Skip the line at the Colosseum

4.3(146,343)

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Crowds gather at the Colosseum entrance in Rome, Italy.

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.
  • Hosted entry (From €25) : A local host meets you, validates your ticket, and escorts you to the entrance, with assistance for audio guides or VR setup. A stress-free option if you want support without a full tour.
  • 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 hosted entry, audio guide, or live guide.

See all your options to book Colosseum entry ↓

What are customers saying?

Loved by 44 million+
Brian Minall
US

Brian

United States
Oct 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Our guide was knowledgeable and extremely polite. We didn't have to wait in long lines and was fast tracked into each site.
Deborah O'Brien
GB

Deborah

United Kingdom
Oct 2025
5/5

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Georgia was great she was very knowledgeable and made the tour fun but with lots of information a thoroughly enjoyable tour
JULIO CESAR OCANA MARTÍNEZ
MX

Julio

Mexico
Oct 2025
5/5

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+2 more

I loved that the access was very easy and orderly. Everything was clean and well signposted. That made for a pleasant and enriching experience..... 🤗
SATO KYOMI
JP

Sato

Japan
Oct 2025
5/5

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Since I had bought tickets for the Colosseum in advance, I was able to enter right on time. It was impressive to see from the outside, but the inside was also very worthwhile to explore.
Willem Alexander Zweers
NL

Willem

Netherlands
Oct 2025
4/5

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Today I visited the Colosseum and the Forum. As soon as I walked in, it touched me more than I expected. The walls, the smell of stone and the silence among all those people felt almost magical. In the Colosseum, I thought about what once happened here, about the stories contained in those stones. And in the Forum, among the ruins in the sun, I felt how small I really am compared to time. Everything seemed to stand still for a moment.
Adrienn Nyakas-Murvai
HU

Adrienn

Hungary
Oct 2025
5/5

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448 / 5 000 The monumental buildings, the beautiful view that awaited us gave us eternal memories. Two small negatives are that there is no toilet at the prison where we picked up our tickets, the closest one is in the cafes between the prison and the Colosseum. The other is that it would make it easier to find your way around in the Colosseum if the stations were marked with numbers, because it is more difficult for those who go without a guide to find their way around. The entrance was quick and easy, everything went smoothly.
Thirza van Rijn
NL

Thirza

Netherlands
Oct 2025
4/5

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The guide's passion. He enthusiastically told us about all parts of the Colosseum. When we were tired after it he motivated us to persevere anyway and how grateful we were. The Roman forum was beautiful and also absolutely worth seeing. Best view of rome
Nicole Palad
PH

Nicole

Philippines
Oct 2025
5/5

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+1 more

My mom and I enjoyed the trip so much, palestine hills and. Colloseum, its my first time to use headout and i am very happy with the support , the value for money is fantastic, highly recommended to all travellers in europe.

Book Colosseum skip-the-line tickets

Skip long ticket lines and enter the Colosseum after a quick security check. These timed-entry tickets save hours—so you can explore the arena and arches, then stroll Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, not wait in line.

























































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

Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the ticket counter—but not the security check. Depending on the option, you’ll use a separate entrance for timed-ticket holders or enter with a group through the dedicated tour gate. Some tours offer early or after-hours access, letting you explore the arena with fewer crowds.

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

Standard tickets gone? These options still skip the line.

Even when regular Colosseum tickets are sold out, you don’t have to miss out. Hosted Entry gets you in with a dedicated escort, while guided tour options grant priority access plus expert storytelling that brings gladiators, emperors, and the hypogeum to life. Skip the wait and make the most of your visit.

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 tours

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
tourists with host at colosseum

3. Try hosted entry services

Hosted entry offers a smooth start—your coordinator meets you at the entrance, handles your ticket, and guides you to the priority access line.

Book hosted entry to Colosseum
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
5. Choose the right route

5. Avoid peak hours and holidays

The Colosseum is busiest from 10am to 1pm, especially on weekends and public holidays. Aim for entry before 9:30am or after 4pm.

Recommended routes to explore Ancient City
Three tourists with backpacks in front of the Colosseum, Rome.

6. Skip the first Sunday of each month

Free entry days are popular but extremely crowded. Expect longer queues and less flexibility.

Compare your ticket options

Ticket TypeWait timesQueues skippedIncludesPrice 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

Hosted entry ticket

5–10 mins

✅ Ticket line

Entry to Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine

€42

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.

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