Tickets for the Colosseum Rome

Planning to visit the Colosseum on your next trip to Rome?

Note that there are a number of options available when it comes to Colosseum tickets, but one thing is for sure, you need to get them at least 1-2 months in advance.

Read on to find out how to choose the best option of Colosseum tickets for you and how to buy them (including online purchase).

You'll get also some ideas on visiting the Colosseum, including buying Rome's city passes or taking a guided tour. Finally, you'll find what hotels near the Colosseum we recommend (stayed there).

👉 Pick your favourite things to do from these Roman tours on sale!

The Colosseum, Rome

Buying regular tickets for the Colosseum

You can buy tickets at the ticket offices on Piazza del Colosseo (just in front of the Colosseum) and Largo Salara Vecchia (short walk from the Colosseum), but take in consideration that you'll need to face long lines (you'll waste your precious time in Rome, especially if visiting in 1 day).

If you decide to book online, be aware that demand is always high and you need to book well in advance (especially for the period from April until October).

Sometimes, it's impossible to get tickets online as they sell out too quickly.

Standard ticket costs €16 and covers the first and second floors of spectators area; Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, while full experience ticket costs €22 and covers all areas of Colosseum including Arena floor and Underground sectors.

Note that tickets bought on the official website can’t be cancelled, modified, or refunded.

There are different Colosseum ticket types available, depending on what you would like to see, and regarding that, different prices apply.

Entrance line to the Colosseum

Buying skip-the-line tickets

Buying skip-the-line ticket to the Colosseum online is a good idea, as you'll save your time on waiting in front of ticket office and when entering the sight.

Obviously, these tickets are more expensive than the regular one, but these can be bought well in advance and can be cancelled (in most cases). You also have the benefit of 24 hours customer service line in your language of choice.

3 most popular skip-the-line tickets:

This priority entry tickets allowing you entry to the Colosseum (including Arena that most people don't see), Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is real bargain. Plus, you'll get wonderful walking tour of Rome! You can cancel the day before!
For a wonderful 3-hour visit to the Colosseum, opt for these tickets that include skip-the-line entrance and guided tour of the sight (you'll hear stories that will bring you back in ancient Rome). It's worth the money!
For a fascinating full-day exploration of ancient Rome, book this ticket to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Mamertine prison. Lots to see for the cost of the ticket!

The Colosseum from inside

Booking a guided Colosseum tour (for the best experience)

Consider taking one of guided tours as the Colosseum is not well marked and you'll be wandering around and not knowing what you are looking.

Joining a guided walking tour of Colosseum is a great way to explore it. You won't only see but hear historical facts of this monument and find out more.

Variety of tours allows you to choose the one that best suits you. Some tours include a visit to spectator area of Colosseum (plus Roman Forum and Palatine Hill), while others takes you to Arena and underground areas.

You'll love this affordable tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

This 3.5h small group tour will take you to explore highlights of the Colosseum from the top to the bottom (includes skip-the-line entry).

Your kids will love hearing stories about gladiators on this family tour of Colosseum.

This private tour of Colosseum and Roman Forum has only excellent reviews and we're sure you'll love it (pick-up included in the price). It's customized to your interest!

Most tours of the Colosseum also feature a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. While these sites are not part of the Colosseum itself, they are located right next to it.

In summer 2023, a new panoramic glass elevator was inaugurated at the site, offering a new viewing experience for special early morning visits.

A group of tourists near the Colosseum

Buying one of tourist cards (save time + money)

Buying one of Rome city passes is a good choice if you plan to do lots of sightseeing.

For example, Roma Pass which is available in 48h and 72h options, allows you free skip-the-line entrance to Colosseum (or other sight of your choice) plus discounts on 45 other museums, galleries and archeological sites and of course free public transport.

Roma Pass can be bought from one of Tourist Infopoints in Rome (you'll find one on your way to Colosseum at Fori Imperiali). If bought online, it must be collected once in Rome (plus you need to make reservation for the Colosseum).

In our opinion, the better choice would be Rome Tourist Card for visiting the Colosseum as it also includes skip-the-line entrances to Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica Dome or Borghese Gallery (plus you'll get free audio guide).

With Rome Tourist Card everything is done online and your tickets are emailed to you. This makes your sightseeing so easy!

The Colosseum, Rome

Visiting the Colosseum at night (unique)

Exploring the Colosseum is a unique experience, as it's truly quiet and there are no crowds like during the day. This is possible only in a company of a guide.

The starting time of night tours varies depending on the season; in the summer it's between 7 and 9pm, and in the winter between 5 and 6pm.

These interesting tours give you access to the main areas, the first and second ring, the underground and the arena floor. Book well in advance if you are looking for a specific day, as the number of night tours is very limited.

Below are some excellent options but make sure to check their cancellation policy, as not all of them allow refunds:

Staying near the Colosseum

Staying near the Colosseum has many advantages as the area is central and you'll easily reach also other sights of Rome (the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Fontana ti Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Jewish Ghetto). The neighbourhood of Monti is made of numerous streets filled with cosy cafés, eateries and craft shops.

Monti neighbourhood in Rome

There is also Via Cavour, long street that leads from the Colosseum to Termini Station. On this street you'll find Monti Palace Hotel, great 4-star hotel with rooftop terrace and spacious rooms. We stayed at this hotel and can say that the staff is wonderful and the buffet breakfast is super rich ( choice of eggs, bacon, cereals, yogurts, freshly baked pastries, coffee, teas, fruits...).

When you turn right from the end of Via Cavour, you'll pop into Nerva Boutique Hotel, located on a quiet side-street. This hotel offers cosy atmosphere and comfortable rooms. You'll love staying here! See more great places for pleasant stay in Rome!

While in Monti, don't skip joining the fun food tour that departs from Cavour metro stop (be ready to eat loads of pizza style snacks!).