it is important to stay on the trails to avoid getting lost or injured.
In the Piazzale, the start of the nature trail, parking is not allowed, and there are no public toilets.

For safety and environmental protection, access to the route along the summit on the northern and eastern sides of the volcanic cone is strictly prohibited. Only individuals with explicit authorization from the Park Authority may enter these areas.
Ambulances and other rescue vehicles are located on the left side of the square where the hike begins.
If you require any assistance, you can always reach out to the info point for help: +39 081 2395653.
The trail is well-maintained but has loose volcanic ash and gravel, which can make it slippery. It's recommended to wear proper hiking shoes with good traction.
It's crucial to bring enough water, wear suitable footwear, and dress in layers.

The gift shop at Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and volcanic rocks.

Mount Vesuvius crater walk

Exploring Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of trails tailored to different interests and abilities. Visitors can choose from six circular nature trails (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8), an educational trail (number 9), a panoramic path (number 6), and an agricultural path (number 7), all leading to the crater. Highlights include the dramatic Valley of Hell, the scenic Mt. Somma, the impressive River of Lava, and the historic Matrone Road. The hike is generally rated as easy to moderate, thanks to its steep but manageable terrain. While most people in good physical condition, including children and older adults, will find it accessible, those unfamiliar with hiking or physical exertion might find it more challenging.

Know more about the different routes to the crater

Frequently asked questions on Mount Vesuvius

How long should I plan to spend exploring Mount Vesuvius?

Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Mount Vesuvius. This includes time for hiking to the crater, enjoying the views, and taking photos. If you want to spend more time in the area or explore nearby attractions, you might want to allocate additional time.

When is the best time to visit Mount Vesuvius?

The best time to visit Mount Vesuvius is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.

Is it safe to visit Mount Vesuvius?

While Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, it is closely monitored by authorities and is considered safe for visitors. However, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and stay on the designated trail.

Can you climb Mount Vesuvius?

Yes, you can climb Mount Vesuvius. There is a trail that leads up to the crater, which is open to visitors.

How difficult is the climb up Mount Vesuvius?

The climb up Mount Vesuvius is not too difficult, but it can be steep in some places. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and there are rest areas along the way.

How long does it take to climb Mount Vesuvius?

It takes around 30-40 minutes to climb Mount Vesuvius, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions.

What should I wear to climb Mount Vesuvius?

It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as well as light layers of clothing as it can get windy at the summit. You may also want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

What other attractions can I visit near Mount Vesuvius?

Besides Mount Vesuvius itself, you can visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried by the eruption of 79 AD. The nearby city of Naples also offers rich cultural experiences, including museums, historic sites, and vibrant markets.