Which ticket to choose for Pompeii

For a first visit of just a few hours, the Pompeii Express is more than enough, since it covers the entire ancient city. Pompei+ only makes sense if you also want the villas outside the walls. The real question isn’t which ticket, but whether you want a live guide, an audio guide, or nothing at all: that’s what everything else depends on.

First visitPompeii Express

With the villasPompei+

ValidityAssigned day and time slot

HeaderFull name, ID required

Audio guideApp or device, five languages

Multi-siteOplontis, Stabiae and Boscoreale Pass

The two official options

The park sells Pompei Express, which gives you access to the ancient city, and Pompei+, which also includes Villa dei Misteri, Villa of Diomedes, and Villa Regina in Boscoreale with the Antiquarium. There are also passes that combine multiple Vesuvian sites (Oplontis, Stabiae, Boscoreale) and the annual MyPompeii card, which only makes sense if you live here or visit often. You can find the exact difference between the first two in Express or Plus.

Then choose the guide that will accompany you

This is the choice that transforms your day. With the entry-only ticket, you get an audio guide—either an app on your phone or a physical device—in Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, and you explore whenever and however you like. With a guided tour, you walk for two hours behind an archaeologist guide, in a group of no more than twelve people, with headsets so you can hear them even from the back. With a private tour, the archaeologist is all yours, and you adjust the route as you go.

What works

The Pompei Express covers everything people come to see
The audio guide ticket includes baggage storage and wheelchair access
The group guided tour gives you the context, then lets you explore on your own
Cancellation is free on almost all options

Before you go

Pompei+ is only worth it if you have time to venture beyond the walls
The ticket is named: at the entrance, they’ll ask for your name, date, and time slot
On peak days, from May to September, availability runs out
The audio guide won’t answer the questions that pop up when you’re standing in front of a fresco

What I’d pick, case by case

First time, short on hours, no desire to study: join a group tour and skip the boring part of the queue. Second visit or curiosity already sparked at home: entry with an audio guide. Small family with a kid firing off questions: go private, no hesitation. Full details are in all the tours, and if you’re only interested in guided options, check out the guided tours.

Recommended by those who’ve been there

No matter which ticket you choose, pick the time slot closest to the 9:00 AM opening. Shade is scarce in Pompeii, and the paving stones get scorching hot.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the best ticket for Pompeii?

For the vast majority of visitors, the Pompei Express with an audio guide—or a group tour if it’s your first time. The Pompei+ is only worth it if you also want Villa dei Misteri and the other villas outside the walls.

Is the ticket also valid for Herculaneum?

No, they’re two separate sites with different tickets, though there are combined options that cover both. The comparison between the two is in Pompeii or Herculaneum.

How long is the ticket valid for?

One day, with a timed entry slot. Once inside, you can stay until closing time: exact hours by season are on when to visit Pompeii.