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The Vatican, the world’s second most-visited museum, draws 6M+ visitors yearly. During peak season, wait times can go up to 3 hours in the entry line, plus another 30 minutes for security. With the 2025 Jubilee Year expected to bring over 30 million pilgrims, crowds will be even heavier.
But you don't have to wait. With a skip-the-line ticket, you can be inside in as little as 10 minutes.
See all your options to skip the queues at the Vatican Museums ↓
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Skip-the long ticket lines and enter the Museums after a quick security check. These timed-entry tickets help you save hours during busy periods, so you can spend more time with Raphael and Michelangelo, not in line.
Pro tip: These tickets sell out fast; book a few days in advance to secure your preferred slot.
Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the long line at the ticket counter—but not security. All visitors must go through a mandatory security check, which can take 10–30 minutes.
With a timed-entry ticket, you enter via the reserved entrance and are allowed entry close to your selected slot, saving time and avoiding peak-hour crowding.
Queues here can reach 2 hours; book a timed skip-the-line ticket and walk in within 20 minutes.
The Vatican receives around 20,000–30,000+ visitors daily during peak season, and the queues reflect that.
Note: These wait times cover only the entrance queue. Every visitor must also pass through security after scanning their ticket.
Entry to the Museums is via the Viale Vaticano entrance on the north side.
Vatican Museums tickets often sell out 3–4 days in advance, but Hosted Entry and Vatican Gardens tickets offer guaranteed fast-track access and are usually available closer to your visit date. Get guided to the entrance by a local host, or enjoy a scenic 45-minute open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens before entering the Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Spend your time with Michelangelo and Raphael—not in line.
Even with skip-the-line access, your experience will depend on timing, weather, and how early you arrive. Use this guide to book smart and make the most of your visit.
| Experience name | Best for | Waiting time | Book now |
|---|---|---|---|
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel tickets | Flexible entry, explore at your own pace, upgrade options for hosted entry or scenic open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens. | 10-15 mins | From €31 |
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour | Comprehensive guided tour, skip 2-3 hours of queues; includes exclusive direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica via a hidden passage. Optional upgrades for guided Basilica tour available. | 10–15 mins | From €69 |
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour | Expert-guided insights, efficient navigation of extensive collections; small-group option for intimate experience, and optional behind-the-scenes Vatican Gardens tour. | 10–15 mins | From €59 |
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour | Intimate, personalized tour with small groups (up to 15), comprehensive exploration of key highlights such as Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Sistine Chapel. | <10 min | From €99 |
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour | Early morning exclusive access before crowds, expert-guided exploration, additional Dome climb for panoramic views of Rome available. | <10 min | From €119 |
VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour | Fully private, customizable tour with dedicated expert guide, direct access via secret routes to Basilica; tailored exploration of Vatican’s highlights and hidden gems. | <10 min | From €599 |
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entry Tickets with Vatican Gardens Open Bus Tour | Skip-the-line access to the Museums with 45-min panoramic bus tour of the Vatican Gardens | 10–15 mins | From €48 |
Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the long ticket purchase queue and enter the Vatican Museums at your reserved time. You’ll still go through mandatory security checks, but you’ll avoid waiting 1–3 hours in the general admission line.
Yes. All visitors must pass through security screening, even with skip-the-line or guided tour tickets. However, you'll save time by skipping the ticket counter and may use a dedicated fast-track entrance.
During peak season (April to October), you can save 1–2 hours, or even more on busy days. With skip-the-line tickets, most visitors enter within 10–30 minutes.
All Vatican Museums tickets include access to the Sistine Chapel. Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is not included in standard skip-the-line tickets, but many guided tours offer direct access from the Sistine Chapel through a special passage.
Rarely. Most skip-the-line tickets sell out 2–4 days in advance. For same-day visits, your best bet is a guided tour, which may still have availability and offers fast-track entry.
Hosted entry tickets include a local rep who meets you near the entrance, validates your ticket, and walks you through the fast-track access line. Ideal for first-time visitors or anyone who prefers hands-on support.
These include skip-the-line access to the Museums and Sistine Chapel, plus a 45-minute open-bus tour of the Vatican Gardens, an area usually closed to the public. Multilingual audio commentary is provided.
Not by default, but you can rent them at the entrance for an additional fee. They’re a great self-guided option if you don’t want to join a tour.
No. All Vatican Museums tickets (including skip-the-line) are single-entry only. Once you exit, re-entry is not allowed.
Save up to 3 hours by bypassing the infamous Vatican ticket lines. Get guaranteed entry to explore the Vatican's treasures on your schedule.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Hosted skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums with ticket redemption (as per option selected)
Vatican Garden open bus tour (as per option selected)
Guided tour of Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (as per option selected)
Booking and service charges
Gain deeper insight into the museums' treasures and Michelangelo’s frescoes with an expert guide.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
Explore with a group of up to 20 people
Guided tour of Vatican Gardens (as per option selected)
Small group tour (as per option selected)
Nighttime tour (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.
Inclusions
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
St. Peter's Basilica Access
Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
Headphones
Exclusions
A scenic open-bus Vatican Gardens tour before timed entry to the Museums and Chapel.
Inclusions
Vatican Gardens tour by open bus with a multilingual audio guide
Entry tickets to the Vatican Museums
Access to Sistine Chapel
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
