Visiting the Colosseum in 2025: A No-Nonsense Guide

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You can’t come to Rome without setting foot inside the Colosseum. Unfortunately, visiting the Colosseum is not as straightforward as it seems. Almost 15 million tourists visited the Colosseum in 2024, eclipsing the previous year’s record-breaking 12 million visitors. Given that 2025 is the Jubilee Year, this number is only likely to increase. And yet it’s not so much the number of people visiting the Colosseum as the difficulty in securing Colosseum tickets. 

It’s worth mentioning from the outset that I take tour groups inside the Colosseum several times a year, and so have on-the-ground expertise in how this works, from purchasing tickets online, to getting groups through security checks, to finally stepping inside the Colosseum. 

Getting Your Colosseum Tickets

The official ticket provider for the Colosseum is https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/, a site affiliated with the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo and partnered with the Italian Ministry of Culture. 

The site is legit, but it’s slow, has abysmal user experience, and is convoluted to the point that nobody outside the industry understands the difference between one ticket and another. It also suffers from the same problem that has beset previous vendors — a lack of availability for the most sought-after tickets: the Colosseum Arena and Colosseum Underground.

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Why is Getting Colosseum Tickets so Difficult?

There are two main reasons. First, specific areas like the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor have very limited capacity, and, in the case of the underground, can only be visited in the company of a licensed guide. Second, those responsible for managing the Colosseum have long struggled to cope with the challenges of overtourism and unprecedented visitor demand. 

Another issue is ticket hoarding. Many tour agencies and ticket resellers use automated software to bulk-buy tickets the moment they become available. Some resell these tickets at an inflated price, while others add minimal commission but still monopolise the market. In April 2025, Italy’s antitrust authority fined six tourism companies — as well as CoopCulture, the official ticketing company for the Colosseum — almost €20 million for ticket hoarding practices that restricted visitor access.

To combat this issue, the Colosseum recently introduced named ticketing. But while this helps combat hoarding, it has complicated the booking process since all visitor names must now be taken at the time of booking, along with ID such as a passport or driving license number. 

Sound needlessly bureaucratic for something as simple as buying a ticket? Welcome to Italy!  

With countless websites claiming to offer “official” Colosseum tours and tickets, it’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed — even before setting foot in Italy. That’s why I’ve written this no-nonsense guide to visiting the Colosseum: to provide clear insights and tips, from someone in the industry, to ensure your Colosseum visit goes smoothly and stress-free. 

Different Kinds of Colosseum Tickets

Below, I’ve broken down each of the nine Colosseum ticket options available through the official site. But unless you’re a Roman resident or a tour guide, you’ll probably only need the first six.

24-Hour Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Ticket (€18)

This is the classic Colosseum ticket. It grants you entry to the Colosseum (first and second floor) at a reserved time as well as same-day entry to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and archaeological area of the Imperial Fora. It does not grant access to the Colosseum Arena Floor, the Colosseum Underground or the SUPER Sites (more on these below), nor does it include a guided tour. 

Click here to purchase this ticket  

24-Hour Arena Only (€18)

This ticket grants you access to just the Colosseum Arena floor, at a reserved time and for a maximum of 20 minutes. It does not grant you access to the first and second floors of the Colosseum, nor does it include a guided tour, but it does allow access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, and special SUPER Sites

Click here to purchase the 24H Arena Only ticket.

Forum Pass SUPER

The Forum Pass SUPER grants access to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, and special SUPER Sites. It does not grant entry to the Colosseum, nor does it include a guided tour at any of the sites. It is, however, one of the most flexible tickets as it has a validity of 30 days from purchase. 

Click here to purchase the Forum Pass SUPER ticket.

Full Experience – Underground & Arena (€24)

The Full Experience – Underground & Arena is the most complete and sought-after Colosseum ticket, and getting your hands on one is nigh on impossible unless you book months in advance or go through the guided tour route. It includes full access to the Colosseum, including the Underground and Arena, at a reserved time. It also grants entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill either the day before, the same day, or the day after the Colosseum visit, entry to the Imperial Fora, and access to the SUPER Sites. 

Pro tip: If you’re determined to try, check out this excellent Reddit thread, which details tried-and-tested advice for purchasing the most sought-after tickets on this site.

Click here to (try and) purchase the Full Experience Arena ticket.

Preview of Carpe Diem’s Colosseum Tours

Full Experience – Colosseum Attic (€24)

This ticket is similar to the Full Experience – Colosseum Arena option, except instead of having access to the Arena floor, you have timed entry access to the upper ‘Attic’ level. Entry to all other sites (Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Fora, and special SUPER Sites) is also included either the day before, the same day, or the day after your Colosseum visit.

Click here to purchase the Colosseum Attic ticket

SUPER Site Supplement (€4)

This is relevant only to those who have purchased the 24-Hour Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Ticket (€18) and grants the holder access to SUPER Sites (more on which below). It must be used within 24 hours of the Colosseum’s reserved entry time. 

Click here to purchase the SUPER Site supplement

Parco Membership (€25 / €50 / €80)

This is more aimed at Rome’s residents, granting weekly free entry to the Colosseum’s standard areas and, with a reservation, arena floor; the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and SUPER Sites; weekly access to Nero’s Golden Palace (the Domus Aurea); and various additional discounts. Unless you are staying in Rome for a long time and intend to visit the Colosseum several times, there’s no need to buy this membership. 

Click here to learn more about membership options

Free EU Tour Guide Ticket

This is a free Colosseum entry ticket for licensed European Union tour guides visiting in a professional capacity. 

If this applies to you, purchase this ticket here

What are SUPER Sites?

This page (written only in Italian because, y’know — why not) details all the SUPER Sites you can access with certain Colosseum tickets. 

Here they are with a translation (where possible), where they’re located and any useful info:

Palatine Museum (Museo Palatino)

Location: Palatine Hill

Notes: Access to the lower floor only

House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto)

Location: Palatine Hill

Notes: Closed on Mondays

House of Livia (Casa di Livia)

Location: Palatine Hill

Notes: Closed on Tuesdays

Aula Isiaca with the Loggia Mattei 

Location: Palatine Hill

Imperial Palace (Domus Tiberiana)

Location: Palatine Hill

Notes: Access to the exhibition rooms only

Santa Maria Antiqua

Location: Roman Forum

Which Colosseum Tickets are Worth Getting?

Honestly, the Full Experience – Arena & Underground ticket is the best value Colosseum ticket — if you can grab hold of one. It grants access to everything within the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, as well as the Colosseum arena floor and underground. The Full Experience – Colosseum Arena and Full Experience – Colosseum Attic tickets are, in theory, a close second. But in reality, the Colosseum Arena is a bit underwhelming (more on this shortly), and the Attic/upper levels are often closed for renovations. 

So the Colosseum Arena Isn’t Worth It?

Exactly. Marketers tend to bang on about how accessing the Colosseum arena lets you stand exactly where gladiators once stood. But this is pretty misleading. Currently, the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre doesn’t have an actual floor. It was removed by archaeologists in the 19th century to reveal the hypogeum (better known as the Colosseum Underground), a warren of tunnels where gladiators and animals were held before the blood sports began. 

Plans to build a new retractable arena floor were announced in 2021, with completion anticipated in 2023. However, everything has since gone silent on that front, and no visible progress has yet been made.

Is the Colosseum Underground Worth It?

Is Visiting the Colosseum Underground Worth It?

Yes, but only if you manage to snag tickets. The Colosseum Underground can’t be visited independently; you must join an official guided tour. Because of this, tickets are extremely limited and often sell out quickly.

If you miss out, don’t be discouraged. Rome offers numerous other fascinating underground sites that, in many ways, are even more impressive. Highlights include the multi-layered Basilica of San Clemente and the sprawling Roman catacombs just beyond the city’s walls.

What about Colosseum Tours that Include Tickets?

The main thing to bear in mind when buying Colosseum tickets is how much you’ll enjoy the experience once inside without the expertise of a guide. Having a great guide (and a small group) makes all the difference when visiting the Colosseum, which is why I recommend these two top-rated Colosseum tours, both of which include timed-entry tickets.

Semi-Private Ancient Rome Tour

Experience the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with an intimate group and expert guide. Perfect if you appreciate a personalised touch, fascinating historical insights, and skipping the notorious queues.

Colosseum Guided Tour

Ideal for those looking to explore deeper, this guided tour offers exclusive insights and access, including entry to areas typically closed to the general public.

Where is the Colosseum Located?

The Colosseum is in the heart of Rome, at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. 

It’s located within the ancient city centre, a stone’s throw from other sites like the Roman Forum to the west, the Circus Maximus to the southwest, and Nero’s Golden Palace to the north. 

How to Get to the Colosseum

If you’re staying in Rome’s city centre, the easiest (and most scenic) way to reach the Colosseum is by walking. 

Approaching from the recently renovated Via dei Fori Imperiali is nothing short of spectacular, and immerses you in antiquity from the get-go, as you’re flanked by the Roman Forum, Forum of Caesar and Forum of Peace on your right and the forums of Trajan, Augustus, and Nerva on your left.

If you’re staying a little further out — or want to save your energy — Rome’s public transport network is well connected to the Colosseum by metro, bus, and tram:

  • Metro: Take Metro Line B to Colosseo station. Emerging from the station will bring you a stone’s throw from the Colosseum. 
  • Bus: Routes 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, 118 each stop within easy walking distance of the Colosseum.
  • Tram: Line 3 stops outside the Colosseum and connects the amphitheatre to Trastevere in the southwest to Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) in the north.  

🚕Prefer taxis? Here are the best taxi apps in Rome.

🧭Bookmark our guide to getting around Rome.

FAQs for Visiting the Colosseum

Congratulations! You’ve purchased your Colosseum tour and/or tickets, and the date’s in the calendar. Now for some practical advice ahead of your visit to the Colosseum.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Colosseum?

If you can, come to Rome during the low season (September – April) when the city is cooler and there are fewer crowds. If you’re visiting Rome during summer, book your Colosseum tour or tickets for early in the morning on weekdays. 

Is the Colosseum Accessible?

Yes, the Colosseum is wheelchair accessible, featuring ramps and an elevator for upper-level access. Rome’s ancient cobblestones can be a little uneven though, so proceed with care.

Are Colosseum Tickets Skip-the-Line?

Colosseum tickets (including those you get with a Guided Colosseum Tour) are for a timed entry slot, meaning you have a 15-minute window to enter the amphitheatre. There will be a short line with others who have this timed entry slot, but it moves really quickly. There will also be a security check once inside, which can take a few minutes to get through.

Is there a Dress Code?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfort is crucial. Wear sturdy shoes (no heels), layers, and plenty of sunscreen. Rome’s sun can be pretty unforgiving.

Is there Parking near the Colosseum?

No. Don’t even consider driving unless you love the idea of Roman traffic adventures and spending hours driving around looking for parking. Public transport or taxis are the way to go.

Are Colosseum Tours Suitable for Kids?

Absolutely! Children love gladiator stories and ancient ruins, but plan your visit for early mornings during summer to avoid the heat. You might also consider a Private Colosseum Tour to ensure the content is tailored to kids.

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Young family enjoying a Colosseum Arena Tour with a visit to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum

Make Your Colosseum Visit Truly Unforgettable

Carpe Diem’s Colosseum Tours are rated among the best in Rome for the quality of the guides, size of the groups, and value for money. Best of all, timed entry tickets are included in the price so you can just turn up on the day, meet your guide, and stroll straight in.

Secure Your Spot on a Semi-Private Ancient Rome Tour

Book a Small Group Colosseum Guided Tour


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Alexander Meddings
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Alexander Meddings is a professional copywriter and postgraduate in Roman history from the University of Oxford. After graduating with his MPhil, he moved to Florence and then Rome to carry out his research on the ground and pursue his passion at the source. He now works in travel, as a writer and content consultant, and in education as a university lecturer and translator.
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