Rome Attractions
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the world’s most visited landmarks, attracting over 7 million visitors annually.
All visitors entering the attraction must buy Colosseum entry tickets.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a first-time traveler, or eager to walk in the footsteps of gladiators, planning your visit properly can save you time. Booking your Colosseum tickets beforehand will help you avoid long lines.
With multiple ticket options, entrance gates, and strict timed entry, it is essential to understand the logistics before you arrive.
Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is included with most of the Colosseum entrance tickets at no extra cost.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Colosseum entrance tickets, entry gates, and visiting times, including the best ticket choices, avoiding long queues, which entrance to use, and insider tips for the best experience.
Top Tickets
# Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Entrance
# Guided Tour of Colosseum, Forum & Arena
# Colosseum with Arena, Underground, Forum & Palatine HillIt’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
Is entry to the Colosseum worth it?
Absolutely! The Colosseum attracts more than 25,000 visitors every day. It is more than just a famous ruin—it offers a glimpse into ancient Roman history, with access to exclusive areas like the Arena Floor, Underground Chambers, and the Upper Levels.
Here’s why it’s worth visiting:
✅ Walk in the footsteps of gladiators by entering through the Gladiator’s Gate.
✅ See the underground tunnels where wild animals and fighters were kept before battles.
✅ Enjoy breathtaking views from the upper levels.
✅ Combine your visit with the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill for a full historical experience.
Go beyond: Check out the best guided tours and underground tours of the Colosseum for exclusive access to restricted areas.
Entrance times
The Colosseum’s opening hours vary seasonally, with the last entry one hour before closing.
- 2 January to 29 March: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
- 30 March to 30 September: 8:30 am – 7:15 pm
- 1 October to 26 October: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
- 27 October to 31 December: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
The Colosseum is closed on 1st Jan, 1st May and 25th Dec.
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.
When to be at the Colosseum entrance
Visitors can enter the Colosseum only at the time selected when booking tickets. This timed entry is strictly enforced to prevent the attraction from becoming overcrowded.
At any point in time, only 3000 tourists can be inside the Roman amphitheater.
We recommend you arrive at the Colosseum’s entrance 10 minutes before the chosen time.
You will be allowed to enter up to 15 minutes after the time on your ticket, but after that, you will be asked to leave, and your tickets will not be refunded.
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.
It’s best to avoid visiting between 11 am and 3 pm, as this is the busiest time, with large crowds and peak heat, especially in summer.
Related: Best and worst times to visit the Colosseum
Types of Colosseum entrance tickets
There are many kinds of Colosseum tickets you can book.
Most include entry into the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Self-guided tours are not allowed in the underground chambers. Therefore, to explore the restricted areas, take a guided tour.
Your entrance fee will depend on the kind of experience you select.
These tickets grant access to all three sites within a 2-day period. The selected date and time during booking apply specifically to Colosseum entry, while the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited on the same day or the following day, allowing flexibility in your itinerary.
Get the Rome Tourist Digital Pass and save big! Customize your own package and get skip-the-line entry to Rome’s famous attractions.
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Which Colosseum’s entrance to take
The Roman Colosseum has three entrances.
– Main Entrance
– ‘Stern’ Entrance
– Entrance for groups
Each entrance serves a different type of ticket holder, so knowing where to go in advance can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Main Entrance (Sperone Valadier)
The individual guest entrance is also referred to as Sperone Valadier, after the architect who reconstructed this section of the Colosseum.
The Sperone Valadier entrance is the primary access point for most visitors.
You can use the Individual Entrance Gate if you have bought –
– self-guided timed-entry tickets
– guided tour tickets
– audio and video guide tickets
– Roma pass holders are allowed through this gate
While skip-the-line tickets help you bypass the long ticket purchase queue and go straight to the security checks.
📍 Location: Northeast side of the Colosseum
⏳ Wait Time: Can be long, especially during peak hours
✅ For: General admission and skip-the-line ticket holders
Tip: To avoid long wait times, arrive early in the morning or book a skip-the-line ticket in advance.
Gladiator’s Gate (Stern’s entrance)
The ‘Stern’ entrance is on the opposite side of the main entrance.
Stern is the architect who designed the retaining wall at the entrance to the arena.
This entrance, also known as the Gate of Death, was historically used to remove fallen gladiators and animals from the arena.
Today, it serves as the exclusive entry point for visitors with Arena Floor & Underground tickets.
Using this entry point, visitors with a licensed guide can gain direct access to the Arena floor in 20-minute time slots.
Guided tours to the Upper floors and Colosseum Underground start at this entrance.
📍 Location: South side of the Colosseum
⏳ Wait Time: Shorter than the main entrance
✅ For: Visitors with Arena Floor & Underground tickets
Note: You cannot use this entrance with a standard ticket.
Group Entrance – Guided Tours Only
The third entrance of the Roman Colosseum is called the ‘Group Gate’ and is right next to the Main entrance.
This entrance is reserved exclusively for tour groups led by licensed guides.
If you book a Colosseum guided tour, your guide will take you through this entrance, often bypassing the long general admission lines.
📍 Location: West side of the Colosseum
⏳ Wait Time: Generally shorter than the main entrance
✅ For: Official guided tour groups
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