You can also reach the Porta Marina entrance by buses D-E and SITA. Entrance Timings: You can explore Pompeii between 8:30 AM to 7 PM. The last entrance is at 5:30 PM. Average Wait Time: Depending on the time and date of your visit, you can expect a wait time between 1-2 hours.

Queues at Pompeii can be notoriously long, especially during the peak tourist season (May to September). For walk-up ticket buyers, wait times at the main Porta Marina entrance can stretch between 60 and 120 minutes during mid-day. In 2026, a daily visitor cap of 20,000 has been implemented to preserve the site, making advance booking even more critical. If you have a "Skip-the-Line" digital ticket or an organized tour, your wait for entry is usually reduced to just 10 to 20 minutes for the mandatory security screening, which everyone must go through. To avoid the worst crowds, arrive at opening (9:00 AM) or visit in the late afternoon after 3:30 PM. The site also offers quieter entrances like Piazza Anfiteatro, which often has shorter lines than the train-station-adjacent Porta Marina. Regardless of the queue length, remember that the site covers 170 acres, so the "queue" to see specific popular houses inside can also add time to your visit.

The length of queues at Pompeii can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the time of year, time of day, and current events or holidays. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Peak Season (Summer Months, Easter, Christmas): During peak tourist season, especially in the summer months (June to August), queues can be quite long, sometimes taking up to an hour or more to get through. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded.

2. Off-Peak Season (Late Autumn to Early Spring): During the off-peak season, queues are generally much shorter, and you might be able to enter within minutes. However, some attractions within Pompeii might still have short waits.

3. Time of Day: Arriving early in the morning (right when the site opens) or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the longest queues. Midday tends to be the busiest.

4. Special Events or Holidays: On Italian public holidays or during special events, queues can be longer than usual.

5. Ticket Purchase: Buying tickets online in advance can often save you time, as there are usually separate, shorter lines for those who have already purchased tickets.

To minimize waiting time, consider visiting during the off-peak season, arriving early, and purchasing tickets online in advance. Always check the official Pompeii website or local tourist information for the most current advice on visiting times and queue lengths.