Excursion to Vesuvius

Vesuvius is the famous volcano that erupted in Roman times (AD 79) and buried the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti and Stabiae.

The volcano is located just 6km from the modern city of Naples and is a popular visitor attraction with many combining a half day in Pompeii with a visit to Vesuvius.

Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The volcano has an eruption cycle of about 20 years, but the last eruption was in 1944.

It is not dangerous to visit Vesuvius at all but you should be prepared before you go. This is not Disneyland, the vehicles do not go to the top, but will drop you off at an altitude of about 1000 metres.

The trail to the top is just 200 metres. For most people in reasonable condition it is fine, but if you are not 100% fit or have a medical problem, you may want to advise.

The most common mistake tourists make is not simply to come unprepared. Many show up in t-shirts not realizing that it is much colder at this altitude than on the coast. You may need rain gear, you may need a hat, a sunscreen and lots of water – just be prepared.

Vesuvius National Park

Since 1995 the volcano has been a national park.

Gone is the funicular railway and commercial exploitation, in its place nature trails, conservation of wildlife and local culture is the focus. Of the nine trails, trail no. 5 is the one most tourists take from the car park (for which there is a fee) to the crater cone.

The road ends about 250 metres from the end of the service, but only hiking and public buses are allowed at the end of the roads. If you are driving, the main car park is about another 100 metres downhill, so a further climb to the entrance is required.

At the end of the roads there is an official ticket office/building and a barrier of bars, and tourist restaurants before you get to the entrance of the trail to the crater. Note, it is best to assume that there will be no toilets available during your entire visit!

After paying for your ticket and going through the ticket barrier it’s a 15-20 minute grind up a wide gravel path. The path isn’t steep but it is relentless and you’ll need a test or three along the way, only if you’re totally out of shape will it be a problem. There’s a procession of people of all ages and sizes. Appropriately the elderly bound up the hill leaving the out of shape teenagers in their wake and the toddlers seem to have a bit of a problem.

Once you’ve got the worst of the climb behind you and almost to the crater rim there’s a hut where you can wait for a scheduled tour from a volcanology guide if you like, which is free and part of the entrance fee. It’s only a short tour of 10 minutes or so but gives a good overview of what you’re seeing. The tour is available in several languages ​​including English.

Unless the volcano is shrouded in cloud, expect great views no matter how far you venture. The views over the Bay of Naples are fantastic. Don’t expect bubbling lakes or anything like that, it’s like a moonscape and the sulfur gases are about what you should expect.

Once the guide has dropped you off, the trail continues and circles the crater rim to the other side. The trail gradually narrows and there are a few steps to negotiate before reaching the end.

Getting to Vesuvius by public transport

Many visitors visit Mount Vesuvius by tour buses that go directly to the car park at 1,000m. For independent travellers, the journey will be in two stages. First a journey on the Circumvesuviana train from Naples or Sorrento to Ercolano Scavi or Pompeii train station, then a bus of one type or another.

Circumvesuviana Train

In Naples, Circumvesuviana trains depart from two stations including the main central station (Garibaldi).

From Naples, travel times are approximately 20 minutes from Ercolano Scavi and 40 minutes from Pompeii.

From Sorrento, travel times are approximately 50 minutes from Ercolano Scavi and 30 minutes from Pompeii.

Trains are cheap and crowded, ticket offices do not take credit cards, only cash.

Ercolano Scavi at Vesuvius

Ercolano Scavi is the closest station to the access to Vesuvius. When you leave the train station there is normally a collection of taxis and mini-buses that will take you to Vesuvius.

The reviews on things like TripAdvisor were very mixed, the main problem being around the logistics of the return route.

Vesuvio Express Herculaneum

There is a more formal shuttle service called Vesuvio Express that advertises on its website that runs every 40 minutes from Herculaneum station.

Pompeii at Mount Vesuvius

Although Pompeii is further from Mount Vesuvius, the bus options to Mount Vesuvius are more touristy with fixed timetables, established tour companies and advance ticketing.

The main tour company from Pompeii, you will find either as you exit Pompeii Circumvesuviana station.

Busvia del Vesuvio

The planned vehicles of Busvia del Vesuvio are certainly the most professional and the proposal offered is also the best described in advance.

Departures are every hour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in 23-seater, air-conditioned vehicles.

The journey time is 2.5 hours and you can book in advance on their website.

Public bus EavBus / Sita

The local bus company, EavBus / Sita, operates a bus service halfway between Pompeii and Vesuvius. The same buses are used on this route as any other public service in and around Pompeii.

The bus service runs crudely every 50 minutes during the day.

The bus stop is located on the Piazza Anfiteatro, just outside the main entrance to the ruins of Pompeii. Note, this is not the entrance from the Pompei Circumvesuviana station, but is located in the centre of Pompeii, a 15-minute walk from the Pompei Circumvesuviana station.

The touts wandering the streets pushing tours to Vesuvius may tell you that the public bus only runs at the height of the summer season very rarely – don’t believe them.

You’ll pay the driver while you’re on board like any public bus service and buy tickets for Vesuvius when you arrive.

The buses may not be in pristine condition and the driver provides no comment, but this option is certainly the cheapest and gives you full flexibility on how much time you spend on Vesuvius.