How to get to Vatican City- By Train, Metro, Bus, Car

What brings you to Vacatis?

Let us help you find exactly what you need!

What brings you to Vacatis?

Let us help you find exactly what you need!

What brings you to Vacatis?

Let us help you find exactly what you need!

What brings you to Vacatis?

Let us help you find exactly what you need!

Planning a trip to Vatican City, the heart of the Catholic faith and the smallest country in the world, can be exciting and full of amazing sights. Nestled within Rome, it’s a top spot for visitors wanting to see important Christian sites. This guide covers all the main transportation options to help you find the easiest way to get there. We’ll ensure you have all the information you need to reach this special place smoothly.

Introduction to Vatican City

Vatican City, officially known as the State of Vatican City, is the epicenter of the Roman Catholic Church. The Lateran Treaty of 1929 established its independent status. It stands on the west bank of the River Tiber, about 5 kilometers from downtown Rome. Despite its small size, Vatican City boasts a wealth of spiritual and cultural landmarks, from the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica to the artistic wonders of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Location of Vatican City:

Vatican City is located approximately 5 kilometers from the center of Rome on the west bank of the River Tiber. It is an independent sovereign entity entirely surrounded by Rome. Several transportation methods are available for those looking to visit this unique city-state.

Address of Vatican City:

Città del Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City. Get the directions on Google Maps

How to Get to Vatican City – By Public Transportation

Embarking on your Vatican adventure is easy, thanks to the many transport options available. Whether you’re coming from within Rome or the iconic Colosseum, here’s how to effortlessly reach the heart of Catholicism.

How to Get to the Vatican by Metro: The Fastest Route

  • Closest Station: Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station
  • Travel Time: 11-15 minutes
  • Timings: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday); extends to 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • How to use it: Take Line A metro in Rome and exit at Ottaviano-S. Pietro station.
    From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to St. Peter’s Square.
    You could also alight at Lepanto station for a pleasant walk and shopping on Cola di Rienzo Street before visiting the Vatican Museums.
    Another option is Cipro Station, also on Line A, which is conveniently close to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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How to Get to the Vatican by Bus:

  • Closest Stop: Viale Vaticano- Musei Vaticani
  • Timings: Standard bus services operate from 5.30 am until midnight, while night bus services are available from midnight until 5.30 am.
  • Travel Time: Varies based on starting point
  • How to use: Bus 49 arrives directly at the square before the Vatican Museums.
    You can catch buses 40 or 64 from Roma Termini for alternative routes.
    Bus 40 stops at Piazza Pia, close to the Vatican, with St. Peter’s Square just a 10-minute walk away.
    Meanwhile, Bus 64 drops passengers off at Terminal Gianicolo or Holy Spirit Hospital, both around 10-12 minutes on foot from St. Peter’s Square.
    Busses 32, 81, and 982 also halt at Piazza del Risorgimento.
    Buses 492 and 990 are also available, stopping at Via degli Scipioni & Via Leone IV.

How to Get to the Vatican by Train:

  • Closest Station: St. Pietro Station
  • Timings: The first train from Roma Termini sets off at 5:35 AM, followed by subsequent trains departing every 30 minutes. The final train for the day departs Roma Termini at 10:35 PM.
  • Travel Time: Around 10 minutes on foot to St. Peter’s Square
  • How to use: Vatican City is served by the St. Pietro train station. From Roma Termini, you can take either the RE 12524 train headed for Civitavecchia or the RE 4134 train directed to Pisa Centrale. Alight at St. Pietro, roughly a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.

How to Get to the Vatican by Tram:

  • Closest Station: Piazza del Risorgimento
  • Timings: Trams operate daily from 5:30 AM to midnight.
  • Travel Time: A 7-minute walk to Vatican Museums
  • How to use: Catch tram number 19 from Gerani and get off at Piazza del Risorgimento, located right outside the walls of Vatican City.
    A brief 7-minute walk will lead you directly to the Vatican Museum.

If you are already in Vatican City and planning to visit the Colosseum next, read our article on how to reach it from the Vatican.

How to Get to the Vatican by Car:

Although driving directly into Vatican City is not permitted for the general public, numerous parking facilities nearby offer convenient options. If you drive from Rome, the quickest path is via Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Alternatively, you can bypass tolls via Viale del Muro Torto, though this route may extend your journey time. Remember that access to Vatican City by car is reserved solely for those on official business. Here are some of the famous parking facilities near Vatican City where you can park your ride:

  • Parking Prati is situated at Piazza Unità, 62–193, and is conveniently close to Vatican City. It’s important to note that you must leave your keys at the Prati Car Park. 
  • Garage San Pietro, found on Via di Santa Maria alle Fornaci, 26–165, offers parking a mere 5-minute walk from Vatican City.
  • Vespasian Garage, which is also within walking distance of the Vatican, offers parking options at hourly, daily, nightly, and monthly rates.

How to Get to the Vatican on Foot:

  • From Piazza Navona: Approximately 28 minutes
  • Route: Via de Coronari → Via di Panico → Ponte Sant’Angelo → Via della Conciliazione to St. Peter’s Square.
  • Experience: Walking to Vatican City from Rome is an excellent choice if you’re not in a rush.
    It’s easy on the wallet and offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sights along the way.
    Starting from Piazza Navona, head down Via de Coronari, a street full of shops and cafes, and then make a right turn onto Via di Panico.
    Follow this road to its end, where you’ll encounter a public crossing leading to Ponte Sant’Angelo.
    Cross this bridge, turn left at Castel Sant’Angelo, and you’ll be on Via della Conciliazione, a direct road that takes you straight to St. Peter’s Square.

Finding Your Way Inside Vatican City: Entrances and Tips

Vatican City welcomes visitors through two main entrances:

  • Viale Vaticano: The northern gateway leading directly to the Vatican Museums.
  • Via della Conciliazione: The southeastern path offers a direct route to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tips for hassle-free navigation to Vatican City

  • Leave for Vatican City early in the morning, as public transportation is much less crowded in the morning. 
  • Before you visit Vatican City, check the Vatican Museum’s hours so that you can be there when it starts accepting visitors for the day. 
  • Even though Rome City is car-friendly and well-connected to the Vatican, we advise you to use public transportation to reach Vatican City. 
  • As Vatican City holds great religious significance, make sure you leave your stay dressed according to the Vatican dressing guidelines. 

Conclusion – How to Get to the Vatican City

Visiting Vatican City is a journey like no other. It offers a deep dive into the heart of Catholic tradition, breathtaking art, and architecture. Whether you choose to arrive by public transport, car, or foot, this guide ensures your pilgrimage to Vatican City in 2025 is both memorable and spiritually rewarding. Prepare to be awe-inspired by this tiny but mighty city-state’s profound beauty and history.

FAQs

1. How do you get to the Vatican from the city center?

2. Which metro station is Vatican City?

3. How much does it cost to get into Vatican City?

4. Can a tourist just walk into Vatican City?

5. Do you need a passport for the Vatican?

6. Does the metro go to the Vatican?

7. How long do you need in Vatican City?

8. Can I take a taxi to Vatican City?

9. Is there border Control between Italy and Vatican City?

10. How much is the train from Rome to Vatican City?

11. Is it hard to get into Vatican City?

12. Can you do the Colosseum and Vatican in one day?

13. How early should I get to the Vatican?

14. Where are the Vatican Museums Located?

15. Where exactly is Vatican City near Rome?

16. How Do I Travel from Rome to Vatican City?

17. What is the Easiest Way to Reach the Vatican Museums?

18. Which Bus Stop is Closest to the Vatican Museums?

19. What is the Nearest Train Station to the Vatican Museums?

20. Is Parking Available Near the Vatican Museums?

21. What is the Closest Tram Station to the Vatican Museums?

22. What is the Distance Between Vatican City and Rome?

23. How Can I Get from Vatican City to Rome?

Featured Image: Travnikovstudio,Envato.com

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