Find out about skip-the-line tickets and guided tours for the Vatican Museums and Gardens. Get access to one of the largest art collections in the world.
The Vatican Museums are among the top attractions in Rome, drawing millions of visitors each year. If you want to avoid long lines, it’s important to plan ahead and learn about Vatican Museums tickets. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about admission, prices, online booking, and insider tips.
What Types of Tickets Are Available for the Vatican Museums?
There are several ticket options depending on your interests and schedule:
- Standard Ticket: Includes access to the museums and the Sistine Chapel.
- Skip-the-Line Ticket: Entry without waiting at the ticket counter.
- Guided Tours: Led by professional guides, often with exclusive insights and special access.
- Combo Tickets: Includes access to the museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, or the Vatican Gardens.
A “skip-the-line” ticket can save you hours of waiting, especially during peak season.
How and Where to Buy Tickets Online
Tickets are available at the museum’s ticket office. However, you can expect to wait in line for several hours.
The most convenient option is to book tickets for the Vatican Museums online. You can either book through the official website (museivaticani.va) or through trusted ticket providers on our website. You will be admitted to the museums at the reserved time without having to wait.
Tip: Book early as tickets are often sold out weeks in advance.
Ticket Prices & Discounts (as of 2025)
Here’s an overview of current ticket prices (+ online booking fee 5 €):
- Adults: around €20 (approx. $22)
- Reduced: (children, students with valid ID) from €8 (approx. $9)
- Children under 6: free (no reservation required)
- Persons with disabilities (>75%): free (no reservation required)
Free Entry: On the last Sunday of each month, admission is free — but expect large crowds.
Tickets Vatican Museums
For the Vatican Museums, you need to make reservations well in advance, as tickets often sell out well in advance.
Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Online ticket for entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The ticket is only valid for 15 minutes at the booked entry time. You scan the QR code you received at one of the machines in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums and receive an entrance ticket that you can keep as a souvenir. Young people up to 18 years of age and students up to 25 years of age must show proof of age or student ID for the reduced tickets at the cash desks.
Last Minute Tickets
Online ticket for the entrance to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. The ticket is only valid for 15 minutes at the booked entrance time. Adolescents up to 18 years old must show proof of age at the ticket office for the reduced tickets.
Omnia Card 24
The “Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi” 24-hour card allows last-minute entry to the Vatican Museums, the 24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus with 3 lines, the Carcer Tullianum, the Cloister of the Basilica of San Giovanni and the Catacombs of San Callisto. The individual prices of the services included in the card are higher than the price of the card.
Rome Tourist Pass
The Rome Tourist Pass includes reserved entry to the Vatican Museums, a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and reserved entry to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. In addition, you will receive the reserved entry to the Pantheon with audio guide and an audio guide app for Rome.
Guided tours of the Vatican Museums
The most exclusive tour: unlocking the Vatican Museums
Accompany the clavigero in the early morning at 6 a.m. to unlock the rooms and enjoy the deserted Sistine Chapel. Afterwards, enjoy a breakfast buffet in the Pine court.
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
This special tour includes the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
By going directly from the Vatican Museums to St. Peter’s Basilica, you will avoid the often lengthy security lines at St. Peter’s Basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings during Papal Audiences and during the Pope’s services in St. Peter’s Basilica. It is not possible to enter during these times.
Guided tours Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens are a green oasis in the middle of the Vatican City.
To visit the gardens, you can choose between a ride in an open bus or a two-hour guided tour on foot.
There are also gardens at the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
Open bus through the gardens and entrance to museums and Sistine Chapel
This ticket is valid for the visit of the Vatican Gardens in the open bus. Children under 6 years old are not allowed. The visit to the Vatican Museums is included.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
- Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
- Sundays: Closed (except the last Sunday of each month)
Best times to visit:
- Early morning right after opening
- Late afternoon
What to Expect Inside the Vatican Museums
The museums house one of the most significant art collections in the world. Highlights include:
- Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes
- Raphael Rooms
- Gallery of Maps
- Vatican Pinacoteca (Art Gallery)
Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours for your visit, or even longer if you want to explore thoroughly.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Getting there
By bus :
Line 23 from the Basilica of St. Paul and the Pyramid (Ostiense) to Piazza Risorgimento
Line 81 from the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Capitol
Line 49 from Piazza Risorgimento to the museum entrance
By metro (underground) :
Line A from the Basilica of San Giovanni, Termini, Repubblica, Spanish Steps, Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) to Cipro
From Fiumicino airport :
Regional train FL1 towards Fara in Sabina to Trastevere and there change to Valle Aurelia station
From Ciampino Airport :
With the shuttle bus to Termini and then Metro A to Cipro
From the port of Civitavecchia :
Regional train from Civitavecchia station to Valle Aurelia station
Find the Vatican Museums on Google Maps 
Dress code
There is a dress code for entry to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, all basilicas and churches in Rome and the catacombs. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Sturdy shoes are recommended in St. Peter’s Basilica. You will not be let in with beach sandals.
You will only be admitted barefoot in special cases. You are also not allowed to wear any headgear.
Photography
Allowed throughout most areas, but not inside the Sistine Chapel.
Accessibility
The museums are mostly accessible. Elevators and wheelchairs are available upon request.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Are there combo tickets with St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes, on certain guided tours in the museums it is possible to use a special passageway to St. Peter’s Basilica.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for at least 2 hours, ideally 3–4 hours including breaks.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Visit
With the right ticket and a little planning, your visit to the Vatican Museums will be unforgettable. Book your Vatican Museums tickets online to skip the lines and enjoy a stress-free experience in Rome.
Secure your tickets now and dive into the world of art, history, and culture!