Colosseum’s Entrances – Which Entry Should We Choose?

The Roman Colosseum has three entrances: 

• Main Entrance
• ‘Stern’ Entrance
•  Entrance for groups

Every entrance of the Colosseum facilitates a particular entry point for different types of ticket holders.

When entering the Colosseum, remember the entrance corresponding to your ticket.

Knowing the correct entrance and how to get there will reduce your waiting time and provide hassle-free entry into the attraction.

Which Colosseum entry should I choose?

Choose the appropriate entrance to enter the Colosseum based on your purchased ticket.

The Main Entrance, the Individual Visitors Gate or Speron Valadier, has two queues.

One is for visitors with disabilities, single tickets, guided tour tickets, or regular entry tickets.

There is a dedicated entrance for guests with skip-the-line tickets labeled ‘Visitors with Reservations.’

All other entrances have a single queue for other ticket types.

Group entrance is mainly for groups with more than three individuals accompanied by a licensed guide.

Stern entrance is for visitors who have access to restricted areas of the Colosseum, such as the Underground, Arena, and the Belvedere, with an accredited guide.

Booked your Colosseum tickets yet? Book the skip-the-line entry tickets and guided tours, as they sell out much in advance. Check out the underground tours for exclusive access.

Entrance times

The Colosseum’s opening hours vary seasonally, with the last entry one hour before closing.

• 2 January  to 29 March: 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
• 30 March to 30 September: 8:30 am – 7:15 pm
• 1 October to 26 October: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
• 27 October to 31 December: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

The Colosseum is closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.  

When to be at the Colosseum entrance

Visitors can enter the Colosseum only at the time selected when booking tickets. This timed entry is strictly enforced to prevent the attraction from becoming overcrowded.

At any point in time, only 3000 tourists can be inside the Roman amphitheater. 

We recommend you arrive at the Colosseum’s entrance 10 minutes before the chosen time. 

You will be allowed to enter up to 15 minutes after the time on your ticket, but after that, you will be asked to leave, and your tickets will not be refunded.

Entrance for the disabled 

The Main entrance, accessible via a ramp, particularly accommodates people with disabilities.

The Colosseum is made as disabled-friendly as possible, with elevators, disabled toilets, and ramps for wheelchair users to move around the attraction easily.

People with disabilities can access the Arena, ground level, and middle tiers of the Colosseum. However, they cannot enter the underground or upper levels.

FAQs