Buying Colosseum Tickets in 2026
The Colosseum, Rome
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the highlights of any trip to Rome—but buying tickets can feel overwhelming. Between official tickets, tour operators, skip-the-line options, and guided experiences, it’s hard to know what’s worth it and what to avoid.
This simple guide breaks it all down into three easy sections:
Buying from the official website
Understanding the types of official tickets
Buying from trusted tour companies, including basic tickets and curated tour options
Let’s make your Colosseum visit effortless.
Buying Colosseum Tickets From the Official Website
The official provider for Colosseum tickets is Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, the authorized partner of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.
Buying directly from the official site is the cheapest way to visit the Colosseum, especially if you only need basic entry and don’t require a guide. The official site to purchase tickets is https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/
Benefits of buying official tickets
Lowest prices
No middleman fees
Reliable entry time
Mostly digital, easy to use
least risk of cancellation
Things to know
Tickets sell out days in advance—during high season, sometimes the tickets are gone within minutes of being released.
Entry times are strictly enforced.
Children and EU youth discounts apply only through the official system.
Refunds or changes are almost impossible
Having flexibility with dates and times is helpful because prime slots go quickly.
Types of Official Colosseum Tickets
The official Colosseum website offers several ticket options to fit different interests and schedules. You’ll find basic entry tickets that include access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, as well as Full Experience passes that add special areas like the Arena Floor or Underground. Each ticket type comes with its own time slot, so planning ahead is essential—especially during peak season.
▶︎ 24h – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine
This is the most basic ticket. It includes:
Access to the Colosseum, ground floor + second tier
Access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Imperial Fora with an open-entry slot for the Forum/Palatine (valid for 24 hours before or after the timed Colosseum visit)
Access to the SUPER sites
A scheduled entry time for the Colosseum
This ticket does not include the Arena floor or Underground. Book your 24H ticket here: 24h – Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine
▶︎ Full Experience Ticket Arena and Underground
A step up from the standard entry. This ticket includes everything above plus both the arena and underground in a single visit. On this ticket you will visit:
Arena Floor: Walk onto the gladiator’s stage.
Underground: Explore the tunnels, chambers, and staging areas beneath the arena.
Book your Full Experience Ticket with Arena and Underground here: Full Experience Ticket Arena and Underground
▶︎ Full Experience Ticket Arena
A step up from the standard entry. This ticket includes everything in the 24H ticket plus the arena. On this ticket you will visit:
Arena Floor: Walk onto the gladiator’s stage.
Access to the Colosseum, ground floor + second tier
Access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Imperial Fora with an open-entry slot for the Forum/Palatine (valid for 24 hours before or after the timed Colosseum visit)
Access to the SUPER sites
Book your Full Experience Ticket with Arena here: Full Experience Ticket Arena
▶︎ Full Experience Ticket Attic – Visits with the panoramic lift
Also a step up from the standard entry. This ticket includes everything in the standard 24H ticket plus access to the top levels of the Colosseum. On this ticket you will visit:
First Level
Intermediate Gallery
Third level
Attic level
Does not include the arena or the underground.
Book your Full Experience Attic Ticket here: Full Experience Ticket Attic
▶︎ 24h Only Arena
This ticket is a single access only to the arena of the Colosseum lasting 20 minutes. It is a great option if you are interested in a quick peek and fantastic photo op. On this ticket you will visit:
Only the arena floor for 20 minutes
a single access to the archaeological areas of the Roman Forum, Palatine and Imperial Fora with in 24 hours (before or after) of your timed visit to the Colosseum.
SUPER site access
Book your 24H Arena ticket here: 24h Only Arena
▶︎ Full Experience – Commodus Passage
A very special new ticket. Step behind the scenes of ancient Rome with the Commodus Passage, a newly opened imperial corridor beneath the Colosseum once reserved for emperors like Commodus. Recently restored, this atmospheric underground tunnel offers a rare glimpse into the private route from shadowed corridors to the arena above. Visits are limited and intimate — and tickets are currently released just 7 days in advance, making this one of the most exclusive new Colosseum experiences.
Book your Commodus Passage here: Commodus Passage
▶︎ Night Visit
A special guided experience after dark. This is only available on select evenings and sells out fast. Open Every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 pm until midnight (last admission 10.30 pm). Visits are from May until November 2026 On this ticket you will visit:
Arena Floor: Walk onto the gladiator’s stage.
Underground: Explore the tunnels, chambers, and staging areas beneath the arena.
a single access to the archaeological areas of the Roman Forum, Palatine and Imperial Fora with in 24 hours (before or after) of your timed visit to the Colosseum.
SUPER site access
Book your Night Visit here: Night Visit
▶︎ Free Entrance Days
On the first Sunday of the month, the Colosseum is free often comes with long waits. These are great for budget travelers but not for those on a tight schedule. Expect large crowds and get in line early.
Buying Colosseum Tickets Through Trusted Tour Companies
If the official site is sold out, confusing, or you simply prefer a smoother experience, trusted tour companies offer reliable alternatives. They are more expensive than official tickets, but they provide several advantages:
Benefits of booking with a tour company
Better availability when official tickets sell out
Many tickets are able to be cancelled or rebooked for an alternative date
Clear meeting points and support
Skip-the-line entry with a guide
Access to special areas (Arena, Underground, Belvedere levels)
A deeper understanding of the history
Basic “Ticket-Only” Options Through Reputable Partners
These are for travelers who don’t want a guided tour but still want:
Easier booking
Flexible cancellation
Customer support
This will be a self guided visit so you can spend as much or as little time visiting the inside of the Colosseum as you would like
Also includes a self guided visit to the Forum and Palatine Hill after your timed visit to the Colosseum (plan to spend one to two hours additional at the Forum and Palatine Hill.
A dedicated greeter to get you to your entry point at the Colosseum for an on-time entry. It can be chaotic around the Colosseum.
Tickets must be picked up 30 minutes in advance of your visit. You MUST pick up your tickets at the MEETING POINT that is clearly defined in your confirmation email. Make sure you know where this meeting point is well before your visit. In most cases the meeting point is on the terrace above the Colosseo metro station.
Basic Ticket:
Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill with Audioguide App
Basic Ticket with option of Arena visit:
Rome: Colosseum & Forum with Audio Guide App -Optional Arena
Recommended guided Tours
• Colosseum Arena Floor Tours
Perfect for travelers who want the “gladiator’s-eye view” with a knowledgeable guide: Gladiator’s Gate: Special Access Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor - Make your first Colosseum visit unforgettable with special access through the Gladiator’s Gate and onto the arena floor, away from the crowds. Stand where gladiators once fought, then explore the Colosseum in depth with your expert guide. Conclude on Palatine Hill and in the Roman Forum, where the ruins bring daily life in ancient Rome vividly into focus.
• Colosseum Underground Tours
A deeper look into the tunnels, lifts, and backstage world of ancient Rome. Limited access and high demand: Colosseum: Underground and Ancient Rome Tour - Enjoy a guided Colosseum tour with exclusive access to the arena floor, underground chambers, and second tier—stepping into Roman history as you follow in the footsteps of the gladiators.
• VIP Small Group Colosseum Tours
For travelers who prefer a quieter, premium experience. Colosseum & VIP Caesar's Palace SUPER Sites Tour - This expertly curated Ancient Rome tour combines pre-reserved Colosseum entry with exclusive access to the Roman Forum’s SUPER Sites. Led by an expert guide, explore rarely seen villas and temples, uncover centuries of history, and enjoy VIP access to Rome’s most iconic ancient landmarks.
• Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Combo Tours
Premium Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill - Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill in an intimate group of 16 or fewer—never 50. This popular tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the heart of the Roman Empire, led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings the drama, history, and grandeur of ancient Rome vividly to life.
Final Tips for Booking Colosseum Tickets
Plan at least 1–2 months ahead in high season.
Book mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds.
Underground and night tours sell out the fastest.
Always arrive 30 minutes early, especially for guided tours and always know your meeting point.