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How to buy tickets for the Colosseum in Rome

how to buy colosseum tickets rome

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As one of the world’s most popular landmarks, it should be easy to find out how to buy tickets for the Colosseum but instead, visitors are faced with a bewildering range of options. In this article, we share how to buy Colosseum tickets online through the official site and also advance tickets through trusted official partners.

NOTE: In 2024 tickets are available on the Colosseum website directly up to 30 days in advance. This site has implemented a waiting line. Please see options below if you wish to purchase tickets or a tour more than 30 days in advance.

Colosseum tickets quick links

Prefer not to read through this article? We get it, we’re all busy. Here are our recommended options for tickets

  • Parco Colosseo – limited number of tickets available 30 days prior to visit (unclear refund policy)
  • Colosseum Tours on GetYourGuide (official partner site) > flexible booking policy, easy to use, includes tour option (recommended)
  • Walks of Italy – small group Colosseum tours with expert guides
  • LivTours – very small group and private tours of the Colosseum with engaging guides – 5% off with code – UNTOLDITALY
  • Colosseum packages on Tiqets – purchase your Colosseum tickets with a guided tour or hop on / hop off bus option

NOTE: Changes to ticketing are occurring regularly at the Colosseum as the site changes official ticketing provider. We recommend choosing an option where changes and cancelations are easy to make if required.

tickets to the colosseum

Colosseum tickets or tour?

First, you’ll need to choose whether to buy tickets and navigate the site on your own or with an audioguide or take a group tour. This will depend on your budget and level of interest in learning about the Ancient Roman sites. Whichever option you choose, you will need to purchase your tour or timed entry Colosseum tickets in advance. This is a recent rule put in place to manage crowds and applies to all visitors including those who can enter free including children and youths under the age of 18. A booking fee may apply in these cases.

Tickets are a good option for budget travelers and those who prefer to explore on their own. However, the Colosseum site is not well marked and you’ll be wandering among tour groups wondering what they are looking at. At the very least, download an audio guide or purchase one with your ticket so you can learn something about one of the most incredible ancient sites in the world including why it is also called the Flavian Arena!

What does your Colosseum ticket include?

The basic Colosseum entrance ticket includes:

  • Single timed entry into the Colosseum – level one and two only
  • 24 hour open access to plus the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Should you wish to visit the Colosseum Arena Floor (see picture below) and/or Underground (both are very interesting) you will need to purchase an upgraded ticket or a Colosseum guided tour option. 

Your admission is considered skip the line Colosseum tickets as you need to arrive at a specific time. You will not need to queue for tickets but please note that you will need to line up for a security check. 

colosseum arena floor tour

Buy Tickets on the “Official” Colosseum Site

The official site to book tickets to the Colosseum is called Parco Colosseo for visits from May 1st 2024. This site runs a wait line and is not the easiest site to navigate, use or purchase from unfortunately. Plus if you need a refund or to change your dates or times the process is extremely difficult.

  • Pros of booking on Parco Colosseo site – best prices, specific ticket availability shown
  • Cons of booking on Co-op Culture site – frustrating user experience including payment gateway which often does not work for international visitors, no refunds available – exchanges only, limited availability

Buy Colosseum Tickets via an Official Partner

Colosseum ticket inventory is spread out over the official booking site, tour operators and several official ticketing partners including GetYourGuide, Viator or Tiqets. For this reason, if you can’t find the time slot you are looking for on Parco Colosseo, it is worth checking these options. We prefer GetYourGuide because they have the lowest markup and a 24-hour cancelation policy which is not offered by the official site.

  • Pros of booking on official partners – best availability – especially during peak times in the morning, ease of use of booking platform and easy to understand and manage cancelation policies, bundled offers including tours, hop on / hop off bus and more
  • Cons of booking on official partners – slightly more expensive – you’ll pay a markup for convenience and additional services

tickets for the colosseum

Recommended Colosseum Tours

As mentioned earlier, the Colosseum site is not well marked and the exhibits can be a little dry and presented without too much context. Having visited the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on many occasions, we always recommend taking a guided tour of the Colosseum to make the most of your visit. 

When choosing a tour, consider the group size, style of the tour, areas covered and length of tour. All tour guides operating at sites in Rome must hold a license obtained by passing a very strict exam. So they all know their dates, Roman Emperors and key monuments but may not have the storytelling skills to bring the Ancient Roman sites to life

  • Official Site Tours – Can be purchased via the ticketing site. Expect large groups
  • Walks of Italy – medium sized tours with a focus on storytelling and anecdotes. You’ll get a sense of what it was like for gladiators and spectators alike in this most magnificent of arenas and the impressive surrounds of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take Walks offer several tours at the Colosseum but their Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor is our favorite. 
  • LivTours – very small group (up to 6 people) and private tours led by expert storytellers who bring the arena, Forum and Palatine Hill to life with tales of the gladiators and emperors. You’ll be able to separate myth, legend and movie-making creative license from archaeological fact. PLUS readers of our site get 5% off with code – UNTOLDITALY

colosseum entry tickets

Colosseum Tickets FAQ

Do you need to buy Colosseum tickets in advance?

Yes. Your entry into the Colosseum must be purchased online via the Parco Colosseo site, a ticket partner or tour company. We recommend buying Colosseum tickets via GetYourGuide for convenience, flexibility and the best price including a tour.

When do Colosseum tickets go on sale?

Colosseum tickets go on sale 3 to 4 weeks in advance on Parco Colosseo sites and sell out quickly during peak visitor periods from May to September. Expect long online wait times with no guarantee of success. Ticket allocations are spread across multiple vendors so it is worth checking several if you do not find availability on the dates and times you are looking for. 

The best way to ensure your Colosseum visit is at the time and date you want is to book a small group or guided tour in advance with either Walks of Italy or LivTours who will handle the ticketing for you.

Can you buy Colosseum tickets on the day?

Buying last minute Colosseum tickets is possible however expect limited availability at the most popular times to visit – generally early in the in morning during summer as the site becomes hot and stifling. It’s worth checking all ticketing sites for availability at these times as they have separate allocations

What are the Colosseum opening hours?

The Colosseum is open every day except 25th December and 1st January with varying hours depending on the season. Though not officially noted, the Colosseum closes early on Good Friday for the Via Crucis or Way of the Cross Ceremony lead by the Pope These hours also apply to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Imperial Forum.

  • from 2 January to 28 February: 09.00 – 16.30
  • from 1 to 26 March: 09.00 – 17.30
  • from 27 March to 31 August: 08.30 – 19.15
  • from 1 September to 30 September: 08.30 – 19.00
  • from 1 to 30 October: 09.00 – 18.30
  • from 31 October to 31 December: 09.00 – 16.30

Last admission one hour before closing. This is not recommended as you need at least one hour to visit the Colosseum alone.

Why are Colosseum tickets not available on the date I want to visit?

Colosseum tickets go on sale on the park website 30 days in advance. If you are trying to purchase tickets on the Parco Colosseo site more than 30 days prior to your visit they will not be available. It is also not possible to purchase tickets on the first Sunday of each month, 25 April (Liberation Anniversary), 2 June (Republic Day) and 4 November (National Unity and Armed Forces Day). These are special free admission days where no ticket is required.

Can I visit the Colosseum for free?

Yes. Entry is free to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill on the first Sunday of each month as part of the Italian Ministry of Culture’s program “Domenica al Museo” (Sundays at the Museum). Skip the line tickets are not available for sale on those days so visitors must expect long lines to enter and for security checks as these days are very popular with Italians. Free admission is also available on 25 April (Liberation Anniversary), 2 June (Republic Day) and 4 November (National Unity and Armed Forces Day).

What do I need to bring to the Colosseum?

The Colosseum recently introduced a requirement to have visitor names printed on each ticket. Visitors are required to show identification documents that match the name on the ticket eg Drivers Licence or Passport 

When should I arrive at the Colosseum?

It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your allocated entry time to the Colosseum so you can complete security checks.

What is the best time to visit the Colosseum?

Visitors usually like to start their day early or close opening time at the Colosseum, especially during summer. The site is very exposed to the elements and can become hot and crowded in the middle of the day. When you’re planning your Rome itinerary bear in mind that if you don’t mind the heat of the day, afternoon sessions are much less crowded with greater availability during the summer. 

Are there any discounts or free entry to the Colosseum

Entry to the Colosseum is FREE for visitors under 18 years and for people with disabilities plus one family member or helper. If you fall into these categories you will still need to reserve your ticket and timed entry and show identification on entry.

Free entry to the Colosseum is also available on the first Sunday of each month on a first come, first serve basis. Expect big crowds on those days. Tour operators don’t usually run tours then for this reason.

Discounted entry is available to European Union residents between the ages of 18 and 25. 

Do I need to print my Colosseum tickets?

Printing your skip the line Colosseum tickets is an option but you will find it easier to download them to your smartphone

Can I stay close to the Colosseum?

Yes! There are several hotels within easy walking distance of the Colosseum and many Airbnbs and apartments in the Monti district. 

best hotels near colosseum rome

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