The Vatican Railway was constructed following the Lateran Treaty of 1929, which established Vatican City as an independent state. It became operational in 1934 and was designed to facilitate the importation of goods into the small nation. The railway network is remarkably compact, consisting of about 1.27 kilometers of track in total, with the main operational line being around 300 meters long. This makes it the shortest national railway in the world.

While its primary function has always been logistical, the railway has occasionally been used for passenger transport. These instances are typically for symbolic or ceremonial purposes, such as papal journeys or special state visits. For the average tourist, direct access to the station or the opportunity to ride its tracks is not possible, as it's not integrated into public transportation systems.

Despite its limited public access, the Vatican Railway remains a fascinating piece of infrastructure. It represents Vatican City's self-sufficiency and its unique place in the world. For those interested in its existence, a unique vantage point is from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, where one can observe the station and its tracks from above.