When entry to Pompeii is free
How it works
The first Sunday of every month you can enter without paying the admission fee. All other park rules remain in place: the ticket shows your name, the date and the time slot, and at the gate they’ll ask for ID that matches (ID document). Opening hours are the usual ones, doors open at 9:00 AM and close according to the season.
What it actually means
It means a lot of people had the same idea. On peak days, availability runs out and the queues at the ticket offices are long and slow: a free Sunday is, by definition, a peak day. If it matters to you, get moving early and secure your time slot as soon as you can (book ahead).
What works
- Admission is free, and it covers the entire park
- Great opportunity if you live nearby and can come back several times
- In winter, free Sundays are more manageable
Before you go
- The ticket is still personal and tied to a time slot
- On peak days, availability sells out
- The live guide isn’t included: you book that separately
- If you only have one day, I wouldn’t tie it to a Sunday
My unconventional advice
If you’re passing through Campania for just a few days, don’t squeeze Pompeii into the first Sunday of the month just because it’s free. A Tuesday in October at 9:00 AM gives you a better visit, and the difference in cost is small compared to what you gain in space and quiet: see when to visit and what affects the price.
Frequently asked questions
When is entry to the Pompeii ruins free?
The first Sunday of every month, with the Domenica al Museo initiative. The other rules stay the same: ticket is non-transferable, time slot required, and ID at the gate.
Do I still need to book on free days?
The entry ticket remains non-transferable and with a time slot, and on busy days availability runs out. How it works is explained in booking ahead.
Is the guided tour free that Sunday?
No: admission to the park is free, not the guide. If you want an archaeologist guide, book it as usual from the guided tours.