No, you cannot buy tickets at the top of Mount Vesuvius; in 2026, all entry tickets to the "Great Cone" (Path No. 5) must be purchased exclusively online in advance. The Vesuvius National Park Authority has implemented a strict "pre-purchase only" policy to manage visitor flow and protect the fragile volcanic environment. There is no physical ticket office at the entrance gate (located at Quota 1000). Tickets are timed-entry and often sell out several days in advance during the peak March to October season. While a small "last-minute" quota (20%) is released online one hour before each time slot, these are highly competitive and require a reliable mobile internet connection, which can be spotty on the mountain. Access is granted via an automated gate that scans a QR code on your smartphone or printed ticket. Travelers are strongly advised to book their tickets at least a week before their visit and arrive within the 100-minute flexibility window allowed for their slot. If you arrive without a pre-booked ticket, you will be turned away at the 1,000-meter mark, regardless of how far you have traveled.