St. Peter's Dome: stairs or lift?
Both options end on the same viewing walkway. The lift saves you the first section up to the terrace, but you climb the narrow stairs inside the dome either way.
Stairs: 551 steps Lift: 320 steps Official surcharge €5
Stairs and lift compared
| Stairs | Lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Official price | €17 | €22 |
| Total steps | 551 | 320 |
| Up to the terrace | on foot | by lift |
| From the terrace to the top | 320 steps on foot | 320 steps on foot |
| Inner gallery of the dome | yes | yes |
| Basilica and digital audio guide | included | included |
| Refund or rebooking | not possible | not possible |
Prices and conditions apply to the basilica's official ticket. For tours and tickets from providers, the booking shows whether the lift is included or offered as an option.
Which option suits you
Stairs
The whole way on foot
For
- €5 cheaper than the lift
- You make the whole climb under your own steam
Against
- 231 extra steps before the strenuous part even begins
- Not recommended if you have knee, heart or breathing problems
Right for you if you are steady on your feet and would rather save than ride.
Lift
Ride to the terrace, then 320 steps
For
- You start the steep part rested
- You can take a break on the terrace before carrying on
- You reach the terrace overlooking St. Peter's Square without a single step
Against
- €5 more expensive
- The 320 steps between the shells of the dome remain
Right for families, older visitors and anyone who wants to save their energy for the upper part.
What the lift doesn't spare you
The lift stops at the terrace. From there you enter the inner gallery of the dome and then climb between the inner and outer shells. The basilica describes the climb as physically demanding because of the steps, the narrow passages and the gradients. Further up, the wall leans inwards with the curve of the dome.
The basilica advises against the climb, by stairs or by lift, if you have heart or respiratory problems, a fear of heights, claustrophobia or limited mobility, or if you are pregnant. If you find you can't manage it, you can turn back. The terrace alone gives you a view over St. Peter's Square.
Tours and tickets with the dome
With Headout you pick the stairs or lift option directly when you book. For the guided tours, the provider's listing explains how the climb is organised.
Headout
Reserved entry with dome and audio guide
- Options with stairs or lift
- Audio guide for the basilica
- Duration: 1.5–2 hrs
from €29.00*
Book with Headout
Tiqets
St. Peter's Basilica and grottoes with guide and dome
- Guided tour of the basilica and Vatican Grottoes
- Access to the dome
- Languages: English, Spanish, French
from €42.00*
Book with Tiqets
Viator
St. Peter's Basilica, dome and grottoes in a small group
- Basilica, dome and Vatican Grottoes
- Groups of up to 10 or 25 people
- Duration: 105 min
- Languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, German and more
- ✓ Free cancellation up to 1 day before
from €48.60*
Book with Viator*Lowest price reported by the provider today. Day, time, group size and tour language change the price.
Booking directly with the basilica
The basilica sells both options with a fixed time slot. The basilica and a digital audio guide are included, a guide is not. The ticket is issued in your name and is non-refundable.
Questions about the stairs and the lift
€5 with the official ticket: €22 instead of €17. With providers, you see the price of the lift option when you book.
320. The lift only replaces the way up to the terrace; you climb the stairs inside the dome on foot.
No. Above the terrace there are only stairs. The basilica advises people with limited mobility not to make the climb.
Yes. According to the basilica, you can stop the climb if it becomes too strenuous.
The upper 320 steps run through narrow passages between the two shells of the dome. The basilica advises against the climb if you suffer from claustrophobia. With a lift ticket you reach the terrace and can decide there whether to go on.
Yes. It may only close temporarily in extreme weather.