Visiting the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day is ambitious, but with a rental car and good planning, it’s not only possible—it can become an unforgettable experience. Having your own vehicle allows you to optimize your time, avoid the crowds on public transport, and move between two iconic symbols of Christianity and the Roman Empire with priceless flexibility.
This practical FrankinGoCars guide is designed to help you build your perfect itinerary. We’ll give you strategic tips on timing, routes, and above all, parking, to make your day a success. If you don’t have a car yet, check out our offers for car rental in Rome.
Phase 1: Morning - The Colosseum and Imperial Rome
Start your day in the heart of the Empire. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill form one huge archaeological area that requires at least 3–4 hours for a satisfying visit.
Strategy and Timing:
- Arrival Time: Try to arrive in the area by 8:30 AM. This will make it easier to find parking and allow you to be among the first to enter, avoiding the longest lines.
- Parking: The main challenge. The best solution is to park slightly outside the immediate area. For a complete breakdown, see our complete guide to parking in Rome. The best options are paid blue-line spaces along the Lungotevere (Circus Maximus area) or private garages in the Celio neighborhood.
- Tickets: Buy tickets online well in advance. The ticket is valid for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill and remains valid for 24 hours.
- Visit: Plan about 1.5–2 hours for the Colosseum and another 2 hours to explore the Forum and Palatine Hill.
Expert Tip
Once you’ve parked, don’t move your car again until early afternoon. The entire Imperial Rome area is easy to explore on foot. Walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali on foot will give you unforgettable views.
Phase 2: Afternoon - The Vatican and Christian Rome
After lunch, it’s time to head to the second highlight of your day: Vatican City. The drive from the Colosseum to the Vatican takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Strategy and Timing:
- Departure Time: Leave the Colosseum area around 2:00 PM.
- Route: The simplest route is to follow the Lungotevere, which runs along the river and keeps you away from the most central ZTL areas. Always keep in mind our ZTL guide for Rome.
- Parking near the Vatican: The second big challenge of the day. The best options are large underground garages in the Prati district (e.g., Parking Prati, Garage San Pietro). They’re more expensive, but they guarantee a safe spot and save you from circling around looking for parking.
- Visit: Spend the rest of the afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica. Entry is free, but the security line can be long. Consider climbing the Dome (paid access) for a breathtaking view over Rome.
Recommended Itinerary for a Perfect Day
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | Arrival and parking | Circus Maximus / Celio area |
| 09:00 - 11:00 | Visit the Colosseum | Colosseum |
| 11:00 - 13:00 | Visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill | Roman Forum |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Quick lunch in Monti | Monti neighborhood |
| 14:00 - 14:30 | Drive to the Vatican | Lungotevere |
| 14:30 - 15:00 | Park in a private garage | Prati neighborhood |
| 15:00 - 18:00 | Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square | Vatican City |
FAQ - Colosseum–Vatican Driving Tour
Q: Is it really possible to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican in one day?
Yes, but it requires strict planning and the awareness that it will be an intense day. A rental car is key to reducing travel time. This guide does not include the Vatican Museums, which alone would take almost an entire day.
Q: What is the approximate cost of parking for this day?
Plan a budget of about €25–40 for parking. Roughly €10–15 for the morning near the Colosseum (in a private garage) and about €15–25 for the afternoon near the Vatican. Using blue-line street parking could save money, but with the risk of not finding a spot.
Q: Is it better to use a car or public transport for this tour?
A car offers greater flexibility and faster travel between the two areas, which are not directly connected by a quick metro line. With public transport (bus or metro with a change), the trip would take at least 45–60 minutes—valuable time on such a packed day.
Planning a tour between the Colosseum and the Vatican proves how a rental car can transform your visit to Rome, making it more efficient and less stressful. Discover more itineraries to visit Rome by car and get ready to live a day like a true emperor!