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- Vatican Museums
- Castel Gandolfo Papal Palace
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Vatican Gardens
- Apostolic Palace
- Papal Audience
- Vatican Grottoes
- Vatican City
- Castle Gondolfo
- Vatican Necropolis
- Vatican Archives
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- Villa Barberini
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- Inside
- Vatican Easter Mass
- Christmas Tree
- Nativity Scene
- Secrets of Vatican
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- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Night Tours
- Timings
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- Rules
- Entrances
- Facts
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- Omnia Card
- Vatican Mass
- Dress Code
- Things to do in Vatican
- Colosseum
- Big Bus Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Rome Pantheon
- Borghese Gallery
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Bioparco Rome
- Palazzo Barberini
- Musei Capitolini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Roman Baths of Caracalla
- Palazzo Merulana
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- Altare della Patria
- Rome Underground Tours
Why Book Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel?
4.2(123.7K Ratings)
- From the world-famous Sistine Chapel to the extensive art collections of the Vatican Museums, uncover it all on this unforgettable tour.
- Discover the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a sanctuary of faith and artistic beauty, with skip-the-line entry and self-guided exploration.
- Journey through centuries of history as an expert guide reveals the stories and secrets behind the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
- Behold the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of one of history's greatest artists.
- Choose between local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guides who will regale you with intriguing anecdotes.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
- Expert local English, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese-speaking guide
- Audio equipment
- Group tour of 25 or less
- Tip: Avoid booking on Wednesdays! Did you know the Pope speaks in St Peter's Square Wednesday mornings? Sometimes this results in last-min closures, so plan for another day if possible.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.
- The Basilica may be subject to last-minute closures. In the event that it is closed, the tour will be extended inside the museums.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Commence your tour by climbing to the terrace of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will uncover unmatched panoramic views of Rome from atop Michelangelo’s Cupola.
- Immerse yourself in the genius of the Renaissance on VIP Vatican tour, guided by experts with skip-the-line access.
- Discover the Basilica's Barocco charm and Michelangelo's Pieta. Then, witness Bernini and Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpieces at the Papal Sarcophagi.
- Pay a visit to the beguiling Sistine Chapel, and marvel at the cherished murals here, such as the painted ceiling and The Last Judgement by Michelangelo.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line VIP access to Vatican Museums
- Admission to the Sistine Chapel
- Admission to the St. Peter’s Basilica
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Dome climb and visit to the Papal Sarcophagi
- Headsets (for groups of six or more)
- Reservation fees
Exclusions
- Transportation
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Visit to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
- Tips: Don't forget to look down as you ascend the dome. Through special windows, you can catch glimpses of the basilica's interior below, offering a unique perspective.
- It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: tripod, flash photography, knives, weapons, or sharp objects.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Make the most out of your visit and jump straight into the action. Skip the line with this guided tour, bypassing long queues at the Vatican Museums.
- Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? The expert guides share stories and hidden symbolism behind artworks, adding a whole new dimension to your experience.
- With unforgettable masterpieces and exquisite art, explore a vast collection spanning centuries, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance marvels.
- Tour in the language of your comfort. Choose from English, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking guides.
- Discover Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgment, showcasing the genius of Italy's most renowned artist.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican Museums
- Priority entry to the Sistine Chapel
- Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Romanian, and Polish-speaking local guide (as per option selected)
- Audio equipment
- Group size (up to 25)
- Tip: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Please be dressed appropriately. Sleeveless blouses, miniskirts, shorts, and hats are not permitted.
- Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
- It is recommended to cover tattoos and any other similarly visible distinctive personal signs.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, or baby carriages.
- Photography and the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
- Luggage and/or large bags are not allowed inside the venue. You may drop off your bags with the free cloakroom service.
- Pets and other small animals are not allowed in the venue, with the exception of guide dogs.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Elevate your Vatican experience with this exclusive, premium, small group tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Personalized attention and a fun-filled atmosphere await!
- Skip the crowds and embrace VIP treatment on this small group tour. Say goodbye to long lines and the hustle of larger groups.
- Dive deeper into history with expert storytellers. They bring the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to life with captivating stories and intriguing anecdotes.
- Maximize your time and minimize the wait! This smaller group size allows for efficient navigation, giving you more time to soak in the masterpieces and create lasting memories.
- Beauty awaits you at every turn! With the help of a local expert, unveil the Vatican's best-kept secrets, and get ready to step into the world of Michelangelo.
Inclusions
- 2.5 - 5 hour guided tour (as per option selected)
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums
- Entry to the Sistine Chapel
- Charismatic local expert
- English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German-speaking guides
- Intimate group size of 10 or less
- Tip: This tour ends inside the museums…so, why not make the most out of your visit and enjoy a coffee in the courtyard before leaving the site?
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- The Vatican Museum provides complimentary wheelchair hire from the cloakroom, subject to availability.
- The Vatican Museums offer free tickets for visitors with mobility impairments (with certified invalidity exceeding 74%). In the case of visitors lacking in self-sufficiency, free entry is extended to their companions.
- Please note: All guests must pass through airport-style security. During high season and peak hours, the wait time at the security check may be up to 30 mins.
- Strict dress code: Sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts, and hats are not permitted.
- On rare occasions, the Sistine Chapel closes without notice. If this happens, you will spend your full tour diving into the depths of the Vatican Museums.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Enjoy guaranteed access to the greatest of Vatican City attractions, spend less time waiting in ticket queues, and more time gazing at the natural and man-made treasures.
- Settle in a comfortable open-top bus and bask in the charming scenery of the Vatican Gardens which occupy roughly half the size of Vatican City.
- Enjoy the views of different landscaped gardens designed in Italian, French, and English styles as you tune into a multilingual audio guide to learn more about the beauty surrounding you.
- Later, immerse yourself in the immense collection of Renaissance masterpieces at the Vatican Museums.
- Gape at Michelangelo's incredible work on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, along with other breathtaking frescoes.
Inclusions
- Vatican Gardens tour by open bus
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Entry tickets to the Sistine Chapel
- Multilingual audio guide onboard
- Free Wi-fi at the meeting point
Exclusions
- Audio guide for Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Live guide
- Tip: Start your visit with the Vatican Gardens aboard an open bus with an audio guide, then continue by visiting the Vatican Museums at your own pace.
- Please note the chosen time must be respected and latecomers will not be accommodated.
- The onboard audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese.
- Strict Dress Code: Guests must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Combo: Vatican Museums + Borghese Gallery Tickets
from
€65.80
- This money-saving combo ticket offers a convenient way to admire two of the greatest art collections in the world at the Vatican Museums and Borghese Gallery.
- Get priority access to Vatican Museums and see priceless works of art from the Papal collections by Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, and Titian, amongst others.
- Sprawled across 54 galleries, the museums include the Gallery of Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, and more.
- The biggest highlight is the breathtaking frescoes that adorn the walls of the legendary Sistine Chapel.
- Enjoy an escorted entry to the Borghese Gallery in Rome and avoid the winding queues.
- Gasp at the amazing art collections curated by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Scipione Cardinal Borghese.
- Admire Caravaggio's iconic masterpieces like David with the Head of Goliath and Boy with a Basket of Fruit.
- Marvel at Raphael's The Deposition and sculptures like David and Apollo and Daphne.
- Stroll through the Villa Borghese and explore the gardens dotted with vibrant flowers in bloom.
Inclusions
Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums
- Skip-the-line tickets to the Sistine Chapel
Borghese Gallery
- Escorted entry to the Borghese Gallery
Exclusions
- Tickets to St. Peter's Basilica
- Audio guide for Borghese Gallery (purchasable on-site for 5 Euros)
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
- Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
- Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
- Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.
Inclusions
- Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
- 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
- Group of 20 people or less
- Reservation fees
- Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
- It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Discover the Vatican Museums at your leisure with options tailor-made for you! Go solo with direct entrance, or skip long queues with hosted entrance.
- Explore masterpieces by Caravaggio, Da Vinci, and Raphael in the Pinacoteca, then marvel at Renaissance sculptures in the Pio Clementino Museum
- Walk in the footsteps of the Pope(s) as you explore the Gallery of Maps, Gallery of Tapestries, and Raphael Rooms at your own pace.
- Make your way to the crowning jewel of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and marvel at Michelangelo’s famed frescoes.
Inclusions
- Entry to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- Hosted entry to Vatican Museums (optional)
- Ticket redemption (optional)
- Booking and handling fees
Exclusions
- St. Peter's Basilica tickets
- Audio guide
- Live guide
- Tip: Watch out for the only painting by Vincent Van Gogh that graces the Vatican Museums - his very own rendition of The Pieta.
- The entrance to the Museums is timed. Be sure to select your activity starting time when booking. Once inside the Museums, you will be free to explore at your own pace.
- Compulsory Vatican dress code: Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
- The use of mobile phones and photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St Peter’s Basilica.
- For guests with documentation of disabilities and visible disabilities, entry is free along with an additional ticket for 1 companion.
- Please note that the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are separate sites from St Peter’s Basilica.
- Guests opting for the hosted entrance tickets will need to meet the host at the designated check-in location. The exact meeting point will be shared on your ticket.
- Please note that this ticket does not include a guided tour. The host will only assist you to the entrance.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Vatican TicketsSkip the Line Tours
Top things to do in Rome
How Long Are the Queues at the Vatican Museums' Viale Vaticano Entrance?
Wondering how long the queues at the Vatican Museum Viale Vaticano Entrance really are? Being an extremely popular destination, with millions of visitors every year, the Vatican Museums have queues that last hours. However, with skip-the-line tickets and strategic planning, you can appreciate the exquisite art and architecture of the Vatican Museums without any hassle and no wastage of time.
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How to Get Skip-the-Line Entry at the Vatican?
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.
If you have purchased your skip-the-line tickets online, head straight towards the queue, on the left-hand side when facing the entrance. This queue is reserved for those who have purchased tickets online. The wait time is usually only between 5-25 minutes, depending on the season.
The visibly longer queue you will see towards the right side when facing the main entrance is for those looking to purchase tickets on the spot. The wait times here can extend up to 2 hours during peak season. That's 2 hours you could be spending admiring Michelangelo's iconic ceiling in the Sistine Chapel instead of standing in line.
How to Skip the Line at the Vatican Museums?
1. Buy Skip-the-line Tickets
The only surefire way to bypass the line at Vatican Museums is by purchasing skip-the-line tickets online. These tickets allow you to join the second queue and proceed directly to the entrance of the Vatican Museums.
2. Purchase Tickets Online
If you secure your Vatican tickets online and in advance, then you can bypass the queue in front of the ticket office and head straight to security. A small, unavoidable, but fast-moving line at the security, later, you will be inside the museums.
Book Tickets to Vatican
3. Visit During Early Hours
Visiting the Vatican Museums in the morning, as soon as it opens, is an excellent way to avoid crowds. Late-evening visits also allow for a quieter experience. Mid-morning to early afternoon tends to be the busiest period. Once the early wave of tourists lessens, the queue shortens down but is still pretty formidable.
However, if you have purchased your tickets online in advance, you won't be affected by the waiting lines, and you should be able to enter the museums easily. Remember to account for the time needed to pass through security when you plan your visit since the visitors are expected to undergo security checks to ensure the safety and preservation of the museum's collections.
Best Time to Visit Vatican Museums
4. Opt for Guided Tours
Guided tours allow you to gain a more in-depth understanding of the vast collection with the help of expert guides along with fast-track entry. These tours cater to those seeking a comprehensive and educational experience, along with the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized attention.
Although guided tours can come at a higher cost, they may be the sole option during peak seasons since skip-the-line tickets frequently sell out due to high demand and do not have guides. Ultimately, a guided tour featuring skip-the-line access would be the ideal choice, to enter quickly and get full expert insight.
Guided Tours of the VaticanFrequently Asked Questions About Vatican Museums Skip the Line Tickets
Q. Can I skip the line at the Vatican?
A. 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.
Q Are skip the line tickets available to be purchased same day?
A. 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.
Q. How much do the Vatican skip-the-line tickets cost?
A. The cost of Vatican skip-the-line tickets depends on several factors, with prices typically starting from €28.5. 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 €45, 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.
Q. Why should I book skip-the-line tickets for the Vatican Museums?
A. 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.
Q. Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing skip-the-line tickets?
A. 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.
Q. How long is the validity period for skip-the-line tickets?
A. 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.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the number of skip-the-line tickets available per day?
A. 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.
Q. Is there a specific entrance for skip-the-line ticket holders?
A. 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.
Q. Can I visit the Sistine Chapel with Vatican skip-the-line tickets?
A. 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.
Q. Do Vatican skip-the-line tickets include access to St. Peter's Basilica?
a. 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.
Q. Can I use skip-the-line tickets for multiple entries to the Vatican Museums on the same day?
A. 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.
Q. Can I change the date or time of my skip-the-line tickets?
A. 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.
Q: Are audio guides available with Vatican skip-the-line tickets?
A. 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.
