Frequently Asked Questions about Your Tickets to the Vatican Museums in Rome
Is the ticket to enter the Vatican Museums included in my purchase?
Yes, our tours of the Vatican Museums include entry to the premises, so you won’t need to worry about purchasing it on-site. Additionally, all information will be sent to you by email at the time of booking.
What should I do if I have a reservation with a GUIDED TOUR?
Your Vatican tickets will include details of the meeting point and the time of the guided tour. Make sure to arrive early to ensure you enjoy your visit without any issues.
What should I do if I have booked my tickets with an AUDIO GUIDE?
If your reservation includes an audio guide, you must follow the instructions in the confirmation email to download it or pick it up at the specified location when visiting the monument. When booking one of our tours, you will receive two emails: the first with purchase confirmation and the second with a link to access a private area where you can download your tickets for entry to the monument and, if selected, the audio guide.
What documentation do I need to access the monument?
Vatican Museum tickets are nominative, meaning you’ll be required to present identification upon entry. This must be your original ID or equivalent; photocopies or digital copies are not accepted. This is a mandatory step for entry.
Can I carry my tickets in digital format?
Yes, you can bring your tickets in digital format as long as all information is clearly legible.
Do children need tickets to access the Vatican Museums?
Children under 6 years old can enter the Vatican Museums for free and do not need a ticket. Those aged 6 to 17 years have reduced prices but require a ticket. In all cases, an original ID must be presented, and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Can I change or cancel my tickets for the Vatican Museums?
No, it is not possible. Once the booking request is made, names, dates, and times cannot be modified, nor can the tickets be canceled. Refunds are not available. These purchase terms are explicitly explained on the website during the booking process and must be accepted before completing the purchase. There are no exceptions, even for reasons such as illness, work commitments, COVID, or travel cancellations. However, if the monument is closed, you will be entitled to a 100% refund, which will be automatically processed to the payment method used during purchase.
Can I exercise the right of withdrawal?
No, the right of withdrawal does not apply to this purchase, as explicitly stated by the monument. Tickets, vouchers, and additional services purchased are non-refundable. Changes to the date, time, or participant names are not possible once the purchase is made.
Can I eat inside the monument?
Eating is prohibited in the exhibition rooms of the Vatican Museums. However, vending machines and designated areas for snacks are available along the route. Additionally, the Vatican Museums have a café, restaurant, and pizzeria where you can eat in designated areas.
Is there a cloakroom service at the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums offer a free cloakroom service where you can leave coats. Staff may also require you to leave large items such as backpacks, oversized bags, tripods, video cameras, umbrellas, or walking sticks (if not necessary for mobility) to ensure the safety and comfort of other visitors.
Will the visit be canceled in case of rain?
No, the visit will proceed regardless of weather conditions outside.
What happens if the monument closes?
It is very rare for the monument to close, but in such exceptional cases, notification is provided on short notice. If this happens, an alternative date will be arranged, or a full refund will be issued.
Can pets access the Vatican Museums?
No, pets are not allowed in the Vatican Museums, regardless of their size. However, guide dogs with leashes and muzzles, as well as therapeutic support animals, are permitted, provided proper documentation is presented. Advance notice (at least 24 hours) must be given by emailing accoglienza.musei@scv.va.
Can I enter the Vatican Museums at a different time than the one selected during my purchase?
No, once you purchase your tickets for a specific date and time, you cannot change the access schedule. If you arrive on a different date/time, you will not be able to enter the monument.
How long can I stay inside the Vatican Museums?
There is no imposed time limit to stay inside the Vatican Museums. Your visit will be limited only by the monument's opening and closing hours.
How can I get from the Vatican to the Colosseum and how long does the trip take?
To travel from the Vatican to the Colosseum in Rome, you have several public transportation options:
1. Metro:
- Route: From the Ottaviano-San Pietro station (near the Vatican), take Line A (orange) toward Anagnina. Get off at Termini station and transfer to Line B (blue) toward Laurentina. Get off at Colosseo station.
- Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Cost: A single ticket costs around €1.50.
2. Bus:
- Route: Near the Vatican, at the Crescenzio/Risorgimento stop, you can take bus line 81 toward Basilica San Paolo. This bus will take you directly to the Colosseum.
- Duration: Approximately 30-35 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: Similar to the metro, around €1.50 per single ticket.
3. On foot:
- Route: If you prefer walking, the distance between the Vatican and the Colosseum is approximately 3.5 kilometers. The trip will take you through Rome's historic center, allowing you to enjoy its streets and landmarks.
- Duration: Around 45-50 minutes, depending on your pace and possible stops along the way.
4. Taxi:
- Duration: Around 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
How much time is needed to visit the Vatican Museums?
It depends on how much time you want to spend on each artwork. A basic tour will take around 2-3 hours, but if you want to enjoy it more thoroughly, you can stay as long as you want without time limits.
What is the best time to enter the Vatican Museums?
The best time to enter the Vatican Museums is usually at the opening time in the morning. Noon can also be a good time, as many visitors leave for lunch or are eating within the premises.
If I have a ticket for St. Peter's Dome, can I enter the Basilica without waiting in line?
No, the ticket is exclusively for access to the Dome. To enter St. Peter's Basilica, you will need to queue to pass through security checkpoints.
Does the elevator to St. Peter's Dome go all the way to the top?
No, the elevator avoids one flight of stairs, but there will still be another 320 steps to climb, with no elevator available.
Is there a dress code for entering the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Dome, or St. Peter's Basilica?
You musn´t enter the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Dome, or St. Peter's Basilica with clothing above the knees, clothing that exposes the shoulders, or with a covered head. Nor with personal objects or visible personal distinctive signs (such as tattoos) that may offend the Catholic religion, morals or modesty.