Vatican tickets prices and discounts
Students aged 6 to 25 with a valid document (university card or ISIC) pay a reduced rate. There is no general discount for over 65s: they pay the adult rate. Under 6s and people with an accredited disability enter free of charge.
How much does it cost to enter the Vatican in 2026?
| Way in | Price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Official box office (at the Vatican) | €20 | Cheapest, but the entry queue can top 2 hours in high season |
| Official website online | €25 (€20 + €5 booking fee) | Pick day and time; skip the box-office queue |
| Skip-the-line (Civitatis) | from €55 | Priority access, guaranteed date/time, free cancellation, support |
| Guided tour | from €67 | All of the above + an expert guide (most chosen) |
The price gap versus the official rate reflects what's included: guaranteed date/time, priority access without the 2-3 hour queue, free cancellation and, on the tour, a guide. If you have time and don't mind queuing early, the €20 box office is cheapest. See how to skip the queues.
Prices verified July 2026.
Prices by profile at the Vatican Museums
| Under 6s | Free |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to 18 | Reduced rate (with document) |
| Students up to 25 | Reduced rate (university card or ISIC) |
| Adults | General rate (€20 official + €5 online booking) |
| Over 65s | No discount: they pay the adult rate |
| Accredited disability | Free + companion, priority access |
Last updated: July 2026. Rates and conditions may vary; confirm them before your visit.
Children and minors
Under 6s enter free. From 6 to 18 they pay a reduced rate on presentation of a document proving their age. On guided tours and Civitatis tickets there is usually also a child price cheaper than the adult one. If you are travelling as a family, see our guide to the Vatican with kids.
Students up to 25
Students aged 6 to 25 with a valid document (university card or ISIC card) pay a reduced rate. You need to carry the physical document, as it may be requested at the entrance.
Over 65s: no discount
Worth knowing: the Vatican Museums do not apply a discount for over 65s, who pay the adult rate. The age discount only exists for children and students up to 25.
Disability: free entry
People with an accredited disability (generally from 74%) enter free along with a companion, with priority access. We explain it in detail in Wheelchair-accessible Vatican: disabled access.
Why does the skip-the-line ticket cost more than the official one?
The official general ticket costs €20, but the skip-the-line ticket includes booking management, guaranteed priority access and a reserved day and time. That extra service explains the higher price. In return you skip the queues, which in high season exceed two hours. Civitatis guided tours apply their own rates, normally with an adult and a child price.
Different is the free entry on the last Sunday of the month: that one is genuinely free for everyone, but only on that day, with no booking and with queues. We detail it in the guide to free entry to the Vatican.
Book your skip-the-line ticket
Priority access, guaranteed day and time and free cancellation. Adult and child rates available.
Buy ticket (from €55) →⏳ One of the world's most visited sites: tickets sell out in high season. Book ahead · free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
What discounts are there?
Students aged 6 to 25 with a valid document pay a reduced rate. There is no general discount for over 65s. Under 6s and accredited disability enter free.
Do children pay for entry?
Under 6s enter free. From 6 to 18 they pay a reduced rate. On Civitatis tickets and tours there is usually a child price cheaper than the adult one.
Do over 65s get a discount?
No. They pay the adult rate. The age discount only exists for children (6-18) and students up to 25 with a document.
Why does the skip-the-line ticket cost more than the official €20?
Because it includes booking management, priority access and a reserved day and time. In return you skip queues that in high season exceed two hours.
