Best ways to get to Vatican City from anywhere in Rome 

The Vatican City, the world’s smallest country and the heart of the Catholic Church, is a must-visit destination in Rome. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic site attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you're arriving by metro, bus, or the popular Hop-On Hop-Off bus, knowing the best way to reach the Vatican will make your visit seamless. Read on for all the details.

Where exactly is Vatican City?

The Vatican is located in the heart of Rome, on the left bank of the Tiber River, just west of the historic city center. It is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, making it one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Address: Vatican City, 00120 Vatican City State
Landmark: Located adjacent to St. Peter’s Square, near Castel Sant’Angelo

St. Peter’s Basilica serves as its most recognizable entrance. The famous Via della Conciliazione, a grand boulevard, leads directly to St. Peter’s Square, offering a stunning approach to the city-state. For the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Vatican, public transport is often the best option.

How to reach the Vatican

By public transport

The Vatican is well connected via Rome’s public transport network.

• Metro: Take Line A (Orange Line) to Ottaviano-San Pietro or Cipro station. From there, it’s a 5-10 minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.
• Bus: Routes 40, 49, 64, 62, and 81 stop near the Vatican. Bus 40 is an express service from Termini Station (Rome’s main train station).
• Tram: Tram 19 stops at Piazza Risorgimento, which is a 5-minute walk from the Vatican Museums.

🚌 By Hop-on Hop-off Bus

The Hop-on Hop-off bus is an excellent way to explore Rome and the Vatican at your own pace. These tourist-friendly buses stop at major landmarks, allowing you to hop off, explore, and hop back on when you're ready.

• Several operators, including Big Bus Rome, City Sightseeing, and Roma Cristiana, offer stops near the Vatican.
• Closest Hop-On Hop-Off stops: St. Peter’s Basilica Stop (near Via della Conciliazione), Vatican Museums Stop (near Viale Vaticano) Bus 40 is an express service from Termini Station (Rome’s main train station).
• Tickets usually allow unlimited travel for 24-72 hours, making it an easy and flexible option.

🚗 By car / taxi

• Taxi: Use apps like FreeNow, Uber, or local taxis to reach Vatican City.
• Stazione Taxi San Pietro: The Vatican’s main taxi stand is at Piazza San Pietro, near St. Peter’s Square. You can find taxis waiting here throughout the day, offering quick access to other parts of Rome.
• Fare estimate: From Termini Station to the Vatican, expect to pay €15-€20 (~15 minutes).
• Driving directions: From Rome city center, the Vatican is about 4 km (2.5 miles) away, taking around 15 minutes by car.

🚗🅿️ Parking near the Vatican

Since parking near the Vatican is limited, consider these options:

• On-Site parking: ❌ Not available inside Vatican City.
• Nearest parking lots: Paid parking is available at Parking Prati which is 10-minute walk away. Garage San Pietro is 5-minute walk away from Vatican City on Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci, 26 – 165. Terminal Gianicolo is another spot which has multi-level parking.
• Street parking: Limited but available around Borgo Pio and Via Crescenzio (metered parking).

👣 On Foot

Walking to the Vatican is a fantastic experience, especially if you're staying in central Rome.

• Route: Start from Piazza Navona or the Pantheon, cross the Tiber River at Ponte Sant’Angelo, and follow Via della Conciliazione straight to St. Peter’s Square.
• Attractions along the way:
  • Castel Sant’Angelo – A historic fortress with breathtaking views over Rome.
  • Ponte Sant’Angelo – A picturesque bridge adorned with statues of angels.
  • Via della Conciliazione – A grand avenue leading directly to St. Peter’s Basilica.
  This scenic 20-minute walk offers some of the best photo opportunities in Rome.

🚲 By Bike

• Bike rentals: Available near Piazza del Risorgimento.
• Bike parking: Limited, but you can find racks near St. Peter’s Square.

From major transport hubs

• From Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO):
  • Take the Leonardo Express Train to Termini, then Metro Line A to Ottaviano (~40 min).
  • Direct taxis take ~40 minutes (€50-€60).
• From Termini Station:
  • Take Metro Line A to Ottaviano (10-15 min).

🏛️ Entrances to the Vatican

There are different entrances depending on what part of the Vatican you wish to visit:

• St. Peter’s Basilica Entrance (Free)
  • Located at St. Peter’s Square.
  • Expect security checks; lines can be long, so arrive early.
  • Dress code: No shorts, sleeveless tops, or short skirts.
  • Take the Leonardo Express Train to Termini, then Metro Line A to Ottaviano (~40 min).
  • Direct taxis take ~40 minutes (€50-€60).
• Vatican Museums Entrance (Paid)
  • Located at Viale Vaticano 00165.
  • Leads to the Sistine Chapel and famous Vatican art collections.
  • Online ticket booking recommended to skip long queues.

Recommended tickets to Vatican

Frequently asked questions