Probably not the ideal day of the week to visit but my only option, I booked individual tickets for the Colosseum on a Saturday next month. The entrance time is 10:15, and the tickets say to be at the entrance 15 mins before the ticketed time. Can anyone share tips or what to expect? How early should we be there to line up and/or how long are lines? What exactly does "show up at the entrance" mean -- what if we're stuck in a long line? Would we be denied entry if it takes longer?? I thought ordering tickets on the new site would be the hard part, but now I'm nervous I'll mess up the actual visit. I would greatly appreciate any tips or insight! :)
Posted by
28 posts
We were there in October of 2019. We arrived on time per their instructions for our pre-booked tour. As I remember there were some long lines and little guidance (a bit chaotic). We asked a few questions of those in line like “where do we go, we already have tickets etc.
We were pointed then in the right direction, got in line, and met our group on time. Allow some extra time for peace of mind. Enjoy!
Posted by
Europe
241 posts
I was there 3 weeks ago. 15 minutes is enough. Even if you're a tad late (I was for reasons I won't bore you with) you'll probably get in.
The entrance for those with prepaid individual tickets is roped off and clearly marked at the southwest corner of the Colosseum. You'll have the Arch of Constantine to your back. (There were some employees helping people find it.)
There wasn't much of a line when I was there on Tuesday morning with ticket time at 9:45. Show your ticket and ID. I assume you printed your ticket at home, so you don't have to pick it up at the ticket office. After showing my ticket and ID, I walked quickly to the X-ray machines. They check your bags only. Once inside it's pretty crowded as you'll be jostling with tour groups.
I was alone with a ticket to the Arena so I basically headed there first. After the Arena, I went to the second tier. If you are over 65 or have a disability there is an elevator inside on the northeast side. There is a guard there to let you on. There may be a few other elevators. That was the one I used.
I spent maybe an hour there.
(PS. I understand being worried about messing up. I grabbed my tickets to the Vatican Museums by mistake and had to rush back to my hotel to get the Colosseum ticket. Haha)
Posted by
33 posts
Where is the ticket office? Must you print them? Or is email/pdf enough?