The rules for Colosseum tickets keep changing, and I keep this page updated with the latest information. Bookmark it for future reference! Here, I’ll guide you through the different ticket options for the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Domus Aurea, and how to get them.

Colosseum Tickets – Everything You Need to Know

Colosseum Ticketing Update April 2024

A brand new ticket system has been launched for visiting the Colosseum and surrounding sites, starting from May 1, 2024. Here’s what you need to know:

• Effective Date: The new system is for tickets from May 1, 2024, onwards. For April 2024, use the old CoopCulture website.
• Ticket Release Schedule: Tickets are released one month in advance, day by day. For example, tickets for May 8 were released on April 8.
• Digital Queue System: The new website includes a digital queue to manage high demand, so don’t worry if you can’t access the site immediately.
• Limited Availability: Not all ticket/tour options are available yet, so keep checking back if your preferred option isn’t available.

Different Types of Tickets to the Rome Colosseum

The available options are:

• Standard entry ticket: 24h – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine
• Full Experience ticket
• Full Experience Attic – Visits with the panoramic lift
• Free entry
• Colosseum Tickets with the Roma Pass
• Colosseum Arena Floor
• Colosseum underground (Hypogeum)
• Colosseum tickets with guided tour (Parco Colosseo)
• Colosseum tickets with audio or video guide

Standard entry ticket: 24h – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine

Ticket Prices

• Standard Entry: 18€ (including booking fee)
• Reduced Entry for Europeans (18-25): 4€ (including booking fee)
• Free Entry: For everyone under 18 (reservation required)

Validity

Ticket valid for 1 day with 1 entrance to the Colosseum, without access to the arena, and 1 entrance to the archaeological area of the Roman Forum, Imperial Fora and Palatine.

Includes

• First level of the Colosseum, Second level of the Colosseum with panoramic terraces, Colosseum Museum, Roman Forum, Roman Forum Museum, Palatine, Imperial Fora, Ongoing exhibitions
• Entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine – Arch of Titus entrance, entrance at Largo della Salara Vecchia, passage of Via del Tulliano, via del Foro Romano, via di San Gregorio

It is important to keep in mind that, all visitors, including those eligible for reduced or free tickets, must reserve in advance. The visitor numbers are strictly controlled with limited tickets per day and per time slot for security and to prevent overcrowding.

Purchasing Tickets

• On-site: Tickets can be purchased at booths facing the Colosseum and at the Roman Forum booth on Via dei Fori Imperiali. These are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Online: I will highly recommended to secure your tickets online in advance to save time and avoid the stress of standing in long lines.
  • Advance booking allows you to plan your day more effectively, ensuring you can explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill without feeling rushed.
  • The visiting calendar opens availability 30 days in advance. If tickets for your dates aren’t available, keep checking back as new slots open daily. For your convenience, I am including the link. Click here to visit the official site PARCO ARCHEOLOGICO DEL COLOSSEO to buy this ticket.
  • After purchasing tickets, you’ll receive two emails: one with your financial receipt and another with your order details and a PDF containing a QR code. This PDF is your ticket. You don’t need to print it—just show the QR code on your smartphone or tablet.

Last-Minute Options

If you can’t book in advance, on-site tickets are an option. However, be prepared for possible waits and less flexible entry times. This is a backup plan, but securing a ticket ahead of time is always the best approach.

 

Full Experience tickets

If you’re interested in a more extensive experience, consider purchasing the Full Experience ticket. This ticket allows you access to special areas of the Colosseum like the Arena floor, the Attic, and the Underground. It also includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill park.

Ticket Prices

• Full entry: €24 (including booking fee)
• Reduced Entry for Europeans (18-25): 4€ (including booking fee)
• Free Entry: For everyone under 18 (reservation required)

Validity

Valid for two consecutive days, it allows only one access to the Colosseum and one access to the archaeological area of the Roman Forum, Imperial Fora and Palatine, Imperial Fora. including ongoing exhibitions.

Includes

• Colosseum Arena (with the ticket Full Experience Arena), Underground (name of the ticket: Full Experience Underground and Arena), Colosseum Museum, Roman Forum, Roman Forum Museum, Palatine Hill, ongoing exhibitions
• The full experience ticket includes S.U.P.E.R sites. The acronym S.U.P.E.R. stands for Seven Unique Places to Experience Rome, though there are more than seven sites included now. These sites are located on the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum: House of Augustus (closed on Monday), Palatine Museum, Aula Isiaca and Loggia Mattei, Domus Tiberiana (exhibition rooms), Santa Maria Antiqua, Temple of Romulus, Curia Iulia,
• Entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine – Arch of Titus entrance, entrance at Largo della Salara Vecchia, passage of Via del Tulliano, via del Foro Romano, via di San Gregorio

 

Full Experience Attic – Visits with the panoramic lift

If you’re looking to delve deep into Rome’s ancient history, the Full Experience Attic ticket is a good option. The panoramic lift and educational path offer a comprehensive and enlightening visit, perfect for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you have limited time or wish to explore extensively, this ticket provides great value and a memorable experience.

Ticket Prices

• Full entry: €24 (including booking fee)
• Reduced Entry for Europeans (18-25): 4€ (including booking fee)
• Free Entry: For everyone under 18 (reservation required)
• Maximum Number of Persons Per Visit: 8

Validity

Valid for two consecutive days, it allows only one access to the Colosseum and one access to the archaeological area of the Roman Forum, Imperial Fora and Palatine, Imperial Fora. including ongoing exhibitions.

Includes

• The panoramic lift takes visitors to the intermediate gallery between the 2nd and 3rd levels and from there to the attic of the Colosseum. The visit is open to all and barrier-free up to the intermediate gallery. Access to the third order is possible with a dedicated hoist, while access to the attic requires climbing steep steps.
• The panoramic lift takes visitors to the intermediate gallery between the 2nd and 3rd levels and from there to the attic of the Colosseum. The visit is open to all and barrier-free up to the intermediate gallery. Access to the third order is possible with a dedicated hoist, while access to the attic requires climbing steep steps.
• The full experience attic ticket also includes S.U.P.E.R sites.
• Entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine – Arch of Titus entrance, entrance at Largo della Salara Vecchia, passage of Via del Tulliano, via del Foro Romano, via di San Gregorio

 

Free Entry

One special way to visit the Colosseum without spending is on “Free Sunday.” Here’s what you need to know to make the most of this opportunity:

How to Get Free Sunday Tickets

Unlike other days, you cannot book Free Sunday tickets online in advance. Instead, you’ll need to collect your tickets in person. Here’s the process:

• Head to the ticket offices by the Colosseum or the entrance near the Roman Forum on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
• First Serve: Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to increase your chances of securing a ticket.
• Everyone must pick up their tickets in person. Even if you have the Roma Pass, a membership card, or are otherwise entitled to free entry, you’ll need to queue and visit the ticket office.

Restrictions on Free Sunday

• The free ticket grants you access to the main areas of the Colosseum but excludes the underground and arena areas.
• The free ticket is only valid for the day it’s issued.
• If you wish to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, you can do so with your free ticket. However, the S.U.P.E.R sites will not be open on Free Sunday.

Who is Eligible for Free Entry Year-Round?

Certain visitors can enjoy free entry to the Colosseum year-round. Here’s who qualifies:

• Under 18: Anyone under 18 years of age, from any country.
• European Tour Guides: Licensed European tour guides.
• Disabled Visitors and Companions: Individuals with disabilities and one accompanying person. Proof of disability is required.

For more detailed information, including tips on making the most of your free visit, check out my dedicated page about Free Colosseum Entry (Click here)

Colosseum Tickets with the Roma Pass

If you have a Roma Pass or another Rome city pass, you can use it to gain at least free entry.

How to Get Colosseum Tickets with the Roma Pass

• First, buy the Roma Pass (either the 48-hour or 72-hour version) or another Rome City Pass.
• If you select the Colosseum as one of your free sites, you’ll need to reserve a date and time for your visit when booking the pass.
• Once your reservation is confirmed, you’re all set for your visit to the Colosseum.
• Roma Pass 72h holders can add a reduced price ticket for their 3rd entrance, while Roma Pass 48h holders can do so for their 2nd entrance. To add these reduced price entries, visit the Parco Colosseo ticketing site and book your additional tickets there.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Make sure to reserve your slot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Ensure your Roma Pass is valid for the dates you plan to visit the Colosseum.
• You will need to show your Roma Pass along with your reserved ticket for entry.

Colosseum Arena Floor

One of the most exhilarating experiences you can have when visiting the Colosseum is stepping onto the arena floor. Imagine standing where gladiators once battled, and feel the grandeur of the ancient amphitheater from a unique perspective. Walking out onto the arena floor offers a firsthand sense of what it was like to be in the midst of the action, providing a deeper connection to the history of the Colosseum. From this viewpoint, you can truly appreciate the scale and architecture of the Colosseum, as well as enjoy a panoramic view of the seating areas and the monument’s intricate details.

To walk on the arena floor, you need to purchase the Full Experience ticket or Full Experience Attic ticket

 

Colosseum underground (Hypogeum)

A visit to the Hypogeum, or underground area of the Colosseum, is truly worth it. This part of the Colosseum, often referred to as the “heart of the Colosseum,” offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of this ancient amphitheater. It’s not too claustrophobic, and you’ll gain a whole new perspective on the Colosseum and its rich history.

In the Hypogeum, you’ll see the intricate network of tunnels and chambers that were used to house animals and gladiators before they made their dramatic entrances into the arena. This area also contained mechanisms for raising and lowering stage sets, enhancing the spectacle for the thousands of spectators above. This one also comes with Full Experience ticket and Full Experience Attic ticket.

 

Colosseum Tickets with Guided Tour

Booking a guided tour of the Colosseum through the official Parco Colosseo website is a better way to enhance your visit while saving money. This option provides a comprehensive and insightful experience, often at a lower cost compared to booking through an outside agency.

 

Colosseum tickets with audio or video guide

f you’re someone who prefers exploring at your own pace, the audio-video guides available on the Parco Colosseo app are an excellent choice. This option allows you to enjoy an informative and flexible visit without the need for a scheduled guided tour. You can visit their official site to download the app (click here).