Catacombs of Rome: San Callisto or San Sebastiano, Tickets, Hours and the Bus (2026)

The catacombs of Rome are early Christian burial tunnels dug into the soft rock outside the ancient city walls. Several are open to visitors, and the best known line the Appian Way. However, each one keeps its own hours and closing day, so a wasted trip is easy. This guide compares the two main sites with official 2026 prices and rules.

Last updated: September 30, 2026

Want the transport and the road handled? Then our page on a catacombs and Appian Way tour compares a guided walk and a golf cart tour.

Catacombs of Rome at a glance

Sources: the San Callisto hours page, the San Callisto tickets page and the San Sebastiano visitor information (all checked September 2026). Both sites also close on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday.

San Callisto or San Sebastiano: which catacombs of Rome to choose

Choose San Callisto if you want the most famous site. It holds the Crypt of the Popes, where several third-century popes were buried. In addition, it offers tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German, according to its visitor guidelines.

Choose San Sebastiano if you are in Rome on a Wednesday, or you prefer a continuous timetable with no lunch break. It is also a short walk further along the Appian Way.

Choose both if you love archaeology. They are close to each other, so two visits fit easily in one morning. However, pick different days if you also want to walk or cycle the road.

In short, the choice among the catacombs of Rome often comes down to the calendar. So check your dates first, then pick the site.

How the visit works: rules to know

Both sites only allow guided visits, so you cannot walk the tunnels on your own. According to the San Callisto guidelines (checked September 2026), these are the key rules:

• Groups only. Visits run in groups of at least two people, with a member of staff.
• Tours every 30 minutes. Each one takes about 40 minutes.
• Stay with the guide. You cannot leave the group or pass the gates that close off the route.
• Dress for the cold. The tunnels stay at about 16 °C (60 °F), with high humidity, so bring a layer even in summer.
• Last tours. At San Callisto, the last morning tour starts at noon and the last afternoon tour at 5 p.m. The ticket office closes at 4:50 p.m.

San Sebastiano also recommends a reservation, because its tours depend on bookings and group requests. So book ahead in spring and fall.

How to get to the catacombs of Rome by bus

The Appian Way sits outside the city center, so plan 30 to 45 minutes each way. According to the San Callisto directions page (checked September 2026), these are the public transport routes:

• Bus 118: take Metro B to Circo Massimo, then bus 118 from the Terme Caracalla/Porta Capena stop. Get off at Catacombe di San Callisto. This is the simplest route.
• Bus 218: take Metro A to San Giovanni, then bus 218 toward Ardeatina to the Fosse Ardeatine stop.
• Bus 660: take Metro A to Arco di Travertino, then bus 660 to the Appia Pignatelli/Appia Antica stop.

Buses on the Appian Way run less often than in the center. Therefore, check the next return bus before you enter the tunnels. Coming from the airport first? Our guide from Fiumicino to Rome covers the ride into the city.

Make a half day of the Appian Way

The catacombs of Rome are only one part of the Appian Way. The ancient road runs on between tombs, pines and fields, and it is mostly flat. So many visitors pair a catacomb visit with a walk or a bike ride. Our guide to Rome bike tours explains how the e-bike routes along the road work.

• Morning plan: bus 118 out early, a catacomb tour, then a walk south along the cobbles.
• With a bike: a Rome bike tour links the road to the rest of the city.
• With a golf cart: a Rome golf cart tour suits families and anyone who wants less walking.

Also, keep the Wednesday and Monday closing days in mind when you plan the road. Otherwise, you may reach a closed gate.

Other catacombs in Rome

Rome has more catacombs than these two. For example, Domitilla lies on Via delle Sette Chiese, a short walk from San Callisto, and Priscilla lies on Via Salaria in the north of the city. Their hours and prices differ, so check each site before you go. If you are curious about the city’s darker side, our guide to dark tourism in Italy covers crypts and ossuaries across the country.

Fit the catacombs into your Rome plan

The catacombs work best on your second or third day, once the Colosseum and Vatican are booked. Our plan for 3 days in Rome shows where a half day fits. Meanwhile, our day trips from Rome include Ostia Antica, another ancient site that pairs well with a slow day. Traveling with children? Then read Rome with kids first, since the tunnels are cool, dark and narrow.

Tours and experiences on the Appian Way and beyond

These experience pages on our site each compare options, with prices and ratings read on Viator:

• Catacombs and Appian Way tour: the tunnels and the road with transport.
• Rome golf cart tour: the city’s highlights without long walks.
• Rome city bike tour: an easy ride through the center.
• Ostia Antica tour from Rome: Rome’s ancient port with a guide.
• Colosseum tour with the arena floor: the other must-book site in Rome.

For more, see our best tours in Rome for first-timers and the Rome travel guide.

Catacombs of Rome: frequently asked questions

Which are the best catacombs to visit in Rome?

San Callisto and San Sebastiano on the Appian Way are the easiest for a first visit. Both cost €10 (checked September 2026), and San Callisto runs its tours in English and four other languages.

Can you visit the catacombs of Rome without a guide?

No. San Callisto and San Sebastiano only allow guided visits, and you must stay with the group for the whole route.

Are the catacombs of Rome open on Wednesdays?

San Callisto closes every Wednesday, but San Sebastiano is open. On Mondays, the reverse applies.

How long does a catacomb visit take?

The guided tour at San Callisto takes about 40 minutes. With the bus from the center, allow about half a day.

How do I get to the catacombs from central Rome?

Take Metro B to Circo Massimo, then bus 118 from the Terme Caracalla/Porta Capena stop to the Catacombe di San Callisto stop.