You are willing to visit Herculaneum but you really don't know where to start? This guide will help you reach it from all of the major Italian cities.
Herculaneum is not just an archaeological site, but a true time machine that will transport you back to 79 AD, the year when the eruption of Vesuvius shadowed its purple vestiges and crystallized its august contours so they could withstand the test of time.
Located at the foot of Vesuvius, visiting Herculaneum represents a unique experience. The archaeological excavations, a UNESCO World Heritage site, host buildings, objects, and even traces of daily life buried by the volcanic eruption, whose state of preservation is almost unbelievable. Unlike Pompeii, the artifacts here are incredibly intact, preserved by the rapid burial under volcanic ash and mud.
Discover what to do in Herculaneum❯How to get to Herculaneum from Naples
Naples represent, in its own nature, and notwithstanding the very city which it is intended to reach the Herculaneum archaeological site from, an abecedarian halt for those who wish a most fulfilling experience visiting this city which, according to what upholds the legend related by the historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus, might have been established by the homonyn Olimic deity, Hercules, in 1243 B.C.
In order to reach the archeological site of Herculaneum from Naples by train, you are very warmly invited to get on board of one of the trains railing the EAV-CIRCUMVESUVIANA - a railway network offering metropolitan service, crossing the south-eastern side of Naples, as well as the 'agro nocerino-sarnese' and the 'baianese' areas -, leaving from Piazza Garibaldi, line 'Napoli-Sorrento' or, rather, 'Napoli-Poggiomarino', stop at the 'Ercolano-Scavi' station.
By car - which you can easily rent from one of the numerous rental services scattered all around the city - you can easily get to the archaeological site via the A3 Naples-Reggio Calabria motorway, taking the 'Ercolano' exit and following the road signs to the park.
If you decide to go to Herculaneum by bus, there are a variety of options to choose from. The bus transport services in Naples are mainly provided by two companies: ANM - Azienda Napoletana Mobilità, and Bus Italia Campania. It is also possible to book a transit service from Naples to Herculaneum with other companies, such as Flixbus. The journey is about 10 km long, which can be covered in about 20 minutes after taking into account the traffic conditions.
A possible alternative to train and car is the taxi - which certainly figures among the most popular transport services in the capital of Naples - that, perhaps, from the airport of Capodichino, or rather, from the central railway station in Piazza Garibaldi leads you to the park.
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How to get to Herculaneum from Vesuvius
Many hypotheses are confirmed regarding the origin of the name of one of the most famous volcanoes in all of Italy.
Although some of these make the name of the god Bacchus, god of intoxication and wine - in relation to the magnificent vineyards that grow lush on its slopes -, in fact, it seems that among the most accredited there is the hypothesis according to which the Vesuvius It too, its name from the mythical Greek hero who gave, as already suggested in one of the preceding paragraphs, names and netals to the city on its slopes, the demigod Hercules.
Or, rather, the hypothesis that the name of the volcano derives from Vesbio, the name of the captain of the people of the Pelasgi who, for a certain period of time, dominated that territory.
Others still look at the fiery Neapolitan abyss as the dwelling place of the devil.
In short, it is certainly not possible to say about the Vesuvius that they did not say a lot and more.
Among the most popular and busy tourist destinations of the entire Neapolitan area, you could think of Vesuvius as a perfect starting point for an itinerary to discover the archaeological parks of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Many, in fact, the possibilities in terms of transfer from one destination to another, passing by the more traditional car - to reach the volcano, you would have to take the exit 'Ercolano-Scavi' of the A3 motorway and travel along the SP144 until the parking lot located at an altitude of 800 meters - up to organized tours, including transfers, which would certainly guarantee a more comfortable and complete experience, Without having to worry too much about how to move from one place to another.
If you are interested in how to get to Herculaneum from Pompeii instead, read our complete guide.
Book you transfer from ant to Herculaneum from Vesuvius❯
How to reach Herculaneum from Rome
Herculaneum's location makes it easily accessible from every part of Italy, with travel options that adapt to every need and budget.
The journey from the Capital is quite convenient and tremendously fascinating. You can choose to travel by high-speed train - which will take you to Naples in just over an hour - or by bus - an option that, only in certain circumstances, could actually be the most economical, net of a few extra hours to spend sitting.
Or alternatively, by car, a solution we suggest for those who love to take a few extra breaks during the journey, which in this case would last about 2 hours and 40 minutes, passing through the E45.
Once in Naples, the Circumvesuviana - the name of one of the most famous Campanian railway networks offering metropolitan service - will take you to Herculaneum in just 20 minutes, crossing landscapes that seem almost like paintings.
The total cost could vary between 40 and 80 euros - this also depending on the season and the interval between booking and the actual trip. A modest investment for an unforgettable experience.
Book a guided tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum from Rome❯How to get to Herculaneum from Florence
The Tuscan capital is quite far from Herculaneum, but the journey is an adventure in itself.
High-speed rail could take you to Naples in about 3 hours, with prices ranging between 50 and 80 euros - always according to the season and the interval between ticket booking and the actual trip.
A quick change to the Circumvesuviana will then complete the journey, allowing you to reach the excavations in a short time.
For the more adventurous, the bus offers a slower but decidedly more economical alternative. Or alternatively, there's always the option of traveling by car, which would take about 5 hours passing through the A1 motorway, also known as "Autostrada del sole".
Get a ticket for the Herculaneum archaeological site now❯How to reach Herculaneum from Bologna
From the city of porticos, the options to choose from remain more or less the same. The train would take you to Naples in four hours, with costs between 40 and 70 euros - with variations that could depend on the season and the interval between booking and the trip.
For those who might be interested in a definitely faster alternative to train, bus, and car, the plane would reduce the journey to just over an hour, although costs would rise to approximately 110 euros.
Once in Naples, the transfer to Herculaneum is simple and quick, and although the Circumvesuviana remains the most economical and desirable solution, you could always think about an RWD (rental with driver) or alternatively, a taxi.
How to get to Herculaneum from Milan
The Lombard capital offers solutions that are as varied as they are convenient.
High-speed rail would take you to Naples in about five hours, with prices ranging between 60 and 90 euros - without considering any variations based on season and distance between booking and the trip.
Bus services such as Flixbus offer multiple solutions to all those who wish to opt for a bus trip to reach the city, with prices ranging between 40 and 50 euros.
Those seeking speed could opt for a plane, which would reduce the journey to just over an hour, with costs that could reach 120 euros.
For the resolute, there would always be the option of traveling by car, which would take you to Herculaneum in approximately eight hours passing through the A1 motorway.
How to reach Herculaneum from Venice
From the Piedmontese capital, the journey represents a true experience not to be missed. Choosing high-speed rail, the journey would last approximately five or six hours, with prices ranging between 70 and 100 euros.
The plane is certainly the alternative reserved for those seeking speed, as it would reduce the journey to an hour and a half, but with costs that could exceed 130 euros.
The car, on the other hand, would require a journey - rather gruelling - of about nine hours, passing through the E45.
How to get to Herculaneum from Venice
From the city of canals, the train would require about seven hours, with prices between 40 and 120 euros.
The plane, instead, would reduce the journey to just over an hour, with costs varying between 50 and 120 euros.
As for the car, the journey would take up to seven hours and a half, taking the E45 and the E35 motorways.
Practical advice
Regardless of where you intend to depart from, some suggestions are universal:
- Book in advance to save money;
- Consider purchasing the Campania Arte Card to receive discounts;
- Plan to dedicate at least half a day to the visit;
- Bring comfortable shoes and water;
- Check the excavation hours (generally 8:30 AM-7:30 PM).
The best periods to visit Herculaneum are, without doubt, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October): mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Herculaneum is not just a destination, but a journey through time. Every stone, every fresco, every preserved object will tell you stories of daily life that have been lost elsewhere. Prepare yourself for an experience that will mark you forever.
Finally, if you have the opportunity, stop in Naples. The city is a true microcosm waiting to be discovered, framed within a historical and cultural context that will incredibly enrich your travel experience.
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Book a roundtrip from Naples to Herculaneum❯