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 access, including timed entry, guided tours, audio and visual guides, and Roma passes.

What is the average wait time at the Colosseum entrance?

The wait time depends on the entrance and the type of access 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. Without pre-booked access, the wait time can range from one to two hours. However, you can reduce the wait time by booking in advance.

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 pre-booked access. It serves as the general entrance for most visitors.

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 mainly used for groups, schools, or visitors accompanied by an accredited guide.

Which entrance should I use if I have pre-booked access?

Visitors with pre-booked access can use the Individual Visitors Gate (Sperone Valadier entrance) via the designated section for timed entry. This helps reduce waiting at on-site purchase counters.

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 entrance should I use if I don’t have pre-booked access?

If you don’t have pre-booked access, you will need to use the main entrance at the Individual Visitors Gate or the Group Gate, depending on your group size.

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 reduce waiting time is to book your visit in advance. This allows you to head directly to the entrance instead of waiting at on-site purchase counters.

Colosseum Entrances Guide | Gates, Access Points & Tips

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+ yearly with varied entrance queues. Find the right one for you with this guide.

Getting there

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

Sperone Valadier/Main entrance

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

✅Best for: Solo travellers, families, couples, etc.

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

⏳Average wait time: Around 10–20 minutes with pre-booked access, or up to 1–2 hours without advance booking

♿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 — about a 1-minute walk past the Arch of Constantine

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: Around 15–20 minutes, depending on group flow

♿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.

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-access experiences (such as Underground or Arena routes)

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

⏳Average wait time: Around 10 to 15 minutes

♿Accessibility: Limited accessibility; the main entrance is better suited for visitors with mobility needs

🚗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

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

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.

Colosseum Entrances Guide | Where to enter & What to know