Skip the line at the Colosseum

4.3(143,363)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

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 43 million+
Christina Nettek
AT

Christina

Austria
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image
Our guide was a dream! He was considerate, courteous and shared his vast knowledge of Rome and its history with us. It couldn't have been better. Thank you for that.
Sentaurens Loïc
FR

Sentaurens

France
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image
We had a great time thanks to our guide Gil, who was full of humor and patience given the crowds and the lack of respect shown by some of the other guides.
Krzysztof Kowalik

Krzysztof

Sep 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image
We were in Rome for the first time in our lives, It was the best time I spent with my daughters in several years :) Grazie
Jay Cassidy
AU

Jay

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image
Absolutely gobsmacked with the Vatican. The attention to detail in the building and painting of this sacred city is quite overwhelming. There is just so much beauty going on and the effort and time to create this place wow. i just cant fathom how it was possible. Truly astonishing!!!
Rachel Emily Jarvis
GB

Rachel

United Kingdom
Sep 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image
Such a good day and well organised from the staff to get in and see each exhibit. Best part was the museum in the colosseum and being able to walk down to the stadium ground level to see how big the colosseum truly was.
LUX Michelle
FR

Lux

France
Sep 2025
4/5

review-image
The fact of having your ticket cut in line, the set time and the row to follow. I highly recommend buying a ticket from headout, which also gives you plenty of warning one hour before the attraction, so you don't forget. It's true that there are different sites with different prices offering tickets for different attractions, but headout remains a reliable site.
Rofaida Aiachi
FR

Rofaida

France
Aug 2025
5/5

review-image

review-image

review-image

+2 more

You have to arrive 15 minutes before the time shown on your ticket, and if you arrive before then you're sent back to the beginning of the queue - an interminable queue! otherwise it went very well, the audioguide worked well and it allows you to find your way around the monument thanks to its integrated GPS.
Jelissa Karen Montero Ribera
ES

Jelissa

Spain
Aug 2025
5/5

review-image
Tomas our guide was very nice and explained in an excellent way and with a very good attitude. If we go back to Rome we would repeat our guide as Tomas.

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.

More reads

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - by car

Getting to the Colosseum

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - entrances

Colosseum entrances

Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets - Night Tours

Colosseum night tours

Rome Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.