Vesuvius: how to hike to the crater, online tickets and tips
Climbing Vesuvius is an experience you never forget: from the car park at a thousand metres you walk on volcanic gravel up to the rim of the crater, with the Bay of Naples at your feet. Tickets are sold online only and entry is by time slot: here is how to plan it.
At a glance
- Ticket
- Online only, on the official booking system of the Vesuvius National Park: there is no ticket office at the car park
- Entry
- In 10-minute time slots, with limited places; you can book up to 30 days ahead
- Opening hours
- They change with the seasons: in winter last entry is in the early afternoon, in summer later. Check the day's hours when you book
- The trail
- From the car park at about 1,000 metres, on volcanic gravel, with a climb of about 200–280 metres; about 2 hours there and back
- How to get there
- Minibus from Ercolano (near Ercolano Scavi station) or organised excursions from Pompeii; by car, parking along the provincial road
- What to bring
- Closed shoes, water and a jacket even in summer: it is windy at the top
How the climb works
The Gran Cono (Great Cone) trail starts from the car park in the municipality of Ercolano, at about a thousand metres above sea level, and climbs in wide hairpin bends to the rim of the crater. It is not difficult, but it is a steady climb on slippery ground: you need closed shoes and a minimum of fitness. At the top you walk along part of the crater rim, with views over the bay, Naples, Capri and the Sorrento peninsula.
Tip: choose a clear day and the first time slot of the morning. In fog or strong wind the view disappears and the trail may be closed: in that case the Park posts a notice on its website.
Getting there without a car
- From Ercolano: take the Circumvesuviana (the local commuter train) to Ercolano Scavi; private minibuses leave from near the station, drive up to the car park and bring you back down.
- From Pompeii: several operators organise the climb with transport included.
- The Park ticket for the trail must still be bought online, separately, if it is not included in the excursion.
An active volcano
Vesuvius is an active volcano, monitored day and night by the Vesuvius Observatory, the oldest volcanological observatory in the world. The last eruption was in 1944. From the crater you can see the inner walls and, on cool days, a few fumaroles.
Combine it with
Vesuvius combines well with the ruins of Herculaneum (ruins in the morning, crater in the afternoon or vice versa) or of Pompeii.
Combine it with
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a Vesuvius ticket on site?
No, tickets for the Gran Cono trail are sold online only, on the official system of the Vesuvius National Park.
How long does it take to climb Vesuvius?
About 2 hours on foot there and back from the car park, plus the time to reach the car park by minibus or car.
Can you climb Vesuvius in winter?
Yes, with shorter opening hours: last entry is in the early afternoon. In strong wind or fog the trail may close.
Where to stay at the foot of Vesuvius
23 places to stay in the Vesuvius area on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
