Flights to Vatican City
Buy Flights to Vatican City and Pay Later
Did you know that with Alternative Airlines, you can book your flights to Vatican City now and pay later?
Spread the cost of your flights to Vatican City with flexible payment options. Pay for your flights in small, manageable instalments that fit your budget, making your trip more affordable and accessible.
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Interest-free financing is available (check with providers) depending on eligibility. With the cost of your flights divided into smaller payments, you can focus on creating lasting memories in Vatican City.
Airlines Flying to Vatican City
Vatican City is one of the five countries without an airport, but it's still very accessible. To reach Vatican City, you'll first fly to Italy, and after a short drive, you'll have arrived.
ITA Airways
ITA Airways is the flag carrier of Italy, and since you'll first have to arrive in Italy to get to Vatican City, it's a useful option.
Its hub airport is Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO), another nearby airport to Vatican City (under a 50-minute journey by car).
ITA offers flights to countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Learn more about ITA Airways✈️
Delta Air Lines
Data shows that aside from Italian nationals, Americans make up Vatican City's largest tourist demographic. Thinking of being one of them? Then consider Delta Air Lines, America's most popular airline.
Delta flies to Rome - Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) (another name for Leonardo da Vinci International Airport).
Delta Air Lines goes to countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania.
Learn more about Delta Air Lines✈️
Ryanair
If you're from the UK and interested in visiting Vatican City, then Ryanair's got you covered. It flies from 5 UK cities to Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), just a 45-minute drive from Vatican City. Ryanair is an ultra-low-cost airline providing affordable travel, giving you more money to spend while away.
Its hub airport is London Stansted (STN), where you can fly directly to CIA.
Ryanair provides flights to countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Learn more about Ryanair✈️
Book Flights to Vatican City
Vatican City is a great destination and for a number of reasons.
It's the smallest country in Europe and the world. It has an area of just 44 hectares and a population of 764. To put that into perspective, Vatican City is smaller than Central Park, most University campuses and many shopping malls. Its tiny size means you can explore Vatican City in a one-day trip. It takes only 20 minutes to walk from one side of Vatican City to the other. If you ever want a quick trip abroad without feeling like your short stay means you're missing out, then Vatican City's the perfect place.
Despite its size, Vatican City is thriving with history and religious importance. It's the home of the Pope, and because of that, it's of great significance to many Roman Catholics. Millions of Christians visit Vatican City each year, and it's become a crucial pilgrimage destination.
Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site both due to this religious importance and the beautiful architecture that comprises the country. Stroll through its streets as you explore a wide variety of styles from Roman to Renaissance.
With 600+ airlines and 40+ ways to pay, Alternative Airlines can help you book flights to an airport near Vatican City stress-free.
Popular Places in Vatican City
Saint Peter's Basilica
Vatican City's most popular site is St. Peter's Basilica, the most famous Basilica in the world.
It's a great honour for a church to become a Basilica, and it's a decision made by the Pope, who will weigh up factors like the church's liturgy, sacraments, size, renown, beauty and mission. There are roughly 1,919 minor basilicas and 4 major ones. Among all of those, St Peter's is the most influential, making it a meaningful place for Roman Catholics and history lovers alike.
You can visit the Basilica for free to enjoy the wonderful views, or you can book online and pay a small fee for a Digital Audio Guide or tour. There are daily services which are free to attend.
The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a significant site for art admirers. Its breathtaking artwork will mesmerise and inspire.
The Italian sculptor and painter Michelangelo painted much of the art that adorns its walls and ceilings, including the piece the Sistine Chapel is most known for - The Last Judgment. Although controversial at its point of creation, this intricate piece has now become a well-respected work of art, transcending time alongside the likes of the Mona Lisa and The Starry Night.
The Sistine Chapel is included in the museums of Vatican City and costs money to enter. By purchasing a ticket, you can access the chapel, Stanze di Raffaello, Pinecone Courtyard, and much more. A ticket costs around €20.00, but there are reduced rates for pilgrims and students.
Saint Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is a bustling plaza in Vatican City. It's the city's central point and is surrounded by many of the country's most important sites, such as St. Peter's Basilica. But before you rush off to see the Basilica, you'll want to spend some time enjoying the magnificent views.
You'll find 140 intricate and expertly crafted statues, each representing the saints and martyrs of the Roman Catholic denomination. There are also two majestic fountains, one to the north and the other to the south of the plaza.
St Peter's Square attracts both religious and non-religious visitors. However, if you're Catholic, you'll especially want to see it on a Sunday. This is when Angelus Domini occurs, which is when the Pope recites a traditional Marian prayer.
Vatican City Do's and Don'ts
- Do be aware of crowds — Vatican City is a tiny country, yet it receives millions of visitors annually. Because of this, you'll have to prepare yourself for crowds, especially during important religious events or on a Sunday.
- Be respectful regardless of your religion — While Vatican City is a Christian country, you can visit regardless of your religious beliefs. Just make sure to be respectful: Don't interrupt prayers, talk too loudly, or use the Lord's name in vain.
- Do wear conservative clothing — Vatican City is a sacred location for Roman Catholics, so modesty is required. Unacceptable clothing includes sleeveless tops, short skirts, and crop tops.
- Don't use flash photography — While you can take photos in most areas of the Vatican museums, you are strictly forbidden from using the flash on your phone or camera. The intense light can actually damage the artwork.
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Vatican City Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vatican City a country?
Yes, many people aren't aware that Vatican City is its own country because it's just so tiny. It has been a country since February 11, 1929, making it one of the youngest countries in the world.
Where is Vatican City?
Vatican City is a landlocked country in Europe surrounded by Italy. It's just a short car ride from Rome, Italy's capital.
How big is Vatican City?
Vatican City isn't very big at all. In fact, it's the smallest country in the world. You could get from one side of the country to the other in just 20 minutes. It's 44 hectares (109 acres). It has a population of 764 (as of 2023), making it the smallest country in terms of both land size and population.
Can I visit Vatican City?
Yes, even though Vatican City is a sacred spot for Roman Catholics, it can still be visited by those of other religions and atheists. To get into the country, you'll fly to an airport in Italy. After a short drive, you'll be in the country. Italy and Vatican City share an open border, so you can enter without additional documentation.