The Colosseum is Rome’s most visited monument, and its ticket system confuses many visitors: several ticket types, timed slots, name checks and sell-outs. This guide explains each ticket, how to book on the official site, and what to do if it’s sold out. Prices and rules are for 2026, from Untold Italy (updated August 2026) and the Parco archeologico del Colosseo.
Colosseum ticket types and prices (2026)
| Ticket | Price | Valid | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (24h) | €18 | 24 hours | Colosseum levels 1–2, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora |
| Arena floor (24h) | €18 | 24 hours | Standard + the arena floor |
| Full Experience – Arena | €24 | 48 hours | Arena floor, levels 1–2, Forum, Palatine |
| Full Experience – Underground | €24 | 48 hours | Underground (hypogeum), levels 1–2, Forum, Palatine |
| Attic / upper levels | €24 | 48 hours | Levels 4–5 panoramic, levels 1–2, Forum, Palatine |
| Under 18 | Free (+€2 online booking fee) | — | Must still be booked |
| EU students 18–24 | €2 | — | With valid ID |
Every ticket has a timed entry slot for the Colosseum. The Forum and Palatine can be visited any time within the validity period.
Which ticket should you buy?
- First visit, limited time: the €18 standard ticket is enough for the classic views and the Forum.
- Best experience: the €24 underground ticket — you see the tunnels where gladiators and animals waited. It sells out first; book as soon as your date opens.
- Great photos: the arena floor gives you the view the crowds saw from the stands, in reverse.
- Want a guide? A guided tour adds context and often includes the underground. Compare Colosseum tours.
How to book on the official site
- Go to ticketing.colosseo.it (the Parco archeologico del Colosseo’s official ticket office). Beware of look-alike sites with “official” in the name.
- Check the date: tickets are released 30 days before each date, slot by slot.
- Choose your ticket type and time slot.
- Enter the name of each visitor — tickets are nominative.
- Pay, then save the QR code on your phone.
- Bring ID matching the names (passport or ID card), including for free children’s tickets.
When to book
- Spring and autumn: 2–3 weeks ahead.
- Summer: 4–6 weeks ahead — in practice, the day your date opens.
- Underground: as early as possible, or use a tour.
- Sold out? Check again early in the morning (Rome time) for released slots, or buy through a reseller or tour operator, which costs more but often has availability.
Opening hours 2026–27
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| 29 March – 30 September 2026 | 8:30–19:15 |
| 1 – 25 October 2026 | 9:00–18:30 |
| 26 October 2026 – 28 February 2027 | 8:30–16:30 |
| 1 – 28 March 2027 | 8:30–17:15 |
The Forum and Palatine open at 9:00. Last entry is one hour before closing. Closed 25 December and 1 January.
Free entry days
Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month (“Domenica al Museo”) and on 25 April, 2 June and 4 November. You collect a ticket on the day; the underground and arena floor aren’t included, and queues are long. Free days are best avoided if you have only one chance to visit.
Tips for your visit
- Book the earliest or the last slot of the day for fewer crowds and softer light.
- Visit the Colosseum and the Forum on the same day, or use the 48-hour ticket to split them.
- Large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed; there’s airport-style security.
- Bring water — there’s little shade on the Palatine and in the Forum.
- The nearest metro is Colosseo (line B).
More Rome guides
- Rome itinerary
- Best things to do in Rome
- Where to stay in Rome
- Vatican Museums tickets
- Rome airport to city centre
- Best time to visit Rome
- Rome tourist tax and Trevi Fountain fee
- Rome travel guide
FAQ: Colosseum tickets
How much is a Colosseum ticket in 2026?
€18 for the standard 24-hour ticket with the Forum and Palatine; €24 for Full Experience tickets with the arena floor, underground or upper levels.
What is the official Colosseum ticket website?
ticketing.colosseo.it, run by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo.
How far in advance can I buy Colosseum tickets?
30 days before the visit date.
Does the Colosseum ticket include the Roman Forum?
Yes. All standard and Full Experience tickets include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Do I need ID to enter the Colosseum?
Yes. Tickets are in your name, and staff check ID at the entrance.
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