The Prado Museum, also known as the Museo Nacional del Prado, is located in central Madrid and is the main Spanish national art museum.
People are generally confused about how many Prado Museum entrances there are and which one they should choose.
Here is everything you need to know about entrances to the Prado Museum to choose the one that is right for you.
There are four entrances to the Prado Museum:
1. The Goya Entrance
The Goya entrance is on Felipe IV Street and has two parts: Puerta de Goya Alta (or upper Goya entrance) and Puerta de Goya Baja (or lower Goya entrance).
If you have not already bought the Prado Museum tickets online, you can only buy them at the Goya Entrance, with long lines.
That’s why we recommend you buy tickets online to skip the waiting lines.
Note: All other entrances except these two don’t have ticket counters.
Puerta de Goya Baja or lower Goya entrance
Location: Rue de Rivoli
Facilities: Human-operated ticket counter
If you’re on a budget, you can head to the lower Goya entrance for the Prado Museum.
The lower Goya entrance has human-operated ticket counters and thus handles some kind of discount, concession, etc.
But head early, as lines are long here.
Puerta de Goya Alta or upper Goya entrance
Location: On the western side of the Prado Museum
Facilities: Automated ticket machines
The upper Goya entrance lies on the western side of the Prado Museum.
This Prado Museum entrance has automated ticket machines, so you can buy tickets with direct payment.
But you’ll have to pay the total price here. There are no discounts.
That’s why we recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.
2. Jerónimos Entrance or Puerta de los Jerónimos
Location: On the back side of the museum, towards the west
Facilities: Disabled Access
Jeronimos Entrance is located on the eastern side of the ground floor of the Prado Museum, and you can use this entrance if you’ve booked your tickets online.
This Prado Museum entrance is better for people with reduced mobility or baby carriages due to the lower rush of people.
It is also easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Pro Tip: If you plan to reach the museum by Metro, the closest Prado Museum entrances are the Jeronimos Entrance or Goya Entrance.
3. Puerta de Velázquez or Velázquez Entrance
Location: The main entrance to the Prado Museum is right at the front.
This Prado Museum entrance has the bronze statue of the renowned Spanish painter of the 17th century, Diego Velazquez.
If you’ve already purchased your tickets online, you can use this entrance for a speedy entry.
There are no long lines. Just scan your ticket and walk in.
4. Puerto de Murillo or Murillo Entrance
Location: On the eastern side of the Prado Museum
Facilities: Group Entry
Puerto de Murillo is the entrance for pre-booked groups and helps with large group entry.
This Prado Museum entrance is said to have the shortest line and should be your go-to if you have a packed day and are in a hurry.
Getting to the Prado Museum Entrance
You have many options available to reach the Prado Museum entrance.
Reach by Car
You can drive or rent a car to the Prado Museum. However, parking is unavailable within the museum premises.
So, you can choose public car parking facilities around the museum.
Reach by Bus
The nearest bus stop to the Prado Museum in Madrid is Cibeles.
You can take bus numbers E1, N2, and N3. From the bus stop, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to the Prado Museum entrance.
Reach by Taxi
Taxis in Madrid are not expensive and easily accessible.
If you want to avoid driving and public transport, you can hop into a cab and get dropped off outside the entrance to the Prado Museum.
Reach by Metro
Retiro is the nearest subway station, next to the Prado Museum, and it is just a 5-minute walk from there to the Prado Museum entrance.
There is a train station called Recoletos, which is another option if you’re traveling via train.
You can also read our article on How to reach the Prado Museum to get some information on transportation availability.
FAQ’s
Where is the entrance to the Prado Museum?
The Prado Museum in Madrid has four entrances: the Goya Entrance, Puerto de Velazquez, Puerta de los Jerónimos, and Puerto de Murillo.
Which is the best entrance to the Prado Museum for visitors without tickets?
Visitors who don’t have tickets can buy them from any of the two Goya entrances.
Puerta de Goya Baja has a human-operated ticket center, while Puerta de Goya Alta has an automated ticket machine.
You can choose any of these according to your preference, but be ready for long lines at both.
How much is the Prado Museum entrance?
The Prado Museum entrance fee is approximately € 18 for people of all ages.
Check out these Prado Museum Tickets to get direct entry without standing in long lines and enjoy your trip.
Which Prado Museum entrance is best for online ticket holders?
Puerta de Velázquez, Puerta de Murillo, and Puerta de los Jerónimos are the best entry points for online ticket holders.
These entrances have less rush than the other Prado museum entrances due to the unavailability of ticket counters.
Which Prado Museum entrance is suitable for wheelchair users?
The Jeronimos Entrance, or Puerta de los Jerónimos, located on the back side of the museum, is easily accessible for wheelchair users.
This entrance has less rush but no ticket counter, so don’t forget to book online tickets in advance.
Featured Image: Museodelprado.es