The Pantheon is a must-visit attraction in Rome, attracting millions of visitors each year. If you want to be one of them, you’ll need to know exactly how to buy tickets for the Pantheon, and that’s where this guide comes in.
But why visit? Well, built around 2,000 years ago, it houses the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and has been in constant use since 125 AD, making it one of the city’s best-preserved buildings.
Towering above the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon is a showcase of ancient Roman history and modern Roman Catholicism. While the site is easily explored in an hour, there are a few things to know before your visit. Stick around as we share how to get tickets for the Pantheon online and answer the most popular questions.
Pantheon Tickets Quick Links
In a hurry? Here’s a quick breakdown of our recommended ticket options.
- Pantheon Roma (Official Site) – Direct booking site for the Pantheon. The site isn’t user-friendly, clunky, and sometimes unclear, with problematic refund policies.
- GetYourGuide Pantheon Audio Guide – Fast-track ticket with audio guide included. Flexible booking policies with free cancellation for up to 24 hours in advance.
- GetYourGuide Pantheon Guided Tour – Includes entry ticket and multilingual guides. Refunds are available for cancellations, with various payment methods.
- Pantheon Audio Guided Tour on Viator – Multilingual audio guide and fast-track entry ticket. The tour includes 15 listening points and a map of points of interest.
- Pantheon Express Tour on Viator – Guided small group tour for up to 15, admission included. Multiple morning and afternoon time slots are available.
DISCOVER: More of the Best Churches to Visit in Rome.
Buy Tickets on the Official Site
The official site for purchasing Pantheon tickets is offered by the State Museums Directorate of the City of Rome and operated through the Museiitaliani booking portal. However, it doesn’t provide the most pleasant experience.
While the purchase dashboard is simplistic, navigating the process can be confusing. The site does not work at times, and the ticket terms and conditions aren’t clear. Then, their refund policy only allows for reimbursement in case of a malfunction by the purchase portal.
- Pros of booking on the Pantheon official website – Offers the lowest ticket prices with a variety of possible timeslots throughout the day. The ticket availability is shown.
- Cons of booking on the Pantheon official website – The website is tough to navigate with unclear terms and conditions. It also has a faulty payment gateway and a problematic refund policy.
Buy Tickets via an Official Partner
Aside from using the official website to get your tickets to the Pantheon, there are several online partner companies that offer various ways to access and tour the monument. Two of the top options are GetYourGuide and Viator, which also have numerous other tours available in Italy.
These third-party vendors feature straightforward user interfaces and often include timeslots unavailable through the official website due to group bookings. Both also have 24-hour cancellation policies, although GetYourGuide is popular thanks to having the lowest markup.
- Pros of booking with an official partner – You can choose from a wider variety of self- and expert-led guided tour options. They offer the best availability during peak season, efficient checkout processes, and support for multiple currencies. Lastly, booking through an official website and managing refunds is easy and convenient.
- Cons of booking with an official partner – Purchasing tickets through official partners will be slightly more expensive, courtesy of the markup for convenience and other services.
LISTEN: To our podcast episode full of tips and Tales from the Pantheon.
Recommended Tours of the Pantheon
Deciding on the right tour for your planned trip to the Pantheon takes some effort. Keeping that in mind, we’ve chosen several outstanding picks to help you cut back on time spent at the ticket office.
When choosing your favorite, consider useful information about each tour before making your choice. Things like group size, tour style, time spent at the attraction, and highlights covered can make or break your visit.
- Official Website Tours – Allows you to purchase tickets online for various timeslots. Expect large groups.
- GetYourGuide Audio Guide – This tour, offered by GetYourGuide, is an excellent choice if you want to explore the Pantheon independently. Included is a fast-track ticket, giving you access through a dedicated skip-the-line entrance. Available in 12 languages, the tour lasts an hour and escorts you through the entire building with special attention paid to the famous dome.
- GetYourGuide Pantheon Tour – Another standout tour available through GetYourGuide, this Pantheon tour includes your entry ticket. Lasting for 45 minutes, you’ll admire Greek and Roman architecture, stunning mosaics, and historic artwork. Led by a local guide, you’ll also gain incredible insights into the Pantheon’s past, its construction, and entertaining anecdotes to elevate your experience.
- Viator Official Audio Guide – Allowing you to skip the line with a fast-track ticket, this independent audio guide from Viator is an excellent alternative to the GetYourGuide offering. Take your time to explore the building as you learn more about features, including the domed cella and the oculus, in a choice of nine languages.
- Viator Pantheon Elite Guided Tour – A fantastic small group tour of the Pantheon, this is a great choice if you’re short on time. Included is your entrance ticket to the monument. Marvel at the blend of pagan and Christian influences from the exterior columns to its circular temple formation and its unique and world-famous dome. Your local tour guide provides expert commentary, ensuring an educational and fun visit.
NOTE: The Pantheon is still an active church with various liturgical services throughout the week and a modest dress code you must adhere to.
Pantheon Tickets FAQ
Do You Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?
Yes, it’s ideal to purchase tickets in advance, whether through the Museiitaliani portal, an official ticketing partner like GetYourGuide and Viator, or a tour company. If you’re traveling during the peak season, it’s best to choose a timed option, as tickets sell out quickly. This also means you don’t have to wait in lines or deal with possible issues at the ticket office.
When Do Pantheon Tickets Go on Sale?
Pantheon tickets go on sale in the middle of the previous month, with time slot allocation being defined on a monthly basis. If you’re unable to purchase tickets online, you can get one from the on-site ticket office, but expect to wait in a very long line with no guarantee.
Remember that ticket sales will be interrupted an hour before the start of each church-related activity, such as Holy Mass (Saturday at 17:00 and Sunday at 10:30).
Can You Buy Pantheon Tickets on the Day?
Yes, if you can't complete an online purchase, you can pick up a ticket from the ticket office on the day of your visit. However, this does pose a few risks. Lines are typically very long, and three distinct queues can create confusion you’d rather avoid. One line is reserved for ticket holders, which is well-marked.
Then, there are the two lines for payment by cash or card, respectively, but they are not correctly marked. If you only have one payment method, make sure to double-check the line you’re using. Tickets purchased at the Pantheon vary in cost. You can also try to get a ticket via any of the ticketing partners (GetYourGuide and Viator), but availability might be limited.
What Are the Opening Hours?
The Pantheon is open every day from 09:00 until 19:00, with the ticket office closing at 18:00 and the last admission at 18:30. However, opening times may change during religious celebrations, and it will also be closed on 25 December. On 1 January, the Pantheon is only open between 12:00 and 17:00, with physical ticket sales closing at 16:00 and online tickets closing at 16:30.
When Should I Arrive at the Pantheon?
Just like other Rome icons, including the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, you should always arrive at least 30 minutes before your allocated time slot. This gives you enough time to pass through security checks.
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Pantheon?
The best time to visit the Pantheon without crowds is during the early mornings or in the evening. Remember this when planning your Rome itinerary, as the short length of tours makes this an excellent addition on days when you have less free time.
Are There Any Discounts or Free Entry?
When buying tickets on the official website, the regular price is €5 for adults, with a €2 reduced rate for European Union citizens aged between 18 and 25. Children under 18 and residents of the Municipality of Rome have free entry, and entry is complimentary on the first Sunday of each month.
NOTE: Free tickets can be collected at the ticket offices and totems inside the venue, but due to the high number of visitors, they do not give priority access.
Do I Need to Print My Tickets?
While you can print your tickets, it is far easier to download them onto your smartphone. Tickets bought through Pantheon Roma come with a QR code that is scanned on-site to grant access. If this system is offline or undergoing maintenance, you can use your receipt to get access.
Buying Tickets for the Pantheon, Rome – Wrapped Up
There you have it, fellow adventurer, how to buy Pantheon tickets all wrapped up into one guide. Whether you’re eager to venture through this iconic Rome attraction independently or on a guided tour, there are several spectacular ways to visit.
READ NEXT: If you’re looking for places to stay, check out this guide to the best hotels near the Pantheon.
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