ErKaNi Sorrento
Visiting Herculaneum
Herculaneum is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Vesuvian area and makes an excellent day trip from Sorrento. Like Pompeii, it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but under a much deeper layer of volcanic material. As a result, many buildings are exceptionally well preserved, offering a vivid insight into Roman daily life.
The archaeological park is much smaller than Pompeii, covering around 4.5 hectares, which makes it easier to explore in a shorter time. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at the site, making Herculaneum ideal as a half day visit or combined with another nearby attraction.
Transport options (and what to expect):
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Circumvesuviana (standard service): from Sorrento station, take the train towards Naples and get off at Ercolano Scavi, then walk around 10 minutes downhill to the entrance (follow signs for “Scavi”). Trains are frequent and good value (about every 30 minutes in high season), but they can be very crowded, seats aren’t guaranteed, and carriages are typically not air-conditioned. Tickets are bought at the station.
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Campania Express: a more comfortable option on the same line—depart from Sorrento station and get off at Ercolano Scavi. It’s less frequent and costs more, and you need to book in advance, but you’ll have a guaranteed seat and air-conditioning. Tickets and schedules are available online.
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Organised tours or a private driver: convenient if you’d prefer transport and timing handled for you. Both are easy to find online—when booking, check recent reviews and confirm what’s included (tickets, guide, and time on site).
Visiting Herculaneum: On Your Own or with a Guide
​​Herculaneum can easily be visited independently, particularly due to its smaller size and clear layout. However, visiting with a licensed guide can greatly enhance the experience and help bring the site to life.
Licensed guides help visitors:
• understand how Roman homes and streets were used
• appreciate the exceptional preservation of buildings and materials
• place what you see into historical and social context
There are many guided options available online, including tours departing from Sorrento or meeting guides directly at the site. Searching online and reading recent reviews is a helpful way to find an option that suits your interests and budget.
Important things to know before you go
•Time commitment: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours inside the site, depending on pace and whether they visit with a guide. •Herculaneum involves walking on uneven ancient surfaces and includes some staircases. Comfortable shoes are essential. •Compared to Pompeii, there is more shade, but sun protection is still recommended in warmer months. •Opportunities to buy water inside the site are limited, so bringing your own is advisable. •Food options inside the site are limited, and most visitors choose to eat before or after their visit. •Accessibility is better than at Pompeii, but the site still presents challenges due to slopes, steps, and ancient paving.
Tickets and Official Information​​
For the most up to date information on tickets, opening times, and visitor regulations, consult the official website of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park: Herculaneum Archaeological Park (official site): 👉 https://ercolano.beniculturali.it/ Buying tickets online in advance is often a good idea during peak periods.
Combining Herculaneum with Other Sites
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Herculaneum is often combined with other nearby attractions for a full day itinerary.
Many visitors choose to pair Herculaneum with Pompeii, allowing them to compare two Roman towns preserved in very different ways. Together, they offer a deeper and more complete picture of Roman life before the eruption.
Another popular option is to combine Herculaneum with a visit to Mount Vesuvius, travelling from the archaeological site up to the volcano itself.
Both combinations are commonly offered as guided day tours, or can be planned independently with good timing.
Getting Between Pompeii & Herculaneum and Pompeii & Vesuvius
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Visitors combining Pompeii with other nearby sites can move between them relatively easily using local public transport, with a little planning.
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Herculaneum to Pompeii are connected by the Circumvesuviana train. From Ercolano Scavi, take a train towards Sorrento and get off at Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, located just outside the main entrance to Pompeii.
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Herculaneum to Mount Vesuvius, reaching Mount Vesuvius independently from Herculaneum involves taking a shuttle bus or public transport from the Ercolano Scavi area up towards the crater access point. From the final drop‑off area, a walking path leads up to the volcano crater
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Useful Links
Transport
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Circumvesuviana: https://www.eavsrl.it/orari-linee-ferroviarie/
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Campania Express: https://www.eavsrl.it/campania-express/.
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Bus Service Herculaneum to Vesuvius: https://www.vesuvioexpress.it
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Entrance Tickets & Official Sites
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Pompeii: https://pompeiisites.org/en/
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Herculaneum: https://ercolano.beniculturali.it/
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Vesuvius: https://www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it/
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