A smaller, better-preserved Roman town than Pompeii, with carbonised wooden beams, upper floors and mosaics intact. Two hours is enough, so it pairs well with Vesuvius in one day.
Herculaneum (Ercolano) is a smaller Roman town on the Bay of Naples in Campania, Italy, buried in 79 AD by pyroclastic flows from Mount Vesuvius rather than falling ash. That difference explains its exceptional preservation: carbonised wooden beams, upper storeys, furniture, staircases and mosaics survive in a way rare at Pompeii. The site lies about 11 km south-east of central Naples, and the Circumvesuviana Sorrento or Poggiomarino-line train from Napoli Garibaldi reaches Ercolano Scavi in roughly 20 minutes for about EUR 2.50-3.50 one way. From the station, the entrance at Corso Resina 187 is a five-minute walk down Via 4 Novembre. Inside the Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, visitors can see the House of the Wooden Partition, the House of the Stags, the House of Neptune and Amphitrite with its glass-paste mosaic, the Suburban Baths and the Thermae, as well as the boat sheds on the ancient shoreline where hundreds of residents sought shelter. The site is compact, and two hours is enough for most visitors, which makes it the easiest ancient site to combine with another stop. A suggested one-day arc is to arrive when the park opens, tour the town in the morning, eat lunch in Ercolano, and then continue by shuttle bus from the station to Mount Vesuvius in the afternoon, or return to Naples for the museum. The best seasons are March-June and September-November, and mornings are quieter than afternoons. Entry costs about EUR 16-18, and tickets can be verified at pompeiisites.org, since the Herculaneum park is managed by the same parks consortium as Pompeii. Food stops include the cafes and pizzerias on Via 4 Novembre and Corso Resina close to the station, plus the modern town's pastry shops. Visitors who also want to see the Villa dei Papiri collection or the carbonised finds can pair the visit with the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, where many of the best Herculaneum objects are displayed. The site is shaded in places by modern roofing, but summer midday can still be hot, so water and a hat are advisable.
| Distance | 11 km (7 miles) south-east of Naples |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 20-25 minutes by Circumvesuviana train |
| Getting there | Circumvesuviana (EAV) Sorrento or Poggiomarino-line train from Napoli Garibaldi to Ercolano Scavi, about 20 minutes, roughly EUR 2.50-3.50 (~$2.90-4.00) one way as reported; then a 5-minute walk down Via 4 Novembre to the entrance |
| Cost | Entry about EUR 16-18 (~$18-21); verify at pompeiisites.org (the Herculaneum park is managed by the Pompeii parks consortium) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, Corso Resina 187, 80056 Ercolano NA |
How to get there
- Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Ercolano Scavi: about 20 min, ~EUR 2.50-3.50; timetable at eavsrl.it
- Combine with Vesuvius by shuttle bus from Ercolano Scavi station to the summit car park (check parconazionaledelvesuvio.it for operators)
- Taxi from central Naples: about 25-40 min, metered
Location
Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, Corso Resina 187, 80056 Ercolano NA
40.8060, 14.3480 View on map
Highlights
- Carbonised wooden beams and upper floors preserved in the House of the Wooden Partition
- Glass-paste mosaic in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite
- The ancient boat sheds on the former shoreline
- Suburban Baths and the Thermae
- Compact layout that suits a two-hour visit
Tips for visiting
- Take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi from Napoli Garibaldi, about 20 minutes
- Allow about two hours, then combine with Vesuvius the same day
- Verify opening hours and prices at pompeiisites.org before travelling
- Visit in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
- Consider an audio guide, since signage is limited in places
When to visit
March-June and September-November are best, and early morning is quietest. Summer midday can be hot despite some covered areas.
Accessibility
Paths include uneven ancient paving and some steps, and the entrance route has a slope down to the excavations. Wheelchair access is partial, so visitors with mobility needs should check with the park beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Herculaneum better than Pompeii?
Herculaneum is smaller but better preserved, with upper floors, wood and mosaics intact. Pompeii is far larger and offers more variety, so many visitors see both.
How do visitors get to Herculaneum from Naples?
Take the Circumvesuviana from Napoli Garibaldi to Ercolano Scavi, about 20 minutes. The entrance is a five-minute walk from the station.
How long is needed at Herculaneum?
About two hours is enough for most visitors. This leaves time to add Mount Vesuvius or a second site in the same day.
How much does entry cost?
Entry is about EUR 16-18 as reported, though prices should be verified at pompeiisites.org since the park is run by the Pompeii parks consortium.