Colosseum without the wait: Access options & tips

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 access 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)

• Guided tour of Colosseum with an English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

• Access to the Colosseum underground & Belvedere

• Headsets

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)

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)

• Timed entry to the Colosseum

• Headsets

Exclusions #

• Arena access

• Access to Underground and Belvedere

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

• Everything you get: Enter through the Gladiator’s Gate and walk directly onto the partially reconstructed Arena floor, an area not included with standard entry. Your expert guide brings the space to life with stories of gladiator training, fierce battles, and political spectacle. Then explore the imperial ruins of Palatine Hill and the grand temples, arches, and basilicas of the Roman Forum.
• 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: Choose your ideal group size for the Arena experience. Opt for a regular group (up to 25 guests) for a value-led option, a small group (15 guests) for better interaction, or an ultra small-group tour (maximum 7 guests) for the most personalized and immersive gladiator’s-eye experience.

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)

• Semi-private group of max 7 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.