The Vatican Museum Entrances | A Detailed Guide on How to Enter the Attraction

One of the smallest and most significant countries in the world, the Vatican is the official headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is home to the stunning Basilica of St. Peter and the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museum is another popular attraction in Vatican City, housing an exquisite selection of ancient Roman artworks and pieces from the Renaissance era. 

If you’re a first-timer in the area, getting to the Vatican might be confusing. The Vatican City is located in an enclave in Rome and has two main entrances. We’ve put together a simplified guide to choosing the right entrance when you visit the Vatican. 

How to Enter the Vatican in Rome? 

To enter Vatican City, you don't need a passport or Visa or even tickets for the attractions inside. You can simply walk inside. However, if you wish to enter the attractions inside, such as the Vatican Museums, you would need to buy tickets.

Where is the Vatican Museum Entrance?

Although Vatican City is the smallest of its kind in the world, it still pans over a massive area. There’s much to see inside the city-state and knowing which entrance to choose will help you navigate your way faster and more efficiently.

There are only two entrances to the Vatican museums, Via Della Conciliazione and Via Vaticano.

• Via Della Conciliazione: If you’re planning on starting your tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, then we recommend entering from Via Della Conciliazione.
• Viale Vaticano: If the museum is your first stop, then enter from Viale Vaticano.

How to Get From St. Peter’s Square to the Vatican Museum? 

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. 

How to Get From the Vatican Museum to St. Peter’s Square? 

The entrance and exit to the museums are in the same area. Once you exit, walk right on Viale Vaticano along the walls of the Vatican. When you get to the bottom of the street, turn right until you reach the piazza. You will see arches at the end of the road and the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square behind it. In total, you will have to walk for about 15 to 20 minutes. 

Queue at Viale Vaticano Entrance

Once you get to the entry point of the Vatican Museum, you’ll notice three lines swarming with tourists.

Queue 1: If you haven't purchased a ticket, this is the line for you. Join this queue to purchase tickets on-site. Be warned, this is the longest line of the lot.

Queue 2: This line is reserved for those who have purchased online tickets to the Vatican Museums.