We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to speed up entry to the Archaeological Park. Those who buy in advance will receive their ticket in PDF format, that can be printed out or shown on their smart phone, and they can go directly to the turnstiles at the entrance to the Archaeological Park.

Buying Pompeii tickets in advance is highly recommended for 2026, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season (April to October). Purchasing online through the official TicketOne portal allows you to skip the long ticket office lines, which can often exceed an hour in the heat. When you buy in advance, you receive a digital PDF ticket that allows you to go directly to the turnstiles at the entrance. Additionally, the park has recently introduced capacity limits for certain high-traffic villas and the "Great Theater," so having a pre-booked entry time ensures your spot. If you are interested in a guided tour or the "Pompeii + Vesuvius" combo, these almost always require advance booking as they sell out days in advance. For those visiting on the "First Sunday" of the month (when entry is free), advance booking is not usually available, so arriving very early in the morning is the only way to beat the inevitable crowds.