Train from Pompeii to Rome

There are no direct trains connecting the modern city of Pompei, to Rome, but by using the high-speed train from Naples to Rome, you can cover the 185-mile (298 km) trip in less than 2.5 hours. Make sure to not confuse Pompei with Pompeii, which is the nearby excavation of the ancient city.

Frequent Trains from Pompeii to Rome Termini Station

There are up to 9 trains per day that you can take to get from the ruins of Pompeii to Roma Termini train station. First, you need to take the Circumvesuviana train, which serves Pompei, to Napoli Centrale Station. From there, you must take a Frecciarossa train from Napoli Centrale to Roma Termini, which is part of Trenitalia’s network of high-speed Alta Velocità (AV) trains. There are also Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains on the Naples-Rome route.

The fastest journey takes less than 2 hours 20 minutes, and there are a few other options taking just under three hours. Some one-way trips take more than four hours, however, so pay careful attention when you’re booking your tickets. Ticket prices range from $18-33.

Italo trains serve both Rome and Naples, but not Pompeii. To include Italo in your itinerary, you would need to take the local train from the excavation site, and then an Italo train from Napoli Centrale. The trip from Naples to Rome on Italo takes just over one hour.

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times. Also, several AV trains from Napoli Centrale will take you to stations in Rome other than Termini, like Tiburtina, Ostiense, and San Pietro. Make sure to check your destination when booking your train.

Direct Trains from Pompei to Rome

There are no direct trains from Pompeii to Rome. In all cases, you’ll need to change trains once, at Napoli Centrale, after taking the train from Pompei.

Amenities on Trains from Pompei to Rome

Circumvesuviana trains typically have older cars, and they don’t travel very fast. Reservations are not required for passengers, and if you’re visiting during the high season, you may not find a seat, and will have to stand for the duration of the ride. The experience is similar to an above-ground subway. 

The top of the line AV trains are called Frecciarossa, and include air conditioning and power outlets in your seat for your convenience. There are both 1st class and 2nd class cars. First class passengers get a free drink and a choice of newspaper. A cafe car is available to all passengers.

On Frecciargento and Frecciabianca trains, there are also both 1st-class and 2nd-class cars. As with Frecciarossa trains, 1st-class passengers get a free drink and a newspaper. There is sometimes a cafe car which all passengers can use, and power outlets are in both class cars at each seat.

Pompei and Rome Train Stations

The train station for the Pompeii excavations is in the modern Italian city of Pompei, which is spelled differently from the ancient city. It’s called Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri, and it is served by the Circumvesuviana train line.

Napoli Centrale is Naples' biggest station, and it's on Piazza Garibaldi which is a main hub for city and regional buses. There's also a Metro (subway) station connected to Napoli Centrale called Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. Make sure to be prepared ahead of time, so that you know where you are going once outside of the station, or which bus or taxi to take.

Roma Termini is the city's largest station, and also a major transportation hub within Rome. Many bus lines stop right outside the station, and there is also a Metro station inside Termini.