Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius from Agerola: how to plan your day

From Agerola you can visit Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius as day trips: take the SITA bus down to Castellammare di Stabia, and from there the Circumvesuviana train gets you to Pompeii and Herculaneum in a few minutes; for Vesuvius there are shuttle buses from Pompeii or Herculaneum. In one day it’s best to combine Pompeii + Vesuvius or Herculaneum + Vesuvius: all three together is too much. If you don’t want to think about anything, there are organised excursions with transport.

I’m Sebastiano, I live in Agerola and I often help my guests organise these days out. Here’s how to do it.

Pompeii, Herculaneum or both?

Pompeii is huge: a whole city to explore, with streets, houses, theatres and the amphitheatre. You need at least 3-4 hours.
Herculaneum is smaller and better preserved: houses on several floors, carbonised wood, colours. 2-3 hours are enough.
Vesuvius: from the car park you walk up to the crater in about 30-40 minutes on a gravel path, with views over the whole Bay of Naples.

My advice: if you only have one day, choose Pompeii in the morning and Vesuvius in the afternoon, or the other way round. If you love archaeology and have two days, add Herculaneum.

Getting there from Agerola

SITA bus from Agerola to Castellammare di Stabia (mountain road).
Circumvesuviana train, Sorrento-Naples line:
- for Pompeii get off at Pompei Scavi - Villa dei Misteri, opposite the entrance to the ruins;
- for Herculaneum get off at Ercolano Scavi, about a 10-minute walk from the ruins.

By car: from Agerola to Pompeii takes about 40 minutes; there are paid car parks near the ruins.

How to get up Vesuvius

From Herculaneum: private shuttles leave from Ercolano Scavi station and go up to the Vesuvius car park.
From Pompeii: public and private buses leave near the station or from piazza Anfiteatro.
Crater ticket: buy it online in advance, with a timed entry, on the official website of the Vesuvius National Park. In high season the best time slots sell out early.

Tickets for the ruins

Buy your tickets for Pompeii and Herculaneum on the official website to avoid queues.
On the first Sunday of the month entry to state archaeological sites is free, but it’s extremely crowded.
Be wary of people selling tickets or “skip-the-line” passes outside the entrances.

The stress-free option: an organised excursion

If you don’t want to juggle buses, trains and shuttles, you can do Pompeii, Herculaneum or Vesuvius on an organised excursion with transport. I don’t run the excursions myself, but I’m happy to book them for my guests: just ask me a few days ahead.

Practical tips

Start early. Pompeii is very hot in summer with little shade: go in at opening time.
Water and a hat. There’s little shade at the ruins: bring a water bottle and something to cover your head.
Closed, comfortable shoes. Pompeii’s Roman paving and the gravel on Vesuvius are not for sandals (sandals and flip-flops are not allowed on Vesuvius).
Vesuvius in good weather. With low clouds you can’t see anything from the crater: check the forecast in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do Pompeii and Vesuvius on the same day from Agerola? Yes, if you leave early in the morning. It’s a full day, but doable.

Pompeii or Herculaneum? Pompeii for its size and famous sights, Herculaneum if you’re short of time or want to see better-preserved houses.

Is Vesuvius difficult? No: the path from the car park to the crater climbs steadily but is short, fine for anyone who walks regularly.

A base between the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii

Agerola is halfway between the Amalfi Coast and the Pompeii area: staying here lets you visit both without changing hotel. At Costa Blu you’ll find rooms with private bathrooms, breakfast included so you can set off early, and my help booking excursions.

«Superbe hôtel rénové avec beaucoup de goût au centre du petit village d’Agerola… Le petit déjeuner était varié et copieux.» (A superb, tastefully renovated hotel in the centre of the little village of Agerola… Breakfast was varied and generous.) — Olivia, France, January 2025

Information checked on 31/10/2026. Opening times, prices and rules for the ruins, the Vesuvius National Park and transport change often: always check the official websites before you go.