Vatican Railway Station
The world's shortest national railway, a unique piece of Vatican City's infrastructure, primarily for goods transport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Vatican Railway Station
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The world's shortest national railway, a unique piece of Vatican City's infrastructure, primarily for goods transport.
"It's the world's shortest national railway, a unique piece of infrastructure."
👀 Glimpse from Above
Climb St. Peter's Dome for a unique aerial view of the station.
🚫 Not for Public Transit
This station is not for regular tourist travel; access is limited.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 13 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Shortest National Railway
Experience a unique piece of history, the Vatican's 300-meter standard gauge track.
View from St. Peter's Dome
St. Peter's Basilica Dome
Catch a rare aerial view of the station and its tracks from the top of the dome.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Vatican Railway
Understanding Its Purpose
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Vatican City Tips?
Hello, I'm planning to visit Rome next month and have a Tuesday set aside for Vatican City. I'm mostly interested in St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, and just strolling around: I don't need to visit all the museums. Does this sound like an itinerary I need to do a…
👀 Glimpse from Above
Climb St. Peter's Dome for a unique aerial view of the station.
🚫 Not for Public Transit
This station is not for regular tourist travel; access is limited.
Getting from FCO to Vatican
Hi All, I'm travelling to Italy in a couple weeks and I am trying to establish my transitions. I am landing after 4pm at FCO and I am staying just outside of Vatican city. I'll have 1 big suitcase, 2 carry-ons and one more personal item. Right now I'm aware of: * Cab * Uber…
Is there enough to see in Vatican city without buying tickets? Or would you recommend buying them?
Me and my boyfriend (23 and 24 years old) are in rome for a couple of days. We have 3 days left and we are a bit clueless about what things we shouldn’t miss while being here. I was looking up to do’s in Vatican city and I saw you can buy (kind of expensive) tickets for places…
✨ Ceremonial Use Only
Passenger trains are rare, usually for special events.
Train Advice?
Hi friends! I’m flying into FCO and would like to get to my hotel in Vatican City by train. The hotel is closest to Cipro Metro Station. I downloaded the Trenitalia app, but I can’t figure out what route or ticket to purchase. On the Trenitalia app, I looked up: Departure:…
Tips
from all over the internet
👀 Glimpse from Above
Climb St. Peter's Dome for a unique aerial view of the station.
🚫 Not for Public Transit
This station is not for regular tourist travel; access is limited.
✨ Ceremonial Use Only
Passenger trains are rare, usually for special events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Vatican Railway Station is a unique historical artifact, notable for being the world's shortest national railway. While not accessible for public transit, its existence highlights Vatican City's logistical infrastructure. Visitors can catch a glimpse from St. Peter's Dome.
"Vatican City's railway system is the shortest national railway in the world, comprising approximately 300 meters of standard gauge track within its territory. This network includes two main tracks and two freight sidings, totaling about 1.27 kilometers of track. The railway was constructed following the Lateran Treaty of 1929 and became operational in 1934. Its primary function has been the importation of goods, though it has occasionally served passenger trains for symbolic or ceremonial purposes. It connects with the Italian railway network."
Jean Baptiste
"Doesn't seem possible to visit this for normal tourists, unless you can get on the Vatican grounds. You can see it from the top of the dome of St Peter's, so if you go up there look for it."
James Russell
"That station isn't quite busy. But cleaner than the rome central station."
SHG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vatican Railway Station is not open to the public for regular visits. It's primarily used for importing goods into Vatican City. The best way to see it is from the top of St. Peter's Dome, offering an aerial perspective.
Yes, the Vatican Railway is connected to the Italian railway network, allowing for the import of goods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to see the Vatican Railway Station as it's not a public attraction. You can view it from the exterior or from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica.
The station operates for logistical purposes and does not have public visiting hours. Passenger services are extremely rare and for ceremonial occasions only.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
It's famous for being the world's shortest national railway, measuring approximately 300 meters of track.
While not a tourist spot, one reviewer noted it was cleaner than Rome's central station.
Public passenger train services are not available. The railway is primarily for freight and occasional ceremonial passenger trains.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit