Skip the Line at the Colosseum

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Colosseum

The Colosseum is Rome’s busiest attraction, welcoming up to 20,000 visitors daily. In peak season (Apr–Oct), ticket-office waits can exceed 60–90 minutes, and entry queues often snake past the Forum. Even with advance booking, all visitors must clear security (15–30 minutes). These are the best ways to save time:

Reserved entry ticket (From €18) : Book a timed slot online to bypass the ticket counter and head straight to the Sperone Valadier entrance. Includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours. Released ~30 days out; limited daily quotas sell quickly.
Guided tour (From €32) : Reserved entry plus an expert-led visit to the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill. Tours use the faster-moving group entrance. Small-group upgrades available.
Arena Floor access (From €45) : Enter through the Gladiator’s Gate and stand on the restricted Arena floor — a rare privilege standard tickets don’t include. Extremely limited slots; often the first to sell out. Options include audio guide, or live guide.

See all your options to book Colosseum entry ↓

What are customers saying?

Loved by 47 million+

Genaro

Argentina

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

Very good directions to find the place and very good service, everything on time and without any problems. Highly recommended.

Karl

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

The whole experience was amazing Skip the line was what is said Museum was great to visit. At time was a little crowded but one cannot forsee that. Thank you for being on time. Was effortless

Ardit

Greece

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

Our experience in Rome will last forever! We were very lucky to have AMR for our guide! We learnt about true history and the way he approaches tourists is so positive and interactive!!

Kelsey

United Kingdom

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

The shear beauty and magnitude of the building and really it was walking up the steps that brought me this moment of awe.

Antonio

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

This is the first time I've used Headout for a booking. What can I say? I had a great experience. At the agreed time, I met one of their representatives, who was very friendly, helpful, and MULTILINGUAL. She gave me my tickets and explained all the steps I needed to take to access the facilities without any problems. I recommend this host.

Maria

Spain

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

The host was very easy to find, and there were no lines at the entrance. The pantheon is impressive; it's a place you can't miss if you come to Rome.

Rungoat

France

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

+1 more

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are incredible places to visit. These are monuments that are not to be missed. My partner and I really enjoyed ourselves and were pleasantly surprised by how peaceful the Palatine Hill was. We even wondered how this was possible, given that it is a historic monument in the heart of the capital. As for the Pantheon 🏛️, we enjoyed it, it's still a monument worth discovering, but we were a little disappointed because we expected to see more, as it's "only one room" to visit, especially since the combo ticket wasn't particularly good value, as the price is €5 per person and we paid €10 per person. We found it expensive for what it actually was.

Mary

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

Great tour with a great guide. Wasn't too crowded until we got to the sistine chapel which was uncomfortably packed and made it very hard to see anything and we were rushed out by the security guards so a bit underwhelmed by that. No fault of our guide who was a wealth of knowledge about all things related to the Vatican

How long are the queues at the Colosseum entrance?

The Colosseum welcomes up to 20,000 visitors daily, especially during peak season (April–October). Entry queues form well before opening hours, with general lines often snaking past the Roman Forum.

During high season, wait times at the ticket counter can exceed 60–90 minutes between 10am and 1pm. Even during quieter months (November–March), entry queues can stretch 30–45 minutes in the late mornings.

All visitors must enter via the Sperone Valadier entrance, facing Piazza del Colosseo.

Types of queues at the Colosseum

Ticket line

Location: Outside the main box office

Average wait time: 45–90 minutes (peak)

Who it's for: Visitors buying tickets on-site

Skippable with STL? ✅ Yes

Security check

Location: After ticket validation

Average wait time: 15-30 minutes

Who it's for: All visitors

Skippable with STL? ❌ No

Guided tour entry

Location: Group entrance on side gate

Average wait time: 5-10 minutes

Who it's for: Official tour groups

Skippable with STL? ✅ Yes

All your options to skip the queues at the Colosseum

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - online booking

1. Book skip-the-line tickets online

Purchase a timed-entry ticket in advance to skip the box office queue. You'll enter through a separate gate reserved for pre-booked visitors—saving time and hassle.

See tickets

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - guided tour

2. Join a guided tour

Tours include priority entry through the group gate. You’ll skip the public line, breeze through ticket checks, and learn from an expert.

Find Colosseum guided tours

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - early hours

4. Choose early or after-hours access

Early morning and twilight tours let you explore when the site is quieter—and queues are almost nonexistent.

💡 Pro tip: Morning light also makes for great photos, especially with fewer people in the background!

Check Colosseum opening hours

Compare your ticket options

Ticket Type	Wait times	Queues skipped	Includes	Price from	Book now
On-site ticket	60–90 mins	❌ None	Entry to Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine	€18	Not recommended
Timed entry ticket	10–20 mins	✅ Ticket line	Entry to Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine	€24	Link
Guided tour	<15 mins	✅ Ticket line	Tour guide, fast-track entry, full access	€55	Link

Frequently asked questions about skipping the lines at the Colosseum

Can I skip the line at the Colosseum?

Yes, by booking skip-the-line tickets online, you can bypass the long queues at the Colosseum. You have three ways to experience this Roman marvel: buying tickets on the day of your visit, which may involve a waiting time of up to 45 minutes or more; using advance purchased tickets that grant entry within a specific time slot; or opting for a guided tour. Booking your experience ahead of time will help you skip the ticketing lines and make a beeline for the security check line, which can be cleared in 5-10 minutes.

What is the waiting time to get into the Colosseum?

The average waiting time to get into the Colosseum could be anywhere between half an hour to an hour. Booking Colosseum tickets will allow you the chance to skip the lines and directly enter the historical site.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing tickets to the Colosseum?

Yes, when you purchase tickets for the Colosseum online, you can select a specific time slot. This helps you plan your day and guarantees a smooth entry without long waits. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid potential delays.

Can I still skip the line if I buy tickets on the day of my visit?

While it's possible to buy tickets on-site, there's a high chance of encountering long queues. Pre-purchased timed tickets are highly recommended to avoid waiting, especially during peak season (June to August).

How much time should I allocate for my Colosseum visit?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours, but it can vary depending on your pace and interest level. If you opt for a guided tour, factor in the tour duration. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your designated entry time (if applicable) to account for security checks and potential queues.

What to bring

A valid photo ID is required for all participants and must match the name on the reservation.
Download your audio guide in advance on the Headout app and bring charged headphones if applicable.

What’s not allowed

Objects such as large bags, sharp items and loose electronics must be placed in the X-ray tray during security screening.

Additional information

If your ticket includes Mamertine Prison, your visit must begin there and you must arrive at least 1 hour before your Colosseum time slot to collect your entry ticket.
Timed access applies to the Colosseum only; Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited anytime within 24 hours but each entrance may be used only once.
Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
Each site has different opening hours, so check in advance. Plan around 2–3 hours for the Colosseum, 1–1.5 hours each for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and 30–45 minutes for Mamertine Prison.

Inclusions #

Timed entry to the Colosseum
Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese
Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
Mamertine Prison access with audio guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Access to the Colosseum underground & Belvedere
Headsets

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Unlock fast-track access to Rome's most popular site with a host

Forget entry hassles and waltz through busy lines with the assistance of a host. Tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum at your own pace.
Listen to stories of Rome's she-wolf at Palatine Hill and Caesar's funeral at the Roman forum with an optional multilingual audio guide.
Tailor your experience. Opt for a detailed guidebook, multimedia video, or virtual reality experiences for maximum historical context.
Upgrade to get exclusive access to the arena, where gory combats and naval battles were reenacted for entertainment.

Inclusions #

Hosted entry to the Colosseum
Special access to the Colosseum Arena (optional)
Access to Colosseum tiers 1 & 2
Access to Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Polish & Portuguese (optional)
Guidebook in English (optional)
Virtual Reality experience (optional)

Tip: Don't skip the Palatine museum. It's a treasure trove of artifacts and relics that bring the history of these sites to life.
This experience is unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line.,
This tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
Guests opting for the audio guide will get download instructions from their host. Don't forget to bring your earphones!
Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
Pets are not allowed inside the Colosseum. The only exceptions are E.U defined service dogs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What to bring

Valid photo ID; entry may be denied without it.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

What’s not allowed

Name changes after booking.
Entry without the exact full name provided at booking.

Accessibility

Not accessible for wheelchair users, prams/strollers, or visitors with mobility issues.
Some areas have uneven surfaces.

Additional information

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled entry at the Arch of Constantine meeting point.
Security checks may cause minor delays.
Colosseum entry fee is €18 (or €24 for Arena access) plus a €2 booking fee.
The order of the tour may change—check for updates before your visit.
Palatine Hill and Roman Forum do not have timed entry; expect potential wait times.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German or Japanese speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets

Exclusions #

Arena access
Access to Underground and Belvedere

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.

Everything you get: Skip the crowds and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate, straight onto the fragile, partially reconstructed Arena floor—off-limits with standard tickets. With your expert guide, uncover stories of gladiator training, bloody clashes, political intrigue, and even ancient stadium lighting. Then continue to Palatine Hill’s imperial ruins and the Roman Forum’s grand temples, arches, and basilicas.
Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor—a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
Upgrade: Opt for a small-group tour (15 guests) for an intimate, interactive experience, or choose a regular group tour for a budget-friendly option.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
Special access guided tour of Arena Floor
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets

What to bring

Valid passport or photo ID for all visitors, including minors.
The full name of each participant (including children) must match the ID provided at entry.

What’s not allowed

Luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, glass items, sprays, or aerosols.
Electric wheelchairs, prams, and strollers.

Accessibility

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, strollers, or those with mobility issues.
All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check with metal detectors.

Additional information

Colosseum tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in time; late arrivals will not be refunded.
Meeting time may change—updates will be sent via call or message.
Rain or shine, tours operate. In case of heavy rain, some areas may be closed for safety.
In July and August, the tour duration may be shortened to 2 hours due to heat.
The order of attractions may vary to manage crowd levels.
As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

A valid photo ID is required for all participants and must match the name on the reservation.
Download your audio guide in advance on the Headout app and bring charged headphones if applicable.

What’s not allowed

Objects such as large bags, sharp items and loose electronics must be placed in the X-ray tray during security screening.

Additional information

If your ticket includes Mamertine Prison, your visit must begin there and you must arrive at least 1 hour before your Colosseum time slot to collect your entry ticket.
Timed access applies to the Colosseum only; Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited anytime within 24 hours but each entrance may be used only once.
Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
Each site has different opening hours, so check in advance. Plan around 2–3 hours for the Colosseum, 1–1.5 hours each for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and 30–45 minutes for Mamertine Prison.

Inclusions #

Timed entry to the Colosseum
Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese
Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
Mamertine Prison access with audio guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

Access to the Colosseum underground & Belvedere
Headsets

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Unlock fast-track access to Rome's most popular site with a host

Forget entry hassles and waltz through busy lines with the assistance of a host. Tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum at your own pace.
Listen to stories of Rome's she-wolf at Palatine Hill and Caesar's funeral at the Roman forum with an optional multilingual audio guide.
Tailor your experience. Opt for a detailed guidebook, multimedia video, or virtual reality experiences for maximum historical context.
Upgrade to get exclusive access to the arena, where gory combats and naval battles were reenacted for entertainment.

Inclusions #

Hosted entry to the Colosseum
Special access to the Colosseum Arena (optional)
Access to Colosseum tiers 1 & 2
Access to Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Polish & Portuguese (optional)
Guidebook in English (optional)
Virtual Reality experience (optional)

Tip: Don't skip the Palatine museum. It's a treasure trove of artifacts and relics that bring the history of these sites to life.
This experience is unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line.,
This tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
Guests opting for the audio guide will get download instructions from their host. Don't forget to bring your earphones!
Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
Pets are not allowed inside the Colosseum. The only exceptions are E.U defined service dogs.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

What to bring

Valid photo ID; entry may be denied without it.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

What’s not allowed

Name changes after booking.
Entry without the exact full name provided at booking.

Accessibility

Not accessible for wheelchair users, prams/strollers, or visitors with mobility issues.
Some areas have uneven surfaces.

Additional information

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled entry at the Arch of Constantine meeting point.
Security checks may cause minor delays.
Colosseum entry fee is €18 (or €24 for Arena access) plus a €2 booking fee.
The order of the tour may change—check for updates before your visit.
Palatine Hill and Roman Forum do not have timed entry; expect potential wait times.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German or Japanese speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets

Exclusions #

Arena access
Access to Underground and Belvedere

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.

Everything you get: Skip the crowds and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate, straight onto the fragile, partially reconstructed Arena floor—off-limits with standard tickets. With your expert guide, uncover stories of gladiator training, bloody clashes, political intrigue, and even ancient stadium lighting. Then continue to Palatine Hill’s imperial ruins and the Roman Forum’s grand temples, arches, and basilicas.
Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor—a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
Upgrade: Opt for a small-group tour (15 guests) for an intimate, interactive experience, or choose a regular group tour for a budget-friendly option.

Inclusions #

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
Special access guided tour of Arena Floor
English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Timed entry to the Colosseum
Headsets

What to bring

Valid passport or photo ID for all visitors, including minors.
The full name of each participant (including children) must match the ID provided at entry.

What’s not allowed

Luggage, large bags, pets, smoking, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, glass items, sprays, or aerosols.
Electric wheelchairs, prams, and strollers.

Accessibility

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, prams, strollers, or those with mobility issues.
All visitors must pass through a mandatory security check with metal detectors.

Additional information

Colosseum tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled check-in time; late arrivals will not be refunded.
Meeting time may change—updates will be sent via call or message.
Rain or shine, tours operate. In case of heavy rain, some areas may be closed for safety.
In July and August, the tour duration may be shortened to 2 hours due to heat.
The order of attractions may vary to manage crowd levels.
As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Tickets

NaN

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access

What to bring

A valid photo ID is required for all participants and must match the name on the reservation.
Download your audio guide in advance on the Headout app and bring charged headphones if applicable.

What’s not allowed

Objects such as large bags, sharp items and loose electronics must be placed in the X-ray tray during security screening.

Additional information

If your ticket includes Mamertine Prison, your visit must begin there and you must arrive at least 1 hour before your Colosseum time slot to collect your entry ticket.
Timed access applies to the Colosseum only; Forum and Palatine Hill can be visited anytime within 24 hours but each entrance may be used only once.
Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
Each site has different opening hours, so check in advance. Plan around 2–3 hours for the Colosseum, 1–1.5 hours each for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, and 30–45 minutes for Mamertine Prison.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Tickets

NaN

Hosted Entry to Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Unlock fast-track access to Rome's most popular site with a host

Forget entry hassles and waltz through busy lines with the assistance of a host. Tour the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum at your own pace.
Listen to stories of Rome's she-wolf at Palatine Hill and Caesar's funeral at the Roman forum with an optional multilingual audio guide.
Tailor your experience. Opt for a detailed guidebook, multimedia video, or virtual reality experiences for maximum historical context.
Upgrade to get exclusive access to the arena, where gory combats and naval battles were reenacted for entertainment.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Flexible duration

Audio guide

Guided Tours

NaN

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

What to bring

Valid photo ID; entry may be denied without it.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

What’s not allowed

Name changes after booking.
Entry without the exact full name provided at booking.

Accessibility

Not accessible for wheelchair users, prams/strollers, or visitors with mobility issues.
Some areas have uneven surfaces.

Additional information

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled entry at the Arch of Constantine meeting point.
Security checks may cause minor delays.
Colosseum entry fee is €18 (or €24 for Arena access) plus a €2 booking fee.
The order of the tour may change—check for updates before your visit.
Palatine Hill and Roman Forum do not have timed entry; expect potential wait times.

‌

Check availability

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr. - 3 hr.

Guided Tours

NaN

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with Exclusive Arena Floor Guided Tour

Join an exclusive tour of the Arena, the gladiators’ battlefield, limited to just a few visitors at a time.

Everything you get: Skip the crowds and enter through the Gladiator’s Gate, straight onto the fragile, partially reconstructed Arena floor—off-limits with standard tickets. With your expert guide, uncover stories of gladiator training, bloody clashes, political intrigue, and even ancient stadium lighting. Then continue to Palatine Hill’s imperial ruins and the Roman Forum’s grand temples, arches, and basilicas.
Why choose this: Standard Colosseum access doesn’t include the arena floor—a rare privilege due to its very limited capacity and preservation needs. See the amphitheater from a gladiator’s-eye view, learn its significance from your guide, and finish amid the Forum’s ruins.
Upgrade: Opt for a small-group tour (15 guests) for an intimate, interactive experience, or choose a regular group tour for a budget-friendly option.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at Colosseum

What are customers saying?

Book Colosseum skip-the-line tickets

What does “skip-the-line” really mean at the Colosseum?

How long are the queues at the Colosseum entrance?

Types of queues at the Colosseum

Ticket line

Security check

Guided tour entry

All your options to skip the queues at the Colosseum

1. Book skip-the-line tickets online

2. Join a guided tour

4. Choose early or after-hours access

5. Avoid peak hours and holidays

6. Skip the first Sunday of each month

Compare your ticket options

Frequently asked questions about skipping the lines at the Colosseum

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Hosted Entry to Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with Exclusive Arena Floor Guided Tour