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St Peter's Basilica skip-the-line tickets
St. Peter's BasilicaSkip the Line Tours
- St. Peter's Basilica
- St. Peter's Basilica Dome
- Vatican Grottoes
- St. Peter's Square
- Vatican Necropolis
- Grand Tomb of St. Peter
- Vatican Museums
- Sistine Chapel
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Old St. Peter's Basilica
- Saint Peter
- St. Peter's Chair
- Statues
- Floor Plan
- St. Peter's Altar
- St. Peter's Baldacchino
- Plan Your Visit
- Skip the Line Tours
- Guided Tours
- Night Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Entrances
- Facts
- Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
- Mass
- Dress Code
Contents
Know your queue at St. Peter's Basilica
At St. Peter’s Basilica, there are several different queues that you might encounter, depending on what you want to see or do. Here’s a breakdown of the main queues:
Security check queue (Main entrance)
- Location: St. Peter’s Square, before the basilica entrance.
- Who is it for: Everyone must go through this queue, whether you have a guided tour, are entering without a guide, or visiting for a religious service.
- Wait Time: Can range from 20 minutes early in the morning to 2 hours during peak times.
Entry queue to the Basilica (after security)
- Once you pass security, there's usually a shorter line to actually enter the basilica.
- A basic entry ticket is needed to enter the main basilica.
- During busy hours, a short wait may occur due to crowd control.
Dome (Cupola) climb queue
- Separate entrance to the right of the basilica after security.
- Ticketed: You pay for either stairs only or elevator + stairs.
- Wait Time: 10–45 minutes depending on time of day.
- Can be longer in summer or weekends.
St. Peter’s Tomb & Vatican Grottoes queue
- Entry is inside the basilica near the papal altar.
- The grottoes include tombs of many popes.
- St. Peter’s tomb (Scavi Tour) is separate and pre-booked only—no public line for this one.
- For the Scavi Tour, you must email the Vatican and get a confirmation in advance.
How to skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?
Get your tickets online
Buying your tickets at the venue itself is not the best idea. A lot of people wait to buy their tickets directly at the ticket office and the lines end up taking a long time to move. The best way to avoid this hassle is to book your tickets online and in advance so that all you have to do is display them at the entrance.
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Opt for guided tours
The best way to have a wholesome experience at a historical marvel such as St. Peter’s Basilica is to go on a guided tour. You learn so much about the building, it's history, significance, and more. Plus, most guided tours come with a skip-the-line feature so all you have to do is meet your tour guide and head right in.
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Visit during early hours
The majority of the crowd tends to visit the attraction from late morning until the afternoon. Another way you can avoid waiting in long lines is to get to the Basilica early in the morning between 7AM - 9AM or towards closing time. This is usually when crowds are much lesser in number and you don’t have to waste too much time to get in.
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Frequently asked questions about St. Peter's Basilica skip-the-line tickets
How do I skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?
You can skip past some lines by going on a guided tour or visiting during early morning hours. However, there is a mandatory security check for everyone which will take at least an hour or two.
Do St. Peter's Basilica guided tours come with a skip the line feature?
Yes. Most St. Peter's Basilica guided tours include a skip-the-line feature by default.
Is St. Peter’s Basilica crowded?
Yes. St. Peter’s Basilica is a prime attraction in Vatican City, so we recommend opting for a guided tour to enter faster.
What is the waiting time to get in at St. Peter’s Basilica?
It can take up to 2 - 3 hours to get inside St. Peter’s Basilica during peak hours.
Are St. Peter's Basilica tours worth it?
Yes. St. Peter's Basilica tours allow you to skip long lines to some extent. Additionally, you get to learn a lot about the attraction on the tour.
Q. Where can I get St. Peter's Basilica tour tickets?
A. You can book your St. Peter’s Basilica Tours online.
