Imagine the roar of the blood-thirsty crowd as gladiators fight to the death on the sand-strewn arena floor of the Colosseum, Rome’s most iconic monument.
The Colosseum has been standing for nearly 2,000 years and has survived earthquakes, lightning, vandalism as well as centuries of neglect. The amphitheater was a gift to the Roman citizens from the Emperor Vespasian and was constructed in less than 10 years. Concrete and travertine limestone were used to create the Colosseum’s 80 archways that allowed entry to the thousands of spectators that would fill the stands and cheer the bloody gladiators bouts on the arena floor below.
One of Rome’s most famous monuments, the Colosseum attracts millions of visitors from around the world. With a Colosseum ticket, visitors can also see the splendid Palatine Hill that was once home to Rome’s emperors as well as the Roman Forum, the heart of the Ancient Roman Empire. With a Colosseum tour guide, the history of the area is brought to life and visitors are able to enjoy a truly Roman experience.
What do the different Colosseum Tickets include?
STANDARD : The ticket ais valid for one entrance to the Colosseum and one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.
Full Experience + Arena : The Full Experience Arena ticket includes access to the Colosseum Arena Stage before entering the standard Colosseum access area. It also includes one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.
Full Experience + Underground : The Full Experience Underground ticket includes access to the Colosseum Arena Stage and Colosseum Underground level before entering the standard Colosseum access area. It also includes one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.
Full Experience + UPPER LEVEL : The Full Experience Third Level tickets includes access to the Colosseum Arena Stage, Colosseum Underground Level and the Colosseum Third Tier Level before entering the standard Colosseum access area. It also includes one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.
- Enjoy fast-track entrance to the Colosseum
- Explore the magnificent ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Save time and go at your own pace with skip-the-line tickets
Enjoy priority access to the Colosseum, Rome’s most visited monument, with a skip-the-line ticket. Walk past the long ticket lines and avoid the hassle of the ticket office by reserving your entrance time in advance. Simply show up, go through a quick security check, and you are following in the footsteps of the ancient Romans.
Every Colosseum ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. These ancient sites are connected and create one vast expanse of ancient civilization. Walk under iconic Roman pine trees of the Palatine Hill and follow in the footsteps of the emperors as you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Eternal City. Then venture down through the Roman Forum and gaze upon the House of the Vestal Virgins, the cremation site of Julius Caesar and the Basilica of Maxentius.
Experience fast-track entrance to the Colosseum and enjoy the freedom of exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace.
More DetailsShow Less
- Explore the magnificent ruins of the Colosseum
- Learn the fascinating history with a professional guide
- Avoid the queues with skip-the-line tickets
- Ideal for visitors with limited time
An express guided tour of the Colosseum is the ideal way to experience Rome’s ancient history. With a professional, licensed tour guide to lead the way, the history of the Ancient Romans will spring to life.
Admire the Colosseum’s incredible facade and 80 arched entrances during a brief introduction outside of the amphitheater. As you marvel at the sheer magnitude and beauty of the Colosseum, your guide will point out little-known facts and intricate details that most visitors never notice. Follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans as you walk through the arched entrance and climb the original marble staircase. From the second level, your tour guide can show you the detail of the arena stage and underground chambers below while bringing to life impressive events from the past, such as gladiator battles and wild animal hunts.
After strolling the Colosseum’s vast corridors, admiring its impressive facade and learning it’s place in history, you will come away from the Colosseum Express Tour experience with greater appreciation and affection for Rome’s most beloved monument.
More DetailsShow Less
- - Mobile voucher
- - Skip the Line
- - 1.5 hr Guided Tour
- Visit the impressive Colosseum with a fun, professional guide
- Explore the heart of the Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum
- Follow in the footsteps of the emperors in the Palatine Hill
- Take advantage of the reserved skip-the-line tickets
Experience Ancient Rome with a friendly, licensed tour guide and visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. As you follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans and hear stories about everyday life in the Roman Empire, you will develop a deeper understanding and connection with Rome’s past.
The Colosseum’s beautiful facade provides the backdrop for your tour guide’s introduction as he/she describes its incredible construction and points out details that are easily missed. You will learn why the Colosseum is covered in holes, where the missing stone from the outer was used, and even catch a glimpse of ancient graffiti. As the guide paints a picture of the Colosseum in all of its splendor, you will easily imagine the roar of the bloodthirsty crowd and the drama of the gladiator battles and wild animal hunts that took place on the arena floor.
The Palatine Hill welcomes you with its majestic Roman pine trees and sweeping views of Rome's landscape. With your guide, you will explore what remains of the imperial palaces and follow in the path of emperors. As your guide leads you through the Roman Forum, past the House of the Vestal Virgins and the altar of Julius Caesar, you will be immersed in the heart of Ancient Rome. The broken columns and marble fragments are a beautifully haunting reminder of the Ancient Roman Empire’s achievements. All brought life with an enthusiastic, local guide.
More DetailsShow Less
- - Mobile voucher
- - Skip the Line
- - 3 hr Guided Tour
- Enjoy VIP access to the Colosseum Arena Floor
- Stand center stage as you soak up the Colosseum’s ancient atmosphere
- Explore the Ancient City: the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Experience the Colosseum with a expert, local guide
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk center stage on the Colosseum’s Arena Floor. Imagine the roar of the crowds, the scent of the wild animals in the chambers below and the thrill of the gladiatorial battle that awaits. With an enthusiastic guide to lead the way, prepare to be transported back to Ancient Roman times.
There is no better way to visit the Colosseum than with a professional, licensed guide and VIP access the Colosseum’s Arena Floor. Get an up close view of the original marble seats used by senators and peek over the railing to see the underground chambers. After you’ve relived your “gladiator moment,” continue exploring the Colosseum’s two levels with your expert guide. Make sure to get a photo at the balcony overlooking the Roman Forum and the Arch of Constantine.
The remains of the imperial palaces await as your guide leads you through the Palatine Hill, from its lofty heights you will enjoy magnificent views of Rome. As you venture down into the Roman Forum, you will be completely immersed in the architecture of the Ancient Romans. Explore what remains of the House of the Vestal Virgins and marvel at the cavernous halls of the Basilica of Maxentius as your guide describes what life was like in the heart of Ancient Rome.
Walking in the footsteps of the gladiators on the Colosseum’s Arena Floor and soaking up the history in the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, all with the expertise of a local guide, is the ultimate way to experience Rome and the iconic Colosseum.
More DetailsShow Less
- - Mobile voucher
- - Skip the Line
- - Special Access
- - 3 hr Guided Tour
- Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Marvel at the incredible artwork in the Vatican Museums
- Soak up the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
- Enjoy priority access with skip-the-line tickets at all sites
Discover the best of Rome with a combination tour of its two biggest sites, the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums. With an enthusiastic, local guide and skip-the-line tickets, this experience will show you the best of what Rome has to offer.
Take a trip back in time as your guide sets the scene in the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome. Learn about life in ancient times as you explore the Basilica of Maxentius, the House of the Vestal Virgins and the Arch of Titus. Follow the paths of the emperors up through the Palatine Hill and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city of Rome. Finally, soak up the atmosphere of the Colosseum, Rome’s most iconic monument. Walk the vast corridors and climb the marble steps as your guide brings to life the history of the gladiators, the emperors and the everyday citizens that once gathered inside.
Enjoy fast-track entrance to the Vatican Museums with an expert guide and learn the many secrets, intrigues and legends that live with the Vatican Walls. Beauty, grace and artistic genius abound as your guide leads you through the Octagonal Courtyard, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Raphael Rooms. Silence prevails inside the Sistine Chapel where you will stand in awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling and The Last Judgement.
With fast-track entry and friendly, engaging guides to lead the way, this tour combines the ancient wonders of the Colosseum and the artistic masterpieces of the Vatican Museums, giving you the best of Rome in just one day!
More DetailsShow Less
- - Mobile voucher
- - Skip the Line
- - Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums
- - 7 hr Guided Tour
Rules & Safety measures
Here is a list of the new rules and safety measures visitors should be aware of before visiting the Colosseum:
- Tickets should be purchased online, in advance of your visit. There is one ticket office open near the Arch of Titus, but the wait time can be significant.
- A face mask must be worn at all times while inside the Colosseum and it must cover the nose and mouth. Visitors not wearing their face masks properly will be asked to leave.
- A thermal scanner will check the temperature of every visitor. Individuals with a temperature higher than 37.5 C (99.5 F) will not be permitted to enter the Colosseum.
- Group size is limited to a maximum of 20 people.
- Large backpacks, luggage, and bags with wheels are not permitted inside the Colosseum and there are no storage lockers provided.
Colosseum ticket options
-
Skip the line tickets
Colosseum tickets include skip-the-line access to the monument and allow visitors to bypass the long ticket line found at the site. The standard ticket includes access to the Colosseum’s ground and first levels, as well as entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill. However, the Colosseum’s VIP areas (the Underground Level and the Arena floor) are restricted areas that require a Full-Experience ticket.
Colosseum tickets may also include a guided tour or an audio guide for the Colosseum, depending on which option is chosen.
-
Guided tours
For a truly unique experience and an in-depth understanding of Ancient Rome, a Colosseum tour is the ideal option. With little-known facts and trivia about the Colosseum and the Ancient Romans, a licensed tour guide is able to bring the history to life as you make your way through the monument. The length of the tour varies depending on the option chosen: a guided tour of just the Colosseum is perfect for visitors with limited time; while a tour that also explores the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - where Rome’s history begins - is the ideal option for visitors looking for a more in-depth experience.
For visitors planning a trip to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, guided tours and combination day tours are also available.
-
Special access tickets
While the Colosseum entrance ticket provides basic access to the monument’s ground and first levels, the more restricted areas of the Colosseum require a special access ticket. These Full-Experience Colosseum tickets must be reserved in advance and they allow visitors to access the VIP areas of the Colosseum.
The Full Experience Underground tickets grant visitors access to the underground dungeons, also known as the Hypogeum. After descending to the Colosseum’s lowest level, visitors can get an up-close view of the chambers that once held wild animals and the elevator system that would propel them onto the center stage.
With the Colosseum’s Full Experience Arena ticket, visitors have privileged entrance to the Colosseum via the Stern entrance and have the advantage of avoiding the long security lines at the Colosseum’s main entrance. Visitors follow in the footsteps of the gladiators as they enter through the Gladiator Gate and spend time exploring the Arena Floor.
-
Combo tickets
The standard Colosseum ticket is a great value that grants access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill but, in most cases, visitors are also looking for the same value at other sites in Rome, such as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Combination tickets are an ideal option that allow you to get direct access, knowledgeable guides and practically no waiting time to Rome’s most important sites. Rome-in-a-Day options are a great choice for anyone short on time but eager to see the best of Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Colosseum
- Arena
- Underground
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
What is the best way to book a Colosseum ticket?The best and easiest way to book a Colosseum ticket is by booking a ticket in advance, online. You must choose the time of your visit and respect this time when arriving at the Colosseum.
What is included with my Colosseum ticket?The standard Colosseum ticket also includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You must enter these sites on either the same day or up to 24hrs after your Colosseum reservation time.
How can I skip the line at the Colosseum?The only way to skip the line at the Colosseum is by purchasing your ticket or tour in advance. Remember, there is a mandatory security check that all visitors must go through which can create a line to enter. Even skip-the-line ticket holders must go through this security line.
Is it necessary to book a guide in advance?Booking a guide in advance is highly recommended. Tours can sell out quickly, especially in high season. Because guides buy tickets in advance, they have guaranteed entrance times.
How much time is needed to visit the Colosseum?Visiting just the Colosseum requires at least one hour. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill require approximately 1.5 hours. Keep in mind that there are two separate security checks if you visit all of the sites, which can add to the time needed to enter the monuments.
Is the Colosseum Arena open?Yes, the Colosseum Arena is open to visitors and requires a special Full Experience ticket that should be purchased in advance. Check out the tour options for guided tours of the Colosseum Arena Floor.
Where can I buy Colosseum Arena tickets?Colosseum Arena tickets should be purchased in advance, make sure to choose the Full Experience Arena option. Many guided tours include a visit to the Arena Floor, so be sure to read the tour description.
Is there a special entrance for the Colosseum Arena?Yes, the Colosseum Arena can be accessed via the Stern entrance. This is a special entrance only for Full Experience Arena tickets and visitors enter the Colosseum Arena through the Gladiator Gate.
What does the Colosseum Arena ticket include?A Full Experience Colosseum Arena ticket includes access to the Colosseum Arena Floor, as well as the ground and first level of the Colosseum. One entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is also included in the ticket price.
How did the Romans use the Colosseum Arena?The Colosseum Arena Floor was the focal point of the games and festivities that took place inside the Colosseum. Gladiator battles, wild animal hunts and executions all took place on the arena stage.
What is the Gladiator Gate entrance to the Colosseum Arena?Gladiators would enter the arena via this special entrance and salute the emperor. It was a special entrance to the arena stage reserved only for the gladiators.
Is the Colosseum Underground open?Yes, the Colosseum Underground is open and accessible to the public.
Where can I buy a ticket to the Colosseum Underground?The Colosseum Underground can be accessed with the purchase of the Full Experience Colosseum Underground ticket. Tickets are best purchased in advance due to their limited availability and the likelihood of being sold out.
Does the Colosseum Underground ticket include access to the Arena?No, as of June 2020 the Full Experience Underground ticket is only valid for the special access area of the Underground and no longer includes access to the Arena Floor.
What does the Colosseum Underground ticket include?A Full Experience Colosseum Underground ticket includes special access to the Colosseum’s Underground level as well as the ground and first level of the monument. One entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is also included.
How much of the Colosseum Underground is accessible?The entirety of the Colosseum Underground is not accessible to the public. Visitors are taken down to the underground level and can visit the specified areas including a view of where the natural spring once entered the Colosseum as well as the elevator system that was used to bring wild animals to the arena floor.
What ticket do I need for the Roman Forum?There are multiple types of the tickets that include entrance to the Roman Forum. All Colosseum tickets include access to the Roman Forum. With a standard ticket, you must enter the Roman Forum within 24hrs of your Colosseum reservation time. With a Full Experience ticket, you can enter up until closing time of the following day relative to your Colosseum reservation time.
My ticket says one entrance for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, what does that mean?Technically, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are separate but connected sites. If the ticket is validated at the Roman Forum it cannot be used again at the Palatine Hill, so be sure to explore both areas while inside.
What is the difference between the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill?These are two separate archaeological sites but share a perimeter, so when visiting one site be sure to visit the other. The Roman Forum is the heart of Ancient Rome and served as a market and gathering place for the Romans. The Palatine Hill is home to what remains of the palaces of the imperial emperors.
Can I buy a ticket only for the Roman Forum?Yes, this ticket is referred to as the Forum Pass SUPER and is valid for one day. It includes entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well as special exhibits taking place within. (Please note: this service has been suspended as of November 2020 and it is not yet confirmed when the service will resume.)
My ticket has a timed entrance, is this for Roman Forum?No, the reservation time on any Colosseum ticket, including standard and full experience tickets, refers only to the time that visitors must enter the Colosseum. The Roman Forum can be visited anytime throughout the duration of the ticket’s validity.
How can I buy a ticket to the Palatine Hill?The Palatine Hill is included in all Colosseum tickets as well as the Forum Pass SUPER ticket.
My ticket says one entrance for the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, what does that mean?The Palatine Hill and Roman Forum are, technically, two different sites that share a perimeter. When you visit one site, make sure to visit both as visitors are only permitted ONE entrance to the combined site.
My ticket has a timed entrance, is this for Palatine Hill?No, this time reservation refers only to the Colosseum entrance time. The Palatine Hill can be visited one time throughout the duration of the ticket’s validity.
What is the Palatine Hill?The Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and is home to the remains of the palaces of the imperial emperors. It is a vast area full of ancient remains.
What is the best way to experience the Palatine Hill?Ideally, the Palatine Hill should be experienced with a licensed tour guide that can walk visitors through this expansive area and bring to life what the palace buildings were used for and what they once looked like. A tour of the Palatine Hill is usually included in a full-length tour that includes the Colosseum and Roman Forum as well.
Know Before you GO
Because of the many different types of tickets, it is important to know your options before purchasing tickets. Here is a list of tips and essential information to consult before you buy your Colosseum tickets:
- Each ticket is valid for only one entrance to the Colosseum and one entrance to the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill. There are no in and out privileges.
- All tickets purchased online have a timed entrance. Visitors are asked to present themselves at least 15 minutes before this reservation time. If you have purchased any additional service, it is recommended that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the reservation time.
- The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, while being two different sites, are a connected area. Whether you enter through the Roman Forum or via the Palatine Hill, you can only enter the area one time (so make sure to visit both areas before exiting).
- The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill portion of the ticket is valid on the same day as the reservation or can be used within 24 hours of the reservation time.
- Every ticket purchased online comes with an additional €2.00 reservation fee. Even free tickets for children under 18 years of age.
- Full Experience tickets use the Stern entrance that normally has a much shorter security line. These tickets include access to VIP areas for a limited amount of time and there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed per time slot.
- Full Experience tickets require that an employee of the Colosseum accompanies each time-slot group at all times and he/she will let the group know when everyone must exit.
- Once you are finished with the Full Experience portion of the ticket, you will exit the VIP area into the standard Colosseum access area and are free to explore the Colosseum for as long as you wish (until closing time).