where is the Vatican Header transport bus

Where is the Vatican and how to get there – Vatican public transport

5/5 - (1 vote)

The Vatican is a must-see attraction for all who visit Rome. Located north of the centre of Rome, the attractions of this city-state are easily navigated on foot, but understanding how to navigate the rest of Rome on the way to the Vatican can be …… tricky!

Our guide will help you work out how to get to the main attractions at the Vatican from Rome, so read on to help you plan your itinerary…

Public Transport – How to get to the Vatican?

where is the Vatican Rome Metro
Rome_Metro

The Rome Metro

The Rome Metro is one of the easiest ways to get to the Vatican if you are visiting from Rome. This simple 2 (soon to be 3) line metro crosses at Termini station, which is not only a metro station but also regional train hub and near many bus drop offs. Disembark at Ottaviano-S. Pietro or Cipro and you will be a mere 5 minutes from the Vatican.

Tickets for the Rome Metro cost €1.50 for 100 minutes access.  Available from machines at the station or in the local tobacconists, the metro may not be a glamourous way to get to the Vatican but it is the most economical, especially if you are travelling with children under 10 years old who are free!

Tram

The not-very-extensive Rome tram network does run to the Vatican, so if you are at a location convenient to line 19 hope on and disembark at Piazza del Risorgimento which is just outside the Vatican city walls.

Like the metro, the tickets can be bought from machines at stations or at tobacconists and cost the same €1.50, with children under 10 going free.

Bus

A number of buses stop very close to the Vatican if you have the patience to sit in the Roman traffic. The Piazza del Risorgimento is served by lines 32, 82 and 982, whilst you can get to Via degli Scipioni on the 990 or 492 line. Tickets again start from €1.50.

Online Travel Card

This travel card includes a private airport transfer service and an optional public transportation card for three days.

Here's a breakdown of how it works:

  • Selection: You need to select the date of your arrival in Rome, specify the number of persons, provide accommodation details, and include your flight information.
  • Additional options: You have the choice to book a return trip, along with the option to include a public transportation card for three days.
  • Booking: Once you have made your selections, you can proceed to make your booking. The payment for the services is done directly to your driver upon arrival.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your travel hassle-free – book your private airport transfer today!

Rome Public Transport to Vatican City – Travel Pass

where is the Vatican Bus airport
Bus_airport

The public transport options in Rome are extensive – and they are all interconnected. This means you can buy a day pass that will do you on all three transport options – trams, metro and city buses.

Some local trains are included as well – but not the fast train Leonardo or any transport such as bus from Vatican to Fiumicino Airport. A 24 hour ticket will cost you a mere €7, with the longest duration of 72 hours setting you back only €18. If you want to get a free airport transfer from Ciampino and get a 3 days transport pass, you should consider this combo travel pass.

For longer stays, a week long pass is available for a mere €24 which is in our opinion excellent value…Tickets are available at metro stations, kiosks and machines at various stops.

Where is the Vatican – The best way to get there

Whilst the Rome public transport options are extensive, there is another way to get to the Vatican, and that is to make use of the many hop-on-hop-off bus tours serving the Rome area.

The beauty of the hop-on-hop-off tours (ticket here) are the many different and convenient stops on offer across Rome, so for visitors targeting the main attractions it’s a really great option.

In our opinion, the hop-on-hop-off tours offer a good combination of value for money and convenience, letting you explore at your leisure the Vatican’s attractions before jumping back on the next bus and returning to the attraction on the bus route that is closest to your hotel.

where is the Vatican hop on hop off bus rome
hop_on_hop_off_bus_rome

While it’s not the fastest option (this would be the metro) or the cheapest (such as the bus) the hop-on-hop-off buses are in our humble opinion the best way to get to the Vatican.

They are comfortable and include Wi-Fi and often a tour guide or automated headset in major languages. A ticket including access to unlimited bus stops, Vatican Museums and Gardens and Sistine Chapel will cost you less than €60.

Omnia Card and Roma pass: free public transportation

Another great way to get to the Vatican is to avail of a city pass which includes free public transportation in Rome as well as access to the major sights.

where is the Vatican omnia card_rome
omnia_card_rome

Omnia Card

The Omnia Card offers huge savings on the pay at gate fares of major attractions and includes access to the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum and one other attraction of your choice.

The pass includes fast track entry to St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and an unlimited travel card valid on the buses, metros and trams in the Rome Area, as well as a bus to Rome FCO airport  included in the price.

The pass also includes a free hop-on-hop-off bus tour lasting three days, giving you the choice of the main attractions at your fingertips.

The Omnia Card is best booked online (check last price here) to beat the queues and avail of an online booking discount.

The Roma Pass

A similar offering to the Omnia Card, the Roma Pass includes either a 48 hours or a 72 hours pass and may not offer as much as the Omnia Card (there are no hop-on-hop-off bus tickets or entry to as many attractions).

But it is a more economical option for those wanting a free Rome public transport pass and a taster of the major attractions.

Getting a taxi to and from the Vatican

where is the Vatican taxi rome
taxi_rome

If public transport and tour buses are not your thing you can get a taxi to and from the Vatican.

On leaving St Peter’s square you will find an official taxi stand – official taxis have the markings on their doors. They should all be operating a meter – make sure it is turned on before you depart, or you risk being overcharged for the pleasure of a 10 minute ride.

A taxi to the Colosseum for example from the Vatican should cost (see official fares) about €15.

You could also explore another option – an online travel card! With a private airport transfer and the choice of a three-day public transportation card, you can unwind and fully enjoy your journey, free from any concerns. Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure your travel card and ensure a relaxed and stress-free time in Vatican!

Conclusion on where is the Vatican and how to get there

We hope we have covered the majority of transport options in Rome here, so now it’s up to you to decide the best way to get to the Vatican.

If you are opting for a city pass or a hop-on-hop-off bus tour then it is best to get your tickets sorted before you leave for Rome.

By purchasing online you will have the best pick of companies and passes, as well as availing of the online booking discounts available. Travel safe!

About Writer

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.