The Vatican City and surrounding neighborhood

About Vatican Area

Vatican City, the world's smallest independent state, sits on the west bank of the Tiber River in Rome's Prati neighborhood. St. Peter's Basilica, with Michelangelo's famous dome, dominates the skyline, while the Vatican Museums house one of the world's greatest art collections, culminating in the Sistine Chapel.

The surrounding Prati neighborhood is an elegant residential area with wide boulevards, excellent restaurants, and upscale shopping along Via Cola di Rienzo. It offers a quieter, more sophisticated base than the tourist-heavy areas around Termini or the Spanish Steps. Many visitors choose hotels in Prati for its proximity to the Vatican and its authentic neighborhood feel.

The Vatican area is well connected by the Metro A line (Ottaviano and Cipro stations), multiple bus routes, and is walkable from Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza Navona across the Tiber.

Nearby Landmarks

St. Peter's Basilica Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel Castel Sant'Angelo Via Cola di Rienzo

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €50-55
Time 35-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €42-52
Time 35-50 minutes

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Leonardo Express to Termini, then Metro Line A direction Battistini, exit at Ottaviano-San Pietro

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €50-55 35-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €42-52 35-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After the last Leonardo Express (~11:30 PM), night bus services and taxis (€50 fixed fare) are available. From Termini, the Metro stops running around 11:30 PM (1:30 AM on Fridays/Saturdays). Night bus nMA replaces the Metro A line. Taxis from Termini to the Vatican area cost €10-15.

Luggage Tips

The Leonardo Express and Metro both have luggage space. At Ottaviano Metro station, there is an elevator to street level. The walk from Ottaviano to St. Peter's is 5 minutes on flat, wide streets. If visiting the Vatican Museums with luggage, there is a cloakroom inside.

Accessibility

The Leonardo Express has wheelchair spaces. Termini and Ottaviano Metro stations have elevators. St. Peter's Basilica is wheelchair accessible via a side entrance (ask Swiss Guards). The Vatican Museums provide wheelchair access with advance notice. Prati neighborhood streets are flat and well-paved.