Herculaneum tickets & tours

4.2(22.6K Ratings)

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Ruins of Herculaneum






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Sylvia Betsch

Sylvia

Jun 2025
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+1 more

The booking went really well, there was no overpriced surcharge. It would have been nice if I had also received a map when I showed my ticket. I didn't see it anywhere myself, but another visitor had one. The excavation site is similar to Pompeii - only smaller and generally less grandiose. The construction and layout of the houses is similar. Easy to traverse in 3 hours. Even on your own, if you want to get a taste of the atmosphere and understand the display boards with explanations in English. If you want more information, you should book a guide.
VIDEAU Aline
FR

Videau

France
Jun 2025
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Clear and simple online transaction. The only (big) drawback is the audio guide! Not in its operation, but in its design. The numbers don't correspond to anything on site, you don't know where you are and the sequences follow one another without any significant pause!
Carolynn M Stanton
US

Carolynn

United States
Jun 2025
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+1 more

Tickets were easy to obtain. When we arrived at the Herculaneum site we were greeted by the check in lady. We were introduced to the Archaeologist Theresa who was brilliant. The tour started on time with the small group as was promised. We all had headsets and could hear Theresa clearly. Her enthusiasm for her chosen profession was inspiring. I'm so glad she was working with us. I would recommend Theresa and this tour to all who are interested even a little, in the Herculaneum site and its history. You will be drawn in and want to learn more. Herculaneum was the main reason I came to Italy. It was so worth while, I loved every minute. Thank you Theresa!!!
Dagna Mirecka-Jones
AU

Dagna

Australia
Mar 2025
Our visit to Pompei and Herkulaneum was truly amazing, as we had an incredible tour guide who turned out to be also a professional archaeologist. Michael made the trip interesting and fun. Our driver Pasquale got us perfectly on time back to Naples centre!
Nadezhda Marinova
BG

Nadezhda

Bulgaria
Dec 2024
Our tour guide Rafaelo was wonderful, he made our visit a memorable experince. He is a great professionalist, with remarkable sence of humor, perfect organizational skills and ability to maintain attention. Thank you, Rafaelo :))
Vanderhauwaert Jean Luc
BE

Vanderhauwaert

Belgium
May 2025
Jozefina was top, good explanation during bus ride,pleasant person, full of passion. Herkulanium was very beautiful, beautifully preserved. Our guide was great, English explanation, calm, well explained, all questions were answered. Highly recommended!!!!!
Gia McDowell

Gia

Aug 2018
My year old was never more attentive than during the tour. You are literally walking amongst the past, with the surroundings still perfectly preserved! Just lovely!
GUIDO VERHOEK
CH

Guido

Switzerland
Jun 2025
Very well preserved buildings and streets. The audio guide takes you back to Roman times. The skeletons at the bottom of the excavation are impressive.

Top things to do in Naples

Why visit Herculaneum?

Buried alongside Pompeii in the catastrophic Vesuvian eruption of 79 AD lies Herculaneum, a smaller yet more opulent Roman city.

Mount Vesuvius’ well-preserved victim

Unlike​ Pompeii, which was smothered by ash, Herculaneum was struck by a superheated pyroclastic surge, a scorching cloud acting as an insulator, essentially flash-baking the city and retaining much of the organic material.

An archaeological treasure trove

Even today, the remains of wooden furniture, doors, roofs, mosaics and frescoes, and even food have been remarkably preserved, offering a unique window into the daily lives of its wealthy residents.

20 minutes from Naples

Herculaneum lies just under 12km away from the bustling city center of Naples, making for a short drive by car. It is also well connected by bus and train lines.

Things to know before booking Herculaneum tickets

  • Skip-the-line tickets allow you to bypass long queues, saving 20 minutes to an hour, and offer flexible entry to explore Herculaneum at your own pace. Enhance your visit with an ​audio guide available in several languages, providing insightful commentary on the daily life of ancient residents.
  • Guided tours offer a more personalized experience, led by expert archaeologists who reveal the ​history and secrets of Herculaneum. Whether in a small group or private setting, you'll gain focused attention and deeper knowledge, making for an interactive and tailored exploration.
  • Combo tickets allow you to visit both ​Herculaneum and Pompeii on separate dates, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can also add Mount Vesuvius to your itinerary, combining all three sites in a seamless day trip.
  • Herculaneum is easily accessible from Naples by train or car. Direct train services are available from Sorrento and the surrounding areas, making it convenient for those staying nearby. You can also opt for day trips with round-trip transfers that combine transport and skip-the-line access, offering a seamless and stress-free experience.
  • While it's possible to purchase tickets on-site during off-peak seasons, it's highly recommended to book in advance during peak tourist periods (spring and summer) to avoid queues and guarantee entry.
  • Those with mobility constraints/wheelchair users can avail of a specially designed route by informing the help desk at the beginning of the site.

Your Herculaneum ticket types explained

Herculaneum Tickets

Skip-the-line tickets

Suited for: Those short on time

What you get

  • Bypassing long ticketing line, you can begin exploring right away, either independently or as part of a guided tour.
  • If you’ve booked a guided tour additionally, meet the archeologist who will whisk you away into the settlement’s folds and regale you with tales of majesty, heroism and heartbreak.

Recommended tours:

  • Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets
  • Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
What does a Herculaneum skip-the-line tour include?
Herculaneum Tickets

Guided tours

Suited for: History and culture enthusiasts

What you get

  • Led by expert local guides, these tours offer in-depth history, trivia, and anecdotes about the ancient city.
  • If you're visiting Mount Vesuvius, benefit from a guide who will offer little-known facts and insights about these areas in an active volcanic belt.

Recommended tours:

  • Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour with an Archaeologist
  • From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with Archaeologist
Book Herculaneum guided tours
Herculaneum Tickets

Day trips

Suited for: Those looking for an end-to-end package tour

What you get

  • Day trips include round-trip transport from Naples, Pompeii or Sorrento, allowing you to explore Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, and even Pompeii in one comprehensive journey. These tours ensure a seamless, stress-free experience with guided visits to multiple iconic sites.
  • In one full day, you can visit Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius and even Pompeii, depending on the ticket type.

Recommended tours:

  • From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii, Herculaneum & Vesuvius Day Trip
  • From Pompeii/Naples: Pompeii & Herculaneum Guided Tour with Archaeologist
Explore day trips to Herculaneum
Herculaneum Tickets

Combo tickets

Suited for: Those who are seeking an in-depth experience

What you get

  • Tick off other attractions on your Campania visit besides Herculaneum. Combo tickets offer better savings as compared to buying individual tickets.
  • Include Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius in your itinerary to get a well-rounded understanding of the region, the consequences of the 79 AD eruption and more.

Recommended tours:

Herculaneum map and navigational guide

The ruins at ​Herculaneum have several interesting attractions to visit, from ancient Roman houses to boat sheds and gymnasiums. Here's a map guide to getting around the ruins on your visit.

Learn about the attractions covered in the Herculaneum map

What to see inside Herculaneum

house of neptune - what to see inside herculaneum
Villa of the Papyri - what to see in Herculaneum
thermal baths - what to see in herculaneum
hall of the augustales - what to see in Herculaneum
Samnite house - what to see in Herculaneum
house of the deer - what to see in Herculaneum
Herculaneum Tickets
Herculaneum Tickets
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House of Neptune

Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.

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Villa of the Papyri

Considered one of the most magnificent villas in Herculaneum, this site gained fame due to the discovery of numerous papyrus scrolls that offer insights into the philosophical and intellectual rigor of the time. The Villa of the Papyri is thought to once have a vineyard and gardens, and has a direct view of the sea from its terraces.

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Thermae (thermal baths)

The thermal baths date back to the 1st century BC and clearly demarcate separate areas for men and women. Once can still identify how the water was heated by a large, still-intact furnace.

Hall of the Augustales

Devotees of Emperor Augustus’ cult met here for their meetings and claimed it as their official seat. It is also identified by various frescos, famous ones portraying Hercules wrestling Achelous.

Samnite House

From all the excavation projects, the Samnite House was identified as one of the oldest aristocratic residences in Herculaneum. Of note is its beautiful flooring, rainwater pool and still-standing columns and pillars.

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House of the Deer

On this spot, one can find another grand villa in Herculaneum, facing the oceanside. These were decorated with statues of deer and large marble tables that one can find in the on-site museum as well. Notice the unique flooring of this villa, as it is covered with intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble chips.

House of the Relief of Telephus

One of the largest buildings to have been excavated in Herculaneum, this house features a relief of Telepho, son of Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This residence is believed to be owned by Roman senator Marco Nonio Balbo.

Fornici

It was in this boat house that some 300 skeletons were found. The remains are thought to be of people who sought to flee Vesuvius’ wrath by the sea, but the heat got to them before they could escape.

Plan your visit to Herculaneum

Herculaneum Timings

March 16 to October 14: 8:30am to 7:30pm.
October 15 to March 15: 8:30am to 5pm.

Last admission: 90 minutes before closing time.
Closed: January 1 and December 25.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Herculaneum is in the morning (before 11am) or during the off-season, between October to April. This offers a more relaxed tour experience.

Herculaneum opening hours
Herculaneum tickets

Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy.
Find on map.

Getting there

By train:  L1, L4
Nearest station:
Ercolana Scavi
By bus: ANM
Nearest stop:
Herculaneum
By car: via A3, E45
Car parking: In addition to various private car parks in the area, the municipal car park in Viale dei Papiri Ercolanesi is operating regularly.

See detailed directions to Herculaneum
Accessiblity
  • Guests with motor disabilities can be assisted with the III Cardo ramp by reaching out to the staff at the entrance.
  • There is an experimental app called Coloredibluerculanus that is available for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Interested visitors can email the site staff a week in advance to use it.
Washroom
  • Bookshop
  • Cloakroom
  • Audioguides
  • Restrooms
  • Information desk
Tips and Guidelines
  • 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.
  • During the opening hours of the park, be sure to experience the Pomegranate Garden inside the House of the Relief of Telephus. It’s also a good idea to visit Maiuri Park, designed by the archeologist who extensively headed Herculaneum’s excavation projects. This botanical oasis is a gateway to appreciating the Naples countryside.
  • If you’re a book lover, look out for and be part of the book sharing exchange that usually happens at the entrance on Corso Resina.
  • There aren't many eateries around, so it is best to carry snacks or food and have a picnic around the site.
Seafood - Plan your visit to Herculaneum
  • 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

Beyond

Pompeii

Pompeii

Pompeii, Herculaneum’s twin site, was also entombed by hot ash and pumice by the Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, preserving the city's structures, artifacts, and even human remains. Unlike Herculaneum, however, the debris that coated Pompeii was far lesser, aiding easier excavation of its remains.

Location: ​16 km away

Book Pompeii tickets
Mount Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius

Still a fire-breathing dragon, Vesuvius is an active volcano that has lost some steam over the years. Now no longer as deadly as it once was, small spurts of sulfur occasionally escape from its mellow peaks. Visit this geological site to get an insight into its terrain and character — and discover how it reduced the cities on its foothills to near ash.

Location: ​12.9 km away

Visit Mount Vesuvius
National Archeological Museum

National Archeological Museum

The Naples National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts from ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other sites in southern Italy. Some noteworthy works include the Bronze Runners from Herculaneum’s Villa of the Papyri, erotic charms and phallic symbols salvaged from Pompeii.

Location: ​19.2 km away

Book National Archeological Museum tickets

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum tickets

How much time can I save with skip-the-line tickets to Herculaneum?

You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.

How would a guided tour enhance my visit?

Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, ​frescoes and mosaics and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.

What are my options if I don't want to avail a guided tour of Herculaneum?

Although nothing quite tops a ​guided tour, you can still learn about the ​history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide. If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.

In what languages are audio guides available?

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

Who can avail discounted tickets to Herculaneum?

Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.

What is the cancelation policy for Herculaneum tickets?

It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.

Is entry free for people with disabilities?

Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.

Can I access all the excavated portions of the Herculaneum with my tickets?

Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, like the ​Villa of the Papyri, for instance.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots inside the Herculaneum that visitors should check out?

While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics.

Are there day trips to Herculaneum that I can book?

Yes, Herculaneum is a popular day trip destination owing to its proximity to Naples. From Naples or Pompeii, book transfers to Herculaneum. To tour Herculaneum from Naples, you need just 3 hours, including travel time. Additionally, along with Herculaneum, you can even visit ​Mount Vesuvius if your ticket permits.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.