I am looking at buying advance tickets for the Paris Catacombs. On their website they say to expect 3 to 5 hour wait times. If I buy an advance ticket, I know I will still have to go through a security line but how long does that generally take? Thanks for any insight.
Posted by
Oregon
44 posts
I visited the catacombs in July 2016 with advance tickets and am so glad I purchased them ahead of time. The line was stretched out very, very long and my group and I just walked to the front and said we bought advanced tickets. We were let right in! It’s a very cool experience and nice that you can take your time down there looking at things. Be sure and go to the souvenir shop across the street when you’re done, it’s got some fun things to look at.
Posted by
1230 posts
The advance tickets allow you access in a different line, but cost more (29 euro vs. 12 euro for non-advanced). We bought tickets at the door and waited in the longer line (because there were 5 of us = too much money for advanced ;), and we got there at 8:30a (it opens at 9), and I think we got in by 10. As we waited in line, we took turns going across the street to Paul's bakery for breakfast items. The line did get much longer quickly after 8:30, so go before it opens or get advanced tickets
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
The website says that there "3 to 5 hour wait times". If it's raining, so much the better.
That doesn't mean that you should bring a backpack or anything suspicious.
Nobody knows how long it takes to check a backpack.
You should definitely purchase advance tickets.
Posted by
Almost Heaven
3122 posts
3 to 5 hour wait times? Yeah, that's crazy. I'd be inclined to splurge for advance tickets but that would be pricey for a family.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi spencer, get there early, no need to pay twice as much money to purchase advance tickets. We visited the Catacombs last fall. We arrived an hour prior to opening and were among the first in line. Once the site opened, we spent 2 minutes buying tickets and began our visit. The person at the door took a few from the regular line, then a few from the line of folks with pre-purchased tickets. I didn't see much value to buying in advance. Be aware that only 200 people are allowed in at a time. Once they are admitted, the next group waits 30-45 minutes to enter. Note that by opening time, there were about 600 people in line behind us. Get there early. It is worth the trip, very interesting experience!
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks to everyone!
Posted by
Paris
2466 posts
How many people are in your party?
If you purchase group tickets you are good to go.
Go to the official website and look for tickets.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Three people from our party are going through the Catacombs. The other two are claustrophobic.
Posted by
1 posts
Went last year in June. Had skip the line tickets and didn't even wait 2 min at line. There was, however, a long line waiting. You get through the whole length in about 1.5 hrs.
Posted by
Orland Park, IL
21 posts
When I went to the Catacombs it was September and I had difficulty even finding the entrance, there was no line at all. However, it was later in the afternoon and not prime tourist time. Would going later in the day be easier to avoid a long wait time? And yes, it is worth it!
Posted by
37 posts
I appreciate the advice on going early to the Catacombs. It worked out perfectly for us! We arrived an hour before opening on Saturday, and there were about 10 people ahead of us. We got some yummy treats and coffee from the close by Le Pain au Naturel. We got in about 10-15 minutes after opening. The line behind us was enormous when we entered. It was worth the wait for the money we saved by not getting advanced tickets.
Posted by
1 posts
What is the policy for purses or backpacks? I will be coming from Palace of Versailles and will be taking a backpack.