When traveling to Vatican City, it is important that you plan your trip efficiently. There are many things to see and do in this small city-state, and if you’re not careful you can easily spend a lot of time getting from one place to another. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to make the most of your time in Vatican City. Here are tips on how to get from the airport to the city center, as well as advice on what attractions are worth visiting and how to avoid long lines. See everything on your list without spending all day in long lines.
Make your itinerary before you go
The first step to planning an efficient trip is to make sure you know what you want to see. Vatican City is home to some of the most famous art and architecture in the world, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options.
Before you book your flight, take some time to research the attractions that interest you. This way, you can make a list of the must-sees and use it to plan your itinerary. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out our list of the top things to do in Vatican City. Once you have an idea of what you want to see, you can begin planning your route.
Travel easy at the airport
This is the time to take advantage of TSA PreCheck for $85 (check it out here). With TSA PreCheck, you can breeze through security without taking off your shoes or taking out your liquids. To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, you will need to apply online and pay a fee. The application process is quick and easy, and it’s worth it for the time you’ll save at the airport.
When you’re traveling internationally and have multiple flights to catch, it can be tempting to try to save money by not checking a bag. However, this is often a mistake. Not only will you have to carry all of your luggage with you throughout your trip, but you also run the risk of missing your flight
Another way to ensure that you have an easy time at the airport is to arrive early. This will give you plenty of time to check in, go through security, and get to your gate. TSA PreCheck will always save you time, but depending on the time of year, you’ll also want to arrive at least 2–3 hours for international flights. It’s also a good idea to have all of the necessary documentation with you when you travel and are going through security. This includes your passport, boarding pass, and any other required documents.
When you arrive in Italy
When you land in Rome, take the Leonardo Express train from the airport directly to Vatican City. This is the quickest and most convenient way to get to your destination. The train ride is about 30 minutes and costs €14. You can also take a taxi from the airport, but this will cost you around €50 and take about 45 minutes in heavy traffic. If you’re planning on taking public transportation while in Vatican City, we recommend getting a Roma Pass. The Roma Pass will give you access to all of the public transportation in Rome, as well as free entry to two museums and reduced rates for other attractions.
Once you’re in Vatican City
When you’re visiting Vatican City, there are a few must-see sights. The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums are at the top of most people’s lists. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the museums alone. To enter the Vatican Museums, you will need to purchase a ticket in advance. Tickets can be bought online or at the museum entrance. We recommend buying your tickets online ahead of time to avoid long lines at the ticket office. Once you have your tickets, you can go through the fast-track entrance and head straight into the museums.
The Vatican Museums are massive, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Start your visit at the Sistine Chapel, which is one of the most popular attractions in the Vatican Museums. From there, you can explore the rest of the museums at your own pace.
To make the most of your time, it’s best to buy a ticket that includes access to all of the sights. That way, you can avoid waiting in line multiple times. You can also purchase a guided tour, which will give you more information about what you’re seeing and help you navigate the Vatican City.
Keep in mind that Vatican City is a holy place, so dress accordingly. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. If you forget to pack something, don’t worry, there are vendors outside who sell scarves and other items to help you cover up.
How to keep your trip to the Vatican City efficient
Vatican City is a place full of art, culture, and history. It can be overwhelming to try to see everything in one day or even one trip. However, with a little planning, you can make the most of your time and see all the highlights of this amazing place.
To reinforce these important tips for making your trip to the Vatican City efficient, use this as a checklist to ensure smooth travels:
- Plan your route in advance. Decide which sights you absolutely want to see and map out the best way to hit them all. This will save you time wandering around aimlessly.
- Dress appropriately. Remember that Vatican City is a holy place, so dress accordingly. Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
- Get there early. The Vatican City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so it can get very crowded later in the day. If you want to avoid the crowds, aim to arrive first thing in the morning.
- Buy a skip-the-line ticket. This will save you hours of waiting in line.
- Bring a bottle of water. It can get hot in Vatican City, so make sure to stay hydrated.
Have fun but keep these tips in mind
Plan a fun, yet efficient trip to the Vatican City keeping these tips in mind. By following these steps you’ll avoid the crowds, stay hydrated and make the most of your trip. With these guidelines in mind, you’re sure to have a wonderful time on your visit.
