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Guide to Colosseum entrances

Gates of history | Entry to the Colosseum

The iconic Colosseum has three entrances: the main entrance, the Group Gate and the Stern (gladiator gate). Find out which of these gates is the best one for you with our comprehensive video guide. Be prepared to embark on a virtual journey, uncovering architectural marvels and historical anecdotes, as our videos provide a detailed analysis of each gate.
Bonus: To avail the ultimate ancient Roman experience, this video also highlights entrances to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both of which are must-visit attractions near the Colosseum.

Where is the Colosseum located?

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy | ​Find on Maps

Situated right in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum is a busy attraction that sees 7 million+ visitors around the year. It has multiple entrances that see different kinds of queues and waiting times. Here’s a guide to help you figure out which is the right entrance for you.

How to access the Colosseum's entrances?

Metro: The Colosseum has two metro stations nearby: Colosseo and Fori Imperiali/Colosseo. Both stations are on Line B of the Rome Metro. From these stations, it is a 5- and 10-minute walk to the Colosseum, respectively.

Bus: Bus numbers 75, 81, 87, 117, 175, and 810 pass near the Colosseum, with the stop being Colosseo, located 5 minutes away by walk from the monument.

Directions to Colosseum

How many entrances are there at the Colosseum?

The Colosseum has three entrances: the Main entrance, the Group Gate entrance, and the Stern entrance. These entrances provide access to different areas of the Colosseum and its surroundings. No matter which entry you choose, all guests must purchase a ticket to get ​inside the ancient amphitheater.

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Choose the best Colosseum entrance for you

colosseum entrances

Sperone Valadier/Main entrance

📍Identification/landmark: Towards the left of the Arch of Constantine, facing Piazza del Colosseo

✅Best for: Individual ticket holders, families, couples, etc.

👥Crowds: 16,000 + guests during peak season; 6000+ guests during shoulder seasons.

⏳Average wait time: Anywhere between 10-20 minutes (if you've booked beforehand) or 1-2 hours — if you don't have pre-booked tickets.

♿Accessibility: Equipped with ramps and elevators to ensure smooth entry for people with mobility issues/wheelchair users.

🚗Parking: Parking Colosseo, located 5 minutes away by walk from this entrance.

🎟️ Things to do: See the ​Colosseum Museum, access levels 1 and 2.

🚩Highlights nearby: Roman Forum (centre for ancient Roman public life) — past the Arch of Constantine and on the left — 1 minute away by walk.

colosseum entrances

Group Gate

📍Identification/landmark: Adjacent to the main entrance; exit the Colosseo metro station and walk round the Colosseum to your right for about 4 minutes (in an anti-clockwise direction).

✅Best for: Guided tours and tour groups

👥Crowds: 2000+ guests during peak season; 1000+ guests during shoulder seasons.

⏳Average wait time: Approx 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many groups are present at the given time.

♿Accessibility: Ramped access to wheelchair users and mobility-impaired visitors.

🚗Parking: Parking Colosseo, located 5 minutes away by walk from this entrance.

🎟️ Things to do: Take a ​guided tour, access the ​Colosseum Arena and ​Underground.

🚩Highlights nearby: Colle Oppio Park (large public park featuring the ruins of Nero's house), 6 minutes by foot.

colosseum entrances

Stern Gate

📍Identification/landmark: Located on the north-eastern side of the monument and on the opposite side of the main entrance. Faces Via Labicana.

✅Best for: Special ticket holders, VIP entries, etc.

👥Crowds: 500-1000 guests during peak season; <500 guests during shoulder seasons.

⏳Average wait time: The average wait time at this entrance is about 10 to 15 minutes. The Stern Entrance ensures quick entry into the Colosseum, when in use.

♿Accessibility: This entrance doesn't offer accessibility features like the other two, so use the main entrance.

🚗Parking: Parcheggio via Ostilia, about 5 minutes away by walk.

🎟️ Things to do: Take an ​Underground or ​Arena access tour

🚩Highlights nearby: Basilica of San Clemente (a fascinating 3-level ancient church) about 6 minutes away by walk.

Entry for people with mobility issues

The main entrance is equipped with the most accessibility features, including ramps and step-free access. Guests that have tickets which require them to use the group or Stern entrances are requested to enter via the main entrance, and then proceed to meet their respective groups. In case you need assistance, you can approach the help desk at the main entrance.

Guests can visit the ground floor and the middle tier by taking the elevator, which has space for two wheelchairs at a time. There are restrooms on both these floors, which can be located with the help of sign boards.

Unfortunately, the underground and top-level are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair and are not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Note: Guests with disabilities are required to carry their certificates and ID to enter the Colosseum.

A brief history of the Colosseum's entrances

colosseum entrances

The Colosseum used to have 76 general entrances and 4 other Grand entrances. The 76 entrances were used by the general public, while the Grand entrances were used by emperors, senators, wealthy patricians, dignitaries, and the Vestal Virgins. The 4 Grand entrances were located at the North, South, East, and West points of the arena.

The North entrance was used by the Magistrates, while the South entrance was used by Senators, Emperors, and Vestals during ceremonies. The West entrance was known as the ‘Gate of Death’ and was used to carry away the dead bodies of gladiators and animals. The East entrance, known as the ‘Gate of Life,’ was used by the gladiators to parade before their combat and exit after a victory.

Colosseum History

Frequently asked questions about the Colosseum entrances

How many Colosseum entrances are there?

The Colosseum, historically, had 80 entrances. Today, three entrances of these entrances are used by visitors - the Sperone Valadier Entrance, the Group Gate, and the Stern Entrance.

What is the main entrance to the Colosseum?

The main entrance to the Colosseum is the Sperone Valadier entrance, which faces the forums of the Colosseum. It is meant for individual visitors with different types of tickets, including time-scheduled, guided tours, audio and visual guides, Roma passes, and skip-the-line tickets.

What is the average wait time at the Colosseum entrance?

The wait time depends on the entrance and the type of ticket you have. The average wait time for each of the entrances is as follows: Individual Visitors Gate, 45 minutes; Group Gate, 15 to 20 minutes; and Stern Entrance, 15 minutes. If you have a regular ticket, the wait time can range from one to two hours. However, you can reduce the wait time by choosing to purchase a ​skip-the-line ticket.

Which is the best entrance to the Colosseum for visitors with tickets?

The Individual Visitors Gate (Sperone Valadier entrance) is the best entrance for visitors with tickets. It serves as the general entrance, accommodating various ticket types, including ​skip-the-line tickets.

Where is the Individual Visitors Gate (Sperone Valadier entrance) located?

The Individual Visitors Gate (Sperone Valadier entrance) is located facing the forums of the Colosseum, near the Arch of Constantine.

Which entrance at the Colosseum usually has the shortest wait time?

The Stern Gate typically has the shortest wait time, averaging around 10 to 15 minutes. This entrance is exclusively for groups, schools, or visitors accompanied by an accredited guide.

Which Colosseum entrance do skip the line ticket holders use?

Skip-the-line ticket holders can enter through the Individual Visitors Gate (Sperone Valadier entrance) via the 'Visitors with Reservations' section. They enjoy priority access to avoid long queues.

Which entrance should I use if I am traveling to the Colosseum as a group?

If you are traveling as a group, you should use the Group Gate, located on the North side of the Colosseum. This entrance is reserved for groups consisting of 14 to 50 members, along with a professional tour guide.

Which Colosseum entrance do I use if I don't have tickets?

If you don't have the tickets, you will need to use the main entrance at the Individual Visitors Gate for single tickets and the Group Gate for group tickets.

Which Colosseum entrance should visitors with disabilities use?

The main entrance provides step-free access for disabled individuals. Guests can conveniently explore the ground floor and middle tier using the elevator, which can accommodate up to two wheelchairs at a time.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Colosseum entrance?

One of the best ways to avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Colosseum is to get the ​skip the line tickets. With these tickets, you can enter the Colosseum in about 15 minutes.

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