Visit the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, one of the best-preserved Roman cities buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
The entrance ticket includes access to the archaeological site and a downloadable digital audio guide, allowing you to explore Herculaneum independently and at your own pace.
Book your Herculaneum entrance ticket
What's included?
The current ticket includes:
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entrance to Herculaneum Archaeological Park;
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downloadable digital audio guide.
The audio guide is currently available in:
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English;
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French;
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Italian;
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Spanish.
A live guided tour is not included.
How does the digital audio guide work?
The link to download the audio guide is included in your booking voucher.
Follow the instructions provided after booking and download the necessary content to your smartphone.
It is advisable to complete the download before beginning your visit and to bring your own earphones.
How do you enter Herculaneum?
Show your smartphone ticket at the ticket office.
You will be admitted according to the first available entrance slot.
Keep your digital voucher available throughout the entrance procedure.
Where is Herculaneum?
The archaeological park is located at:
Corso Resina
80056 Ercolano, Naples
The site lies between Naples and Pompeii, at the western foot of Mount Vesuvius.
How to reach Herculaneum from Naples
One of the easiest ways to reach Herculaneum from Naples is by Circumvesuviana train.
Take the train from Napoli Garibaldi towards Sorrento and get off at:
Ercolano Scavi
From the station, walk downhill towards Corso Resina and the archaeological park.
Why visit Herculaneum?
Herculaneum and Pompeii were both destroyed during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, but the two archaeological sites were preserved in very different ways.
At Herculaneum, volcanic material buried the ancient town and preserved elements that rarely survive at Roman sites, including:
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wooden structures;
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doors and furniture;
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upper floors;
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mosaics;
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frescoes;
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shops;
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houses;
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public buildings.
The archaeological area is much smaller than Pompeii, making it easier to explore in a few hours.
What can you see in Herculaneum?
Among the most interesting areas and buildings are:
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the ancient streets;
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Roman houses;
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bath complexes;
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shops and workshops;
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courtyards;
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mosaics;
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wall paintings;
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remains of wooden architectural elements;
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the ancient shoreline area.
The buildings open to visitors can vary because archaeological areas may occasionally close for conservation work.
Check dates and availability for Herculaneum tickets
Herculaneum or Pompeii?
The two sites are different and complement each other.
Herculaneum
Herculaneum is:
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smaller;
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easier to explore in a shorter visit;
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particularly well preserved;
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notable for surviving wooden and organic remains.
Pompeii
Pompeii is:
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much larger;
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more varied;
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a more complete example of a Roman city;
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better suited to visitors who want to spend several hours exploring.
If possible, visiting both provides the most complete understanding of the Roman communities destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
How long should you spend at Herculaneum?
For most visitors, approximately 2–3 hours is enough for a good visit.
The site is considerably more compact than Pompeii, so it can be explored without dedicating an entire day.
Visitors particularly interested in Roman architecture, mosaics and frescoes may prefer to allow additional time.
Entry ticket or guided tour?
This ticket is ideal if you prefer to explore independently with an audio guide.
A live guided tour may be a better choice if you want:
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detailed archaeological explanations;
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help interpreting the buildings;
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a structured route;
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the opportunity to ask questions.
For a guided option:
Herculaneum: Entry Ticket + Guided Tour
Can you visit Pompeii and Herculaneum on the same day?
Yes.
The Circumvesuviana railway connects Ercolano Scavi and Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri, making it possible to visit both archaeological sites in one day.
However, combining them independently requires careful planning.
If you prefer tickets, transportation between the sites and a guide already organized:
Pompeii & Herculaneum: Fast Track Ticket + Guided Tour
Can you visit Mount Vesuvius from Herculaneum?
Yes.
Ercolano is one of the main departure points for transportation to Mount Vesuvius.
Several options are available, including:
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transport only;
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transport combined with Vesuvius entrance.
If you still need your Vesuvius ticket:
Mount Vesuvius: Entry Ticket + Round-Trip Transport from Herculaneum
If you already have a Vesuvius entrance ticket:
Mount Vesuvius from Herculaneum: Round-Trip Transport Only
What should you wear?
Herculaneum involves walking on ancient streets, steps and uneven archaeological surfaces.
Wear:
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comfortable walking shoes;
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light clothing in summer;
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hat and sunscreen during hot weather;
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weather protection when necessary.
The site contains more shaded areas than Pompeii, but summer temperatures can still be high.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The current ticket information lists Herculaneum as wheelchair accessible.
However, as with any archaeological site, some ancient areas may contain uneven surfaces, steps or restricted passages.
Visitors with specific mobility requirements should check the route available on the day of their visit.
What should you bring?
Useful items include:
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smartphone with your ticket;
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charged phone for the audio guide;
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earphones;
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drinking water;
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comfortable shoes;
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sun protection.
A power bank can also be useful if you plan to use your smartphone for several hours.
Cancellation and rescheduling
The current booking conditions allow:
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cancellation until 23:59 on the day before the visit;
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rescheduling until 23:59 on the day before the visit.
Check the final conditions displayed during booking before completing your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herculaneum admission included?
Yes. The ticket includes entrance to Herculaneum Archaeological Park.
Is an audio guide included?
Yes. A downloadable digital audio guide is included.
Which audio-guide languages are available?
English, French, Italian and Spanish.
Is there a live guide?
No. This ticket is for an independent visit with a digital audio guide.
Where is Herculaneum?
The archaeological park is located on Corso Resina in Ercolano, near Naples.
Which train station should I use?
The closest Circumvesuviana station is Ercolano Scavi.
How long should I spend at Herculaneum?
Approximately 2–3 hours is sufficient for most first-time visitors.
Is Herculaneum smaller than Pompeii?
Yes. Herculaneum is significantly smaller and easier to explore in a shorter period.
Can I visit Pompeii on the same day?
Yes. The two sites are connected by the Circumvesuviana railway.
Can I visit Mount Vesuvius from Herculaneum?
Yes. Ercolano is one of the main departure points for Vesuvius shuttle services.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. You can show your ticket on your smartphone.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
The current booking information lists the site as wheelchair accessible, although some archaeological areas may have uneven surfaces.
Can I cancel the ticket?
Yes. Cancellation is currently possible until 23:59 on the day before the visit.
Can I change the date?
Yes. Rescheduling is currently possible until 23:59 on the day before the visit.
