Trade Rome’s ancient streets for the thrill of standing atop a live volcano, this day trip to Mount Vesuvius lets you reach its crater rim, soak in panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, and experience one of Italy’s most powerful natural landmarks without the hassle of planning transport or overnight stays.
Overview
Distance from Rome: 241 km
Travel time: ~3 hours each way by AC coach or train + transfer
On-site visit duration: 2–3 hours at Vesuvius National Park
Tour duration: 10–12 hours
Meeting/drop-off point: Central Rome
Key attractions: Mount Vesuvius crater trail & Pompeii Archaeological Park
Best season: April–October for clear skies and accessible summit trails
What to expect on your Rome to Vesuvius day trip
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Early departure from Rome
Meet your guide in central Rome and board an air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi for a comfortable scenic journey south through Lazio’s rolling countryside, vineyards, and olive groves.
Stop in Naples for lunch
Pause in Naples for a leisurely 3-course Italian lunch, with vegan options available. Savor fresh local flavors while enjoying views of the bustling city streets and the sparkling Bay of Naples.
Explore Vesuvius National Park
Arrive at the base of Mount Vesuvius (~1,000m) and set off on your own. Hike along the crater trails, through volcanic rock, aromatic shrubs, and enjoy panoramic lookout points.
Optional stop at Positano
If bad weather or personal preference prevents a long Vesuvius visit, head to Positano instead. Explore the picturesque streets, enjoy seaside vistas, and capture stunning photos before returning to Rome.
Visit Pompeii
After exploring Vesuvius, enjoy a scenic 30-minute coach transfer to the ancient city of Pompeii. Wander through cobbled streets, frescoed villas, and the amphitheater, imagining daily life before the AD 79 eruption.
Comfortable return to Rome
Board your coach for a relaxing 3-hour journey back, arriving in central Rome by early evening with unforgettable memories of volcanoes, history, and Italian cuisine.
Things to know before booking your Mount Vesuvius day trip
Book ahead: Tickets for Vesuvius often sell out weeks ahead, and with seasonal visitor limits in place, booking early is essential to secure your preferred time slot.
Standard tickets: Enjoy round-trip transfers from Rome, fast-track entry to both Vesuvius and Pompeii, and a stop for a 3-course Italian lunch, the perfect one-stop day trip without needing an overnight stay.
Guided tours: Upgrade to include expert guides at each site, an archaeologist at Pompeii and a volcanologist at Vesuvius. These tickets also include skip-the-line access and lunch, bringing history and geology to life.
Weather flexibility: On days with unpredictable weather, or by your choice, you can visit the scenic coastal town of Positano instead of Vesuvius, ensuring a memorable experience rain or shine.
Hike duration: The crater trail takes 30–40 minutes each way on a steep gravel path; moderate fitness is recommended.
Two iconic experiences, one guided day trip
Climbing Vesuvius alone can be tough, with steep, uneven trails and safety risks. This guided day trip from Rome offers a safe, insightful hike, plus a Pompeii tour with an archaeologist so you can cover two iconic destinations, with skip-the-line entry, and hassle-free transfers from Rome.
Highlights of Mount Vesuvius
The crater rim (Gran Cono)
Stand 1,281m above sea level at the main “Gran Cono” crater, peering into the vast, smoking caldera and enjoy 360° views stretching from the Sorrentine Peninsula to Capri and the Bay of Naples.
Best ways to reach Mount Vesuvius from Rome
Best for: fast travel
Duration: 1hr 30 min to Naples, then 30–40 min to Vesuvius base
Frequency: Frequent departures from Rome Termini or Roma Tiburtina
Cost: €20–€40 one way (depending on train type)
Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Rome to Naples.
From Naples, travel ~30 min to Vesuvius by local bus, shuttle, or taxi. After exploring the crater and trails, continue to Pompeii (~30–40 min) by bus or train.
Best for: Budget travel
Duration: ~3–3.5 hrs from Rome to Vesuvius base
Frequency: 4–6 departures daily (varies by season)
Cost: €20–€35 one way
Direct buses run from Rome’s main stations (Termini or Tiburtina) to Naples. From Naples, connect via local bus or shuttle to Vesuvius National Park (~30–40 min).
Operators include FlixBus and regional services, offering an affordable alternative to trains or private tours.
Best for: Flexibility & independent travel
Duration: ~2 hr 30 min – 3 hr
Cost: Varies by rental/car fuel (~€50–€100 for a day)
Drive ~2.5–3 hrs from Rome via A1/E45 to Naples, exit at Ercolano or Torre del Greco, and follow signs to Vesuvius National Park.
Parking is available at the trailhead, with a short hike or shuttle to the crater. Ideal for families or travelers wanting flexibility and scenic stops along the way.
Best for: Hassle-free & all-in-one experience
Duration: Full-day (approx. 12–13 hrs)
Cost: €130 - 150 per person (includes transport, guide, & sometimes lunch)
Tours typically include round-trip AC coach transfers from Rome, guided Pompeii exploration, and Vesuvius hike.
What your day from Rome to Mount Vesuvius looks like
Rome → Naples → Vesuvius → Pompeii → Rome
Morning: Rome to Naples
Depart from central Rome on a comfortable AC coach and enjoy Lazio’s countryside and vineyards.
Arrive in Naples for a 3-course Italian lunch with vegan options.
Midday: Mount Vesuvius hike
Take a scenic 30-minute drive from Naples to the Vesuvius National Park base.
Hike to the crater rim (~30–40min each way) and explore Gran Cono, secondary craters, fumaroles, and lava flows.
An expert volcanologist explains eruptions, geology, and local flora (included with guided tours only).
Take in 360° panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, Capri, and the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Afternoon: Pompeii exploration
Transfer to Pompeii for a self-paced exploration or guided tour of ancient streets, baths, villas, and the amphitheater.
Key highlights include the Villa of the Mysteries and the House of the Faun.
Evening: Return to Rome
Board the AC coach and relax on the journey back.
Arrive in central Rome by 7–8pm.
Helpful tips for your visit
Start early: Depart Rome in the morning to enjoy more transport options, avoid crowds, and experience cooler hiking conditions with better photo opportunities at Vesuvius.
Best seasons: Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) offer mild weather and lighter crowds. Summer (July–August) can be hot, so plan early hikes.
Transport: In case you’re driving, arrive early to secure a spot, since traffic near Naples can be heavy, and parking at Vesuvius is limited.
Essentials to pack: Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and sturdy shoes.
Vesuvius tips: The Gran Cono trail is the most popular and safest path to the crater, taking ~30–40 minutes each way. For a gentler option, the Sentiero delle Ginestre is easier and offers scenic views without the steep ascent.
Pompeii tips: Pick up a map at any entrance (Porta Marina, Piazza Esedra, or Piazza Anfiteatro) to plan your route. If arriving late morning, start at Porta Marina, the main entrance closest to transport, to avoid the longest queues.
Frequently asked questions about Rome to Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is approximately 241km away from Rome. By high-speed train and local transfer, the journey takes about 2.5–3 hours.
The trip usually takes 10–12 hours in total, including transfers. You’ll have about 2 hours to explore Vesuvius National Park and soak in the views.
The easiest option is a guided tour, which includes round-trip transport, skip-the-line entry, and a crater hike led by a volcanologist. Driving yourself offers flexibility, but traffic near Naples can be heavy, and parking at the volcano’s base is limited.
Most tours include round-trip transfers from Rome, skip-the-line entry to Vesuvius and Pompeii, with lunch in Naples.
The hike to the crater rim is moderately steep and takes around 30–40 minutes each way. Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.
Pompeii was destroyed and buried during the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Visiting both gives a complete picture of the volcano’s impact on ancient life.
Yes. A full-day trip from Rome typically lasts 10–12 hours, with time for 2–3 hours at Vesuvius and a few hours exploring Pompeii. Guided tours make this most efficient.
Yes. At Vesuvius, they provide essential insights into the crater and lava flows ensuring a safe hiker, and at Pompeii, they explain the tragic history behind the key sites like the Forum and Villa of the Mysteries, context you won’t get on your own.
High winds or storms may close the crater, but you can enjoy a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast to Positano, keeping your day memorable.
From happy customers
Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Sidiakova
Nov 2025
5/5
Everything was so organised, even though we had some timing problems, because our lunch in the restaurant lasted too long and we were at risk of not going on top of Vesuvius. However, our driver - Marchello (if i remember his name right, sorry) - did his job top-notch!
Special thanks to our guide - Sarah! She is charming, adorable and with a great sense of humour! She told us lots of interesting stuff and vital tips for our further exploration of Rome.
It was such a pleasure to listen to her and be guided by her through the whole excursion.
Marchello and Sarah made my day in Pompei even better than I thought it would be.
I would really like to see Sarah as my guide next time!
Thank a lot!
Carlos
Nov 2025
5/5
Very good excursion! Very organized times, visits and excellent quality of the guides.
Elia
Oct 2025
4/5
The experience was very interesting and the service from City Wonders was excellent, however we paid an additional $8.00 euros for a geology guide when we booked.
City Wonder were not aware of this additional offer and because the reservation was not made directly with them, they could not be held responsible.
We were told that sometimes other agencies offer the guide for groups of different excursions. We did not find any groups with geology as a guide at the entrance.
Jaillet
Oct 2025
4/5
An intense day, where we saw archaeological and natural wonders! The only regret is that everything is done in a hurry, not even time to take a photo other than while walking, or to strike a pose at the bookshop! Even lunch was taken in less than an hour! As for Vesuvius, we went up in a mini-bus, turned around at the highest point accessible to vehicles and then went back down again... quite frustrating, I must admit!
Dirk
Oct 2025
3/5
I had booked a guided tour with a geologist on Mount Vesuvius, but apparently I was rebooked on another tour without any feedback.
Purna
Aug 2025
5/5
Our tour guide Mikela was very sweet and explained history of Romans and Pompeii. There was enough time for breaks in between travel and after hiking to mount Vesuvious.
The other guide was also very knowledgeable and patient with everyone during the walking tour of Pompeii.
Overall good experience we had with City Tours.
Explore Pompeii and ascend the looming volcano that destroyed it. Enjoy a 3-course Italian lunch and seamless transfers.
Day out to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Rome on a guided trip. Meet in central Rome, travel in a private AC coach with Wi-Fi, and return by evening.
You’ll get round-trip AC coach transfers with free onboard Wi-Fi, licensed English-speaking guide, lunch at a Neapolitan restaurant, entry to Pompeii with a 2-hr guided ruins tour, and entry to Mt. Vesuvius National Park.
Pompeii: Step into an ancient city frozen by Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. With a guide, explore highlights such as the Forum, amphitheater, public baths, and villas like the House of the Faun.
Mt. Vesuvius: Climb to the crater rim of Europe’s most famous volcano and admire sweeping Bay of Naples views.
Upgrades: Enhance you Vesuvius hike with a geologist and discover the volcano’s hidden history, volcanic formations, and fascinating geology up close.
Inclusions
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Full-day trip around Pompeii and Vesuvius
Pick-up from Rome
Round-trip private AC coach transfers with free Wi-Fi on board
Tour of Mount Vesuvius via coach
Tour of Vesuvius with geologist (as per option selected)
Lunch at authentic Neapolitan restaurant
Exclusions
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Personal expenses
Gratuities
What to bring
This tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Temperatures on the Volcano may be a bit lower than temperatures on the ground, a sweater or light jacket is recommended, especially outside of the summer months.
What's not allowed
Pets
Additional information
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on external conditions
Tip: As you trek alongside Mt. Vesuvius, look out on your right for fascinating views of the Bay of Naples, and on your left for the caldera or volcanic crater.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Day Trips
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From Rome: Pompeii Guided Tour and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip
Explore Pompeii and ascend the looming volcano that destroyed it. Enjoy a 3-course Italian lunch and seamless transfers.
Day out to Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius from Rome on a guided trip. Meet in central Rome, travel in a private AC coach with Wi-Fi, and return by evening.
You’ll get round-trip AC coach transfers with free onboard Wi-Fi, licensed English-speaking guide, lunch at a Neapolitan restaurant, entry to Pompeii with a 2-hr guided ruins tour, and entry to Mt. Vesuvius National Park.
Pompeii: Step into an ancient city frozen by Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. With a guide, explore highlights such as the Forum, amphitheater, public baths, and villas like the House of the Faun.
Mt. Vesuvius: Climb to the crater rim of Europe’s most famous volcano and admire sweeping Bay of Naples views.
Upgrades: Enhance you Vesuvius hike with a geologist and discover the volcano’s hidden history, volcanic formations, and fascinating geology up close.
