Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum 

Located at the western base of Mount Vesuvius and around 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Naples, Herculaneum is an ancient city destroyed along with Pompeii by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption.

The eruption in A.D. 79 killed an estimated 30,000 people, making it one of the deadliest eruptions in European history.

Even today, Mount Vesuvius holds a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous and the largest volcanoes in Europe.

The volcano is just 6 miles from the modern city of Naples and is a top-rated visitor attraction, with many visitors coupling a half day at Pompeii or Herculaneum with a visit to Mount Vesuvius.

Did you know?
It is anticipated that another eruption could occur in the near future, posing a significant threat to the approximately 700,000 individuals living within the “death zones” surrounding Vesuvius.

How far was Herculaneum from Mount Vesuvius?

Mount Vesuvius is a stratovolcano on the Gulf of Naples in Campania, Italy.

It’s almost 5.6 miles (9 km) east of Naples and a short distance from the shore.

How to visit Mount Vesuvius from Herculaneum

To reach Herculaneum, take the Vesuvio Express Bus from the Circumvesuviana train station from Herculaneum.

The bus will drop you at the arrival area on Vesuvius at 1,050 meters above sea level.

From here, you will hike for about 20 minutes along an easy trail with a guide to the crater.

The bus departs every 40 minutes beginning at 9:30 am.

From Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius

From Pompeii, every hour bus via del Vesuvio departs from the Circumvesuviana train station at Pompeii Villa dei Misgtri.

The bus departs every hour from 9 am to 3 pm.

The bus will take you to the Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio. Here, you will be transferred to an eco bus continuing along the historic “Matrone” road to the Vesuvius visitor areas at 1,050 above sea level. 

You will hike around 320 minutes from here along an easy trail to the Carter. 

Explore Naples on Your Own Pace

From Naples 

The Circumvesuviana train departs from Naples’s main station to Herculaneum or Pompeii Scavi. 

Shuttle buses (Vesuvio Express) are available from Herculaneum station, which will take you to Mount Vesuvius in around 20 minutes. 

From Sorrento 

Take the local Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi: Villa dei Misteri, a 35-minute journey. 

Then, catch the EAV bus from Pompeii’s Anfiteatro Square bus terminal.

Mount Vesuvius Ticket Prices

Mount Vesuvius skip-the-line tickets are the cheapest and fastest way to climb Mt Vesuvius.

Admission to Vesuvuis costs €22 for all.

Select the preferred time slot: 11:20 am, 11:40 am, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm and ascend the mountain at a pace that suits you.

For an even more enriching experience, consider our comprehensive package for €52. This includes not only your entry ticket and audio guide but also a handy Bus Transfer. 

Day trip to Mount Vesuvius

Combining Mount Vesuvius with a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum is a fantastic plan. 

We recommend starting your day with a visit to Vesuvius in the morning, followed by Pompeii and Herculaneum. 

Buses connecting Vesuvius to Herculaneum and Pompeii function until 3 in the afternoon, making it a convenient and enjoyable itinerary.

Pompeii Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius tours

These are three shortlisted tours to Mount Vesuvius. You can choose the best one according to your needs.

Featured Image: Edella from Getty Images (Canva)