Colosseum Tours

Colosseum Highlights

Welcome to the Colosseum, one of the world’s most visited monuments! The Colosseum has been the iconic symbol of Rome since its construction was completed in 80 AD. This incredible amphitheater could seat upwards of 50,000 spectators and hosted famous gladiator battles. The facade has seen its share of pilfering and damage over the years but it is still remarkably beautiful even 2,000 years later.

Did you know that Colosseum tickets have been used at the monuments since its inauguration? Although the modern-day ticket looks much different to that of ancient times, the system used in ancient times when entering with Colosseums tickets is the same that is used in stadiums today. You can still see the roman numerals that are carved above the Colosseum entrances that directed spectators to their sections. It is believed that the Colosseum could be filled or emptied in a matter of minutes.

Millions of visitors line up to visit the Colosseum every year in order to immerse themselves in ancient history. This, of course, means that large crowds and long ticket lines are hard to avoid. Fortunately, special access and Colosseum skip the line tickets are available to savvy travelers who book their Colosseum guided tour online in advance.

There are various types of ticket/tour options available that will fit your unique needs. Whether it is a quick Colosseum audio guide tour before you depart Rome or an in-depth experience that explores the underground dungeons of the Colosseum, your perfect tour awaits.

Colosseum guided tours come in a variety of options like small groups or private experiences that include a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You can even book a Colosseum audio guide tour or Colosseum skip the line tickets if you would like to explore the area at your own pace.

Discover the Colosseum

Skip The Line Colosseum Arena & Underground Tours

• Colosseum Arena skip-the-line tours and tickets will take you past the long ticket lines and directly onto the Colosseum’s arena stage - Rome’s most famous attraction.
• A licensed guide will accompany you and your group, describing the Colosseum Arena’s history and sharing interesting facts.
• The Colosseum Underground tour is an opportunity to visit the most restricted area of the Colosseum and explore what lies beneath the Colosseum’s arena floor.
• The history of the Colosseum Underground and the Colosseum Arena floor will come to life when you're with a passionate and knowledgeable tour guide.

A Stroll Through Ancient Rome at Your Own Pace

• Booking a Colosseum Private Tour will allow you to explore the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum at your own pace and a private tour guide will cater the tour to your needs.
• Colosseum audio guide tours and skip the line tickets also include access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• You will be following in the footsteps of Rome’s great historical figures, like Julius Caesar, as you admire ancient temples, markets and palaces.
• Your tour guide’s passion and depth of knowledge will help you to imagine what ancient life was like and appreciate the amazing history. 

Specialty Tours offer a NEW way to visit the Colosseum

• Experiencing the Colosseum Night Tour is an amazing opportunity to walk through the Colosseum under the moonlight.
• The Colosseum Night Tour tickets are very limited with small groups being allowed inside at timed intervals. It will just be you and the few other travelers exploring the Colosseum together.
• The Colosseum Virtual Tour is a modern way to look into the past. See the Colosseum in all of its glory with the help of your Colosseum virtual reality headset.
• The Colosseum Virtual Tour can be experienced while standing outside of the monument so you can immediately see the difference between the original design and what remains today.

Visitor Highlights

• Colosseum Tickets and Colosseum Tours are an essential part of any holiday in Rome and should be one of the first things considered when organizing your itinerary.
• A Colosseum ticket will grant you access to the Colosseum as well as an entrance to the archaeological area covering the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• Unique and interesting Colosseum tours are available every day. Simply choose the tour that works best for you and reserve your spot online. You can rest assured that your Colosseum tour will be unforgettable.
• Choosing a Colosseum guided tour is the ideal way to experience its history and gain an appreciation of Ancient Rome. Plus, your guide will entertain you with interesting facts and funny anecdotes.
• Passing through the Colosseum’s original gates and gazing out to the Colosseum Arena Floor is an unforgettable experience.
• One of the most beautiful views of Rome comes during the Colosseum tour as you stand on the balcony and can see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill spreading out before you.
• Following your guide during the Roman Forum tour, you will be walking on the same stones as the ancient romans. The temples, markets and public buildings you visit during the Roman Forum tour have been there for thousands of years.
• The remains of the palaces that you see during the Palatine Hill tour are just a small portion of what once was.
• The imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill were covered in white marble and towered over the city of Rome as a symbol of emperors’ power.
• There are an array of Colosseum guided tours available. Tours vary in length (1.5 to 3 hours) and access (standard, arena, underground) so it’s easy to find the tour that perfectly suits your needs.
• The Colosseum is open year round except January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.

Travel Tips

• If you have booked a Colosseum ticket, make sure you have it downloaded to your phone or printed.
• Your Colosseum ticket should have a barcode that you will scan at the turnstile before entering the Colosseum.
• Make sure you have enough time to find your meeting point for your Colosseum tour. Try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the Colosseum tour departure time.
• Don’t slow your group down, make sure to use a bathroom before the tour begins. Public toilets are not easy to find and most cafes require a purchase to use their facilities.
• Only bring what you plan to carry. There are no luggage facilities for Colosseum ticket holders or Colosseum tour participants.
• Security has been increased and many sites will require visitors to pass through a metal detector and scan their belongings.
• Do not bring large bags/luggage, this includes roller bags. Only small bags are allowed inside the Colosseum.
• The Colosseum is wheelchair accessible. Not all Colosseum tours will follow a path that is wheelchair accessible so be sure to check the tour details. Private tours are the easiest option.
• Set aside time for your Colosseum tour and book in advance. Half a day is an adequate amount of time to truly enjoy your visit.
• Prices vary depending on the type and duration of the tour you wish to book. The smaller the group and the more restricted areas of access included, the higher the price.

Know Before You Go

Safety measures:

• Face masks covering the nose and mouth are required
• Temperature checks will be carried out at the entrance
• Social distancing measures will be enforced inside the monument

What to bring:

• Colosseum Ticket (downloaded pdf or printed)
• Colosseum Tour voucher (downloaded or printed)
• Passport/ID card or photocopy
• Clothing that is weather appropriate
• Comfortable shoes
• Water (bottles can be refilled inside)
• Sunscreen

Reduced price tickets:

Reduced price tickets are available for ages 2 to 15 years and a passport/ID with proof of age is required, a school ID is not sufficient. Identification will be required and checked upon entrance to any of the sites. If you do not have the correct form of identification or you do not qualify for a reduced price ticket you will be required to purchase a new ticket. If there are no tickets available, you may be asked to leave the tour group.

Things that are not allowed:

• Pets
• Drones
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Luggage or large bag
• Small bags/backpacks with wheels

Getting There

How to the reach the Colosseum:

• Train: There are three main train stations in Rome (Termini, Tiburtina, Ostiense). All three have access to the metro line B.
• Metro line B (blue line): the Colosseum metro stop is on the metro line B (blue line).
• Metro line A (red line):  go to the Termini metro station and switch to line B (direction Laurentina). Get off at the Colosseum metro stop.
• Metro line C (yellow line): go to the San Giovanni station and switch to the line A (direction Battistini). Then go to Termini station and switch to line B (direction Laurentina. Get off at the Colosseo metro stop.
• Bus: Many public buses stop in front of/nearby the Colosseum - 75, 81, 85, 87, 117, 118.
• Car: Paid parking is available around the Colosseum. Make sure to leave your ticket on your car’s dashboard. It is recommended to pay for extra time just in case.
• Tram: The #3 tram passes the Colosseum. The #8 tram stops at Piazza Venezia which is a 15/20 minute walk to the Colosseum’s entrance.
• By foot: The Colosseum is located in the center of Rome and is easily accessible by foot. Always allow extra time before your Colosseum ticket entrance time or Colosseum start time.
• By bike: Make sure to park your bicycle outside of the Colosseum piazza area because it may be removed by the authorities. Always lock your bicycle securely to avoid theft.

Note: On Sundays, the Imperial Forum Road is closed to bus/taxi traffic. Make sure you check the detour route if you are taking the bus and allow yourself extra time to arrive.