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.
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.
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.
Queue type
Location
Avg wait time
Who it’s for
Skippable with STL?
Ticket line
Outside the main box office
45–90 minutes (peak)
Visitors buying tickets on-site
✅ Yes
Security check
After ticket validation
15–30 minutes
All visitors
❌ No
Guided tour entry
Group entrance on side gate
5–10 minutes
Official tour groups
✅ Yes
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access
Colosseum Arena Floor, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour
Hosted Entry to Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Ticket Type
Wait times
Queues skipped
Includes
Price from
Book
On-site ticket
60–90 mins
❌ None
Entry to Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine
€18
Not recommended
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
