St. Peter's Basilica Tickets

Learn about all the different St. Peter's Basilica entrances before your visit

Which entrance should you use at St Peter’s Basilica: Quick overview

  • Basilica entry: Access St. Peter’s Basilica via the main entrance from St. Peter’s Square. Entry is free, but all visitors must pass through security screening.
  • Reserved entry holders: Use the same main entrance, but join the dedicated queue located further to the right, separate from the on-site visitor line, for quicker, timed-entry.
  • Dome climb: After clearing security, follow signs inside the Basilica to the Cupola (Dome) entrance.
  • Guided tours & combo tickets: Some guided tours and Vatican Museums combo experiences use special access routes, including the Sistine Chapel passage.
  • Wheelchair access: For step-free entry, proceed to the right-hand security entrance in St. Peter’s Square.

→ Jump to “Choose the best entrance for you.”

How many entrances are there at St Peter’s Basilica?

St Peter’s Basilica has one primary public entrance through St Peter’s Square, with separate internal access points for the Dome, Vatican Grottoes, and Treasury. All visitors, regardless of ticket type, must pass through mandatory security screening before entering. While entry to the Basilica is free, paid experiences such as reserved entry, the Dome climb or guided tours use dedicated routes.

Choose the best entrance for your ticket type

Ticket typeUse this entranceSkips the ticket line?Security

Free Basilica entry

St. Peter’s Square main entrance – “Visitor Path” queue

No

Mandatory (15 minutes to 1hr)

Reserved Basilica entry

St. Peter’s Square main entrance – “Online Reservation” queue

Yes

Mandatory

Dome climb ticket

Basilica → Cupola access

Yes

Mandatory

Guided Basilica tour

Designated group lane

Yes

Mandatory

Vatican Museums + Basilica tour

Vatican Museums entrance → Sistine Chapel passage

Yes

Mandatory

St. Peter’s Basilica entrances & access points

Accessible entrances at St. Peter’s Basilica

Wheelchair users and visitors with reduced mobility should use the right-hand security entrance in St. Peter’s Square, which provides step-free access into the Basilica. Inside, the main floor is accessible, and staff are available to assist when needed. The Dome is not fully accessible due to stairs near the top. Visitors with certified disabilities may receive priority access and assistance at security.

Security, bags & re-entry

All visitors pass through airport-style security. Large backpacks, tripods, and sharp objects are prohibited. Cloakroom facilities are limited. Re-entry is not permitted once you exit the Basilica, so plan your visit carefully.

Frequently asked questions about St. Peter’s Basilica Entrances

Yes, entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free for all visitors, but everyone must pass through mandatory security screening. Experiences like self-guided audio-tours, reserved access, guided tours, Dome access, or combo tickets are paid and include added benefits such as expert commentary or priority access.

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