walking Rome

As I remember it is about 2.5 miles. In any event I have walked it many times. Sometimes I even "detoured" thru the Janiculum first, then right to the Vatican. cml

I always stay in the Monti area which borders Termini and I usually give myself about an hour and a half to two hours as there's some cool stuff to see on the way too like the Ara Pacis and the Mausoleo di Agusto going one way, or the Trevi, Navona, and a host of other sights if you make more of a straight line there. If you are pressed for time I'd just take the Metro A Line straight there or grab a cab if you want to see things along the way. The walk isn't probably for everyone. Have fun! This is my favorite city in the world.

Google maps allows you to plot directions for walking. It isn't foolproof but it worked well for me in planning for Rome. Try it for estimates, anyway, even if you have to deviate a couple of blocks now and then.

Charles is correct. We always planned on an hour to reach the Vatican. Second, often take the bus back because it is easy to find a bus or tram headed to Termini because it will say so the bus and it is easy to know when you have arrived at Termini.

Rome is my favorite city in the world, too, and I've walked from the Termini area to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica many times - the first time during a transportation strike. I tend to dawdle and take photos along the way, so it takes about an hour and a half for me. You might want an espresso or gelato break partway through (any excuse will do). You can also take the bus for part of the trip if you decide not to walk the entire way.

We stay 3 blocks from Termini and it takes us about an hour and 15 minutes and we move reasonably quickly but not too fast to miss the awesome views. Rome is one of those places where wandering a bit on foot is richly rewarded. I like to set out from Termini around 630-700 am and have a nice leisurely walk to the St Peters area allowing plenty of time to gawk at whatever catches my attention. The bridges always seem to take a bit of time as the views are awesome no matter which one you take.

PS - if you also are planning on the Vatican Museum, it's a pretty good hike from the entrance to Piazza San Pietro around the walls to the museum entrance.

I was in Rome this past May and saved the Vatican for my last day there. My hotel was a few blocks from the train station. I walked to the Metro station near the station, took the undergound to a stop just north of the Vatican very early in the morning - before the Vatican was open. To be in St. Peter's Square with only maybe ten people in sight at sunrise is magical. I did it this way so as to be fresh when I arrived. Also, to be among the first tourists inside the basilica is a treat. I then worked my way back to my hotel weaving my way through the historic center (Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Il Gesu, etc) until my feet gave out. Anyway, it worked for me. Enjoy your trip!

It is possible, depending on your age and your health. I find the taxis/bus service the best way to go to the Vatican from Termini.......because I want to save something for when I get there. I DO have a very bad back, and the Vatican/museum/Sistine ALONE can be
exhausting without walking an hour and a half to even get there! It's amazing!! And a full day is not even adequate

I guess you could walk to the Vatican Area from Roma Termini... but I'd agree that you want to "leave something in the tank" for when you actually arrive. When I've visited the Vatican Area with friends for their first time, it's an all-day affair and exhausting! So I would also suggest riding the metro and save your energy. Also, Rome can be so distracting, and although you intend to walk directly, you'll find yourself stopping - and often! That said, yes we've done this "walk" a few times in our wanderings. You might read this article for some tips on visiting the Vatican. Good Luck!

My wife and I plus our two friends walked from Termini to our apartment right next to Piazza Navona, which is about 20 minutes from Vatican, this past July and I don't think she has ever been so mad at me as she was on that walk. It was super hot and took us about an hour. S plan on an hour and twenty minutes at least. Honestly, the very cheap bus will get you there much much faster. Have fun!!!!