Herculaneum from Naples: the ruins in 2–3 hours, getting there and tips
Herculaneum was buried by the same eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii, but under metres of volcanic material that preserved even the wood, the upper floors of the houses and the colours. It's smaller than Pompeii and can be seen in a couple of hours: perfect for half a day from Naples.
At a glance
- From Naples
- Circumvesuviana (the local commuter train), Napoli–Sorrento line from Porta Nolana or Garibaldi, stop Ercolano Scavi, about 20 minutes; then 10 minutes downhill on foot
- Entrance
- Corso Resina 187
- Hours and tickets
- On the official website of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Free entry
- On the Italian Ministry of Culture's free Sundays
Why Herculaneum
In AD 79 Herculaneum was covered by a flow of mud and volcanic material more than twenty metres deep, which hardened and sealed the town. That's why here you can see things that were lost at Pompeii: carbonised wooden beams and doors, the upper floors of houses, furniture and decorations still in place.
Don't miss
- The baths, with the changing rooms, pools and mosaics still in place.
- The decorated houses, such as the House of Neptune and Amphitrite, with its blue and gold wall mosaic.
- The boat sheds (fornici) on the ancient beach: hundreds of skeletons of people trying to escape by sea were found here. It's the most moving place in the ruins.
- The Decumanus Maximus, the main street, with shops and signs.
Tip: if you have only one day for the ruins and are travelling with children or short on time, Herculaneum is more manageable than Pompeii. If you have time, do both: Herculaneum in the morning and Pompeii the next day, or Herculaneum and Vesuvius on the same day.
Herculaneum and Vesuvius
Near Ercolano Scavi station, minibuses to Vesuvius leave for the car park where the path up the Great Cone begins. With a bit of planning you can do the ruins and the crater on the same day. See the guide to Vesuvius.
Pair it with
- Pompeiisame line, 20 minutes further on
- Vesuviusminibus from Herculaneum
- Naples Archaeological Museumthe statues from the Villa of the Papyri
Frequently asked questions
Pompeii or Herculaneum?
Pompeii is huge and gives you a sense of a whole city; Herculaneum is smaller, better preserved and can be seen in 2–3 hours. If you're short on time or have children, go for Herculaneum.
How do you get to Herculaneum from Naples?
On the Circumvesuviana, Napoli–Sorrento line, to Ercolano Scavi station (about 20 minutes), then 10 minutes on foot.
Where to stay near Herculaneum
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.
