Colosseum Rome
Colosseum - Information on Admission, Opening Hours, Wait Times, and More Tips
The most famous building in Rome is arguably the nearly 2000-year-old Colosseum. Each year, about 6 million visitors come to see the Colosseum. For safety reasons, no more than 3000 visitors are allowed inside the Colosseum at any one time. For this reason, a new ticketing system was introduced in early 2019. Visitors are assigned a specific entry time, or they can choose it at the time of purchase. Admission is granted only at the chosen time.
How do I get to the Colosseum?
The easiest way to reach the Colosseum is by taking Metro line B. The "Colosseo" station is located in close proximity to the Colosseum. However, walking along the Roman Forum is also a great way to visit the Colosseum, as it is visible from afar. Additionally, the Colosseum can be reached by tram lines 3 and 8. The tram stop "Piazza del Colosseo" is also located near the historic building.
| Stop | Transport |
|---|---|
| Colosseo |  |
| Colosseo / Salvi N. | Tram 3 + 8 |
| Colosseo | Bus 51, 75, 85, 87, 117 |
What is the admission cost for the Colosseum?
Prices were last changed in January 2020, and a new additional ticket (Full Experience Ticket) was introduced. The standard admission price to the Colosseum for adults over 18 is 16.00 Euros. EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old can purchase a discounted ticket for 2.00 Euros. Youth and children under 18 years old have free entry to the Colosseum. The standard ticket allows access to the Colosseum on levels 1 and 2. Those wishing to visit the top levels 4 and 5 must book special guided tours. The Full Experience Ticket includes the services of the standard ticket and also allows visits to the Colosseum's arena or basement.
The ticket also includes entry to the Roman Forum and the visit to the Palatine Hill – these admissions are already included. Depending on which combo ticket you purchase, it is valid for 24 hours or 2 days and allows one-time entry to the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.
| Level | Validity | Price (on-site) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (over 18 years) | 1 + 2 | 24 hours | from €16.00 |
| Adults (over 25 years) | 1 + 2 + Arena or Underground | 2 days | from €22.00 |
| EU Citizens (18 - 25 years) | 1 + 2 | 24 hours | €2.00 |
Youth / Children | 1 + 2 | 24 hours | free |
Reservation Fee | €2.00 | ||
Audio Guide | €5.50 | ||
Audio-Video Guide | €6.00 |
Attention: The reservation fee must be paid by ALL visitors to the Colosseum!
Attention: Since the beginning of 2019, the Colosseum can only be visited with reserved tickets.
Where can I buy tickets for the Colosseum?
The best and easiest way to get a ticket for the Colosseum in Rome is to purchase them online. When buying online, you can calmly choose the day and a specific entry time or book a guided tour. Many dates are fully booked several days or even weeks in advance. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased on-site at the ticket counters. When buying tickets on-site, you are informed at the time of purchase which time slots are available or free for the day. Visiting the Colosseum spontaneously is rather exceptional, as tickets are usually sold out for days in advance. Additionally, there can be very long waiting times at the Colosseum's ticket counters.
What is included in the ticket?
In addition to visiting the Colosseum, tickets also allow entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Within the validity of the ticket, you get one-time access to these attractions.
Can I visit the Colosseum for free?
Yes, on certain days there is also the possibility to visit the Colosseum for free. The city of Rome offers its residents and visitors several days a year this opportunity. Usually, it is the first Sunday of each month and a few additional days, such as Italy's National Day on June 2nd. However, expect significantly longer waiting times compared to the already sometimes very long wait times.
Free admission days 2024 for the Colosseum:
- January 7, 2024
- February 4, 2024
- March 3, 2024
- April 7, 2024
- May 5, 2024
- June 2, 2024
- July 7, 2024
- August 4, 2024
- September 1, 2024
- October 6, 2024
- November 3, 2024
- December 1, 2024
What are the opening hours of the Colosseum?
The Colosseum is open daily from 8:30 AM throughout the year. The only closing days are January 1 and December 25. On some days, the Colosseum may also be closed at short notice, for example during Papal visits (Good Friday) or sports events.
Opening hours from March 31 - September 30, 2024
| Day of the Week | Opening Hours | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Thursday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Friday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Saturday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Sunday | 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM | 6:15 PM |
Opening hours October 1 - October 26, 2024
| Day of the Week | Opening Hours | Last Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
What are the waiting times at the Colosseum?
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most visited attractions in the "Eternal City." For this reason, tickets are sold with a fixed time for entry. Those who wish to buy a ticket on-site should expect very long waiting times at the ticket counters. A one to two-hour wait is quite normal. Additionally, there will be waiting time at the entrance. Even with a scheduled entry time, there can be an additional hour of waiting as each visitor must go through a security check.
To significantly reduce waiting time at the Colosseum, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance. This way, you can head straight to the entrances for ticket holders and bypass the queues at the ticket counters.
History of the Colosseum in Rome
Its name "Flavian Amphitheater" derives from the family name Flavius of the aforementioned emperors. The more commonly used name "Colosseum" may come from a gigantic statue, the "Colossus of Nero," which once stood nearby. At its zenith, the Colosseum could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. It hosted not only gladiator fights but also animal hunts, sea battles, and other large-scale performances. The fights at the Colosseum were brutal and often lethal, with both humans and animals losing their lives.
With the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity, the Colosseum gradually lost its significance. In the Middle Ages, it was used for various purposes including as housing, workshops, and even as a fortress. Much of its original material was plundered for the construction of other buildings in Rome.
Despite centuries of decay and neglect, the Colosseum has endured through time and stands today as a striking testament to the skill and culture of the ancient Romans. Since the 20th century, extensive restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve this iconic monument for future generations.
Tips and Further Information for Visiting the Colosseum
1. A reservation (fee of 2.00 Euros) is always required for visiting the Colosseum. When booking, you can choose your time slot for the visit.
2. Please arrive about 15 - 30 minutes earlier than indicated on your ticket. Entry is only permitted up to 15 minutes beyond the specified time, but you must first go through a security check at the Colosseum—similar to that at an airport. Thus, even with a ticket, you should expect some waiting time.
3. The ticket for the Colosseum is a combination ticket and also valid for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
4. The Full Experience Ticket is valid for two consecutive days and allows for a single visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum / Palatine. The Colosseum can only be visited at the specified entry time, while the Forum and Palatine can be visited at any time within the two days.
5. The standard admission ticket for the Colosseum is valid for 24 hours from first use.
6. We recommend purchasing tickets or guided tours online several days or weeks in advance. This way, you are guaranteed to be able to visit the Colosseum on your desired date and time, and waiting times on-site are kept within reason.
7. Tours to the top levels 4 and 5 of the Colosseum are often booked many weeks in advance. Therefore, plan your visit well ahead of time.
8. For more information within the Colosseum, we recommend purchasing a ticket that includes an audio and/or video guide, which you can download directly to your smartphone. There is also the possibility to rent an audio or video guide at the entrance of the Colosseum, but be aware that you may need to wait an additional up to 30 minutes.
9. Tickets can also be purchased on-site. Tickets for the current day are sold until 3:00 PM, subject to availability—which is rare. After 3:00 PM, tickets for the next day's visit to the Colosseum are sold.
