From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Elia Cota González

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 LEPEIGNEUX

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 Jens Baumgart

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 Chandra Rao, Gurram

Purna

Aug 2025
5/5

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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.
Bhupinder Singh

Bhupinder

Jul 2025
3/5
We recently took a day tour from Rome to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, and overall, it was a well-organised and memorable experience. Positives: Our guide from Rome was really friendly and knowledgeable, which made the day enjoyable and engaging. The tour itself was well organised, with everything running smoothly and on time. We had a lovely group of fellow travellers, which added to the experience. The Pompeii excursion was excellent – fascinating, informative, and definitely the highlight of the day. However, the guide could have been more engaging and lacked passion. She also didn't read the audience well and took us to the red light districts, going into detail about sexual organs, lustful actions, and took us to a whore house, with our young teenagers. Smaller kids were also on other tour doing the same route, which is ridiculous! Other things to be aware of: The pit stop halfway through the journey was quite expensive, so it's worth bringing your own snacks if you're on a budget. Lunch at the included restaurant was okay, but the main pizza (a margherita) was disappointing – the tomato purée lacked flavour, and overall the food could have been better. The toilets at the restaurant were poor, with some not flushing – not ideal on a long day trip. The Mount Vesuvius portion of the tour, the second part, only takes you about two-thirds of the way up by tour bus. There's no option to walk to the summit on this particular tour. That said, the views from where we stopped were absolutely stunning and well worth seeing. Overall: A worthwhile trip if you're looking for a convenient way to explore Pompeii and get a glimpse of Mount Vesuvius, but a few practical details could be improved.
Jose Antonio Andrés Yus

Jose

Jul 2025
5/5
It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. Many thanks to our guide, Antonini, who explained everything with love and patience and took care of us, to Luca, the driver for making our journey comfortable and smooth and to Willy, our guide in Pompeii, with a great sense of humor, who made the visit very enjoyable. Thank you for everything and for taking such good care of us. Grazie per tutti! A big hug!
Picazo Vanessa Marie Aline

Picazo

Jul 2025
4/5
Pompei and the Vesuvius
Bart C Dillard

Bart

Jun 2025
5/5

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The tour was great there was a guide on bus that told you a Little about what you were seeing and a bit of history. Only wish we could have stopped at the top of Mount Vesuvius. Tho you do get to stop at an observation spot for a few quick pics. The guide we had at Pompeii was excellent she was very knowledgeable and fun. Also she tried to keep you in the shade as much as possible. The pizza place was alright only problem is drinks weren't included and it's 4 euros for a coke. There then that it was an awesome experience!

Top things to do in Naples

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

Passengers enjoying a bus ride, some standing and waving, with sunlight streaming through windows.
Pasta salad and bread on a dining table with people serving food.
Hikers on a trail at Vesuvius National Park with volcanic landscape.
Woman admiring colorful hillside buildings in Positano village, Italy.
Ancient amphitheater in Pompeii with visitors exploring the ruins, Gulf of Naples.
Customers smiling on air-conditioned bus during Herculaneum tour from Naples.
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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

Crater of Monte Vesuvio under a blue sky, showcasing rugged volcanic terrain.

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.

Aerial view of Mount Vesuvius crater near Naples, Italy.
Hikers on a trail at Vesuvius National Park with volcanic landscape.

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.
Visitors walking along the path on Mount Vesuvius, Italy, with audio guide stations.

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

How far is Vesuvius from Rome?

Mount Vesuvius is approximately 241km away from Rome. By high-speed train and local transfer, the journey takes about 2.5–3 hours.

How long does it take to travel from Rome to Mount Vesuvius?

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.

What is the best way to get to Vesuvius from Rome?

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.

What’s included in the tour?

Most tours include round-trip transfers from Rome, skip-the-line entry to Vesuvius and Pompeii, with lunch in Naples.

How difficult is the hike?

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.

What is the relation between Vesuvius and Pompeii?

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.

Can both be visited in a day?

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.

Are guided tours worth the extra cost?

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.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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.

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