Ercolano: Herculaneum Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide

History

Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town near modern Ercolano, was buried under volcanic ash during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike its neighbor Pompeii, Herculaneum’s deeper burial preserved organic materials like wood, food, and even 300 skeletons, offering an intimate glimpse into Roman life. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was a wealthy coastal town, frequented by affluent Romans for its seaside villas and public amenities.

Discovered in the 18th century, excavations revealed remarkably intact structures, including roofs, doors, and frescoes, showcasing Roman architecture and daily routines. Herculaneum’s smaller size and better preservation make it a unique complement to Pompeii, highlighting the sophistication of a thriving ancient community.

Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Herculaneum archaeological site with a pre-booked ticket.
• Walk ancient cobbled streets, preserved by the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption.
• Marvel at intact buildings, frescoes, and artifacts like wooden roofs and food remains.
• See the poignant remains of 300 skeletons near the ancient port.
• Enhance your visit with an optional digital or physical audio guide in multiple languages.

Full Description

Discover Herculaneum, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman town, with this entry ticket granting access to a UNESCO World Heritage Site buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Wander cobbled streets at your own pace, exploring intact buildings, well-preserved frescoes, and remnants of daily life, including wooden roofs, beds, and food. Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum’s deep ash covering protected organic materials, offering a vivid snapshot of Roman society.

Visit key sites like the public gymnasium, swimming baths, and shops, imagining the routines of their ancient inhabitants. The discovery of 300 skeletons near the port, preserved in their final moments, adds a moving historical dimension. Highlights include the House of the Deer and Villa of the Papyri, showcasing intricate mosaics and luxurious Roman architecture.

Choose between a digital audio guide app (downloadable in English, French, Italian, Spanish) or a physical audio guide device to enrich your self-guided tour. With flexible cancellation and wheelchair-accessible paths, this experience offers an immersive journey into Herculaneum’s past, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Why Choose This Attraction?

Herculaneum offers a unique, intimate look at ancient Roman life, with better-preserved structures than Pompeii, making it ideal for history buffs and curious travelers. The site’s compact size allows for a thorough exploration in a few hours, with poignant artifacts and skeletons that bring the 79 AD eruption to life.

The skip-the-line ticket and optional audio guide (digital or physical) ensure a seamless, informative visit. Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance add convenience, making Herculaneum a must-visit for an authentic, moving archaeological experience.

What’s Included

• Entry ticket to Herculaneum archaeological site.
• Digital audio guide app (English, French, Italian, Spanish; if option selected).
• Physical audio guide device (if option selected).

Pricing

From $21 per person

Meeting Point

Redeem your ticket by showing your mobile voucher at the online ticket desk on-site. Proceed to the audio guide kiosk inside the attraction to collect your audio guide (if selected). [Open in Google Maps]

How to Get There

• By train: Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples (Napoli Centrale) to Ercolano Scavi (15–20 minutes); the site is a 10-minute walk from the station.
• By bus: Bus lines from Naples to Ercolano stop near Ercolano Scavi, a short walk to the entrance.
• By car: Drive via A3 from Naples (15–20 minutes); parking is available near the site, a 5-minute walk to the ticket desk.
• On foot: From Ercolano’s town center, the site is a 10–15-minute walk along Corso Resina.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Passport or ID card for entry verification.
• Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven cobbled streets.
• Umbrella or hat for shade, especially in summer.
• Smartphone with internet access (for digital audio guide, if selected).

Know Before You Go

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Opening hours: March 16–October 14, 9:30 AM–7:30 PM (last admission 6:00 PM; exit by 7:00 PM); October 15–March 15, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (last admission 3:30 PM; exit by 4:40 PM).
• The site is wheelchair accessible with barrier-free paths.
• Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for uneven surfaces.
• Download the digital audio guide app before arriving, as on-site data coverage may be limited.
• Audio guide instructions are provided with your booking confirmation.

Reviews

• Was very good, easy to book onto and enter the site. Not the fault of the booking but I’d strongly recommend getting a real guide rather than relying on an audio guide.
• A definite must-see. Very moving experience seeing the 300 souls who didn’t make the rescue from the port, before the eruption. Beautifully excavated. Top tips: Download the audio guide before you get there (and the audio app) – it’s data-hungry and there’s not much coverage at Herculaneum. Take an umbrella for shade.
• The park is amazing! We had a bit of a hard time finding the ticket redemption place until we realized it was at the actual place where everyone goes. Audio guide was interesting but at times confusing.