Overview
Pompeii has a daily limit of 20,000 entries and every ticket is personal, with the visitor’s name on it. From 16 March to 14 October entries are split into two bands: up to 15,000 people between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and up to 5,000 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are sold online through Vivaticket, the park’s official seller, and at the ticket offices on site.
Missed the window? Book a guided visit with entry included
Licensed operators hold their own allocation of tickets. A guided visit is the realistic way in when the official release is gone — and you skip the queue.
Exact tour we link to:Pompeii Guided Tour
See guided visits & pricesBooking partner: Civitatis. Free cancellation on most tours.
The morning band is the one that fills first. The Pompeii Express ticket (€20) covers the ancient city; Pompeii+ (€25) adds the suburban villas, including the Villa of the Mysteries. A guided tour with admission included is the easy way in when the morning band is gone.
At a glance
| Do you need a permit or reservation? | Named ticket with a daily cap |
|---|---|
| Cost | €20 |
| How to get it | Buy online through Vivaticket, the park’s official seller, choosing your date and entry band. |
| When it opens | Rolling window · 9:00–13:00 · 13:00–17:30 |
| All-inclusive alternative | Pompeii Guided Tour |
| Official rules | pompeiisites.org Official ticket sales — Vivaticket |
How the permit works
- 1Buy online through Vivaticket, the park’s official seller, choosing your date and entry band.
- 2Enter the name of each visitor — tickets are personal.
- 3Pick Pompeii Express (ancient city, €20) or Pompeii+ (adds the suburban villas, €25).
- 4Enter within your band through Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro or Piazza Esedra.
Required documents
- Named ticket (phone or printout)
- ID matching the name on the ticket
- Proof of eligibility for EU 18–25 reduced tickets
Insider tips
- If the morning band is full, the afternoon band (1:00–5:30 p.m.) is cooler in spring and much quieter.
- Last entry in summer is 5:30 p.m. and the site closes at 7:00 p.m.; in winter last entry is 3:30 p.m.
- Wear proper shoes — the Roman paving stones are uneven and there is very little shade.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a daily limit at Pompeii?
Yes. The park allows up to 20,000 entries a day, and tickets are personal (named).
Do I have to choose an entry time for Pompeii?
From 16 March to 14 October you choose one of two bands: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (up to 15,000 people) or 1:00–5:30 p.m. (up to 5,000).
How much does a Pompeii ticket cost?
Pompeii Express is €20 and Pompeii+ is €25; a multi-site pass that adds Oplontis and Stabiae is €30. Prices are from the official park page (valid from 12 January 2026).
Where do I buy official Pompeii tickets?
Online through Vivaticket, the official seller named by the park, or at the park’s ticket offices at Porta Marina, Piazza Anfiteatro and Piazza Esedra.
What are Pompeii’s opening hours?
Summer (16 March–14 October): 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., last entry 5:30 p.m. Winter: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., last entry 3:30 p.m. Closed 25 December and 1 January.