Why Book Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel?
Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Skip the Line Tickets
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.
Know Your Queue at the Viale Vaticano Entrance
There are 2 queues at the entry point of the Vatican Museums. Make sure you’re standing in the right queue so that you don’t waste time. Here's what you need to know about the queues at the Viale Vaticano Entrance:

Queue 1
This queue 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.

Queue 2
The second queue is for those who have purchased admission tickets online. The wait time is usually only between 5-25 minutes, depending on the season. That's right, just a few minutes and you'll be walking through the doors of the Vatican Museums without any hassle.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Reads

Vatican Museums

Getting to Vatican
