St Peter's Basilica skip-the-line tickets

Dominating the skyline of Vatican City is the mother church that is St. Peter’s Basilica. It is one of the largest and most important papal churches in all of Christendom. Aside from this, the building is in itself an impressive work of art with an array of sculptures, paintings, stained windows, and of course, its iconic dome. 

Every year, millions of people from different walks of life pay a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. This means that although it is a must-visit attraction, it is bound to be swarmed with large crowds. However, you can try to cut down the wait time in front of the basilica  with these few tips.

NOTE: There are no direct skip-the-line tickets for St. Peter's Basilica and everyone has to go through a mandatory security check which could take up to 3 hours.

How long are the lines in front of St. Peter's Basilica?

The length of the lines in front of St. Peter's Basilica can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak tourist season (typically April through October), lines can be quite long, sometimes with waits of up to several hours. The lines are usually longest in the morning when the basilica first opens and on Wednesdays when the Pope holds his public audience.

Visitor tips

• Wear comfortable shoes because you will have to do a lot of walking around the church. 
• Get there early in the morning so that you bypass long waiting lines. 
• If you’re not going on a guided tour, read about the basilica before your visit. There’s a lot to see so it helps to know what to look for. 
• The Papal audience takes place on Wednesdays, which means St. Peter’s Square is likely to be crowded. 
• St. Peter’s Basilica is a sacred place where you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees must be covered.