Quick overview: 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 ↓






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.

Plans still taking shape? Book with free cancellation

Whether your schedule changes or the day simply unfolds differently, cancellable entry tickets give you the freedom to adjust without stress.

Colosseum in Rome with tourists exploring the ancient amphitheater.

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 sold out? Go guided!

Even when regular Colosseum tickets are sold out, you don’t have to miss out. Opt for the guided tour option granting priority access plus expert storytelling that resurrects the world of gladiators, emperors, and the hypogeum with rich details and insights.

Visitors exploring the Colosseum arena during a guided tour in Rome.

All your options to skip the queues at the Colosseum

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

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

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. 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

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

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

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.

More reads

Getting to the Colosseum

Colosseum entrances

Colosseum night tours