Hi - my family of 5 will be staying in the Monti area of Rome and will need to get to the Vatican for a very early morning tour on Saturday, June 30. What is the best way for us to get to the Vatican if we need to be there at 7:00 a.m.?
Thank you!
I’d check with your hotel to see if you’ll be on a direct bus line, but I suspect taxi will be the best way to get there that early. Be sure you know exactly where you need to go; Vatican City is large.
The best way to get around Rome is by public transportation--buses and the underground. Learning how to navigate the city will save you footsteps and money on a taxi.
I prefer taxi because they will drop you off at the entrance. If you're going to take a bus, make sure you can get off near the entrance.
For something like that, I would take a taxi to ensure no problems. Have the front desk call 10 minutes before you need to leave. If you are not in a hotel where they can do this -- perhaps you are in an apartment? -- find out where the nearest taxi rank is and make sure to give yourselves a few minutes to get there.
We just got home from Monti, LOVED IT. Our tour with The Roman Guy had detailed instructions on how to get to the meeting place. We took the Metro from Monti and followed the instructions. There were at least 15 different groups meeting at the same time outside of the Museum/Sistine Chapel.
That early I would use a taxi or a service like Rome Cabs to schedule a car.
If you use public transit, be sure to avoid bus 64 and 62, which are pickpocket hotspots. Many of these culprits "work" on such buses and find their targets on board.
I advise you to alight at bus stops at side entrances (ie. not the main entrance). Few crowds, less traffic jam, and lower chances of getting pickpocketed. You may have to transit elsewhere in the city, but it's worth the extra time.
We used Uber in France and Italy to remove the language barrier (ours). It was quick and easy. Gives you good estimates on times, prices, and a map of your travels when you return home.
cathy,
I agree with the others. At that time of the morning, a Taxi would be the easiest way to get to the Vatican on time.