Vatican City · Getting around
How to get around Vatican City and its surrounding areas
August 29, 2026 · last updated · about 4 min read
Navigating Vatican City
Vatican City is a pedestrian-centric city-state. Due to its extremely small size, the only mode of transport that matters within the borders is walking. Motorized vehicles are restricted primarily to official Vatican personnel and diplomatic services.
Local Transport Options
- Walking: The primary way to move between St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Museums, and the Apostolic Palace.
- Rome Public Transport (ATAC): Since the Vatican is an enclave within Rome, visitors rely on the Rome city network to reach the borders. Metro Line A (Ottaviano or Cipro stations) and various city bus lines serve the perimeter.
- Taxis: Available at designated stands outside the Vatican walls. These are useful for those with limited mobility or heavy luggage.
Passes and Tickets
There are no internal transport passes for Vatican City. For the surrounding Rome area, BIT (Integrated Time Ticket) is suitable for short stays. Multi-day passes are only worth considering for visitors planning extensive travel across the wider Rome metropolitan area; they do not provide any benefit for those staying strictly within the Vatican vicinity.
From Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
Visitors must first travel to Rome before reaching the Vatican:
- Leonardo Express: Fastest option to Roma Termini. Low effort, higher cost band. From Termini, take the Metro to the Vatican.
- Regional Trains (FL1): Stops at stations like Roma Trastevere. Moderate effort, lower cost band.
- Airport Bus Shuttles: Direct to city center. Higher effort due to traffic, mid-range cost band.
Practical Notes
- Accessibility: St. Peter's Square and the Museums are generally accessible, though some historic areas have cobblestones.
- Luggage: Large suitcases are prohibited inside the Vatican Museums and are not practical for the walking-only interior.
- Rush Hours: Avoid Rome's public transport during morning and evening commutes to minimize congestion around the Vatican borders.
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Things to see in Vatican City
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Temples & religious sites
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is the iconic church of Vatican City and is regarded as one of the grandest churches in the world. It is said to stand over the tomb of the Apostle Peter, drawing pilgrims and travelers alike.
Temples & religious sites
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is the pope's chapel within the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, filled with frescoes by Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo and Raphael. The ceiling painted by Michelangelo is the chapel's most famous highlight.
Museums & galleries
Pantheon
An ancient Roman temple still standing in Rome, used as a Catholic church since the 7th century. True to its name, meaning "temple of all gods," it offers a glimpse of magnificent ancient architecture.
Parks & gardens
Roman Forum
This ancient Roman site remains at the heart of Rome's historic center, once surrounded by government buildings around a central square. Walking through it, visitors can sense the traces of what was once the heart of ancient Rome.
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