Colosseum Entrances

The Colosseum initially had 80 entrances, which remain etched in history. Today, you’ll find three distinct options for entering 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, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Priority Ticket	€34
Fast-Track Colosseum & Forum Ticket with Audio Guide	€35

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
Colosseum and Forum with Audio Guide	€59
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Guided Tour	€64
Underground, Arena Floor, and Ancient Rome	€140

Stern Gate

Accredited guides can quickly and easily access the Colosseum with their guests through the Stern Gate. This gate’s location suggests a potential historical connection to the Ludus Magnus, a nearby gladiatorial school. Gladiators and other people associated with the games might have entered through this gate. 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

Tickets	Prices
Priority Access Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Tour	€4 – €69
Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tour	€59 – €69

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

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