Can You Bring Luggage Into the Vatican? Bag Rules & Storage Options

The Vatican Museums enforce strict bag size limits at their security checkpoint. Any luggage, suitcase, bag, or container larger than 40 × 35 × 15 cm must be left at the free cloakroom before entering. Carry-on suitcases, large backpacks, and duffel bags are not allowed inside the galleries or the Sistine Chapel.

Small daypacks and purses (under 40 × 35 × 15 cm), shoulder bags and crossbody bags, small backpacks that don't extend more than 15 cm beyond your body, camera bags and phone pouches, and water bottles. A compact daypack or crossbody bag is your best bet for a comfortable visit.

Suitcases and trolley bags of any size, large backpacks and hiking packs, umbrellas (full-size), tripods and selfie sticks, sharp objects including pocket knives, and any bag exceeding the 40 × 35 × 15 cm limit. These must all be left at the cloakroom — or better yet, at a luggage storage nearby.

St. Peter's Basilica has no cloakroom at all. If your bag doesn't pass the security check, you'll be turned away and told to find somewhere else to store it. There's no free left-luggage option. If you visit the Vatican Museums first and plan to walk through to St. Peter's via the Sistine Chapel exit, you cannot go back to collect items from the Museums' cloakroom.

The Vatican Museums offer a free cloakroom (guardaroba) near the entrance for oversized bags. However: it only accepts items that don't fit through security (not general luggage storage), queues can be 15–30 minutes during peak season (April–October), all items must be collected the same day, and no valuables (phones, wallets, electronics) are accepted.

Our flagship location 2 minutes from the Colosseum. Store your bags from just €5.90/bag for the whole day. Open 7 days a week, 9 AM – 7 PM, with CCTV, insurance, and English-speaking staff. From here, the Vatican is a 30-minute Metro ride (Line B to Termini, then Line A to Ottaviano).

Our Piazza di Spagna location is the closest to the Vatican — just 20 minutes by Metro (Line A, Spagna → Ottaviano). Same great rates from €5.90/bag. Drop your bags, take the Metro two stops, and you're at the Vatican entrance in no time.

Vatican Museums tickets sell out days ahead during peak season. Pre-booked, timed-entry tickets mean you won't waste your luggage-free time standing in the general admission line.

The Museums open at 8:00 AM (Monday–Saturday) and crowds are lightest in the first hour. Late-afternoon visits are also quieter (last entry 4:00 PM, close 6:00 PM).

The one-way route through the Vatican Museums ends at the Sistine Chapel, where you can exit directly into St. Peter's Basilica. This is the most efficient way to see both — but remember, you can't go back for cloakroom items.

Both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica require covered shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts will get you turned away. Bring a light scarf or cardigan in summer.

No. Suitcases and trolley bags of any size are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums or St. Peter's Basilica. You can use the free cloakroom at the Museums (with limitations) or store your bags at a nearby luggage storage service.

No. St. Peter's Basilica has no cloakroom or luggage storage. If your bag is too large, you'll need to find alternative storage before visiting. Our Spanish Steps location is just 20 minutes away by Metro.

The Vatican Museums cloakroom is free. However, it only accepts bags that don't pass security (not a general storage), and you can't leave valuables. If you exit via the Sistine Chapel, you lose access to it.