Pompeii Entrances: Which One to Take?

The silent city of Pompeii, 150 miles south of Rome, offers the best of ancient Roman culture. 

Once a thriving city, it was struck tragically by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, making the Pompeii ruins a startling attraction. 

If you plan to visit Pompeii, you must know it has three entrances: Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro, and Piazza Esedra.

Each entrance offers a unique character and is a gateway through this city’s history, culture and soul. 

Scroll down to read about the different entrances to Pompeii and which one you should take.

Where is Pompeii?

Address: Pompeii, Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy.

This ancient Roman city is situated in the Campania area of southern Italy, approximately 150 miles south of Rome and 15 miles south of Naples.

Sorrento and Positano, on the Amalfi coast, are two nearby towns. The former is 16 miles from Pompeii, and Positano is 22 miles away.

Nearest Landmark: Mount Vesuvius [9 km]. 

Pompeii Entrances and How to Get There?

There are three different gates to enter Pompeii Archaeological Park. Below are the points about which one you should choose:

1. Piazza Porta Marina Entrance

Porta Marina is the top and most famous entrance choice for visitors, as it is closest to Scavi Station – Villa Dei Misteri train station. 

You will find many amenities there, such as information kiosks and souvenir stores. 

This entrance is even wheelchair accessible and people can see the Pompeii Ruins through a path specially made for them. 

2. Piazza Anfiteatro Gate

To visit Pompeii’s important sites, you must enter through the Anfiteatro gate.

It is a 15-minute walk from the main (Porta Marina) entrance and includes many facilities, such as toilets, bookshops, and ATMs.

3. Piazza Esedra Entrance

This entrance is adjacent to Piazza Marina and is only for those booking group tours. 

It is the least crowded of the other entrances. However, big crowds will be during peak hours, holidays or busy seasons. 

Also, the lack of facilities at this entrance is one reason fewer visitors use it to enter Pompeii. 

How Long Are the Queues at the Pompeii Entances?

You will see two lines at each entrance:

• Queue 1 is for visitors who need to purchase tickets on-site, and the waiting line can be long. 
• Queue 2 is for those already having a ticket to Pompeii, and the lines are comparatively short. 

Which Entrance You Should Take?

Choosing a suitable entrance depends on your mode of transportation.

If you travel by train, choose Porta Marina Gate, which is closest to Scavi Station. 

The Piazza Anfiteatro gate is the best option for seeing Pompeii’s modern town and immediately jumping to the most important sites, such as the forum and amphitheater. 

If you travel by bus or book a private tour, you can enter through the Piazza Esedra entrance, as most buses pass through this gate.

Disabled Access at Pompeii Entrances 

Pompeii is an ancient ruins dating back centuries, which made the grounds uneven, but this will not stop you from exploring the ruins. 

The Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro entrances have wheelchair ramps, allowing visitors with mobility issues to explore the ruins comfortably.

The third entrance, Piazza Esedra, also offers an accessible route called “Pompeii per tutti” or “Pompeii for all” to help visitors explore Pompeii.

FAQs about Pompeii Entrances

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