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Vatican skip-the-line tickets

Vatican TicketsSkip the Line Tours

How long are the queues at the Vatican Museums' Viale Vaticano Entrance?

The Vatican Museums attract millions of visitors each year, making it one of Rome’s busiest attractions. During peak season, queues at the entrance can easily last 2-3 hours, and sometimes even longer on particularly busy days like weekends or major holidays. During peak hours, queues frequently extend around the block, creating a long waiting experience under the sun. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to see shorter waits, though still significant.

  • Peak season: April - October
  • Peak hours: 9am - 12 noon
Queue on 14 January 2025 at Vatican

14 January 2025

Queue on 17 January 2025 at Vatican

17 January 2025

Queue on 21 January 2025 at Vatican

21 January 2025

24 January 2025 Vatican queue

24 January 2025

28 January 2025 Vatican Queue

28 January 2025

31 January 2025

31 January 2025

4 February 2025 Vatican Queue

4 February 2025

7 February 2025 Vatican queue.jpg

7 February 2025

Know your queue at the Vatican Museums entrance

There are two queues at the Viale Vaticano entrance of the Vatican Museums. Choosing the right queue on the day of your visit will help you breeze past the long lines and make your way into the museum.

Queue at the Viale Vaticano Entrance

General admission queue

  • Location: Main entrance, Viale Vaticano
  • Who is it for? Visitors without pre-booked tickets
  • Average wait times: 2-3 hours during peak hours
Guided tour group inside Vatican Museums, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.

Pre-booked ticket queue

  • Location: Right side of the main entrance
  • Who is it for? Visitors with online reservations or skip-the-line tickets
  • Average wait times: 10-25 minutes
Don’t waste 3 hours in line — walk right in

Enter the Vatican Museums through a dedicated fast-track lane with just a 10–15 minute wait. With timed Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets, you choose when to visit—and spend your time with Michelangelo and Raphael, not standing in line..

How to skip the line at the Vatican Museums?

Long lines at the Vatican Museums are almost guaranteed, especially during peak season—but they don't have to be part of your experience. Here are six smart ways to skip the line and enjoy a smoother visit:

Vatican Tickets Skip-the-line
Vatican Museum Facilities
Guided tour group in Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy, early morning exploration.

3. Use hosted entry services

Hosted entry is a smooth, no-stress option. A representative meets you at a designated point and escorts you directly to the priority entrance. You won’t need to navigate the process alone, making this ideal for first-time visitors or anyone seeking a more personalized experience.

vatican skip the line tickets
Vatican Skip-the-line tickets
Vatican City view with St. Peter's Square and Basilica in Rome, Italy.
























Book skip-the-line tickets to Vatican

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Flexible duration
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from
€31.92
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
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€74.90
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour
Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
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Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Meals included
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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. - 3 hr.
More details
VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
More details
St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr.
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Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access
Flexible cancellation
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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€20.90
Colosseum Arena Floor, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
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Castel Sant’Angelo Fast-Track Entry Tickets
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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Rome Pantheon Fast-Track Tickets
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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€4.90
Capitoline Museums Reserved Entry Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
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€23.90
Castel Sant’Angelo Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr. - 2 hr.
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to Corsini Gallery
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
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Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Bioparco Tickets
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Mobile ticket
Audio guide
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from
€55.10

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tickets

Flexible entry, explore at your own pace, upgrade options for hosted entry or scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens.

10-15 mins

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour

Comprehensive guided tour, skip 2-3 hours of queues; includes exclusive direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica via a hidden passage. Optional upgrades for guided Basilica tour available.

Minimal to no wait

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Expert-guided insights, efficient navigation of extensive collections; small-group option for intimate experience, and optional behind-the-scenes Vatican Gardens tour.

Minimal to no wait

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour

Intimate, personalized tour with small groups (up to 15), comprehensive exploration of key highlights such as Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Sistine Chapel.

Minimal to no wait

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour

Early morning exclusive access before crowds, expert-guided exploration, additional Dome climb for panoramic views of Rome available.

Minimal to no wait

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

Fully private, customizable tour with dedicated expert guide, direct access via secret routes to Basilica; tailored exploration of Vatican’s highlights and hidden gems.

Minimal to no wait

Join the queue right of the Viale Vaticano entrance

Frequently Asked Questions about Vatican Museums skip-the-line tickets

Can I really skip the lines at the Vatican?

Yes, you can skip long queues by booking tickets to the Vatican Museums online. There are three ways to experience the Vatican — purchasing the tickets on the day of the visit, which could mean a wait time of 2-3 hours; using skip-the-line tickets that have been purchased in advance and will allow you to visit the museum within a specified time slot; or by opting for a guided tour. We offer a carefully curated selection of skip-the-line tickets and guided tours at the possible best prices.

Are skip the line tickets available to be purchased same day?

While we strive to offer last-minute availability, it is highly recommended that you purchase skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican in advance as they tend to sell out 3-4 days ahead of time. However, if you're looking to visit on short notice, we do offer guided tour options with last-minute availability.

How much do the Vatican skip-the-line tickets cost?

The cost of Vatican skip-the-line tickets depends on several factors, with prices typically starting from €29. However, these tickets tend to sell out in advance, and in the rare case of last-minute availability, prices can go up to €34. If you are willing to wait in line for 2 hours or more on the day of your visit, you can purchase tickets for €17. However, we highly recommend avoiding the queues by purchasing your tickets online. Additionally, we offer guided tours of the Vatican, starting from €65, which are highly recommended given the rich history of the site. Prices are subject to change, it is advisable to check real-time availability and prices by exploring our curated collection of experiences.

Why should I book skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums?

Booking skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums offers several advantages: they help avoid the inconvenience of waiting in lines that can go up to 2 or more hours and enjoy immediate access to the museum following a security screening, saving you valuable time and allowing you to make the most of your visit.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, when you purchase skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums online, you can select a specific time slot for your visit. This allows you to plan your day accordingly and ensures a seamless entry to the museums without waiting in long queues. Ensure to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time to prevent any potential delays.

How long is the validity period for skip-the-line tickets?

Vatican skip-the-line tickets are typically valid for the date and time slot you have chosen during the booking process. It is important to arrive on time for your designated entry time to guarantee entry.

Are there any restrictions on the number of skip-the-line tickets available per day?

Yes, there is a limit on the number of skip-the-line tickets to Vatican Museums available for each time slot on any given day. And, given the popularity of the attraction and the guaranteed long lines at the attraction, these passes tend to sell out 3-4 days in advance. We recommend booking your tickets as early as possible to secure a visit for your preferred date and time.

Is there a specific entrance for skip-the-line ticket holders?

Skip-the-line ticket holders can join Queue 2 at the Viale Vaticano entrance of the Vatican Museums. This entrance allows you to bypass the regular ticket lines and proceed directly to the security check and entry point.

Can I visit the Sistine Chapel with Vatican skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums include access to the Sistine Chapel, which is the last leg of our tour of the museums. The Sistine Chapel is one of the highlights of the museums and is a must-see during your visit, so make sure you save enough time to admire the iconic ceiling painted by Michelangelo.

Do Vatican skip-the-line tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica?

No, skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums do not include access to St. Peter's Basilica. While they offer expedited entry to the museums, St. Peter's Basilica has its own separate entry and security procedures. However, you can easily access St. Peter's Basilica by booking specific tickets that grant access to the church. We recommend combining your visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica by opting for a guided tour that offers access to both iconic attractions.

Can I use skip-the-line tickets for multiple entries to the Vatican Museums on the same day?

Vatican skip-the-line tickets are only valid for a single entry on the selected date and time slot. Once you exit the museums, re-entry is not permitted with the same ticket.

Can I change the date or time of my skip-the-line tickets?

Unfortunately, the Vatican skip-the-line tickets cannot be rescheduled or cancelled. It is imperative that you double-check your selected date and time before completing the purchase.

Are audio guides available with Vatican skip-the-line tickets?

Audio guides are not included with skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums, but, they are available for rent at the entrance for an additional fee. The audio guides provide informative commentary that will help enhance your self-guided tour by offering insights into the artwork, its history, and its significance.