The Colosseum opens at 8.30 am and closes at 7.15 pm during the peak season of March 30 to August 31. For the rest of the year, the opening hours vary based on peak days, crowds, and sunset times.
The last entry is always one hour before closing.
The Roman stadium remains closed on 1 May, 25 December, and 1 January.
Since the Colosseum gets more than six million visitors annually, plan your visit in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The Colosseum will follow these timings in 2024:
| Dates | Opening | Closing |
| 16 Feb to 15 Mar | 8.30 am | 5.00 pm |
| 16 to 29 Mar | 8.30 am | 5.30 pm |
| 30 Mar until 31 Aug | 8.30 am | 7.15 pm |
| 1 to 30 Sept | 8.30 am | 7.00 pm |
| 1 to 26 Oct | 8.30 am | 6.30 pm |
| 27 Oct to 15 Feb | 8.30 am | 4.30 pm |
It is important to reach the Colosseum at least 15 minutes earlier than the time mentioned in the ticket purchased. After exploring the Colosseum for the specified duration, you can relax at the restaurants near the Colosseum.
When should you arrive at the Colosseum?
Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled guided tour to find the meeting point, navigate the entry gate, and avoid stress.
For self-guided tours with pre-purchased tickets, plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early to get through security and ticket checks.
If you plan to buy tickets at the attraction, be prepared for lines lasting more than 1-2 hours at the Colosseum ticket counter.
Waiting time at the Colosseum
Knowing the best time to visit the Colosseum can help you have a pleasant visit and beat the crowds at an attraction that receives thousands of footfalls every day.
There are three places where the tourists have to wait before entering the Colosseum – at ticket counter lines, at entry gates & for mandatory security checks.
To cut down on waiting time at the ticket counters, pre-book your entry tickets or guided tours of the Colosseum that include skip-the-line access.
The second waiting point is at the entrances before moving in for the security checks.
- The average wait time at Sperone Valadier (the main gate) is approximately 45 minutes, as it accommodates groups of friends, families, and individual visitors.
- The Stern Entrance, designated for guided tours of the Arena and the Underground, offers the quickest entry, with wait times of about 10 to 15 minutes.
- The Group Entrance, which allows large groups of school children and visitors with a guide to enter the site, typically has a wait time of about 15 to 20 minutes
Although an online ticket grants skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, mandatory security checks at each of the three entrances are still required. This process typically takes up to five minutes.
The Colosseum’s grandeur can be captured from different angles, both inside and outside. Here is our guide to locating the best photo spots around the Colosseum.
