An Extensive Guide to the Colosseum Entrances in Rome

Take a trip to the pride and glory of Rome, the Colosseum. It is often hailed to be one of the best landmarks of Rome found on the east side of the Roman Forum. Famous for its origin in the gladiator battles, the Colosseum is one of the wonders of the world. 

If this is your first visit to the Colosseum, you might find this Colosseum entrance guide helpful. Keep reading to find out more about how to enter the Colosseum.

Where is the Colosseum?

How to Enter the Colosseum?

To enter the ancient arena, you can go through one of the three Colosseum entrances, based on your ticket type. All guests must purchase a ticket to enter the facility. Keep reading to find out about the different Colosseum entrances and which one is suitable for you!

Colosseum Entrances

Colosseum Entrances Explained

colosseum entrances

Individual Visitors Gate

This entrance faces the forums of the Colosseum and is called the Sperone Valadier entrance. It is named after the architect who rebuilt this part of the arena. Individual guests can access the Colosseum through this entrance. If you have a time-scheduled ticket, a guided tour ticket, or an audio and visual guides ticket, you can enter from here. Guests with Roma passes can also enter from here. Skip the line ticket holders can also enter from here, through the ‘Visitors with Reservations’ section.

Entrance timings: This entrance is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:15 PM, with the last admission at 6:15 PM. It is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Average wait time: The Sperone Valadier entrance has a wait time of about 45 minutes. It has longer queues in comparison to the other entrances.

Parking: The nearest parking facility from this entrance is at T.parko Losseum.

colosseum entrances

Group Gate

You can find this entrance on the North side of the arena. As the name suggests, this entrance is reserved for groups only. Each group must have a minimum of 14 members or a maximum of 50 members, along with a professional tour guide. Group tours follow a strict schedule and all guests are required to leave the premises after their tour ends. 

Entrance timings: The group entrance is open from 9:30 AM to 7:15 PM daily, with the last admission at 6 PM. The entrance is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Average wait time: The average wait time at this entrance is around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how many groups are present at the given time.

Parking: You can find car parking at T.parko Losseum.

colosseum entrances

Stern Gate

Named after the architect who designed it, the Stern entrance is located on the opposite side of the main entrance. Please keep in mind that this entrance is only for groups, schools, or visitors accompanied by an accredited guide. Additionally, a guest's tickets must include access to the Underground Colosseum, Colosseum Arena, and the Belvedere.

Entrance timings: The group entrance is open from 9:30 AM to 7:15 PM daily, with the last admission at 6 PM. The entrance is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Average wait time: The average wait time at this entrance is about 10 to 15 minutes. The Stern Entrance ensures quick entry into the Colosseum.

Parking: You can find parking near this entrance at Park Services Colosseum.

Which Colosseum Entrance Do I Choose? 

There are three main entrances at the Colosseum - the Individual Visitors Gate, the Group Gate, and the Stern Entrance.

  • The Individual Visitors Gate is meant for guests who have a single ticket. This could be for a guided tour, skip the line tickets, or regular entry tickets.
  • The Group Gate is meant solely for groups who have a professional guide with them.
  • The Stern Gate is for guests who are accompanied by an accredited tour guide. 

Choose your entrance based on the type of ticket you hold.

Queues at the Colosseum

At the Individual Visitors Gate, there are two queues - one for guests with skip-the-line tickets called ‘Visitors with Reservations,’ and the other for other ticket types. All other entrances have a single queue.

Disabled Access

The entry access for disabled people is at the main entrance and has been made step-free. Guests can visit the ground floor and the middle tier by taking the elevator, which has space for two wheelchairs at a time. There are restrooms on both these floors, which can be located with the help of sign boards.

Unfortunately, the underground and top-level are difficult to navigate in a wheelchair and are not recommended for people with reduced mobility. Guests with disabilities are required to carry their certificates and ID to enter the Colosseum.

A Brief History of the Colosseum Entrances

colosseum entrances

All Your Colosseum Ticket & Tour Options

Guided Tour with Skip the Line Access to Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine

Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details +

Priority Entrance Tickets to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
More details +

Arena Floor Special Access Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
More details +

Small Group Tour of Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details +

Guided Tour of the Colosseum Underground with Roman Forum & Gladiator Arena

Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
Guided Tour
More details +

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colosseum Entrances

Q. Where is the Colosseum entrance?

A. The main entrance of the Colosseum is located near the Sperone Valadier, which is close to the Arch of Constantine.

Q. How many Colosseum entrances are there?

A. The Colosseum has three entrances - the Individual Visitors Gate, the Group Gate, and the Stern Entrance.

Q. Which is the best Colosseum entrance?

A. The Sperone Valadier has the shortest wait time to enter the Colosseum. Through this entrance, you get a full view of the Colosseum and the benefit of exploring the first and the second floors. This is only possible if your tickets have access to these floors.

Q. What is the average wait time at the Colosseum entrance?

A. The average wait time at the Colosseum entrance is between one to two hours if you have a regular ticket. However, the average wait time also depends on the entrance and the type of ticket you have. The average wait time for each of the entrances is as follows - Individual Visitors Gate: 45 minutes; Group Gate: 15 to 20 minutes; and Stern Entrance: 45 minutes.

Q. Which Colosseum entrance do skip the line ticket holders use?

A. Skip the line ticket holders can use the Individual Visitors Gate and use the ‘Visitors with Reservations’ line to enter.

Q. Which Colosseum entrance is used for guided tours?

A. The second entrance or the Group Gate, is used for Colosseum guided tours.

Q. Which Colosseum entrance do I use if I have already purchased the tickets?

A. If you have pre-booked your Colosseum tickets, you can enter through the Individual Visitors Gate.

Q. Which Colosseum entrance do I use if I don't have tickets?

A. If you don't have the tickets, you will need to use the main entrance at the Individual Visitors Gate for single tickets and the Group Gate for group tickets.

Q. Which Colosseum entrance should I use to travel with the group?

A. If you are traveling with a group, you can use the Group Gate or Stern Entrance. Keep in mind that the stern entrance is reserved for schools and groups with an accredited tour guide.

Q. How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Colosseum?

A. One of the best ways to avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Colosseum is to get the skip the line tickets. With these tickets, you can enter the Colosseum in about 15 minutes.

Q. Where is the Colosseum?

A. The Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy.

Q. What are Colosseum timings?

A. The Colosseum is open from 10:30 AM to 7:15 PM every day. The last entry is at 6:15 PM. The Colosseum is closed on holidays like 1 January and 25 December.

Q. What time should I visit the Colosseum to avoid waiting in line?

A. The best time to visit the Colosseum to avoid waiting in line is afternoon, around 2 PM.

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