Quick Overview

Address: St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano (Vatican City), just across the river from central Rome.
Main Entrance: Visitors enter from St. Peter’s Square after passing through security under the colonnades. Follow signs for Ingresso / Entrance to the basilica and dome.
Closest Metro (Line A): Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani and Cipro. Both are about 10–15 minutes’ walk to St. Peter’s Square.
Useful Buses: 40 and 64 from Termini/center, plus lines like 23, 81, 280, 492 that stop near the Vatican area.

Best First-Time Route (From Termini / City Center)

From Roma Termini or central Rome, take Metro Line A (orange) toward Battistini and get off at Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani. Walk straight down Via Ottaviano, then follow Via di Porta Angelica into St. Peter’s Square. You’ll see the basilica directly ahead.

From the Historic Center (Pantheon / Piazza Navona)

Cross the river at Ponte Sant’Angelo (by Castel Sant’Angelo), follow Via della Conciliazione straight toward St. Peter’s Square. It’s a beautiful 15–20 minute walk with basilica views getting bigger as you approach.

Book Reserved Entry Vatican Combo Tour

Option 1 — From Termini & Central Rome

Best if you are staying near Termini, Repubblica, Trevi, or Spanish Steps.

  • By Metro (fastest & simple): Take Metro Line A from Termini toward Battistini. Get off at Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani. Walk along Via Ottaviano, continue to Via di Porta Angelica, and enter St. Peter’s Square through the colonnades.
  • By Bus 40 or 64 (scenic & direct): From Termini you can take Bus 40 (Express) or Bus 64 toward Piazza Pia / San Pietro. Get off near the Vatican (often at Traspontina / Conciliazione or San Pietro) and walk a few minutes along Via della Conciliazione into St. Peter’s Square.
  • From the Spanish Steps / Via del Corso: Walk or metro to Spagna, change to Line A and ride to Ottaviano, then follow signs to San Pietro.

Tickets & Payment

Use a single BIT ticket or tap a contactless card (if available) for buses and metro. One ticket normally covers 100 minutes of combined travel—validate it on first use.

Option 2 — Metro & Buses (Most Common)

Metro Line A Stops

The two main metro stops for the Vatican area are:

  • Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani — best all-round choice, direct walk to the square.
  • Cipro — slightly farther but convenient if you also plan to visit the Vatican Museums.

From either station, follow signs and crowds heading toward San Pietro / Vatican and you’ll reach the square in about 10–15 minutes.

Useful Bus Lines

Several buses connect central Rome with Vatican City:

  • 40 (Express) — from Termini via Piazza Venezia to near Vatican area.
  • 64 — popular line running Termini → Historic Center → Vatican.
  • 81, 492 — cross-city routes with stops near the Vatican walls.
  • 23, 280 — from Trastevere and along the Tiber toward the Vatican.

Always check the latest stop names and routes on a maps app, as traffic and diversions can slightly change where each bus stops.

From Trastevere / Gianicolo

Walk across the river and up toward Castel Sant’Angelo, then follow Via della Conciliazione straight to St. Peter’s Square, or use buses like 23 or 280 toward the Vatican area.

Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Most hop-on hop-off bus tours have a stop labeled Vatican or San Pietro. From the stop, follow the crowd and signs to St. Peter’s Square, usually within a 5–10 minute walk.

Wayfinding Tip

Look for the huge colonnades and obelisk of St. Peter’s Square. Even if you come from a side street, heading toward the dome and colonnades will naturally lead you to the main entrance.

Option 3 — Scenic Walks from the Historic Center

Walking to St. Peter’s is one of the most atmospheric ways to arrive, especially at sunrise or late afternoon when the light on the dome is soft.

  • From Piazza Navona / Pantheon: Walk toward the river, cross at Ponte Sant’Angelo, spend a moment at Castel Sant’Angelo, then follow Via della Conciliazione straight to St. Peter’s Square (about 15–20 minutes).
  • From Campo de’ Fiori / Jewish Ghetto: Cross the Tiber at one of the bridges heading to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, then continue toward Castel Sant’Angelo and on to St. Peter’s.
  • From Prati neighborhood: If you’re staying around Via Cola di Rienzo or Via Crescenzio, it’s a simple 10–15 minute walk along straight streets toward St. Peter’s Square.

Photo Tip

One classic view is from the middle of Via della Conciliazione, with the street lamps framing the basilica. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when St. Peter’s dome is illuminated.

From Rome Airports (FCO & CIA)

Fiumicino (FCO)

From Fiumicino Airport, take either:

  • Leonardo Express train to Termini, then Metro A → Ottaviano.
  • Regional train to Roma Trastevere or Roma San Pietro, then bus/walk to Vatican.
  • Airport shuttle bus to Termini or Vatican area, then walk or take a short taxi.

Ciampino (CIA)

From Ciampino Airport, use:

  • Airport bus to Termini, then Metro A or bus 40/64 toward the Vatican.
  • Taxi or pre-booked shuttle directly to your hotel near St. Peter’s or central Rome.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Official taxis have fixed fares from the airports to central Rome. Ask to be dropped near Piazza San Pietro / Via della Conciliazione for the shortest walk to the square and basilica entrance.

Luggage & Timing

If you’re going straight from the airport to St. Peter’s, consider leaving large suitcases at your hotel or a luggage storage point first. Security and dress code checks are easier with smaller bags and simple outfits.

Jet Lag Tip

For first-day arrivals, many visitors book an afternoon Vatican or St. Peter’s tour, giving time to reach the city, check in, and freshen up before heading to the basilica.

Driving, Parking & Getting Around the Area

Driving to the Vatican

Driving in central Rome is not recommended due to ZTL (restricted traffic zones), narrow streets, and limited parking. If you have a car, park outside the center and use public transport to reach St. Peter’s.

Parking

There are paid garages and parking lots in the Prati/Vatican area (for example along Via Gregorio VII or Via della Giuliana). Always check opening hours and fees in advance, and avoid leaving valuables in the car.

Bikes & Scooters

Some visitors use shared bikes or e-scooters to get close to the Vatican walls. Park only in approved zones and walk inside St. Peter’s Square. Riding in the square itself is not allowed.

Accessibility

St. Peter’s Basilica provides accessible entrances, ramps, and lifts for visitors with reduced mobility, though the dome climb still involves many stairs. If needed, check current accessibility information or consider a guided tour that includes support with navigation and entry.

Practical Visit Tips for Arrival

Arrive Early for Shorter Lines

Security lines for St. Peter’s can be long, especially late morning and mid-day. To reduce waiting, arrive before 9:00 am or later in the afternoon, or book a reserved entrance / guided tour that manages the timing for you.

Dress Code for Entry

St. Peter’s is an active church with a modest dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered for all visitors. Avoid very short shorts, strapless tops, and hats inside the basilica. A light scarf or shawl is useful to cover up when needed.

Bags, Security & Photos

All visitors pass through metal detectors. Large bags, umbrellas, and sharp objects may be refused or sent to cloakrooms. Photography is usually allowed without flash, but it is strictly forbidden in the Sistine Chapel and restricted during religious services—always follow signs and staff instructions.

Check Dome Tickets & Times Papal Audience Experience

Getting There Cheatsheet — St. Peter’s Basilica

Exact Location

Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, at the end of Via della Conciliazione opposite the Tiber River and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Closest Metro

Line A (orange): Ottaviano–San Pietro–Musei Vaticani & Cipro — about 10–15 minutes’ walk.

Main Buses

40, 64 from Termini/center • 23, 81, 280, 492 from other parts of the city toward the Vatican area.

Walk Times

Piazza Navona → St. Peter’s: ~20 min • Castel Sant’Angelo → St. Peter’s: ~10–15 min along Via della Conciliazione.

Crowd Strategy

Early morning or late afternoon visits are calmer. Avoid mid-day if you dislike heat and queues, especially in summer.

Combine With

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angelo, Trastevere, or a Rome night tour for illuminated views of the dome.

Browse Basilica Tickets St. Peter’s Square Tours

Ready to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica?

Take the metro, bus, or a scenic walk to Vatican City, pass through the iconic colonnades, and step into one of the world’s most important churches. Plan your route, respect the dress code, and book key tickets in advance so you can focus on the experience—not the logistics.

See St. Peter’s Tickets & Tours