From Naples:
Though it provides the backdrop to the city, Mt. Vesuvius is located outside the municipality of Naples so you need to leave the city to visit the volcano.
To reach Mt. Vesuvius from downtown Naples, take the Circumvesuviana train from the lower level of the Stazione Centrale train station in Piazza Garibaldi. You have to get on the train to Sorrento (make sure you get on the right route!) and get off at the Ercolano Scavi or Pompei Villa dei Misteri stations. Shuttle buses depart from here and go up to the Gran Cono trailhead (the ticket costs €22 round trip, including entrance to the Vesuvius National Park). From the Pompei station, public EAV buses depart for Mt. Vesuvius every 50 minutes, in addition to the shuttle. Otherwise, hire one of the taxis from the official taxi stand just outside the train station to reach the trailhead.
Pompeii - Mt. Vesuvius bus schedules
If you are getting around by car, you can reach the top of Mt. Vesuvius by taking the A3 Napoli Salerno motorway. Exit at Ercolano or Torre del Greco, continue along Via Cupa Monti and Via Vesuvio, following the signs for the National Park.
You must park in one of the official lots along the road that climbs towards the summit, managed by the Municipality of Herculaneum. Parking costs €6 and can be reserved online.
After parking, walk up to the Gran Cono entrance at 1,000 meters altitude or take the shuttle that departs from the parking area. Tickets can be purchased on site and cost €2 round trip (children ride free). We suggest opting for the shuttle to avoid the 30-minute uphill walk that can be a challenge, especially on a hot day!
From Sorrento:
From Sorrento, take the Circumvesuviana train towards Naples and get off at the Ercolano Scavi or Pompei Villa dei Misteri station. From here you can continue with the shuttle or by taxi (or by public bus from Pompeii). If you are driving, take the SS145 motorway towards Castellammare di Stabia, exit at Castellammare, and then follow the signs for the National Park along Via Cupa Monti. At around 800 meters altitude, you will find the authorized parking areas and the shuttle to the ticket office.
Naples - Sorrento Circumvesuviana train schedules
From Herculaneum:
To reach Vesuvius from the excavations of the ancient city of Herculaneum, take the tourist shuttle from the Circumvesuviana station of Ercolano Scavi to the Gran Cono ticket office. You can also opt for a faster but more expensive taxi.
From Pompeii:
The cheapest way to get to the top of Mt. Vesuvius from the ruins of the Roman city of Pompeii is the bus from the Circumvesuviana station of Pompei Villa Dei Misteri. There are also taxi services and group tours that depart daily from the archaeological site.
Pompeii - Mt. Vesuvius bus schedules