Rome catacombs: which tour should you book?

For most visitors the best pick is the guided visit of St Callixtus (about 30 to 40 minutes, 4.6 out of 5 from more than 3,600 GetYourGuide reviews, from about $16): it is the best-known catacomb, with the Crypt of the Popes. It costs €10 on the official site, though, so pay the GetYourGuide price only for the convenience of instant booking. If you also want the Appian Way without sorting out transport, a golf-cart or e-bike tour solves it for roughly $55 to $100. Prices were seen in October 2026 and vary by date. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The comparison at a glance

Option	Length	Price "from"	Best for	Our view
St Callixtus ticket and guided visit	About 30 min	About $16	First visit, tight budget	Best value, but €10 direct	See
St Sebastian ticket and guided visit	About 30 min	About $16	Those who want the Peter and Paul graffiti	Good, but a quick pace	See
Official catacombs tour by golf cart	About 2 h	$55 to $77	Little time or little walking	Simplest half-morning	See
Appian Way, catacombs and aqueducts by e-bike	4 to 6 h	About $66 to $82	Active travellers, couples, friends	Best experience, longest	See
Capuchin Crypt and catacombs with transfers	About 3 h	About $101	The macabre-curious	Unusual; pace sometimes called rushed	See

Before you choose: what to know

Every catacomb open in Rome can be visited only with a guide: the ticket includes the tour and there is no self-guided visit. Our Rome catacombs page covers the three main sites. Each closes on a different day (Wednesday at St Callixtus, Monday at St Sebastian, Tuesday at Domitilla) and each closes for several weeks in winter: check the day before booking any offer.

The official ticket is €10 (€7 for ages 7 to 16, free up to 6) and St Callixtus asks you to book online. Reseller offers therefore add a markup, which is worth it for a guaranteed slot or for transport.

St Callixtus: ticket and guided visit

The reference visit: 4.6 out of 5 from about 3,673 reviews, free cancellation up to 24 hours before, tours in English, Italian, French or German. It takes in the Crypt of the Popes and the Crypt of St Cecilia. Reviews are almost always positive about the guides. See the offer.

St Sebastian: ticket and guided visit

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from about 700 reviews, from about $16. You see the basilica and the Memoria Apostolorum with its pilgrim graffiti. Some travellers find the tour too quick or shorter than expected. St Sebastian also offers free direct booking with payment on site, which is cheaper. See the offer.

Golf cart with the official visit (2 hours)

An electric cart takes you to the catacomb, where a site guide takes over underground. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from about 150 reviews (little track record), $55 to $77 depending on the date. The right choice if heat or distance puts you off: the catacombs are several kilometres from the centre. See the offer.

Appian Way, catacombs and aqueducts by e-bike

Groups of 10 at most, 4 to 6 hours, 4.9 out of 5 from about 1,400 reviews, about $66 to $82. It combines the ancient road, the aqueducts and a catacomb. The route is bumpy in places, and a less experienced rider can struggle to keep up. Before booking, read our Appian Way e-bike guide and the Via Appia Antica page. See the offer.

Capuchin Crypt and catacombs with transfers

About 3 hours, 4.6 out of 5 from 163 reviews, around $101. It pairs the Capuchin Crypt (friars' bones) with a catacomb, with transport between the sites. Some travellers found the museum part rushed. For other underground sights, see underground Rome. See the offer.

Good to know before you go

Cold and damp. About 16 °C underground: bring a light jacket.
Photos. Not allowed in the galleries.
Accessibility. Stairs and narrow passages: wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed. Not ideal if you are claustrophobic.
Dress. Shoulders and knees covered: see dress code for churches.
Rain. A good idea on a rainy day.

Which one to choose?

First visit, small budget: the St Callixtus ticket, or the official site at €10.
Little time, heat: the golf cart.
An active day: the e-bike.
A taste for the macabre: the Capuchin Crypt.
Tourist pass: check Roma Pass or Omnia Card before buying.

FAQ

Can you visit the catacombs without a guide? No, the guided visit is compulsory and included in the ticket.

Which catacomb should you pick? St Callixtus for the Crypt of the Popes; St Sebastian for the graffiti; Domitilla for the underground basilica.

Do you need to book? St Callixtus asks for online booking; in high season, book a few days ahead.

How long does the visit last? About 30 to 40 minutes underground; allow an hour with travel and waiting.

How do you get there alone? Bus 118 or 218 from the centre, see the Rome catacombs page. For other tickets on your trip: which tickets to book in Rome.