Buying Colosseum tickets should be simple. It is not. There are at least five official ticket types, they are released on a rolling 30-day window, they are nominative, and the underground slots vanish within minutes. Here is everything you need to choose the right ticket — and the fastest plan B when the official site shows « sold out ».
Colosseum ticket prices in 2026
| Ticket | What it includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 24-hour ticket | Colosseum (1st & 2nd tiers) + one entry to the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | €18 |
| Full Experience – Underground & Arena | Standard ticket + hypogeum + arena floor | €24 |
| Full Experience – Attic | Standard ticket + accompanied visit of the upper levels | €24 |
| Arena only | Arena floor + Forum & Palatine | €18 |
| Reduced (EU citizens 18–25) | Same as standard | €2 |
| Under 18s and disabled visitors + 1 companion | Same as standard (reservation still required) | Free |
Prices are those published by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo in October 2026; an online presale fee may apply. Changes do happen, so always check the official site before buying.
Which Colosseum ticket should you buy?
- First visit, limited time: standard ticket, or a guided Colosseum tour if you want explanations.
- You want the « gladiator » experience: Full Experience Underground & Arena — or an underground tour if you cannot get a slot.
- You want the view: the Attic gives the highest viewpoint inside the amphitheatre. It cannot be combined with the underground on the same ticket.
- Families: under-18s are free, but every person needs a named reservation.
Read also: Colosseum underground tour
When are Colosseum tickets released?
Official tickets go on sale 30 days before the visit date, in the morning (Rome time, CET/CEST). The window rolls daily: on 1 June you can book 1 July. Popular time slots — and almost all underground slots — sell out within minutes in high season. Practical tips:
- Create your account on the official ticket site the day before.
- Log in a few minutes before release and have every visitor’s full name ready (tickets are nominative).
- Pick your Colosseum time first; the Forum/Palatine entry is then valid once within 24 hours.
- Screenshot the QR codes — mobile signal near the entrance can be patchy.
Skip-the-line Colosseum tickets: what « skip the line » really means
Every visitor goes through security — nobody skips that. « Skip the line » means you skip the ticket queue because you already hold a timed entry. With an online official ticket you already skip it; resellers add value when official slots are sold out, when you want free cancellation (official tickets are non-refundable), or when you want a guide or audio guide included.
Skip-the-line ticket + audio guide
Best plan B- Price: from ~€33
- Includes: timed entry, Forum & Palatine, audio guide/app
- Cancellation: often free up to 24 h
The cheapest way to get in on a sold-out day without joining a guided group.
Guided tour with skip-the-line entry
Best value with a guide- Price: from ~€60
- Duration: 2.5–3 h
- Includes: guide, Colosseum, Forum, Palatine
Pays for itself if you would otherwise wander the Forum without understanding what you see.
Can you buy Colosseum tickets on the day?
In theory yes, at the ticket offices (Piazza del Colosseo and Via Sacra/Largo della Salara Vecchia), but day tickets are limited, queues are long and the underground is never available. The first Sunday of each month is free with no reservation: tickets are handed out on site, first come first served, and queues can reach 2–3 hours. We do not recommend it unless budget is your only constraint.
Colosseum and Vatican tickets together
There is no official combined ticket — the Colosseum is Italian, the Vatican Museums are in another state. You can either book both separately (see our Vatican skip-the-line tickets guide) or choose a combo tour that bundles the two with a guide.
See Colosseum + Vatican combo tickets →
Quick quiz: test yourself before you go
1/3 How much does the standard Colosseum ticket cost in 2026?
The standard 24-hour ticket costs €18 and includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
2/3 Which ticket lets you visit the underground?
The €24 Full Experience Underground & Arena is the only official ticket that includes the hypogeum.
3/3 Are official Colosseum tickets refundable?
Official tickets are non-refundable; many reseller tickets and tours offer free cancellation instead.
Frequently asked questions
How much are tickets for the Colosseum?
€18 for the standard ticket (Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill), €24 for the Full Experience with the underground or the Attic. EU citizens aged 18–25 pay €2 and under-18s are free.
What time do Colosseum tickets go on sale?
Official tickets are released 30 days before the visit date, in the morning Rome time. Be logged in before release for underground slots.
Do you need tickets for Palatine Hill?
Yes, but the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum are included in every Colosseum ticket (one entry within 24 hours). There is no separate cheaper ticket for the Palatine alone.
Which Colosseum ticket should I buy?
The standard ticket for a quick visit, the Full Experience for the underground, or a guided tour if official slots are sold out or you want context.
Can I change the name on a Colosseum ticket?
Only in limited cases defined by the official regulations and before a set deadline. Make sure every name is correct when you book.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked in October 2026 — the live price on the booking page always prevails.