The world's smallest independent state, Vatican City is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. This walled enclave within Rome houses some of the world's most iconic art and architecture, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
- Public
- Excellent metro and bus network; Metro Line A serves Vatican with Ottaviano-San Pietro stop; day pass €7 covers all public transport
- Taxi
- Official white taxis available throughout Rome; apps recommended over street hailing; fixed airport rates apply
- Rental
- Not recommended for Vatican area due to traffic and ZTL restrictions; useful for day trips to Tuscany or Amalfi Coast
- Walking
- Vatican City is entirely walkable; Prati neighborhood and key sights all within 15-20 minute walk of each other
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- Leonardo Express train to Termini Station $15 (30 min), then metro to Vatican
- Shuttle
- Taxi to Vatican $50-60 (45-60 min depending on traffic)
- Bus
- Private shuttle $25-30 per person (booked in advance)
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Multiple bus lines serve Vatican area including 40, 62, 64, 81, 982. Same tickets as metro. Bus 64 connects Termini Station to St. Peter's but watch for pickpockets. Regional buses to nearby towns depart from various stations.
Alternatives
metro, taxi, rideshare, walking
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- Official white taxis only. Base fare $3.50, then $1.10 per km within city. Fixed rate from Fiumicino Airport $50. Call +39 06 3570 or use MyTaxi app. Uber available but limited.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
FlixBus and MarinoBus offer budget intercity travel. Routes to Florence ($10-20, 4 hr), Naples ($8-15, 2.5 hr), Siena ($15-25, 3 hr). Depart from Tiburtina or Termini stations. Less comfortable than trains but much cheaper.
Flights
Alitalia and ITA Airways connect Rome to Sicily, Sardinia, and southern Italy. Usually only worthwhile for destinations over 6 hours by train. Book budget airlines early for $30-80 flights.
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Airports
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
From centre: 30 km from Vatican City
Options: Leonardo Express train to Termini Station $15 (30 min), then metro to Vatican; Taxi to Vatican $50-60 (45-60 min depending on traffic); Private shuttle $25-30 per person (booked in advance); Bus to Termini $7 (50 min), then metro to Vatican
Ciampino Airport
From centre: 20 km from Vatican City
Options: Bus to Termini Station $6 (40 min), then metro to Vatican; Taxi to Vatican $40-50 (40 min); Private shuttle $20-25 per person
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
FreeNow (MyTaxi)
Official Rome taxi booking app; all licensed white taxis; transparent pricing before you travel
Moovit
Best public transit planner for Rome metro and buses; real-time updates and route planning from Vatican
Google Maps
Reliable for walking routes and public transport options throughout Rome and Vatican area
Trenitalia
National rail booking for day trips from Rome to Tivoli, Naples, Florence, and other destinations
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Metro Line A stop Ottaviano-San Pietro is a 5-minute walk from Vatican Museums entrance - the fastest way to arrive
Bus 23 and 34 run along the Tiber riverbank past Castel Sant'Angelo and are scenic routes from central Rome
Never drive to Vatican City - ZTL (limited traffic zone) fines are €100+ and parking is essentially non-existent
The Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino Airport to Termini costs €14 and takes 32 minutes - then take Metro A to Vatican
FreeNow (previously MyTaxi) and IT Taxi apps let you book official white taxis with transparent pricing
Buy transport tickets at tabacchi shops and metro stations - they cannot be purchased on buses