The Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions of all. It is generally advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid standing in long lines on-site and then waiting even longer for the next available time slot.
However, this can be quite challenging for larger groups or school classes. Ideally, the entire group should book the same time slot, but it’s often not possible to book that many tickets at once, or there might not be enough tickets available for your desired time slot. For example, our ticket partner allows a maximum of 8 tickets per booking.
Colosseum Group Tickets (9 or More People)
For groups of 9 or more, we recommend making a direct group booking request with our partner. Most inquiries and questions about group bookings are answered within hours, and the team can often accommodate even complex requests. One group can consist of 25 people, larger groups need to split.
Combination options for your group are also available in principle. For example, group tickets can be arranged for the Hop-on, Hop-off bus or St. Peter’s Basilica. Take advantage of the expertise of our partner, GroupSightSeeing, to secure tickets for large groups—often with group discounts.
Colosseum tickets for school groups
For European school groups the entrance to the colosseum is free, but you need to book your free tickets online in advance.
Non-European school groups: Children under the age of 18 can book free tickets as well. Children above 18 and teachers need to pay in full.
Every school group needs to be accompanied by a guide. That can be one of the teachers. Keep that in mind during booking. In this case that teacher needs a : group carrier – tour guide” ticket (also free for European teachers or official tourist guides. Standard price for Non-European teachers).
Free tickets for schools
Currently there are 3 options for schools to choose from:
- Standard 24h tickets including Colosseum (time slot), Roman Forum and Palatine hill
- 24h tickets, but with special entrance gate (faster)
- Super Forum Pass: This is an additional option and grants access to the SUPER-sites of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (e.g. House of Augustus, House of Livia, Domus Tiberiana. See all sites). Tickets are open date and valid for 30 days after purchase.
Guided Tours
Guided tours and experiences are a great way to enhance your visit to the Colosseum. Some options to consider:
- Guided tours: Our expert guides will take you on a tour of the Colosseum, providing you with insights into its history, architecture, and significance. This is a fantastic way to learn more about the monument and its place in Roman history.
- Arena floor & underground tour: Get exclusive access to the arena floor and explore the underground tunnels and chambers. This unique experience allows you to walk in the footsteps of gladiators and see the Colosseum from a different perspective.
- Nighttime tour: Experience the Colosseum at night with a guided tour that takes you through the monument’s illuminated passageways and chambers. The nighttime ambiance adds a magical touch to your visit and offers a different view of this iconic structure.
- Combo tours: Combine your visit to the Colosseum with a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for a comprehensive understanding of ancient Rome. These combo tours provide a deeper dive into the history and significance of these ancient sites, making your visit even more enriching.
Whatever option you choose, plan and book your tickets in advance. The Colosseum is the most sought-after monument of Rome and during high-season standard tickets are sold out weeks in advance. You might get lucky with a guided tour though.
Planning Your Visit
Planning your visit to the Colosseum is essential to make the most of your time in Rome. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:
- Decide on the time of day: The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the crowds are smaller. This allows you to enjoy the monument without the hustle and bustle of peak hours.
- Choose your ticket type: You can opt for a standard ticket, a guided tour, or a combo ticket that includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Each option offers a unique experience, so consider what suits your interests best.
- Book your tickets in advance: To avoid waiting in line, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online through our website, which is a licensed retailer of official Colosseum tickets. This ensures you have a confirmed time slot and can skip the long queues.
- Plan your itinerary: The Colosseum is a vast monument, and you’ll want to allow at least 2-3 hours to explore it thoroughly. Consider combining your visit with a tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to get a comprehensive understanding of ancient Rome. This way, you can make the most of your time and see multiple attractions in one go.