Positano and Pompeii are only about 25 miles (39 km) apart and can be reached by private car, public bus, or private shuttle bus. The fastest way is by car or shuttle bus because public buses and trains can take up to 2.5 hours.
How much is a taxi from Positano to Pompeii?
Expect to pay 120-140 EUR for a one-way ride to Pompeii. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and some taxi drivers will wait as you tour the archeological site for a flat hourly fee. If you decide to take a taxi, make sure you confirm the total price before starting the drive.
Is Pompeii really worth it?
It is definitely worth a visit! Pompeii is a rare chance to see a Roman city frozen. Its mix of tragedy and intrigue has kept archeologists and historians fascinated for centuries. Although it was found in the 1600s, there are still regular discoveries and portions today waiting to be excavated and studied.
What is the easiest way to get to Pompeii?
Traveling directly to Pompeii by car is the easiest way, as you wonтАЩt be beholden to a train or bus schedule. Hiring a private driver spares you from having to drive on ItalyтАЩs winding roads or worrying about returning a rental car in a city with tiny streets built for traveling by foot. For day trips, a private driver is a great way to keep the car minded while you enjoy your excursions.
Can I take a ferry to Pompeii?
No. You would need to take a ferry from Positano to Sorrento, then Sorrento to Pompei, and then a bus from the ferry dock to the archaeological site. Ferries from Sorrento to Pompeii are infrequent, so odds are you will have an easier and faster journey on land with a private car, shuttle bus, or public bus.
Pompeii is an easy and excellent car trip from Positano, given its close proximity to many excursions in the area. You can go from Positano to Pompeii in about one hour and 10 minutes if you take a private car service across the Sorrentine Peninsula.
This part of Italy is one of the birthplaces of civilization, so while Pompeii is the most famous, it's far from the only attraction. The 25-mile (39 km) drive can easily be broken up with a hike at Mt. Vesuvius, a meal and tour at the Cantina del Vesuvio winery, or a visit to other archaeological sites like Herculaneum or Stabia.
About Pompeii
Pompeii was a thriving Roman city and home to up to 20,000 people until the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried it under a pile of ash. Today, Pompeii is one of the world's most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The excavated ruins cover an extensive area and reveal well-preserved streets, public buildings, and private homes just as they were 2,000 years ago.
A trip from Positano to Pompeii is the chance to see a unique snapshot of Roman life during this specific period. The ruins provide a captivating and educational experience for visitors interested in history, archaeology, and ancient cultures.
But did you know there are two Pompeiis? Pompeii, with "ii", refers to the ancient archeological site, but Pompei, with a single "i", is the modern town not too far from the original site. Modern Pompei is also often referred to as Pompei Scavi. It is located near the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii. While the ancient ruins attract millions of visitors each year, the modern town of Pompei is also worth a visit, even if it's just for lunch.
From Positano to Pompeii: travel tips
Make your trip from Positano to Pompeii the best it can be by following these three easy travel tips.
Visit early
It is no surprise that Pompeii is a popular site. Beat the crowds and plan for an early departure time from Positano to make the most of the daylight hours. Another benefit of visiting in the morning is there's not much shade in Pompeii, so it will spare you from the blazing midday sun.
### Wear comfortable shoes
Your thin flip-flops wonтАЩt stand a chance on ItalyтАЩs rocky paths, endless staircases, and hilly landscapes. You'll be doing a lot of walking in Pompeii, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (that youтАЩve already broken in!) for your walk around the archeological site.
### Be mindful of pickpockets
Italy is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Stay vigilant in tourist areas and public transportation. Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items. Fortunately, when you travel with Daytrip, you can leave your belongings safe and secure in the car with your driver.
How to get from Positano to Pompeii
If you're trying to plan how to get from Positano to Pompeii, your options are limited to a private car, a shared shuttle, or a public bus. Daytrip offers shuttle bus services as well as private drivers, depending on how youтАЩd like to experience your Positano to Pompeii trip.
### Positano to Pompeii with a private driver
A private driver is the fastest and easiest way to get from Positano to Pompeii. Your Daytrip driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Positano (if it's car accessible) and take you to the Pompeii entrance. Or, if you plan to stay overnight in modern Pompei, they can drop you at your accommodation there.
The Pompeii area has so much to see in such a short distance that you should take advantage of the freedom to visit nearby sights. Add the Scavi di Stabia Archeological Site, Herculaneum Archaeological Area, the Bosco de' Medici Winery, or lunch at Cantina del Vesuvio to round out your day.
### Positano to Pompeii with a shuttle bus
Daytrip also offers shuttle bus options to and from Pompeii. Just choose your departure date and time and meet your driver at the designated pick-up point. And for the ride back, just book another ride for when you plan to leave Pompeii. This combines the cost-savings of shared transportation with the time-savings and convenience of a private vehicle.
### Positano to Pompeii by public bus
SITA has routes between Positano and Pompeii. The ride takes about 2 hours and tickets cost between 7-22 EUR each way. Buses leave at least once per hourтАФjust make sure you donтАЩt miss the last one back to Positano!
Things to do when you get to Pompeii
A day trip from Positano to Pompeii has more than enough things to do to fill the day. Visit these must-see attractions when you get to Pompeii!
Pompeii Archeological Site
Pompeii's 44-hectare park is a chunk of the ancient city, so you'll be able to walk the 2000-year-old streets past shops, villas, baths, temples, fountains, and even street cleaning systems. If you're just interested in seeing the highlights, plan to visit for 2-3 hours. If you want to cover the whole site or know you dawdle over the details, 5-6 hours would be more appropriate.
Pre-ordering your tickets beforehand is highly encouraged. Check out all your ticket options thoroughly and pick the one that best fits your timeframe and which sites youтАЩd like to see.
### Pompei Cathedral (Cattedrale di Pompei)
This Baroque-style cathedral is located a short distance from the ruins in the town center. It is known for its intricate religious artwork and is home to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Rosary.
### Mount Vesuvius and the Herculaneum Archaeological Area
You'll need to arrange separate transportation (or add it as a sightseeing stop when you ride with Daytrip), but the story of Pompeii isnтАЩt complete without a trip to Mt. Vesuvius. Mt. Vesuvius National Park has 11 trails of varying difficulty where you can get an up-close view of rare flora and fauna that live around the volcano. Mt. Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe, and last erupted in 1944.
PompeiiтАЩs sister site, the Herculaneum Archaeological Area, is another well-preserved snapshot into Roman life 2,000 years ago. It was destroyed by the same Mt. Vesuvius eruption that took Pompeii. These sites are not far from each other, and with Daytrip, you can easily add these stops to your itinerary!
When is the best time to visit Pompeii
PompeiiтАЩs main attraction is the outdoor archaeological site, so you will definitely need to visit when the weather is comfortable for you and the forecast is clear skies. The best time to make your visit from Positano to Pompeii, as with most of the Mediterranean area, is during the spring months of April to June and the fall months of September to October.
During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 59┬░ to 77┬░ Fahrenheit (15┬░ to 25┬░ Celsius). Summer can be a bit too intense, given that the archeological site has very little shade, but if you visit in the summer, go early in the morning to the ruins.
The remains of villas in this ancient Roman resort town show how the upper echelon lived 2000 years ago.┬аParadise Lost┬а
Herculaneum Archaeological Area
While not as well-known as Pompeii, this UNESCO-listed Roman city was also shockingly well-preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.┬аThe Other Lost City┬а
Mount Vesuvius
The worldтАЩs most famous volcano offers a strangely beautiful natural landscape and air of history.┬аBlast from the Past┬а
Cantina del Vesuvio
This vineyard and restaurant makes the most of Vesuvius' volcanic soil, producing delicious wine to compliment its excellent restaurant.
┬аAn Explosion of Flavour┬а
Villa di Poppea
Believed to be a royal vacation home, this opulent villa was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, preserving its frescoes, and inhabitants.┬аAn Empress-ive Villa┬а
Bosco de' Medici Winery
This winery and resort lets visitors get a taste of local flavor through its fine wine and traditional local cuisine. ┬аA Taste of Pompeii┬а
