Papal audience

Tickets are necessary for everyone, and I can't imagine how/where you'd get them without prior arrangement. Since you know your scehedule, is there any reason not to reserve? Go to the website of Santa Susanna church, the American Catholic church in Rome; I believe they can get tickets for you. I'll leave it to others to comment on parking in the area... I've not seen anything "convenient", but with a large group, taking a couple of taxis wouldn't be expensive, since you'd have so many splitting the cost.

Since Francis is a new pope, I think there's lots of interest in attending his public appearances, even more than usual. Sherry might know more than I about timing. but I think even with tickets you need to show up before 10:30. And if there were a convenient place to park it would most limely be taken by the time you get there.

There is NO parking anywhere near the Vatican. I go every year, and have NEVER seen parking!! Hopefully you're not planning on driving a rental car within Rome! Please check into ZTL zones. If you're staying in a hotel on the outskirts of Rome that has parking, take taxis to the Vatican, and even with tickets get there an hour (or more) before the Audience. I was one of the lucky hundred thousand who had a ticket for last year's Easter Mass, we stayed at a hotel across the street, and walked over @0830 for the 1030 Mass.

There's quite a lot of parking in the vicinity of Vatican City. Immediately to the south of the colonnade is the pedestrian tunnel to the buses including the 116. Just off that is the very large, very modern Gianicolo Terminal which includes http://www.gianicolo.it/index_eng.html a multi story car park and restaurant. Parking is reasonable at €2.10 an hour, with various other deals available. I would have thought that that was the most convenient. Can you do it, arrive, park, get to the security lines at the other side of the colonnade and get a place for the service in half an hour? Doubtful. I suggest you leave earlier.

Thank you for replies. They are quite helpful in making a decision. If I do decide to attempt this I will park at Gianicolo Terminal. Thank you Nigel. I would like ask if any of you know of a good place to park outside of Rome(coming from the south) and perhaps take a bus to Vatican. Also, if we skip audience does that mean other sites in Rome would be less crowded at that time? Thank you for all your help................Frank

Please listen to Donna's advice.

I will listen to Donna definitely. I actually think I am not going to attempt to attend because of driving three hours from the south. Thank you Bob.

I will listen to Donna definitely. I actually think I am not going to attempt to attend because of driving three hours from the south. Thank you Bob.