Colosseum Entrances
The Colosseum initially had 80 entrances that remain etched in history.
Today, you’ll find three distinct options to enter the Colosseum.
If you need help determining which entrance to the Colosseum in Rome to use, this guide has you covered in all ways.
The Colosseum has three entrances: the Individual Visitors Gate, the Group Gate, and the Stern Gate.
Plan your Entry
| Visitor profile | Recommended Colosseum Entrance | Entrance usually used by |
|---|---|---|
| Solo or with a Small Group (Under 50) | Individual Visitors Gate | Independent travelers and those with pre-booked tickets |
| Part of a Pre-Booked Guided Tour (14-50 People) | Group Gate | Organized tours with a reservation and guide |
| Seeking VIP Treatment | Stern Gate | Visitors with pre-booked tours |
Individual Visitors Gate
This is also called the Sperone Valadier entrance, the main entrance, often the busiest, offering standard access.
The western side of the Colosseum, where the Individual Visitors Gate is located, was the “imperial entrance” used by emperors and other dignitaries at the time.
This entrance leads you to the Colosseum’s inner ring. From there, you can get views of the arena floor, cavea (seating areas), and underground chambers.
Who can use the Sperone Valadier Colosseum entrance?
- Visitors with pre-booked tickets
- Visitors with regular entry
- Visitors with timed entry
- Visitors with skip-the-line, audio guide, and video guide tickets
- Visitors with the Roma Pass
- Visitors with disabilities
Location: On the west side of the Colosseum
Entrance timing: Daily from 9.30 am to 7.15 pm
Last entry: At 6.15 pm
Average wait time: 45 minutes
Parking: The closest parking facility to this entrance is at T.parko Losseum
Tickets for Individual Visitors Gate Entrance
| Colosseum tickets | Adult ticket (18+ years) price |
|---|---|
| Colosseum Sightseeing Bus Tour | €34 |
| Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Ticket | €34 |
| Fast-Track Colosseum & Forum Ticket with Audio Guide | €35 |
| Colosseum, Roman Forum Ticket with Multimedia Video | €39 |
Note: Kids under 18 have free access through Individual visitor gate.
Group Gate
The Group Gate offers a convenient and efficient way for organized tours to enter the Colosseum.
Once inside, your group will follow a guided route along the inner ring, providing access to the arena floor, Cavea, and potentially underground chambers (based on your specific tour inclusions).
Who can use the Group Gate?
- Visitors with pre-booked Colosseum guided tours of 14 to 50 participants.
- Requires a professional tour guide with a valid reservation.
Location: On the north side of the Colosseum
Entrance timings: Daily from 9.30 am to 7.15 pm
Last entry: At 6 pm
Average wait time: 15 to 20 minutes
Parking: Visitors can park their car at T.parko Losseum
Note: Book the guided tour for Colosseum skip-the-line entrance with a group to avoid long waiting times.
Tickets for Group Gate Entrance
| Colosseum tickets | Adult ticket (18+ years) price |
|---|---|
| Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill | €59 |
| Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour | €64 |
| Underground and Ancient Rome Tour | €119 |
| Underground, Arena Floor and Ancient Rome | €140 |
Stern Gate
Accredited guides can access the Colosseum with their guests quickly and easily through the Stern Gate.
This gate’s location suggests a potential historical connection to the Ludus Magnus, a nearby gladiatorial school.
It’s possible that gladiators and other people associated with the games might have entered through this gate in the past.
The Stern Gate gate offers the most direct access to the arena floor. After security checks, you’ll likely meet your guide and begin your tour directly on the arena floor.
Who can use this Colosseum Stren entrance?
- Visitors with pre-booked Colosseum guided tours for groups, schools, and individuals accompanied by an authorized tour guide.
- Requires your guide to possess a valid professional license and a reservation.
- Visitors who want to bypass the entrance crowd and enjoy quicker access.
Location: On the southeast side of the Colosseum
Entrance timings: The group entrance is open daily from 9.30 am to 7.15 pm, with the last admission at 6 pm.
Average wait time: 10 to 15 minutes
Parking: You can park your car at Park Services Colosseum
Note: For a smooth and stress-free start to your Roman adventure, consider finding parking near the Colosseum.
Tickets for Stren Gate Entrances
Tips for a Smooth Entry:
- Book tickets online: Booking your tickets in advance saves you time waiting in line and allows you to choose your preferred entry time.
- Arrive early: This is particularly helpful if you are visiting during the busy summer months or on weekends. Arriving early can significantly reduce your wait time.
- Carry valid identification: This is useful for ticket verification or for those under 18 seeking free entry (with valid ID or passport).
FAQs
1. How many entrances did the Colosseum have?
There are three main Colosseum Rome entrances for visitors:
1. Individual Visitors Gate
2. Group Gate
3. Stren Gate
2. What is the priority entrance to the Colosseum?
Colosseum priority entrance allows guests to avoid long lines and gain quick access.
You can save time on waiting in lines by purchasing skip-the-line Colosseum tickets, resulting in a more efficient and speedier entrance process.
3. Where is the entrance to the Colosseum?
There’s just one main entrance for visitors today, the Sperone Valadier or Individual Visitors Gate, located on the forum side.
It’s near the Arch of Constantine and accessible via a dedicated lane for pre-booked Colosseum tickets and tours.
4. What are the Colosseum entrance fees?
Visitors under 18 can have free entrance to the Colosseum by showing their IDs or passport. The following are the Colosseum entrance ticket prices:
Standard Ticket (Individual): €34
Small Group Tour (up to 10 people): €29
Guided Tour: €79
Roma Pass: €149
5. What are the Colosseum entrance times?
The Colosseum opening hours start from 8.30 am daily. The closing time differs depending on the date and can range between 4.30 pm to 7.15 pm.
6. What time is the wait at the Colosseum?
The waiting time for the entrance to Colosseum is:
– Individual Visitors Gate: 45 minutes
– Group Gate: 15 to 20 minutes
– Stern Entrance: 10 to15 minutes
Featured Image: Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash