Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Skip the Line Tours

You’ve heard of the frightening yet awe-inspiring fury of Vesuvius, and you want to see how it played out in 79 AD. You find yourself in Herculaneum, one of the finest preserved towns left of ancient Rome. Remarkably, what destroyed this quaint town is also what preserved it. Ready to enter through the gates of the Archeological Park of Herculaneum? Book skip-the-line tickets to cut the queues and discover the tragic glory of yesteryear.

Why should you book skip-the-line tickets to Herculaneum?

Bid goodbye to the crowds: Although Herculaneum is not a crowded destination generally, during the peak season, it can take longer than usual to get past the ticketing office and enter the site. With skip-the-line tickets, you can bypass these queues to enter the archeological park without hassle.
Get more time inside the park: You can expect to save at least 20-30 minutes with your priority access tickets. The time saved in standing in long queues can be spent in walking through the ruins at your own pace. You never know when you might need the extra few minutes to linger at a fresco, or gaze out to the stunning view of the Bay of Naples.
Your ticket might also include a bonus: It’s a great idea to book priority access tickets that offer guided tours. This way, your guide can whisk you inside and you can begin your visit smoothly. Bonus: you get insider information about the site from a knowledgeable guide!

Choose the priority access ticket that's right for you

Basic entry tickets

Suited for: Those on a budget
Duration: Flexible

Bypass the queues and enter Herculaneum. Visit the old and new excavated ruins — including the Villa of the Papyri.
Note that this experience doesn’t come with a guide.

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Guided tours

Suited for: History and archeology enthusiasts
Duration: 2 hours

Meet your guide at the entrance and waste no time entering the park. Learn about the population that lived here, the nature and function of buildings and more with an archeologist.
You can choose between an English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide/archeologist.

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Audio guide tours

Suited for: Solo travelers
Duration: Flexible

Explore the ruins at your own pace and in the way you like with an audio guide. Listen to a narrator explain the significance of the villas, frescoes and other remnants you see.
Choose an audio guide in any of these languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish or German

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How to skip the lines at Herculaneum

Book tickets online: Pre-booking tickets helps you save time that on-spot tickets don’t guarantee. You can also choose a time and date of your convenience when you book tickets online.
Book skip-the-line tickets: This one’s obvious, but only this ticket type will help you bypass the long queues that are likely to arise during peak season (the summer months between June and September). Basic entry tickets and even certain combo tickets don’t offer this feature.
Avail a guided tour: Booking a guided tour also gives you the benefit of bypassing the queues and heading straight into the attraction. Your guide, after confirming your tickets, will begin your tour without delay.
Take an early hours tour: Timings matter. Entering the park before 11am offers the best chances of a peaceful and relaxed visit. Crowds are thinner and the weather is also more agreeable. If you’ve opted for a guided tour, your guide is also likely to be fresh and ready for a new day. While planning your visit, try to make the most of the early hours.

Explore more Herculaneum ticket options

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets

Can I purchase last minute skip-the-line tickets to Herculaneum?

Yes, although we do offer last minute tickets, it’s best to book priority access tickets in advance as they are highly in demand. Especially during peak season (i.e. the summer months and holiday months like December and January), these tickets get sold out quickly, so we recommend that you buy these tickets beforehand.

Do my skip-the-line tickets offer additional benefits?

Some priority access tickets also come with guided tour options and audio guides. These will cost anywhere between €10-30 extra for the added benefit of an educational experience.

Can I choose a specific time slot while booking skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, at the time of booking, you have the option to choose the date and time you’d like to make your visit. This feature helps you plan your visit and time it well (we understand you may want to see nearby attractions too) to make the most of your experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule my skip-the-line tickets?

You can cancel your skip-the-line experience with an archeologist up to 24 hours beforehand. Unfortunately, the experience cannot be canceled or rescheduled.

Can I use my Herculaneum skip-the-line tickets to enter and exit the site multiple times a day?

Once you exit the Archeological Park of Herculaneum, it is not possible to re-enter with the same ticket, skip-the-line or otherwise.