How to Get to St. Peter's Basilica
The fastest and easiest way to get to St. Peter’s Basilica is by Metro Line A to Ottaviano–San Pietro station, then an 8–10 minute walk south along Via Ottaviano to St. Peter’s Square. Bus 64 from Roma Termini is the most direct bus option, stopping at Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro, a 4-minute walk from the basilica. From the city centre, walking via Ponte Sant’Angelo is a scenic 20–30 minute route.
St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Vatican City, on the west bank of the Tiber, just under 3 kilometres from Rome’s historic centre. It is well connected by public transport and within walking distance of several major landmarks. This guide covers every option clearly with journey times, costs, and practical details.
St. Peter’s Basilica Address
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica Papale di San Pietro) Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, 00120
Vatican City is an independent state entirely surrounded by Rome. It is located on the west bank of the Tiber River, west of the Prati and Borgo neighbourhoods.
By Metro (Recommended)
Metro Line A is the fastest and most direct public transport option. The relevant station is Ottaviano–San Pietro (also signed simply as Ottaviano), on Line A (the orange line).
From Ottaviano, walk south along Via Ottaviano for approximately 800 metres — about 8–10 minutes — until you reach St. Peter’s Square. The route is flat, straightforward, and well-signposted.
Alternative metro option: The Cipro station (one stop further from the city centre on Line A) is slightly closer to the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano, making it more convenient if you are visiting the Museums before the Basilica.
Getting to Line A: Line A runs through central Rome and connects all major transport hubs. From Roma Termini (the main train station), Line A runs directly to Ottaviano in approximately 15 minutes. From Barberini (near the Trevi Fountain), it is 5 stops / approximately 10 minutes. From Spagna (Spanish Steps), it is 2 stops / approximately 5 minutes.
Tickets and cost: A single metro journey costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes across all metro, bus, and tram lines. Tickets can be purchased at metro station machines (card and cash) or through the Roma Mobilità app.
Operating hours: Line A runs from approximately 5:30am to 11:30pm Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and until 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.
The closest metro station to St. Peter’s Basilica is Ottaviano–San Pietro on Metro Line A (the orange line). From the station, it is approximately 800 metres — an 8–10 minute walk south along Via Ottaviano — to St. Peter’s Square. The Cipro station (one stop further west on Line A) is slightly closer to the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano.
By Bus
Bus is the cheapest option and serves multiple routes from across central Rome. Key routes and their stops near the basilica are:
Bus 64 — the most direct bus route from Roma Termini. Departs from Termini, runs along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and stops at Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro, a 4-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square. Journey time from Termini: approximately 35–40 minutes depending on traffic. Single ticket: €1.50. This is the classic local option and a good choice if you are staying near Termini or the centre.
Bus 40 — an express variant of the 64 route, running the same corridor with fewer stops. Stops at Traspontina/Conciliazione, a 6-minute walk from the basilica along Via della Conciliazione (the direct approach road to St. Peter’s Square). Similar journey time to the 64.
Bus 32 — useful from Piazza del Risorgimento (near the Vatican Museums). Stops at Risorgimento, a 10-minute walk from the basilica.
Bus 23 — follows the Tiber riverside (Lungotevere), connecting Trastevere and the city south with the Vatican area.
Bus 49 — stops directly in the square in front of the Vatican Museums entrance on Viale Vaticano, useful if visiting Museums and Basilica on the same day.
Night buses: Night bus N46 and N904 serve the Vatican area after metro hours.
Ticket note: All Roman bus tickets (€1.50 per journey, valid 100 minutes) can be used on metro and tram lines within the validity period.
By Tram
Tram 19 is the most useful tram route for Vatican visitors. Take it to Piazza del Risorgimento, the last stop — located immediately outside the northern wall of Vatican City, a 7-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square. Tram 19 runs from the east of the city (Gerani) through central Rome to Risorgimento. Single ticket: €1.50.
By Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis are available throughout Rome and can be hailed on the street, at taxi ranks (there is one at Roma Termini and one at Piazza Risorgimento near the Vatican), or booked via apps including itTaxi or FREE NOW. Uber operates in Rome (standard UberX).
Approximate fares to Vatican City: – From Roma Termini: €12–16 – From the Colosseum: €12–16 – From Piazza Navona: €8–12 – From Fiumicino Airport (FCO): fixed fare €48 (official taxi), or shared shuttle services at lower cost
Important: Only use licensed white taxis or official apps. Street touts offering rides near Termini or tourist sites typically charge far above the metered rate. Official Rome taxis are white, have a meter, and display the taxi licence number.
On Foot
Walking to St. Peter’s Basilica is a genuinely rewarding approach if you have 20–45 minutes and want to experience Rome’s urban landscape along the way. Several well-established walking routes connect the major tourist areas to the Vatican:
From Piazza Navona (20–25 minutes)
Head west from Piazza Navona along Corso Rinascimento, then turn onto Via dei Coronari heading towards the Tiber. Cross the river via Ponte Sant’Angelo — the beautiful pedestrian bridge lined with Bernini’s angel sculptures, with Castel Sant’Angelo directly ahead. Continue along Via della Conciliazione (the broad avenue leading directly to St. Peter’s Square). This is the most scenic and historically significant walking approach.
From the Pantheon (30 minutes)
Head west from the Pantheon along Via della Pace, through Piazza di Santa Maria della Pace, and continue to Ponte Sant’Angelo, then follow the route above.
From the Spanish Steps (25–30 minutes)
Walk west along Via Condotti to Via della Croce, cross into Prati neighbourhood, and proceed south-west toward St. Peter’s Square along Via Candia or Via Cola di Rienzo.
From the Colosseum (45 minutes)
A longer walk crossing the historic centre — practical only if you want to explore the city en route. Head north-west through the Forum area, cross the Tiber at Ponte Sisto or Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, and follow the river north to Via della Conciliazione.
From the Vatican Museums (15–20 minutes on foot)
The Vatican Museums entrance is on Viale Vaticano, approximately 1 kilometre north of St. Peter’s Square. Walk south along the Vatican walls following Viale Vaticano, then turn into the colonnade area. Note: some guided tours include a private internal passage connecting the Sistine Chapel directly to the Basilica — independent visitors must walk the external route.
By Train
Roma San Pietro station is the closest train station to the Basilica, served by regional Trenitalia trains on the FL3 and FL5 lines from Roma Termini. Journey time: approximately 10–15 minutes. From Roma San Pietro station, St. Peter’s Square is approximately a 15–20 minute walk.
Train travel is less convenient than the metro for most visitors already in central Rome, but can be useful if you are arriving directly from outside Rome or from a hotel in the western suburbs.
From Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino to Roma Termini: 32 minutes, €14. Then Metro Line A to Ottaviano: 15 minutes, €1.50. Total: approximately 50–60 minutes, €15.50.
Taxi (fixed rate): €48 fixed fare from Fiumicino to any destination inside the Aurelian Walls (which includes Vatican City). Journey time: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Airport bus: Various operators run coach services from Fiumicino to Termini for €6–7, from which you take the metro. Total journey: approximately 75–90 minutes.
From Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Bus to Termini: Several operators including SIT Bus and Terravision run coaches from Ciampino to Roma Termini for €6–8, approximately 40–50 minutes. Then Metro Line A to Ottaviano: 15 minutes. Total: approximately 60–75 minutes.
Taxi: Fixed taxi fare from Ciampino to Vatican City is approximately €30–35.
Practical Notes
No parking in Vatican City: Vatican City does not permit tourist parking within its borders. If driving, the nearest public car parks are in the Prati neighbourhood to the north-east of the Vatican — Prati Car Park on Via Leone IV and similar facilities within a 10–15 minute walk of the basilica.
Accessibility: The Ottaviano–San Pietro metro station has lifts, making it accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments. The Vatican provides a dedicated accessible entrance to the Basilica at the right-hand hemicycle of St. Peter’s Square, equipped with a ramp. For specific accessibility needs, contact the Vatican at accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
Travel cards: If you plan to use public transport multiple times on a single day, a 24-hour travel card (€7) or 48-hour card (€12.50) covering unlimited metro, bus, and tram journeys offers better value than individual tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest metro station to St. Peter’s Basilica?
Ottaviano–San Pietro on Metro Line A, approximately 800 metres from St. Peter’s Square — an 8–10 minute walk.
Which bus goes directly to St. Peter’s Basilica?
Bus 64 from Roma Termini is the most direct, stopping at Cavalleggeri/S. Pietro, 4 minutes’ walk from the basilica. Bus 40 also runs the same corridor with fewer stops.
How long does it take to walk from Piazza Navona to St. Peter’s Basilica?
Approximately 20–25 minutes via Ponte Sant’Angelo and Via della Conciliazione — the most scenic walking route.
Can I walk from the Vatican Museums to St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes — the external walk takes approximately 15–20 minutes along Viale Vaticano and around the Vatican walls. Some guided tours include a private internal passage connecting the Sistine Chapel directly to the Basilica, which is not available to independent visitors.
How much is a taxi from Termini to the Vatican?
Approximately €12–16 by metered white taxi. Agree on the metered rate before entering, or use the itTaxi or FREE NOW apps for pre-booked taxis at published rates.
Is it easy to get to St. Peter’s Basilica from the city centre?
Yes. The metro (Line A to Ottaviano) is the easiest and fastest option from most central Rome locations, with a journey time of 10–20 minutes from major landmarks.
