Can anyone tell me if the lines to buy tickets at the Prado are very long at the end of October and early November. This would be on a Monday and Wednesday morning. I am trying to decide if it is worth the hassle to buy advanced vouchers and then have to stand in another line to get a paper ticket. Thanks. Ellen
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
The only time we have encountered lines for the Prado was the free day - we didn't know it - that was a zoo. Otherwise, the other two times we just walked up and bought tickets. Maybe a three or four minute wait.
Posted by
California 🦋
5212 posts
We visited the Prado Museum in October a few years ago, & we didn't encounter any lines.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
In October a few years back I visited 2 evenings at the free admission time.
There was a small wait until the clock ticked over and then the crowd was processed promptly through security.
FREE ADMISSION
From Monday to Saturday 6pm - 8pm
Sundays and holidays 5pm - 7pm
Knowing how slow the Spanish are to get going in the mornings, I would not expect a queue if you were there at opening.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks everyone for the info. Looks like it will not be a problem getting into the Prado in late Oct and early Nov without an advance ticket if we go when they open. Can't wait. Ellen
Posted by
Chicago
565 posts
When you do go, it might be worth it for you to buy the 3-in-1 pass that gets you into the Thyssen-Bornemiza and the Reina Sofia too. I believe it's around 20 euros and if you are interested in seeing Guernica and the lovely collection at the Thyssen, it will save you a few bucks.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Yes, people line up for free entry. Other than that, you can walk up any time, get a ticket and go in.
Posted by
Ohio, USA
32 posts
No lines when I went in October. I only purchased the Madrid Card because I was afraid there would be a line and didn't want to spend time waiting. The Madrid Card turned out to be a waste of money.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I went mid-October 2014 and there was a fairly small line in the afternoon. I don't know how long the wait was, but it didn't seem ridiculous.
At the time you could buy and print tickets beforehand on their website- not sure if it works same day, we did it a couple days ahead from our hotel in Sevilla. There was no need to stand in another line to get a ticket - just hand the printout to the person scanning tickets at the entry to the galleries. If they still do this, and you are sure which day you are going, then I'd recommend it.
Posted by
47 posts
I was there last year in October. It was not a free day entry. No lines at all. Easy to buy tickets at the counter, very enjoyable experience. Great museum.