The queues at Pompeii can be legendary, especially during the peak tourism months of June, July, and August, when the site can attract over 15,000 visitors per day. At the main entrance (Porta Marina), it is not uncommon for the ticket line to stretch for 60 to 90 minutes if you arrive between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Beyond the ticket windows, the "queues" continue inside the site at the most famous attractions, such as the Lupanar (brothel) or the House of the Vettii, where crowd-control measures often limit the number of people inside at once. To avoid these delays, the most effective strategy is to purchase "Fast Track" tickets online in advance, which allows you to bypass the main ticket line and head straight to the security checkpoint. Another expert tip is to use the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance on the opposite side of the site; it is much less frequented by large tour groups and often has significantly shorter wait times. Arriving at 8:30 AM when the gates first open remains the absolute best way to experience the ruins in relative peace before the massive "cruise ship crowds" arrive from the port of Naples.