Rome Attractions
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, attracting 7 million visitors each year.
This 2000-year-old oval amphitheater once hosted gladiator battles, animal hunts, and even mock sea battles, drawing roaring crowds.
Whether you want to explore its ancient ruins, walk on the Arena Floor, or venture into the Underground tunnels, choosing the right ticket is essential.
This article covers everything you need to know about Colosseum tickets, opening hours, and the best ways to skip long lines.
Top Tickets
# Colosseum & Roman Forum with Audio Guide
# Guided tour of Colosseum with Arena access
# Colosseum, Underground, Arena, Forum Guided tour
What’s ahead
Key takeaways
It’s best to buy tickets online to skip long ticket counter lines and secure your preferred time slots, as only 3000 visitors are allowed inside at once
There are different tickets based on the areas you wish to explore. General tickets give you access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Other options include access to the Arena and Underground for a more immersive experience.
Visit early morning (before 10 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm) to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
A self-guided visit takes 1–1.5 hours, while a guided tour lasts 1.5–2 hours; visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill together takes about 3–4 hours.
Things to know before booking tickets
Related Reads
You can book Colosseum tickets either online or at the venue.
However, booking online is better as it is often cheaper, helps you skip long lines, get your preferred time slots, and guarantees entry.
Once purchased, your tickets are sent via email. You can then show the e-ticket on your smartphone for entry—there is no need to print them out.
The Colosseum has a strict limit of 3,000 visitors at a time, so it is very particular about the timings.
You must arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled slot.
Most Colosseum tickets are valid for two days, so you can also visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The time and date you select while booking are for your entry into the Roman Colosseum.
Visual story: 15 must-know tips before visiting the Colosseum
Which Colosseum ticket to buy?
Roman Colosseum tickets come in self-guided, guided, and combo tour options.
A self-guided visit allows you to explore at your own pace, while a guided tour provides access even to restricted areas with expert commentary on its rich history.
Combo tickets often include combined access to the Colosseum and Vatican Museum, as well as the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, providing a complete ancient Rome experience.
With so many types of Colosseum tickets, tourists often get confused on which experience to opt for. Below, we break down the different ticket types and recommend the best options based on visitor preferences.
| Ticket Type | Cost | Includes | Best For |
| Standard Entry | €25 | Entry to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill + Audio Guide | Budget Travelers |
| Guided Tours | €26 | Expert Guide, Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill | History Lovers |
| Underground Tour | €130 | Expert Guide, Colosseum, Arena Floor, Underground, Forum, Palatine Hill | Exclusive Experience |
| Colosseum + Vatican Museums | €129 | Unlimited Public Transport, Colosseum, Vatican Museums | Full Rome Experience |
Did you know you can enter through the Colosseum’s ‘Death Gate’ for a unique experience? Find out about all the Colosseum entrances.
Self-Guided Tours
A self-guided ticket is the most budget-friendly option if you prefer to explore at your own pace. They are also the most popular among both tourists and locals.
With this ticket, you can visit the Colosseum’s main levels, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill at your own pace.
Note: Self-guided tours are not allowed in Restricted Areas like the Arena and Underground Chambers. Therefore, to access those areas, opt for a guided tour.
Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill + AudioGuide
From
€25
- Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Digital audio guide
Colosseum & Mamertine Prison
From
€35
- Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Entry to the Mamertine Prison
- Audio Guide
Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill + Multimedia Video
From
€35
- Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Entry to the Mamertine Prison
- Audio Guide
Colosseum, Arena, Forum + Multimedia Video
From
€48
- Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Admission to the Arena Floor
- Admission to the Super Sites
- 30-min multimedia video
Want a breathtaking experience? Consider a sunset tour or night tour of the Colosseum when the crowds thin out and the monument is beautifully illuminated.
Guided Tours
A guided tour is the best way to experience the Colosseum’s history and hidden stories fully.
A guided tour allows you to skip the long lines, access restricted areas like the Underground and Arena Floor, and get in-depth historical insights from expert guides.
Colosseum, Arena, Underground & Forum
From
€95
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Underground and Arena
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
From
€54
- Guided Tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Headset to hear the guide
Colosseum, Arena Floor, Forum
From
€74
- Guided tours of the Colosseum, Arena floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Headset to hear the guide
Recommended
The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater, and it was named after the Flavian dynasty that built it. In the Middle Ages, much of the marble and metal from the Colosseum was looted and repurposed for other buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Can you believe it?
Combo Tours
Combo tickets are ideal for visitors who want to explore more of Ancient Rome.
These tours usually include the Colosseum combined with the Vatican Museums, Pantheon or Trevi Fountains.
Colosseum + Vatican: Rome Super Pass with transport
From
€129
- Fast track entry to Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel.
- Unlimited 72 hours of public transport PASS (metro, bus, tram)
- Free entry to St. Peter’s Basilica with audio guide app
Colosseum, Forum & Vatican + City Audio Guide
From
€77
- Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill entry or a guided tour with Arena entry.
- Skip-the-line Entry Ticket to Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Rome City Audio Guide App with audio commentary and digital maps.
Full-Day Colosseum, Vatican & City Center Tour
From
€150
- Access & tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peters Church
- Transportation between the Vatican and the city center
- Guided walking tour to Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more
- Access and guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum
Colosseum & Pantheon combo tour
From
€54
- Entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Fast-track entry to the Pantheon
- Pantheon audio guide app
- 25-min multimedia presentation
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Opening hours
The Colosseum’s opening hours vary by season, with the last entry allowed one hour before closing.
| Season | Hours |
| 2 Jan – 28 Feb | 9 am – 4.30 pm |
| 1 Mar – 30 Mar | 9 am – 5.30 pm |
| 31 Mar – 31 Aug | 9 am – 7.15 pm |
| 1 Sept – 30 Sept | 9 am – 7 pm |
| 1 Oct – 26 Oct | 9 am – 6.30 pm |
| 27 Oct – 31 Dec | 9 am – 4 pm |
On Good Friday, the Colosseum is open from 8.30 am to 2.00 pm.
The Colosseum remains closed on 1 January (New Year), 1 May (Labor Day), and 25 December (Christmas).
The Colosseum was built on top of an artificial lake. Yes, you heard it right. The lake was part of Emperor Nero’s lavish Golden House (a.k.a. Domus Aurea), which was drained and demolished to make way for the iconic amphitheater!
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning (before 10 am) when crowds are fewer, and the lighting is ideal for photos.
Alternatively, late afternoon (after 4 pm) offers a more relaxed experience with cooler temperatures, and you can enjoy the sun setting over the Colosseum.
Avoid visiting between 11 am and 3 pm, as this is the busiest time, with large crowds and peak heat, especially in summer.
Free Entry Sundays: The Colosseum offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month, but expect long queues as reservations, guided tours, and skip-the-line tickets are not available on this day. Arrive early to secure your spot!
Related: Best and worst times to visit the Colosseum
How long does the tour take
A self-guided tour of the Colosseum usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, while a guided tour of the Colosseum lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours and provides deeper historical insights.
If you’re also visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, plan for a total of three to four hours to explore all three sites.
Special access tours, which include the Underground tours, Arena Floor, or Upper Levels (Belvedere), take two to three hours since these areas require a guide.
The Colosseum is considered a dark tourist spot due to its history of hosting brutal gladiatorial fights and executions. While it stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, it also serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of human history.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions tourists ask before booking tickets to the Colosseum.
Does the monument offer free tickets?
Individuals 17 years of age and younger can enter the attraction for free. However, after booking their free tickets online, they must collect the physical free tickets at the Colosseum’s cash desk. Disabled visitors and their carers can also get their free tickets at the venue. Access to the attraction is free for all ages on the first Sunday of every month.
Can I buy tickets at the venue?
Yes, tickets are available at the venue’s cash desk. However, the popular timeslots may sell out due to high demand, so it’s better to get them online in advance.
Do we need to print online tickets?
Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Colosseum’s entrance.
What is the Colosseum’s arrival time?
When you book your tickets, you must select a preferred time you want to explore the Colosseum. On the day of your visit, you must be at the entrance around ten minutes earlier.
What is the monument’s late arrival policy?
Tickets are valid up to 15 minutes after your ticket time, and you can enter the attraction within the specified time. Entry later than 15 minutes from the timeslot will be denied.
Does the Colosseum offer discounts for locals?
Yes, discounted tickets are available for EU citizens aged between 18 and 25 upon presentation of a valid official EU identification document.
Does the monument offer any student or military discounts?
Unfortunately, the attraction does not offer any student discount or military discount on its admission tickets. However, children aged up to 17 years enter for free.
Does the Rome Tourist Card include access to the attractions?
Yes, this combi-ticket is the bestselling option to explore many of Rome’s most popular attractions, including the Colosseum.
The Rome Tourist Card allows you to visit:
1. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
2. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
3. St. Peter’s Basilica OR Castel Sant’Angelo OR Borghese Gallery
What is the Colosseum’s refund policy?
Colosseum tickets have a strict non-refundable policy.This means that once you purchase tickets, you cannot receive a refund regardless of the reason for cancellation or no-show.
Is the Colosseum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Colosseum has ramps and elevators to access certain areas. However, due to uneven terrain, the Underground and some upper levels may not be fully accessible.
Can I re-enter the Colosseum with my ticket?
No, Colosseum tickets allow single entry only, meaning once you exit, you cannot re-enter. However, your ticket is valid for two consecutive days for visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
What to see Inside the Colosseum
The Colosseum is divided into several fascinating sections, each with its own historical significance.
While general admission tickets allow access to the main levels of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, special areas like the Underground Chambers require premium tickets or guided tours.
Here are the key highlights of what to see inside the Colosseum.
The Arena Floor
This was where wild animals were released from underground cages, and grand battles were held to entertain Roman citizens.
The arena floor was made of wood and covered with sand. Since this wooden flooring didn’t withstand the test of time, a new platform has been raised to give tourists the experience of standing on it.
Since only guided tours grant access to the Arena, booking in advance is highly recommended.
The Underground (Hypogeum)
Under the floor (Arena) of the Colosseum is a two-story structure full of tunnels, cages, and rooms meant for gladiators and wild animals participating in the shows.
This area was essential to the Colosseum’s events, as it featured a complex pulley system that lifted wild beasts and props onto the arena for dramatic battle scenes.
Since the Arena floor couldn’t last through the ages, today the Colosseum’s underground is exposed to all.
Visiting the Underground reveals a hidden part of the Colosseum that was once off-limits to the public.
Access is only available via an underground guided tour, and tickets sell out quickly due to high demand.
Colosseum seating
The seating arrangement inside the Colosseum was strictly divided by social class, reflecting the rigid hierarchy of ancient Rome.
The middle sections were for merchants and common citizens, and the noble families occupied tier 2, and the general public took their places in the third and fourth levels.
The regular Colosseum ticket allows you to enter tiers 1 and 2 and experience life as a Roman spectator.
The Belvedere (Upper Levels)
The Belvedere, or Upper Levels of the Colosseum, provides some of Rome’s most stunning panoramic views.
Lower-class citizens originally used these top-tier seats, but today, they serve as an incredible vantage point for visitors looking to admire the city’s skyline.
From here, you can see the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and even St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Access to the Belvedere requires a special ticket or a guided tour, and it’s a must-visit spot for photography lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
