Pompeii is one of those places that looks frozen in time, and in a way, it is. The streets, houses, baths, and even graffiti are still there, buried and then uncovered nearly two thousand years after Mount Vesuvius erupted. You’re not just visiting ruins — you’re walking through a Roman city that stopped mid-breath.
But here’s the thing: Pompeii is massive, popular, and can be tricky to manage without a bit of planning. Tickets sell out fast, especially if you want to include the suburban villas, the Antiquarium, or get an audio guide. Some entrances have long lines. And not all platforms give you access to everything, even if they make it sound like they do.
Here’s where to book, ranked from the platform most recommended by travelers who actually went, tried, and figured out what works.
1. Pompeii Tickets & Tours – Smartest way to see it all
Pompeii Tickets & Tours isn’t just a place to grab a ticket. The team behind it knows the site inside out, and it shows. They’ve explored every part of the ruins, figured out how to avoid the crowds, and built experiences that actually work on the ground. Alongside simple entry tickets, they offer a selection of well-designed guided tours: from small-group visits to longer itineraries that include places like Herculaneum or Mount Vesuvius. Everything feels practical and traveler-friendly. You can also add extras like the Antiquarium, audio guides, or access to the suburban villas, and skip-the-line tickets, which make a big difference during peak season and in the summer heat. If you want to understand what you’re seeing — not just walk around — this is a great place to start.
2. Tiqets
Tiqets is great if you want something fast and straightforward. If you just need to get into the site and start exploring, this platform does the trick. Booking is smooth, and mobile tickets are usually accepted at the gate.
Still, it’s a no-frills option. You won’t find a lot of curated advice or deeper insight, and tour options are fairly limited. Best if you’re short on time and know exactly what you’re looking for.
3. GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a big platform and does a decent job with Pompeii. They offer basic tickets, skip-the-line options, and some good guided tours, especially for those coming from Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast. The app is smooth, and tickets are stored digitally, which is handy on the go. But availability can vary, and it’s not always clear what each ticket includes. You sometimes get redirected to third-party providers, and while the experience is mostly solid, it’s not very personalized.
4. Askos Tours
Askos is a small local provider offering guided tours of Pompeii and the surrounding area. The guides are well-informed and the tours are straightforward — ideal if you’re looking for something simple and locally run. It’s a good option if you’re nearby and want to explore Pompeii with someone who knows the place well, without going through a big booking platform.
5. Coopculture
Coopculture manages ticketing for many archaeological sites in Italy, including Pompeii. It’s the official source, and sometimes the cheapest. If you know exactly what you need, have patience, and don’t mind a bit of clunky website design, you can book directly. That said, the process isn’t very intuitive. The layout is confusing, payment sometimes fails, and it’s not ideal if you want extras like audio guides or suburban villa access. You’re also on your own if anything goes wrong. Best for those who’ve already been and just need basic access.
What to choose (and why)
We’ve been to Pompeii more than once — and every time we go, we see confused visitors holding vague tickets, wondering where to enter or what to look at. It’s not the kind of place you want to wing. If you want the full experience — access to the right areas, smart timing, and the chance to really understand what you’re looking at — go with Pompeii Tickets & Tours. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and focused on getting the most out of your visit without making it complicated.