Which stop for which sight?
Before you set off, decide where you are going first. St. Peter's Square and the basilica are at the eastern end of Vatican City, facing Via della Conciliazione. The entrance to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is on Viale Vaticano, on the northern side of the Vatican walls. On foot, the two are 10 to 15 minutes apart.
Getting to the Vatican by public transport
Rome's metro, buses and trams all use the same tickets. Tap a contactless card or phone at the gate, or buy a paper ticket at a machine or a tobacconist marked with a "T".
Metro Line A
The red line is the easiest option. Get off at Ottaviano for St. Peter's Square, or at Cipro for the Vatican Museums. From Termini, take Line A in the direction of Battistini.
Bus 40 and 64
Both run from Termini through the centre to the Vatican area. Bus 40 is the faster express line. Bus 64 is often packed, so keep an eye on your bag.
Tram 19
Tram 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento, between St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Museums. Useful if you are staying in the north or east of the city.
Train to Roma San Pietro
Regional trains on the FL3 and FL5 lines stop at Roma San Pietro station, a short walk from the square. Handy from Trastevere and Ostiense.
From Rome Termini
From Termini station, the fastest route is Metro Line A towards Battistini. Get off at Ottaviano and walk south along Via Ottaviano to the colonnade, or get off one stop later at Cipro if you are heading to the Vatican Museums. The ride takes around 15 minutes. Bus 40 is the alternative if you want to see the city on the way.
From Fiumicino airport
Take the Leonardo Express train to Termini, about 30 minutes, then Metro Line A to Ottaviano. A cheaper option is the regional FL1 train to Trastevere, where you change to an FL3 or FL5 train to Roma San Pietro. Some airport buses also stop near the Vatican. A taxi or private transfer takes you straight to your hotel, which is easiest with luggage.
By taxi
Use only licensed white taxis with a meter, from an official taxi rank or booked by phone or app. There is a taxi rank close to St. Peter's Square for the way back. Unlicensed drivers who approach you at the station or airport are best ignored.
On foot
From the historic centre, walking is often the nicest way to arrive. From Piazza Navona, cross the Tiber at Ponte Sant'Angelo, pass Castel Sant'Angelo and walk up Via della Conciliazione. The dome grows bigger with every step, and the colonnade opens up right in front of you. Allow about 20 to 25 minutes.
Vatican tours with a meeting point near the metro
Most guided Vatican tours start a few minutes from Ottaviano station. Live prices and availability.
Tips for the last few metres
Small details that save time on the day.
Don't drive
Central Rome is a limited traffic zone, and parking near the Vatican is scarce. Public transport or a taxi is much easier.
Meeting points
Most guided tours meet in the streets between Ottaviano and the Vatican Museums. Check the exact address in your booking before you leave.
Touts
Near the metro exits and along the Vatican walls, people sell tours on the spot. If you have a booking, walk straight past.
Compare Vatican tours →Wednesday crowds
During the papal audience, the streets around the square are busy from early morning, and some access points are closed.
Papal audience →How to get to the Vatican: frequently asked questions
What is the closest metro stop to the Vatican?
Ottaviano on Line A is the closest stop to St. Peter's Square, about a 10-minute walk. For the Vatican Museums, Cipro on the same line is closer.
How do I get from Termini to St. Peter's Square?
Take Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at Ottaviano, or take bus 40 or 64. Both take around 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
How much is a metro ticket in Rome?
A single BIT ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes on buses and trams, including one metro ride. Contactless cards work at the metro gates.
Can I walk to the Vatican from the centre of Rome?
Yes. From Piazza Navona or the Pantheon it is a 20 to 30 minute walk via Ponte Sant'Angelo and Via della Conciliazione.