Skip the Line: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel + Optional Basilica
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Save time and energy at the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line, timed entry that lets you bypass long queues and head straight inside. Explore the highlights with your guide, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps, while learning the rich history, art, and architecture behind these masterpieces. With expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of the Vatican’s treasures and enjoy a more meaningful visit. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more personalized experience, or extend your visit with priority entry to St. Peter’s Basilica. Prefer to focus only on St. Peter’s? Select the Basilica-only option for a guided visit inside.
Short on time? Opt for the 1.5-hour tour to breeze through the Vatican Museums and be among the first to enter the Sistine Chapel.
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.
At least 4 people are required for the guided tour options to take place.
Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked start time. Tickets are time sensitive and we cannot accomodate late arrivals.
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.
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.
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 an ID or a photo/copy of ID.
Important: The ‘Basilica Only’ option it does NOT include access to the Vatican Museums.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Skip the Line Access to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel (except when Basilica Only option selected)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Guided Tour
Direct Access to St. Peter's Basilica (only when option selected)
Food and drinks
Tips
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
Visit the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel on your own or with a guide (if option selected). Tickets provide skip the line access.
Cortile della Pigna
Explore one of the Vatican's many open air courtyards. This one is decorated with a giant bronze pinecone sculpture, giving the courtyard its name.
Options
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
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
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
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
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
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
Private Tour
Exclusive Private Tour : Private Tour in English of the Vatican Museums. Includes Skip the Line (no included St. Peter’s Basilica)
Starting point:
Via Tunisi, 4, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Hosted Tickets Only (No guide)
Hosted Tickets 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
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
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
Reviews
6,083 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beat our expectations!
TObin J,
Nov 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Señor Rizzi made our Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour unforgettable. He didn’t just share facts, he brought the history, the art, and the stories of Rome to life. His knowledge is incredible, yet he explained everything in such an engaging and friendly way. We walked away feeling inspired and truly amazed. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide and we highly, highly recommend him!
Exploring the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Jonathan S,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide, Assunta, has a superb working knowledge of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. She is very friendly and enthusiastic. It made for a wonderful, memorable experience. Highly recommended.
Learn about the Vatican Museum
P9099RAjonathans,
Nov 1, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Assunta is an excellent guide. She has a superb working knowledge of the Vatican Museum. She is friendly, engaging and willing to answer any questions. Highly recommend!
Wonderful experience
Vicki G,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00The smaller group was definitely a good experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend a private/group tour to see the Vatican.
Our guide was very...
James G,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. There seemed to be an extraordinarily large crowd and we were moved through to avoid most waits. The main asset was that our group was only eight people and each was given a headset to us so our guide could be heard. We saw some groups with 20+ people and no headset.
Excellent way to beat the lines!
LESfromWA,
Oct 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very smooth check in process and skipped the lines to get in and then had a great self-guided experience. Worth the money!
Amazing tour, Amazing guide
boc244,
Oct 30, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience because of our brilliant guide Maria Laura. We are a family of 4 from Ireland, with two teenage boys. What could easily be a daunting tour due to the amount to be covered was made enjoyable & accessible by Maria. I would highly recommend going pre 9am to avoid crowds.
The Vatican Museum
Susan W,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00There was a lot of walking! The museum was much bigger than I thought it would be! I also was amazed at the size of the crowds. I understand with the Jubilee year and it being on a weekend probably added to crowd size. Our guide was amazing!! So knowledgeable and humorous making it a memorable event!
Very well organised and run
575kirstynb,
Oct 25, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The team were very helpful and got the group in promptly. Great service and super friendly to everyone. Definitely recommend
Great tour, Great guide!
Ryan M,
Oct 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00Overall went the tour went off without a hitch. Great English speaking Italian guide. He knew so much about everything and even had a great sense of humour. Always cracking jokes and letting us know interesting facts about what we are looking at and where to look. Great job.
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