Does anyone have any thoughts about going to the Vatican upon arriving at the airport at 8:30AM and getting to Vatican for the Papal Audience at 10:30AM? Can it be done? We are thinking of hiring a limo to wait with our luggage while there. We arrive on Wed. and leave on Sun. so this would be our only opportunity. Any help is appreciated.

I wouldn't get my hopes up about arriving in time to get to a Wednesday audience.
I've been to 6 papal audiences and they all required arriving at least 2 hours ahead.
Remember this is Rome. Planes and trains sometimes, but not always, arrive or depart on time.
Even if the plane arrives on time, you still have to go through customs, then its at least a half-hour to drive to the city itself in good traffic, but then theres the traffic in Rome. Agh!

Ditto: Your chances of getting through Customs and getting to the Vatican in time for this are not good, limo notwithstanding.

Hi JG,

We got to the Rome train station 3 1/2 hr after our plane was scheduled to arrive at FCO.

Well,I'm an optimist. I've usually gotten to my hotel within an hour or so of landing,which has always been on time.

When you attend Papal Audience, there is a security screening you go through, similar to one at an airport. I arrived at the Vatican at 8:30 for the Papal Audience that began at 10:30, and I am glad I did.

BC

We waited an hour after our airport arrival just to get our luggage! And it takes at least 45 minutes to get into the city no matter how fast your driver goes. Give it a shot, since it's your only chance, but as everyone else has said, don't get your hopes up.

Miracles happen in Rome.

You are going to see the Pope after all.

I'd plan for it (carry on luggage, haul butt to the front of the line, have a driver waiting who understands ahead of time what you're trying to accomplish, etc) then don't be disappointed if it doesn't happen.

The odds are against it but

Miracles Happen in Rome

I believe in miracles, but not if they check their bags. Even then, arrival times (even if on time) are not deplanning times.

Flights never arrive on time and traffic in Rome is horrendous even with an experienced driver. Sorry, but I think a two hour window is cutting it very very close. Anyway you can come in the night before??

Thank you for the tremendous information! Sounds like Plan B is the way to go...whatever that will be. Grazie!