Herculaneum Tickets

4.2(23,703)

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Ruins of Herculaneum
























































From happy customers

Loved by 44 million+
Ian Nurser

Ian

Oct 2025
5/5

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Luciano Leone was an amazing guide, providing his enthusiasm and archeological knowledge to bring the site alive! Fun and informative, an action-packed tour. No way we could have enjoyed it or learnt so much without him.
Sara Lubowitz
AU

Sara

Australia
Oct 2025
5/5

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Very good tour guide who really knows his subject. Even though it was raining the tour was so very well organised. Really worth the money. I would highly recommend.
Marie Milburn
GB

Marie

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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My experience was beyond my highest expectations. This was a dream destination for me. The degree of preservation there is amazing! I had an injury and struggled to get around easily but it was worth the struggle. I hope I'll be able to return someday to see some of the sights I didn't get to. There's so much to see!!! I loved doing this at my own pace, and having time to linger in areas of particular interest. Thank you to all those hard workers for making my visit and this site so special!
Makayla A Byerly
US

Makayla

United States
Oct 2025
5/5

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I would highly recommend Herculaneum over crowded Pompeii. It is very reasonably priced, there are practically no waiting lines and it is much better preserved than Pompeii. It is a much better experience overall! You will not regret seeing this wonderful site.
TEYSSIER ép MONTBRESSOUS Sabine
FR

Teyssier

France
Jul 2025
5/5

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Exceptional site 🤩🤩🤩 We spent 5 hours there and didn't see the time go by
Fanny Poirier
FR

Fanny

France
Aug 2025
5/5
Vincenzo was really interesting and passionate, it was really interesting! I recommend the most the combo Pompei+Herculanum, it was worth it!
Kevin Tracey
US

Kevin

United States
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent guide and great tour, highly recommended. I recommend booking the ride back to Naples before hand as taxis were difficult to find.
Han

Han

Sep 2025
4/5
Just finished our tour and wow, so much to see! Guide was super friendly, made jokes and kept it interesting. Only downside was a few areas under construction. Still, you can really imagine what life was like. Saw some ancient graffiti—kinda funny. Worth it.


TL;DR

  • Ways to explore: Enter with skip-the-line tickets for a relaxed, self-guided visit, or choose a guided tour to understand the site’s layout, homes, and remarkably preserved details. Audio guides are available for flexible pacing.
  • What guided tours add: An archaeologist-led tour brings daily life, street structure, and preservation methods into focus, making it ideal if you want the story behind what you’re seeing rather than just walking the ruins.
  • Combo options: You can pair Herculaneum with Pompeii for a fuller picture of the 79 AD eruption and how each site was impacted differently.
  • Queues & access: The site is calmer than Pompeii, but skip-the-line helps during weekends and peak months. Some areas can be temporarily closed for conservation.
  • When to book: Secure tickets 1–2 weeks ahead in high season to guarantee preferred time slots and tour availability.
  • Good to know: Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Surfaces are uneven — comfortable walking shoes recommended. Tickets are generally time-specific and non-refundable.
  • Best upgrade: Choose a guided tour that includes transport from Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii to avoid navigation hassles and enjoy a richer, more connected understanding of the site.

Which Herculaneum ticket is best for you?

Ticket typeLines skippedIncludesWhy pick this?Price fromRecommended tours

Self-guided visit

✅ Ticket queues

Site entry + Multilingual audio guide or English guidebook

You decide the pace and path, with optional add-ons to deepen context

€16

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Archaeologist-led tour

✅ Ticket queues

Site entry + Expert guide

Gain a clearer picture of daily life and how the site was preserved

€35.55

Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Day trip with transfers

✅ Ticket queues

Site entry + Transfers from Naples, Sorrento, Pompeii

Everything’s arranged for you, no need to figure out transport or timings

€70

Guided Tour with Transfers

Private tour

✅ Ticket queues

Site entry + Expert guide (Small group)

The guide focuses on your interests and questions throughout the visit

€330

Private Guided Tour

Roman ruins combo

✅ Ticket queues

Entry to both sites

Covers both major Vesuvian ruins in one straightforward combo

€41.14

Pompeii + Herculaneum Entry

What to expect at Herculaneum?

Ruins of Herculaneum entrance with ancient stone structures and arches, Italy.
Herculaneum ruins with tourists exploring ancient streets on a guided tour from Naples.
Wooden partition in Herculaneum house interior, Italy.
Carbonised wooden shelves in an ancient room at Herculaneum, Italy.
Samnite House interior with ancient frescoes in Herculaneum, Italy.
Herculaneum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
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Start at the ancient shoreline

Begin your visit near what was once the town’s waterfront. The first impression is striking: quiet stone arches and boathouses where residents once gathered, offering an immediate sense of the site’s human history and its close relationship to the sea.

Explore streets frozen in time

Walk along narrow lanes lined with houses, workshops, and public buildings. The scale feels personal, closer and more intact than Pompeii, allowing you to imagine everyday Roman life in detail, from family routines to neighborhood activity.

Step inside remarkably preserved homes

Enter villas where colorful frescoes, mosaics, and wooden furnishings are still visible. Some upper floors and balconies remain in place, giving you a rare view of how multi-level Roman homes were designed, decorated, and lived in.

See objects that survived the eruption

Because Herculaneum was buried in volcanic mud rather than ash, organic materials endured. Charred wooden beams, doors, shelves, and food remains reveal the textures of daily life with surprising clarity, bringing the ancient world closer than expected.

Learn through thoughtful interpretation

Signs, reconstructions, and optional guides help explain architecture, family life, commerce, and the community’s final moments. Rather than just examining ruins, you follow a narrative that connects the site to real people and real stories.

Pause at the panoramic viewpoints

Towards the end, elevated walkways give sweeping views of the excavated town framed by the modern city above. It’s a moment to take in the layers of time, and reflect on how a thriving coastal town was both lost and preserved in an instant.

Things to know before booking your Herculaneum tickets

  • Book ahead: Entry is timed, and slots can book out on weekends and during peak travel months. Reserving earlier ensures you get your preferred time slot.
  • Standard skip-the-line entry: Ideal if you want to explore independently. You’ll bypass the ticket queue and walk through homes, bathhouses, and ancient streets at your own pace. You can add a multilingual audio guide or a digital guidebook for extra context during your visit.
  • Guided walk with expert insights: A highly recommended upgrade for first-time visitors. Your archaeologist guide explains how the site was buried and preserved, highlights daily Roman habits, and points out architectural and artistic details that are easy to overlook. This makes the experience more engaging and meaningful.
  • Convenient day trip options: Perfect if you're staying in Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii. Round-trip transfers and skip-the-line entry are included, so there’s no need to figure out routes or timings. You simply travel with your group, explore the site, and return comfortably, a seamless and time-efficient option.
  • Private tours for a more intimate visit: Explore Herculaneum at a pace that suits you, with your small-group private guide leading the way. Ask questions freely, focus on the details you care about most, whether that's daily life, fresco techniques, or volcanic history, and enjoy a more personal, conversational experience that’s ideal for families, couples, and small groups.
  • Roman ruins combo: A smart pick if you're visiting both sites. You get entry to Herculaneum and Pompeii under a single booking, simplifying your planning while offering better overall value. 
  • Site conditions: Ongoing restoration means some rooms, houses, or viewing areas may be closed without prior notice. The layout of accessible areas can change.
  • Accessibility: Paths are uneven with steps and narrow walkways. While more compact than other archaeological sites, Herculaneum may still be difficult for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
See More, Miss Less with a Guided Tour

Herculaneum is filled with details that are easy to overlook. Going with an expert guide means you’ll understand the homes, frescoes, daily life, and the eruption’s timeline, not just walk past the ruins. Perfect if you want the site’s story to truly come alive.

Herculaneum highlights

Amphitheater at Villa of the Papyri with visitors exploring the site.

Villa of the Papyri

A luxurious seafront villa believed to have belonged to Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. It once held the only known library of ancient carbonized papyrus scrolls, alongside a remarkable collection of bronze and marble statues. The scale and layout reflect the refined leisure and cultural life of Rome’s elite.

Mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite at Herculaneum's House of Neptune, Italy.
Samnite House interior with ancient frescoes and mosaic floor in Herculaneum, Italy.
Wooden partition in Herculaneum house interior, Italy.
Tourist exploring ancient Herculaneum baths interior, Italy.

Plan your visit to Herculaneum

Aerial view of Herculaneum ruins with Mount Vesuvius in the background, Italy.
  • Opening hours: 
    • March 16th – October 14th: 8:30am – 7:30pm (last entry at 6pm)
    • October 15th – March 15th: 8:30am – 5pm (last entry at 3:30pm)
  • Closed: January 1 & December 25
  • Free entry: First Sunday of each month (expect heavier crowds)
  • Average visit duration: 2–3 hours

Best time to visit

  • Time of day: 8:30am for cooler temperatures and quieter streets; After 4pm for soft golden light over the ruins
  • Day of week: Weekdays are calmer; weekends see more tour groups
  • Season: April–June and September–October for pleasant weather; July–August can be very hot (shaded areas are limited)
Herculaneum opening hours
  • Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy
  • By Train:
    • From Naples or Sorrento: Take the Circumvesuviana line to Ercolano Scavi (station → site entrance is a 10-minute walk downhill).
    • Trains run every ~20 minutes.
  • By Bus: EAV or local buses operate from Naples, but travel times vary due to traffic.
  • By Car: Paid parking available near the entrance, but narrow one-way streets can be tricky.
  • Round-trip transfers available: From Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento, with guided tour included.
Washroom
  • Mostly open-air site with limited shade, bring sun protection.
  • Restrooms near the entrance (none inside the ruins).
  • Cafe and small snack kiosks by the ticket office.
  • Water fountains are available inside; carry a refillable bottle.
  • Not fully wheelchair accessible: Uneven Roman roads and steps throughout.
Man holding a DSLR camera, preparing for photography.
  • Start with the boat houses: This is where the 300 victims were found. It frames the emotional context of the site from the beginning.
  • Walk the main street: It’s the clearest visual of daily Roman life, shops, counters, and second floors still intact.
  • Look for preserved wood: Herculaneum’s unique carbonization lets you see doors, furniture, shelves, and beams still in place.
  • Wear good shoes: The Roman paving stones are irregular and can be slippery when wet.
  • Shade is limited: Carry water, a hat, and sunscreen, especially in summer.
  • Photography: Allowed throughout, but flash photography and drones are prohibited
  • Please carry a small backpack or a purse as large bags aren’t allowed.
  • Children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Infants must be carried in a sling or baby carrier as it is difficult to handle strollers in the cobblestoned areas.
Gnocchi alla sorrentina with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano on wooden table.
  • Pappamonte:  Enjoy a delectable selection of salads, Italian favorites (like gnocchi and eggplant parmigiana) and seafood at Pappamonte, located 1.7 km away.
  • Bistrot Italia: Great interiors and sumptuous food (try the porcini!) spanning seafood, desserts and more, Bistrot Italia is just 1.6 km away.
  • Ristorante Vesum: Good food and good views, Ristorante Vesum has an array of local delicacies including a selection of Campania red wine. Vesum is also known for its seafood. Vesum is located 7.7 km away.
Hotel Room

Tips & Guidelines

  • Try to arrive early to explore the streets and houses before peak visitor hours, as the site is quieter in the morning and the lighting highlights architectural details beautifully.
  • Follow a path through key areas such as the House of the Deer, House of the Wooden Partition, Thermal Baths, and the Boat Houses near the ancient shoreline to ensure you don’t miss major highlights.
  • Take your time in each home and workshop, many details here (wood, textiles, furniture) survived in ways unique to Herculaneum, and reward slow looking.
  • Wear comfortable, grippy walking shoes, as surfaces can be uneven and sometimes damp from preservation work; carry water, especially in warmer months.
  • Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours on-site for a relaxed visit. If combining with Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius, allow additional travel and walking time to avoid rushing.

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum tickets

What does the standard skip-the-line ticket include?

This ticket grants priority entry and access to the full archaeological park. You’re free to explore the preserved streets, houses, baths, and shoreline areas at your own pace.

Do I need to book my Herculaneum tickets in advance?

While tickets are available on-site, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially during spring, summer, and holiday periods. Herculaneum is a compact site, so visitor numbers are managed to prevent crowding.

Is there an audio guide available?

Yes. Multilingual audio guides and digital guidebooks are available as an add-on. They're helpful if you prefer to explore independently while still learning the story of the site.

In what languages are audio guides available?

Avail Herculaneum audio guide tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

Why take a guided tour with an archaeologist?

Much of what makes Herculaneum special, the preserved wood, upper floors, painted walls, and the 300+ victims discovered by the shoreline, has a story that’s easy to miss without explanation. A guided tour helps you understand how and why the town survived so differently from other ancient cities.

Are day trips from Naples, Sorrento, or Pompeii available?

Yes. You can book round-trip transfers that include entry and optional guided tours. This is the most convenient choice if you don’t want to navigate the Circumvesuviana train or coordinate timings yourself.

Is a private tour worth considering?

If you prefer a personalized pace, are traveling with children, or want to focus on specific themes (like daily life, religion, art, or the eruption timeline), a private guide can tailor the visit to your interests.

Can I visit Pompeii and Herculaneum together?

Yes. Combo tickets make it easy to experience both sites. It’s a good way to understand how two Roman communities experienced the same eruption in very different ways.

Does Herculaneum offer free entry on certain days?

Yes. Like many Italian state sites, Herculaneum offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month. These days are busier than usual, so arriving early is recommended.

How long should I plan for my visit?

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours at Herculaneum. If you enjoy archaeology, frescoes, or detailed architectural spaces, you may want longer.

More reads

Ancient columns and walls at Herculaneum ruins in Italy.

History

Group of tourists on a bridge at Herculaneum ruins during a guided tour from Naples.

About

Visitors exploring ancient ruins at Herculaneum, Italy.

Plan your visit