The Vatican is a small city-state surrounded by Rome in Italy, situated on the west bank of the Tiber River, 1.6 km north of the city center. With a high footfall of over 25,000+ visitors every day and different public transport stops near each entrance, your point of entry is crucial for a smooth visit.

How to get to the Vatican

Bus stops are a 5 minute walk away and the nearest metro stations are a 5 to 10 minute walk depending on the entrance you choose.

Directions to the Vatican

How many entrances are there at the Vatican?

There are two entrances to the Vatican City: Via della Conciliazione and Viale Vaticano.

Via della Conciliazione

This entrance is located on the southeast side of Vatican City, near Castel Sant’Angelo. It will get you right into St. Peter’s Square. St. Peter's Basilica is free to visit, but you will need ticket in order to climb the dome.

Viale Vaticano

Located on the northwest side of Vatican City. This is the main visitor entrance to the Vatican Museums, and tickets can be purchased here, although booking in advance online is recommended to avoid long queues.

Don't worry, we'll help you choose the right one.

Map of Vatican entrances

Map of the Vatican City

Choose the best Vatican entrance for you

Via della Conciliazione

📍Location: South-east side of Vatican City, find on maps

🚏How to get there: Bus routes 40, 49, 62, 64, 81 and tram no. 19 at Piazza Risorgimento (5-min walk). Nearest metro is Ottaviano-San Pietro (10-min walk).

✅Best for: Visitors who want to explore St. Peter’s Basilica first or participate in early morning tours.

🗓️Timings: Open 24/7; specific closures vary

⏳Average wait time: Typically minimal but varies depending on the time of day and season.

♿Accessibility: Accessible, but watch for uneven surfaces.

⛪Highlights nearby: St. Peter’s Basilica, Apostolic Palace, Vatican Grottoes

💜Things to do: Climb the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome or be a part of the Papal audience.

Viale Vaticano

📍Location: North-west side of Vatican City, find on maps

🚏How to get there: Bus route 49 at Viale Vaticano stop. Bus routes 492 or 990 at Via Leone IV (5-min walk). Nearest metro is Valle Aurelia (5-min walk).

✅Best for: General visitors, tour groups, and those with skip-the-line tickets to the Vatican Museums.

🗓️Timings: Mon–Sat: 8am – 8pm (last entry at 6pm); Sun: 9am – 2pm (last entry at 6pm)

⏳Average wait time: 15–20 minutes with skip-the-line tickets, up to 2 hours without.

♿Accessibility: Step-free access with ramps and elevators.

⛪Highlights nearby: Vatican Museums, Gallery of Maps, Sistine Chapel

💜Things to do: Explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Book Vatican tickets & tours

Know before you get to the Vatican entrances

Access for visitors with disabilities

Navigation between entrances

VIA DELLA CONCILIAZIONE (ST. PETER’S BASILICA & SQUARE)

Wheelchair access: The entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica via Via della Conciliazione is fully wheelchair accessible. There are gentle ramps at the main entry points to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. St. Peter’s Square is paved with smooth stone, with tactile paving to assist visually impaired guests. Seating areas for rest are scattered.
Internal features: Elevators and ramps inside allow visitors to access the main nave, chapels, and the dome (via elevator plus some assisted walking). Staff are on hand to assist visitors with limited mobility.
Security checkpoint: Security screening areas near the entrance have wheelchair-friendly lanes to ensure smooth passage.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available near the square and inside the basilica.
Signage: Clear, large-print, and braille signage is present for navigation.

VIALE VATICANO (VATICAN MUSEUMS)

Wheelchair access: The main entrance at Viale Vaticano 100 is equipped with a ramped pathway for wheelchair users.
Internal features: The Vatican Museums have elevators, wheelchair lifts, and smooth flooring throughout the galleries to facilitate movement. Staff assistance is available.
Security checkpoint: Designed with accessible lanes; security staff provide support to visitors with mobility challenges.
Facilities nearby: Wheelchair rentals are available at the cloakroom (with ID deposit), accessible restrooms, and tactile paving for visually impaired guests.
Guided tours: Special accessible guided tours can be arranged to better accommodate visitors with disabilities.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Transportation: Both entrances are served by accessible public transport stops (buses and metro stations with elevators).
Booking assistance: Visitors requiring special assistance are encouraged to contact Vatican accessibility services ahead of their visit to arrange support.

How to get from St. Peter’s Square to the Vatican Museums?

Exit St. Peter’s Square towards Largo del Colonnato and walk north to the end of the street and then take a left onto Piazza del Risorgimento. Turn left onto Viale Vaticano and the entrance to the Vatican Museums will be on your left. It will take you about 15 minutes to get to the museums from St. Peter’s Square.

Tip: For a more scenic approach, you can take a bus from Via della Conciliazione to the Vatican Museums. Bus No. 49 departs from Traspontina/Conciliazione and arrives at Bastioni Di Michelangelo, a short walk from the museum entrance.

How to get from the Vatican Museums to St. Peter’s Square?

Exit the Vatican Museums through the main exit near the Pinecone Courtyard. Turn right onto Viale Vaticano and follow the Vatican walls. Go down to the bottom of the street, still following the walls. Turn right again following the walls at Piazza Risorgimento and keep going until you reach the piazza. Voila! St. Peter's Square is right in front of you.

Frequently asked questions about Vatican entrances

Is there an entrance fee to enter Vatican?

No, you don't need to pay to enter Vatican City. However, you do need a ticket to visit the attractions including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

Which Vatican entrance to use to visit Vatican Museums?

If you want to visit the Vatican Museums first, take the museum entrance located on the northern side of the city from Viale Vaticano.

Which Vatican entrance to use to enter St Peter’s Square?

If you want to visit St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, use the Vatican entrance located on the southeastern side of the city from Via Della Conciliazione.

How long does the visit to the Vatican last?

We recommend spending the day at the Vatican, however, if you’re on a time crunch, make sure you spend at least 3 hours so you can see the major attractions inside.

How do I get to the Vatican from Rome?

Vatican City can be easily accessed via public transport - metro, train, or bus.

Which Vatican entrance is best for skip-the-line ticket holders?

The Viale Vaticano entrance is ideal for skip-the-line ticket holders, offering direct access to the Vatican Museums with minimal wait time.

Which entrance has the shortest queue?

The Via della Conciliazione entrance typically has a shorter queue compared to the Viale Vaticano entrance, especially in the early mornings or during off-peak hours.

Which Vatican entrance should I use if I’m traveling with a group?

For group visits, the Viale Vaticano entrance is the most suitable. It is organized for guided tours and large groups, offering smoother entry.

Are there any special entrances for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the Viale Vaticano entrance has step-free access and elevator services for visitors with disabilities. Via della Conciliazione is also accessible, but be aware of uneven surfaces.

How early should I arrive at the Vatican entrances?

It’s recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures a smoother experience through security and faster entry.

If I've booked a tour, will I meet my guide at one of the main Vatican entrances?

Sometimes, but not always. Tours can also start from a location either inside or outside Vatican City. Read your final ticket or voucher for the exact meeting point details.