Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & Optional Basilica

Overview

Available languages

German

English

Italian

French

Spanish

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Skip the long lines and make the most of your visit to the Vatican Museums with timed, priority entry. Step straight inside and explore the must-see highlights with your expert guide, including the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, the iconic Raphael Rooms, and the stunning Gallery of Maps. Learn the fascinating history, art, and architecture behind each masterpiece for a richer, more memorable experience.

For a more personal touch, upgrade to a small-group tour, or extend your day with priority access to the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus exclusively on the Basilica? Select the dedicated guided option and discover its history, art, and grand architecture in detail.

Pressed for time? Choose the 1.5-hour express tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to admire the Sistine Chapel.

Important: St. Peter’s Basilica is not included in all tours. When included, the guided visit is followed by free time to explore on your own.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children 6 and under are entitled to free access to the Vatican Museums (with proof of age)

Children aged 7-18 are entitled to a reduced entry fee (see tour and ticket pricing) and must provide proof of age.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.

Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.

Important: St. Peter's Basilica is not included in all tour options. If you wish to visit the Basilica as part of your experience, please ensure you select a tour where it is explicitly listed as included.

Guests with a certified disability of over 75% are entitled to free entrance to the Vatican and do not require a ticket. For guests who are not self-sufficient, free entry is extended to a companion.

Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.

Please include all names as they appear on your passports when booking. Tickets are non-transferable and if the names on your booking do not match your ID you may be denied access and will not be due a refund. Any name changes must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance.

Please bring official ID with you (or a photo/photocopy).

Important: The ‘Basilica Only’ option it does NOT include access to the Vatican Museums.

Important: From January 12 to March 31, 2026, conservation work will be carried out on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment (Giudizio Universale). The Sistine Chapel will remain open to visitors; however, the fresco will be temporarily not visible due to scaffolding. We thank you for your understanding during this important preservation project.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Vatican Museums

Together with your guide, set foot inside the smallest country in the world via the fastest possible entrance!

10 minutes • Admission Included

Cortile della Pigna

One of the first stops inside the Vatican Museums is the Pinecone Courtyard where you will find the Sphere within a Sphere sculpture as well as the Roman fountain, an enormous bronze pinecone, that lends the courtyard its name.

15 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Skip the Line Access & Entrance Ticket to the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Jan 12–Mar 31, 2026: Last Judgment under conservation; may be obscured .

Skip the Line Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option is selected during booking)

Headsets to hear your guide clearly (if guided option selected)

Insider Guide (if guided option selected)

Food & Beverages

Gratuities

Options

First Access + Basilica: 10max

10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access + Basilica: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Express: 12max

12 guests max
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Express: 12max: Express Tour in English of the Vatican Museums to the Sistine Chapel, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Hosted Ticket Only (No guide)

Hosted access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, no guided tour. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour: 20max

20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums, NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max

10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour + Basilica: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

First Access + Basilica: 20max

20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access + Basilica: 20max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max

20 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour + Basilica: 20max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line St. Peter’s Basilica (access only – no tour).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Private Tour

Exclusive Private tour: Private guided Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Include Skip the Line (no icluded St. Peter’s Basilica).
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Basilica Only

Guided 1 hour tour in English with skip the line access, 20 people or less. (Cupola and Vatican Museums not included).
Starting point:
Borgo Santo Spirito, 17, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Guided Tour: 10max

10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Tour: 10max: Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

First Access: 10max

10 guests max
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
First Access: 10max: First access. Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. NO access to St. Peter's Basilica.
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Reviews

4.75

1,498 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1283

119

Best Vatican Tour Ever!
erinlN4619KK,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Alessia is the best tour guide in Rome! She is smart, funny, warm, and so much fun! We had been flying for 13 hours before we did this tour and it was still fun because of Alessia and we learned so much!
Take this Tour! :)
B4948GVsummers,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our Vatican tour exceeded every expectation, and a huge part of that was our incredible guide, Alessia. From the moment we started, she was warm, kind, and exceptionally knowledgeable. This was our first time visiting the Vatican, and she brought everything to life in a way that felt engaging, thoughtful, and easy to follow. Alessia’s passion and storytelling truly made the experience what it was — it never felt rushed or overwhelming, and we left feeling both inspired and informed. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to such an iconic place. Highly recommend this tour, and especially Alessia, to anyone visiting for the first time (or even the tenth!).
A very informative and enjoyable tour
attper,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We really enjoyed this tour. Catalina was an excellent tour guide. She explained everything clearly and answered all our questions, displaying knowledge and professionalism. We learned a lot and had a great time.
Grandiose
attila andrassy,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic, grandiose, humbling. There are no words to properly describe everything. Lots of people of course but there were shortcuts, well known by Catalina. Great job, grazie
Amazing tour!
NorthStar05916427867,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience! Our guide Oskar, gave us the details and made sure we take our time in the tour by having our photos taken or even toilet breaks. One of the longest tour we did in Rome and it is a very unforgettable one. Thank you so much for a wonderful and life changing experience for me and my mom.
Great Guide for a Vatican Crash Course
elsumocat,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stefano was a seasoned pro and warm companion for a crash course in the Vatican. He expertly relayed helpful context and memorable details of the "greatest hits" while managing the dense crowds and site logistics. His sense of humor and friendly banter kept the tour lively. It is to his credit that our 11 and 14 year old boys gave it a thumbs up.
Amazing and mesmerizing
548changl,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was mesmirizing and amazing. The tour guide Alessia was an excellent guide! Know her topics very well and made every story and part of tour exciting.
Learning while laughing
S5623KGedm,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide was Alessia, and we were laughing the whole time while learning. There was no boring time with her. If I were given a chance to go back here, I will definitely wanna see Alessia again to be our tour guide. Thank you, Alessia!
Superb experience
Brigitte K,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had an exceptional experience for our guided tour to the Vatican Museums and Sistene Chapel. The whole process was seamless and very professional. Our guide, Laura, was outstanding. Her incredible knowledge and insights made the tour so memorable. Thank you!!
Great tour, a great experience
554emnaj,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Marina was amazing, she had a lot of insight and was really sympathetic and funny. I'm really grateful for the experience! A tip, follow marina to the the Basilica, it's through the RIGHT exit from the Sistine chapel!