How to Skip the Line at St. Peter’s Basilica | Tickets, Tips, & More

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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Early Morning or After-Hours Skip-the-Line Tour

from
€95
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Highlights
Inclusions
Need to know
Cancellation Policy
  • Get priority access by skipping the line to the Vatican's top attractions and firsthand experiencing its renowned wonders such as central panels and the Last Supper.
  • Make your way to the historical Sistine Chapel and marvel at the staggering collection of artworks by Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Ghirlandaio.
  • Upgrade your stay with a delectable American breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard. Upgrade and opt for a night tour of the museum as an alternative option.
  • Choose between an early morning guided tour, ideal for a walk, or an after-hours guided tour where you enjoy the soft evening light and count on much smaller crowds than usual.

Inclusions

  • Entry to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
  • After-hours guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
  • Early morning guided tour of Vatican Museums (optional)
  • 30-min breakfast in the Vatican's Courtyard (optional)
  • Group of 20 people or less
  • Reservation fees
  • Tip: Located in the Vatican Museums' exit area, this unique double-helix staircase was designed by Donato Bramante. Its innovative design allows you to ascend and descend without intersecting each other, creating a visually captivating architectural marvel.
  • It's recommended to wear clothing that covers their knees, arms, and back.
  • Note that tripod and flash photography are not allowed in this experience.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
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St. Peter's Basilica and Dome Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

€29
Free Cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide

######Highlights

  • The Pieta, nave leading to the gilded Apse, or the elliptical Dome? Why choose? Enjoy the best of Basilica and its Dome with this all-in-one ticket!
  • Glide to the Dome’s base for the best views of the Papal Altar and bronze canopy—one of Christendom's holiest sites. Elevator convenience at its best!
  • Don’t miss a vantage view of Rome's marvels! The Vatican Gardens, Sistine Chapel’s roof, Pope election chimney, and more are a dome climb away.
  • A multilingual audio guide of the Basilica adds depth and context to your visit. Every step connects you to the story adorning its sacred walls.
  • Did you know the Basilica’s dome, designed by Michelangelo, is the tallest dome in the world? Now you do!

######Need to know

  • Surrender all sharp objects before entering the Basilica
  • Don't forget to cover your knees and shoulders—it's a strict dress code for men and women alike!
  • Avoid the climb of around 300 steps to the Dome's top if you have mobility issues, are pregnant, or have heart/back conditions.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Expect a long wait at security, especially during busy times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
Inclusions
Cancellation Policy

Inclusions

  • Admission to St. Peter's Basilica and Dome
  • Elevator ride to Cupola's base
  • Insightful audio guide
  • Climb to Dome's top
  • Assistance at the meeting point

Exclusions

  • Mobile Device & Earphone
  • Skip-the-line access
  • Live guide
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
St. Peter's Basilica Skip the Line Tours

Dominating the skyline of Vatican City is the mother church that is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is one of the largest and most important papal churches in all of Christendom. Aside from this, the building is in itself an impressive work of art with an array of sculptures, paintings, stained windows, and of course, its iconic dome. 

Every year, millions of people from different walks of life pay a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. This means that although it is a must-visit attraction, it is bound to be swarmed with large crowds. However, you can try to cut down the wait time in front of the basilica  with these few tips.

NOTE: There are no direct skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter's Basilica and everyone has to go through a mandatory security check which could take up to 3 hours.

How Long are the Lines in Front of St. Peter's Basilica?

The length of the lines in front of St. Peter's Basilica can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak tourist season (typically April through October), lines can be quite long, sometimes with waits of up to several hours. The lines are usually longest in the morning when the basilica first opens and on Wednesdays when the Pope holds his public audience.

How to Skip the Line at St. Peter’s Basilica?

St. Peter's Basilica Skip the Line
St. Peter's Basilica Skip the Line
St. Peter's Basilica Skip the Line

Visitor Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes because you will have to do a lot of walking around the church. 
  • Get there early in the morning so that you bypass long waiting lines. 
  • If you’re not going on a guided tour, read about the basilica before your visit. There’s a lot to see so it helps to know what to look for. 
  • The Papal audience takes place on Wednesdays, which means St. Peter’s Square is likely to be crowded. 
  • St. Peter’s Basilica is a sacred place where you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees must be covered.



All Your St. Peter's Basilica Skip the Line Questions Answered

Q. Can I skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?

A. There are a few ways in which you can fasten your entry into St. Peter's Basilica.

Q. How do I skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica?

A. 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.

Q. Do St. Peter's Basilica guided tours come with a skip the line feature?

A. Yes. Most St. Peter's Basilica guided tours include a skip-the-line feature by default.

Q. Is St. Peter’s Basilica crowded?

A. Yes. St. Peter’s Basilica is a prime attraction in Vatican City, so we recommend opting for a guided tour to enter faster.

Q. What is the waiting time to get in at St. Peter’s Basilica?

A. It can take up to 2 - 3 hours to get inside St. Peter’s Basilica during peak hours.

Q. Are St. Peter's Basilica tours worth it?

A. 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.