Plan Your Visit to Mount Vesuvius | Location, Transportation, Best time to Vist & More
Mount Vesuvius | Visitor's Info At A Glance
What are the Mount Vesuvius opening hours?
Mount Vesuvius is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Where is Mount Vesuvius located?
Mount Vesuvius is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, about 9 km east of Naples.
How many entrances does Mount Vesuvius have?
Mount Vesuvius has only one entrance that leads to the crater area.
How many visitors does Mount Vesuvius get per year?
Mount Vesuvius attracts around 1 million visitors every year.
What Are the Mount Vesuvius Opening Hours?
General Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed On: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
The last entry time is at 3:00 pm, so make sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time to explore.
Opening HoursWhere is Mount Vesuvius Located?
Address : 44 Ottaviano NA, Italy
Mount Vesuvius is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near the city of Naples.
Closest Landmarks
- Pompeii Archaeological Site (12 km)
- Herculaneum Archaeological Site (18 km)
- Naples (16 km)
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.
Mount Vesuvius Tours
Know Before You Go
There are two entrances to Mount Vesuvius: the main entrance and the secondary entrance. The main entrance is located on the west side of the mountain, and the secondary entrance is on the east side.
- Visitor center
- Restrooms
- Gift shop.
- 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.
As the hike to the summit can be steep and rocky, it is recommended to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing. Additionally, it is advised to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as there is little shade on the mountain.
The gift shop at Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and volcanic rocks.
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 touch or remove any rocks or plants
- Do not smoke or light fire when you are hiking the trails of Mount Vesuvius
- Try to leave the place clean by not littering the place with waste and plastic
- Be respectful of the environment. Do not damage the plants or wildlife.
- There are many dangerous areas on the volcano, and it is important to stay on the trails to avoid getting lost or injured.
- Pompeii (6 km): Pompeii is an ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which has been remarkably preserved.
- Herculaneum (12 km): Herculaneum is another ancient Roman city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which offers a glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire.
- Sorrento (19 km): A charming coastal town known for its lemon groves and beautiful views of the Bay of Naples.
- Capri (30 km): A picturesque island located in the Bay of Naples, Capri, is known for its stunning scenery and luxurious lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions On Mount Vesuvius
The easiest way to get to Mount Vesuvius is by car or taxi. There are also bus tours available from Naples or Sorrento. If you prefer to take the train, you can take the Circumvesuviana line from Naples to Ercolano Scavi and then take a bus or taxi to the volcano.
The best time to visit Mount Vesuvius is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
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.
Yes, you can climb Mount Vesuvius. There is a trail that leads up to the crater, which is open to visitors.
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.
It takes around 30-40 minutes to climb Mount Vesuvius, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions.
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.
There are a few rules to be followed at Mount Vesuvius. You must stay on the marked trails, do not climb into the crater, be aware of the weather conditions, bring plenty of water and snacks, wear comfortable shoes with good traction, and be respectful of the environment.
