If you’re planning to explore Naples and the wider Campania region, there’s a good chance you’ll come across the Campania Artecard while researching museums, archaeological sites or transport. At first glance it looks like an excellent deal, promising free entry to many of the region’s biggest attractions, discounted admission elsewhere and, depending on which version you buy, unlimited public transport.

However, the different versions can be surprisingly confusing. There’s a 3-Day Pass, a 7-Day Pass, a Lite 365 Pass and a Gold 365 Pass, and each includes different benefits. Some include public transport, some don’t. Some give you free entry to a limited number of attractions, while others are designed for residents and regular visitors over an entire year.

The good news is that, for the right traveller, the Campania Artecard can save a significant amount of money. If you’re planning to visit places such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, the Naples National Archaeological Museum, Castel Sant’Elmo or the magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, the savings can quickly add up. On the other hand, if you’re only planning to visit one or two attractions, or most of your time will be spent on the Amalfi Coast, Capri or Ischia, you may be better off buying individual tickets instead.

In this guide we’ll explain exactly what the Campania Artecard includes, compare every available pass, show you which attractions are covered, explain how to activate your digital pass and help you decide whether it’s actually worth buying for your own itinerary.

What is the Campania Artecard?

The Campania Artecard is an official sightseeing pass designed to encourage visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Naples and the Campania region. Rather than purchasing separate admission tickets for every museum, archaeological site and historic monument, the Artecard bundles together free entries, discounted admission and, in some cases, unlimited local public transport into a single digital pass.

More than 40 museums, castles, archaeological parks and historic attractions participate in the scheme, covering many of southern Italy’s biggest highlights. Included attractions range from world-famous sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel Sant’Elmo, Royal Palace of Caserta, Paestum, Oplontis, the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park and many others.

Unlike traditional paper tourist passes, the Artecard is now completely digital. After purchasing your chosen pass, you’ll receive instructions for downloading the official Artecard smartphone app, where your pass is activated and stored. At participating attractions you simply present the digital QR code on your phone to gain entry or receive the appropriate discount.

One of the biggest differences between the available passes is public transport. Only the Campania Artecard 3-Day Pass includes unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network, making it particularly useful for visitors spending several days in Naples. The longer-duration passes focus primarily on attraction entry and do not include transport.

Whether the Artecard represents good value depends almost entirely on your itinerary. Visitors planning several museums and archaeological sites over a few days can often save a considerable amount, while those concentrating on beaches, islands or coastal towns may find individual tickets offer better value. The following sections compare every version in detail to help you decide which pass, if any, is right for your trip.

Which Campania Artecard Should You Buy?

Choosing the right Campania Artecard depends entirely on how long you’re staying and what you plan to see. While all four passes provide access to Campania’s outstanding cultural attractions, they are aimed at very different types of visitor. The 3-Day Pass is designed for tourists spending a long weekend in Naples, while the annual passes are much better suited to residents or frequent visitors.

The table below summarises the main differences.

Pass	Validity	Free Attractions	Public Transport	Best For
Campania 3-Day Pass	3 consecutive days	First 2 attractions free, then discounted admission	Yes	Most visitors spending a long weekend in Naples
Campania 7-Day Pass	7 consecutive days	First 5 attractions free, then discounted admission	No	Visitors touring Campania for a full week
Campania Lite Pass 365	365 days	One visit to participating attractions each year	No	Regular visitors and local residents
Campania Gold Pass 365	365 days	Up to two visits per year to participating attractions	No	Residents, enthusiasts and repeat visitors

For the vast majority of international tourists, the decision usually comes down to the 3-Day Pass or the 7-Day Pass. If you’re spending three or four days in Naples and intend to visit major attractions such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, the National Archaeological Museum and Castel Sant’Elmo, the 3-Day Pass is often the best value because it also includes unlimited travel on the local public transport network.

The 7-Day Pass becomes more attractive if you’re staying longer and plan to visit several of Campania’s larger archaeological sites and museums. Although it doesn’t include transport, the additional free attraction entries can easily offset the higher purchase price for travellers exploring the region over the course of a week.

The Lite 365 and Gold 365 passes are different products altogether. Rather than being aimed at holidaymakers, they’re intended for people who visit Campania’s museums and archaeological sites throughout the year. Unless you’re a local resident or expect to return regularly, these annual passes are unlikely to represent good value.

Campania Artecard 3-Day Pass

For most visitors, the Campania Artecard 3-Day Pass is the standout option and the version we would usually recommend. It combines free admission to your first two participating attractions, discounted entry to subsequent sites and, importantly, unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network for three consecutive days.

This makes it particularly attractive if you’re staying in Naples and planning to visit several of the region’s biggest attractions over a long weekend. A typical itinerary might include Pompeii on one day, followed by the National Archaeological Museum, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel Sant’Elmo and perhaps Herculaneum the following day. Buying separate tickets for each attraction, together with metro and bus tickets, can quickly become expensive, whereas the Artecard bundles many of these costs into a single purchase.

One of the biggest advantages is the inclusion of public transport. The pass can be used on the Naples Metro, city buses, funicular railways and other services operating within the UnicoCampania network, allowing you to move around the city without continually buying individual tickets. However, it’s important to remember that it does not cover the Circumvesuviana Railway, Campania Express or ferry services, so separate tickets are still required for destinations such as Sorrento, Capri, Ischia and Procida.

The 3-Day Pass offers the best value for visitors who intend to spend most of their time exploring Naples and nearby archaeological sites. If your itinerary focuses mainly on beaches, islands or the Amalfi Coast, you’ll probably use fewer of the included benefits and individual tickets may work out cheaper.

Overall, for first-time visitors wanting to see the cultural highlights of Naples, this is the version of the Artecard that offers the strongest combination of convenience, flexibility and potential savings.

Campania Artecard 7-Day Pass

If you’re planning to spend a full week exploring Naples and the wider Campania region, the Campania Artecard 7-Day Pass can offer excellent value. Rather than providing free public transport, this version focuses on giving visitors access to more of the region’s outstanding cultural attractions, making it ideal for travellers who intend to spend several days visiting museums, castles and archaeological sites.

The biggest advantage over the 3-Day Pass is that it includes free admission to your first five participating attractions, after which you’ll receive discounted entry to many additional sites. If your itinerary includes major attractions such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Royal Palace of Caserta and Castel Sant’Elmo, you’ve already used your five included admissions before taking advantage of any further discounts.

Unlike the shorter pass, public transport is not included. You’ll need to purchase separate tickets for the Naples Metro, buses, funiculars and regional transport, as well as trains such as the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express. For many visitors this isn’t a major disadvantage, particularly if they’re hiring a car, joining organised tours or spending several days exploring different parts of Campania rather than relying heavily on Naples’ public transport network.

The seven-day validity also gives you far more flexibility. Instead of trying to squeeze several museums into three consecutive days, you can spread your sightseeing across an entire week, allowing time for day trips to places such as Paestum, Baia, Capua and Caserta alongside Naples’ own attractions.

For visitors staying in Campania for five to seven days with a strong interest in history and archaeology, the 7-Day Pass can deliver excellent savings. However, if most of your holiday will be spent on the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ischia or relaxing on the beach, you’ll probably make less use of the included attractions and individual tickets may represent better value.

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Campania Lite Pass 365

The Campania Lite Pass 365 is a very different product from the tourist-focused 3-Day and 7-Day passes. Rather than being designed for visitors on holiday, it provides 365 days of access to participating cultural attractions, making it far more suitable for local residents, second-home owners and people who regularly visit the Campania region.

With the Lite Pass, you can visit each participating attraction once during the twelve-month validity period. This includes many of Campania’s best-known archaeological sites, museums and historic monuments, allowing pass holders to spread their visits throughout the year instead of trying to fit everything into a few days.

One important difference is that the Lite Pass does not include public transport. You’ll need to buy separate tickets for buses, metro services, regional trains and ferries whenever you travel. Likewise, because the pass is intended for long-term use, it doesn’t include the free first-entry system used by the shorter tourist passes.

For international visitors spending a week or two in Italy, the Lite Pass rarely makes financial sense. Most holidaymakers simply won’t have enough time to benefit from a pass that’s valid for an entire year. However, for people living in Campania, owning a holiday home nearby or visiting Naples regularly throughout the year, it can be a cost-effective way of enjoying the region’s cultural attractions at a much slower pace.

If you’re only visiting Naples once, you’ll almost certainly be better served by the 3-Day or 7-Day Artecard instead.

Campania Gold Pass 365

The Campania Gold Pass 365 is the most comprehensive version of the Artecard and is aimed squarely at people who regularly explore Campania’s museums, castles and archaeological sites. Like the Lite Pass, it remains valid for 365 days, but offers even greater flexibility by allowing up to two visits per year to participating attractions.

This makes the Gold Pass particularly attractive for local residents, students, history enthusiasts and anyone who expects to return to the same attractions several times during the year. Whether it’s revisiting Pompeii with family, returning to the National Archaeological Museum for a new exhibition or spending another afternoon exploring the Royal Palace of Caserta, the Gold Pass removes the need to keep purchasing separate admission tickets.

As with the Lite Pass, public transport is not included, so you’ll still need separate tickets for the Naples Metro, buses, regional trains and ferry services. The pass focuses entirely on attraction access rather than transportation.

For the overwhelming majority of overseas tourists, the Gold Pass is unlikely to offer good value. Even visitors spending two weeks in Campania are unlikely to benefit from a pass designed for year-round use. However, if you’re fortunate enough to live locally or make frequent trips to southern Italy, it can become an excellent investment over the course of a year, particularly if you enjoy revisiting museums and archaeological sites at your own pace.

Attractions Included with the Campania Artecard

One of the biggest advantages of the Campania Artecard is the sheer number of attractions it covers. More than 40 museums, archaeological parks, castles and historic monuments participate in the scheme, allowing you to mix world-famous landmarks with lesser-known gems throughout Campania.

Some of Italy’s most important cultural sites are included, making the pass particularly attractive for visitors interested in Roman history, archaeology and the Bourbon Kingdom of Naples. Depending on which pass you purchase, you’ll either receive free admission to your first two or five attractions, followed by discounted entry, or annual access with the 365-day passes.

Here are some of the most popular attractions included.

Attraction	Included	Notes
Pompeii Archaeological Park	✓	One of the world’s greatest archaeological sites
Herculaneum Archaeological Park	✓	Smaller but exceptionally well preserved Roman city
Naples National Archaeological Museum	✓	Houses many treasures recovered from Pompeii and Herculaneum
Royal Palace of Naples	✓	Historic Bourbon royal residence
Castel Sant’Elmo	✓	Hilltop fortress with spectacular city views
Capodimonte Museum & Royal Park	✓	Fine art museum and beautiful gardens
Royal Palace of Caserta	✓	UNESCO World Heritage Site often compared to Versailles
Paestum Archaeological Park	✓	Outstanding Greek temples and museum
Oplontis Archaeological Site	✓	Luxurious Roman villa buried by Vesuvius
Boscoreale Antiquarium	✓	Museum explaining daily life before the eruption
Stabiae Archaeological Site	✓	Roman villas overlooking the Bay of Naples
Baia Archaeological Park	✓	Roman ruins and ancient spa complex
Campi Flegrei Archaeological Museum	✓	Located inside the Castle of Baia
Flavian Amphitheatre, Pozzuoli	✓	One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Italy
Cuma Archaeological Park	✓	Ancient Greek colony and home of the Sibyl
Museum of the Gladiators, Capua	✓	Complements the nearby amphitheatre
Campanian Amphitheatre, Capua	✓	Second only to the Colosseum in size
Velia Archaeological Park	✓	Ancient Greek city overlooking the Cilento coast
Certosa di San Lorenzo	✓	One of Italy’s largest monasteries
Museo Madre	✓	Naples’ contemporary art museum

While these headline attractions receive most of the attention, the Artecard also includes many smaller museums and archaeological sites that are often overlooked by visitors. If you’re spending several days in Campania, they can add significant value to the pass while helping you discover places that many tourists never visit.

It’s important to remember that not every attraction is completely free. Depending on which version of the Artecard you purchase, only your first two (3-Day Pass) or first five (7-Day Pass) participating attractions are included without charge. After you’ve used those free admissions, you’ll usually receive discounted entry, often saving up to 50%, at many of the remaining participating sites.

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Is Public Transport Included?

One of the biggest points of confusion surrounding the Campania Artecard is exactly what transport is included, so it’s worth understanding the differences before you buy.

The Campania Artecard 3-Day Pass is the only version that includes unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network. If you purchase the 7-Day Pass, Lite 365 Pass or Gold 365 Pass, you’ll need to buy all of your transport tickets separately.

For visitors spending several days sightseeing in Naples, the inclusion of public transport is one of the 3-Day Pass’s biggest advantages. You can travel freely on the Naples Metro, city buses, funicular railways and other services that form part of the UnicoCampania network, making it easy to move between attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum, Royal Palace, Castel Sant’Elmo and Capodimonte Museum without continually purchasing individual tickets.

However, it’s equally important to understand what isn’t covered. The Artecard does not include travel on the Campania Express, Trenitalia regional trains, InterCity or high-speed rail services, airport buses, ferries to Capri, Ischia, Procida or the Amalfi Coast, or private transfers. Although the Circumvesuviana Railway forms part of the regional transport network, services with special tourist fares, such as the Campania Express, require separate tickets.

This means that if you’re planning day trips to destinations such as Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, Procida or the Amalfi Coast, you should budget separately for at least some of your transport costs.

For most visitors, the 3-Day Pass offers the greatest value when you’re spending the majority of your time exploring Naples itself, using local public transport to travel between museums, castles and historic attractions. If your itinerary is centred on longer day trips outside the city, the transport benefit becomes less significant, and it’s worth calculating whether the attraction discounts alone justify the cost of the pass.

How to Activate Your Campania Artecard

Once you’ve purchased your Campania Artecard, there’s one important step remaining before you can begin using it. Unlike many traditional sightseeing passes, the Artecard is completely digital and must be activated through the official mobile app before it can be used at museums, archaeological sites or, where applicable, on public transport.

After completing your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing instructions for downloading the official Campania Artecard app for Android or iPhone. Once installed, create or sign in to your account and follow the activation instructions provided with your booking. Your chosen pass will then be linked to your account and stored digitally within the app.

When you’re ready to start sightseeing, you’ll need to activate the pass. It’s worth remembering that activation starts the validity period immediately, whether that’s three days, seven days or 365 days, depending on the version you’ve purchased. For that reason, it’s usually best to activate the Artecard on the morning you intend to begin using it rather than the night before.

At participating attractions, simply present the QR code displayed in the app. Staff will scan the code to validate your visit and record one of your included admissions where applicable. Once you’ve used your allocation of free entries, the same QR code can still be presented to receive any discounted admission available through the scheme.

If you’ve purchased the 3-Day Pass, the app also acts as proof of your transport entitlement on services included within the UnicoCampania network. Ticket inspectors may ask to see your active pass during your journey, so it’s sensible to keep your phone charged throughout the day. Carrying a small power bank is a good idea if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing.

It’s also worth activating your pass while you have a reliable internet connection. Although many attractions can scan your QR code without a live signal, downloading and activating the pass is much easier before leaving your hotel or accommodation.

Is the Campania Artecard Worth It?

For many visitors, the answer is yes, but only if you plan your sightseeing carefully. The Campania Artecard delivers its best value when you’re visiting several of the region’s major cultural attractions over a relatively short period. If you’re only planning to visit one museum before heading to the beach or catching a ferry to Capri, you’ll probably spend less by buying individual tickets.

The 3-Day Pass is particularly good value for first-time visitors spending a long weekend in Naples. A typical itinerary including Pompeii, the National Archaeological Museum, Castel Sant’Elmo and the Royal Palace of Naples, together with regular journeys on the metro and funiculars, can quickly exceed the cost of the pass. In this situation, the Artecard not only saves money but also removes the need to keep purchasing transport tickets throughout your stay.

The 7-Day Pass becomes more attractive if you’re exploring Campania more extensively. Visitors combining Pompeii, Herculaneum, Caserta, Paestum and several museums over the course of a week can benefit from the additional free admissions, even though transport isn’t included.

On the other hand, if your itinerary centres on Capri, Ischia, Procida, the Amalfi Coast or simply relaxing around Naples, the Artecard may offer limited value. Most ferry services aren’t included, and you may only visit one or two participating attractions during your trip. In those circumstances, buying individual admission tickets is often the more economical choice.

As a general rule, the more museums, archaeological parks and historic monuments you intend to visit, the better value the Artecard becomes. Before buying, it’s worth making a simple list of the attractions you genuinely expect to visit and comparing the combined ticket prices with the cost of the pass. For many travellers, that quick calculation makes the decision surprisingly easy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Campania Artecard can save a considerable amount of money, but only if you understand exactly how it works. Every year, visitors make the same mistakes, often leading to unnecessary expense or disappointment. Fortunately, they’re all easy to avoid with a little planning.

One of the biggest misconceptions is assuming the Artecard covers all transport throughout Campania. In reality, only the 3-Day Pass includes unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network. Even then, you’ll still need separate tickets for services such as the Campania Express, most Trenitalia trains and ferries to destinations including Capri, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast.

Another common mistake is buying the pass without checking whether you’ll actually visit enough participating attractions. If you’re planning to spend most of your holiday on the beach or taking ferry trips, you may struggle to recover the cost of the pass. Before purchasing, make a shortlist of the museums and archaeological sites you genuinely expect to visit and compare the combined admission prices with the cost of the Artecard.

It’s also important not to activate the pass too early. Once activated in the app, the validity period begins immediately, regardless of whether you use it straight away. Activating it on the morning of your first sightseeing day usually gives you the greatest value.

Many visitors also overlook the fact that some attractions require advance reservations, even when entry is included with the Artecard. During busy periods, places such as Pompeii and other major archaeological sites can become extremely popular, so it’s worth checking whether booking a timed entry slot is recommended before you travel.

Finally, remember to keep your phone charged. Because the Artecard is entirely digital, you’ll need to present your QR code whenever you visit a participating attraction or, in the case of the 3-Day Pass, if requested during transport inspections. Carrying a small power bank can save a great deal of frustration after a full day of sightseeing.

Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips

Thinking of buying the Campania Artecard? Here are a few tips that could save you both time and money:

Plan your sightseeing before you buy: Make a list of the attractions you genuinely want to visit and compare the combined ticket prices with the cost of the Artecard. It’s the easiest way to see whether the pass will save you money.
Activate it on the morning you’ll first use it: Your validity period begins as soon as you activate the pass in the app, so don’t waste valuable hours by activating it the night before.
Remember transport is limited: Only the 3-Day Pass includes local public transport, and you’ll still need separate tickets for services such as the Campania Express, regional trains and ferries.
Keep your phone charged: The Artecard is completely digital, so you’ll need your phone to enter attractions and, where applicable, prove your transport entitlement.
Book popular attractions early: Sites such as Pompeii can become extremely busy during the summer, so check whether advance reservations are recommended before you travel.

Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Campania Artecard?
The Campania Artecard is an official sightseeing pass that provides free entry to selected museums, archaeological sites and historic attractions across Naples and the Campania region. Depending on which version you purchase, it may also include discounted admission to additional attractions and unlimited use of local public transport.

Which Campania Artecard is best for tourists?
For most visitors, the 3-Day Pass offers the best value. It includes free admission to your first two participating attractions, discounted entry afterwards and unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network, making it ideal for a long weekend in Naples.

Does the Campania Artecard include Pompeii?
Yes. Pompeii Archaeological Park is one of the major attractions included in the scheme. Depending on your pass, it may count as one of your free admissions or be available at a discounted rate after your included visits have been used.

Does the Campania Artecard include Herculaneum?
Yes. Herculaneum Archaeological Park is included alongside many of Campania’s other major archaeological sites and museums.

Does the Campania Artecard include the Royal Palace of Caserta?
Yes. The magnificent Royal Palace of Caserta, one of Italy’s largest royal residences and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the participating attractions.

Is public transport included?
Only the Campania Artecard 3-Day Pass includes unlimited travel on the UnicoCampania public transport network. The 7-Day, Lite 365 and Gold 365 passes do not include transport.

Does the Campania Artecard include the Campania Express?
No. The Campania Express requires a separate ticket and is not covered by the Artecard.

Can I use the Campania Artecard on ferries?
No. Ferry services to destinations such as Capri, Ischia, Procida and the Amalfi Coast are not included and must be booked separately.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Some attractions may require advance reservations or timed entry, particularly during busy periods. It’s always worth checking the individual attraction’s requirements before travelling.

Is the Campania Artecard worth buying?
If you plan to visit several museums and archaeological sites over a few days, it can offer excellent value. Visitors focusing mainly on beaches, islands or ferry trips may find that buying individual tickets is the cheaper option.

Last Updated

July 2026

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Rupert

Globetrotter (60+ countries) & Bow-Tie enthusiast. Hotel pillow connoisseur, breakfast buffet enthusiast, and firm believer in the window seat. Loves exploring off the beaten track followed by a decent slice of cake.