The Colosseum Underground tour is the most exclusive experience available to all visitors. With the Colosseum Underground and Arena ticket, you get access to the reserved areas of the amphitheater which was once used by the gladiators.
While there are multiple ticket options to visit the Colosseum and the Arena, the choice is very straightforward when it comes to the underground (also called the Hypogeum). There is only one type of ticket available for anyone who wishes to visit the underground – the Colosseum Underground Guided Tour.
Visitors need to know that, you can only visit the Colosseum underground on a guided tour.
The best part of this ticket is that it includes complete access to the attraction which means you can visit all areas of the Colosseum like the seating area, exhibition, arena, and underground. In addition, this tour includes a guided visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill which is located right outside the Colosseum.
While searching for underground tickets, you will come across various types/ticket names like:
- Colosseum Underground special access ticket
- Colosseum VIP underground tours
- Colosseum Hypogeum tickets
- Colosseum Underground and Arena tour
- Colosseum Underground, arena, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill tour
- Complete the Colosseum guided tour
- Colosseum Special Access Tour, Ancient Temples, and Tombs
- Ancient History and Colosseum Underground Tour
- Colosseum Underground reserved entry tour
- Colosseum underground walking tour
Please rest assured that they will all be on the same tour. We have picked the best, highest rated, and visitors’ favorite tour for you to visit the underground.
In this article, we will share all the information about the Colosseum underground tour, our experience, what you can expect, prices, discount options, tips, and more. If you are still wondering which ticket you should choose to visit the Colosseum, head to our complete Colosseum ticketing guide.
The Experience Offered by the Colosseum Underground Tour
The underground tour takes you through an unforgettable 3-hour guided journey which will help you dive deep into the history and glory of the Colosseum and its surroundings.
The tour begins outside the attraction where your guide will be waiting for you. You can find your guide at the designated spot 15 minutes before the tour starts. Your guide will either be fluent in English or Spanish based on the option you choose.
Here, the guide will give you headphones and a brief about the Colosseum and what you can expect and must watch out for. He/she will then help you skip all the lines and enter the landmark through the group entrance.
The first stop of the tour is the exclusive underground chambers where the gladiators used to prepare for battle and the wild animals awaited their dramatic entrances. While visiting the secret dungeons, do not miss the secret trap doors and ancient lifts used to transport wild beasts. Please note that only half of the chamber is open to tourists.
After the underground, it is time to head to the Arena floor where all the action happens. From here you can enjoy a unique and complete view of the Colosseum. You can also see half of the underground chambers which you couldn’t visit earlier, from above. With only a limited number of visitors allowed on the Arena at a time, you can get a crowd-free visit and click pictures without getting photobombed.
After the Arena floor, enter the Vomitoria. This is the passage behind each tire of seats through which crowds used to exit. Here you can enjoy exhibits, visit gift stores, and also rest.
The tour proceeds to the seating area. The first floor was reserved for emperors and the elite community. This area offers the best view of the Arena. This is also where most visitors begin the tour and it is bound to be crowded. As you progress above to the upper levels, the viewpoint becomes far, and hence they were offered to common citizens.
After a complete tour of the Colosseum, your guide will take you to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Part of the ancient, city center, they have a rich history of Roman political life and luxury. The guide accompanying you will make sure that you get the best view of these cultural sites as you walk through these archeological wonders.
This whole experience will be a journey through time, as you will have access to every part of the Colosseum and its surroundings. You will leave with memorable images and a more profound appreciation of one of history’s most remarkable eras.
What’s Included in this Ticket
The Colosseum Underground Tour includes:
- Skip-the-line entry to Colosseum
- Access to the Underground
- Entry to arena
- Access to the ground-floor5 to second-floor seating areas
- Admission to the exhibition
- Entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Guided tour of all the above-mentioned areas
- Headsets to hear your guide clearly
Colosseum Underground Tour price
The Colosseum Underground tour costs €144 for visitors over the age of 17, €120 for children between 2 and 16 years, and €34 for infants below 1 year.
Who is this Colosseum Underground Tour Suitable For?
We recommend this ticket for first-time visitors as this tour includes a guide and complete access to the attraction for the best experience. It is also excellent for travelers who want to complete access to the Colosseum including its underground chambers, arena floor, upper tiers, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill all with the help of a single ticket.
We also find this tour to be a great pick for visitors who are low on time and yet wish to visit all areas of the Colosseum. This guided tour offers valuable insights into the historical references engagingly and interestingly, making it a great outing for families who are traveling with children.
This ticket is a great choice for those who want a unique and exclusive tour. They can get access to restricted areas and learn about ancient Rome.
Other Colosseum Ticket Options
While the underground tours offer you full access to the attraction, there are other tickets that offer entry to specific areas.
A Colosseum entry ticket gives you entry to the seating areas and museum. The Arena access tickets include the general access areas and Arena. For a more private touring experience early morning tours and private tours will give you a personalized and serene experience.
Most of these options also include admission to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Mamertime Prison.
There are also combo tickets and Roma Pass which offer entry to multiple attractions in Rome, including the Colosseum, at a discounted price.
Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting the Colosseum Underground
Opening Hours
The Colosseum opens at 8:30 a.m. throughout the year and closes between 4.30 pm and 7 pm based on the season.
Make sure to confirm the opening hours before the visit, as the timings may change in the middle of the month as well. Here are the Colosseum month-by-month opening hours for your reference:
| Date | Timings |
|---|---|
| January | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| 1 to 15 February | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| 16 to 28 February | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| 1 to 15 March | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| 16 to 29 March | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| 30 and 31 March | 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
| April | 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
| May | 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
| August | 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. |
| September | 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| 1 to 25 October | 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| 26 to 30 October | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| November | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| December | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
The Colosseum remains closed on 1 January (New Year’s Day), 1 May (Labour Day) and 25 December (Christmas Day)
Learn the best time to visit the Colosseum.
How to reach
Colosseum lies at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma. This ground is also called Nero’s Golden Horse and lies to the east of Palatine Hill.
Due to the well-developed public transport system, it is very easy for guests to reach the attraction.
We recommend you take the metro since it is the most comfortable, fast, and affordable option.
The Colosseum is well connected by public transport and roadways for those who wish to drive. The amphitheater is located right outside the Colosseo Station on Metro Line B. This line is easily accessible from Termini Station.
Alternatively, tram line 3 or 8 takes you to Piazza del Colosseo or you can take the bus numbers 38,75, 175, and 271 to the Colosseo bus stop.
Please note that the Colosseum is located in the restricted vehicle access zone, which means there are no parking spots nearby and we suggest you not to opt to drive there.
Get Directions to the Colosseum.
Entrance
Currently, there are 3 entrances to the Colosseum:
- The Main entrance (also called the Sperone Valadier Entrance)
- Group entrance
- Stern entrance (also called the Porta Libtinaria)
You will get access to the underground through the group entrance. You can enter through this gate with your guide. It is located right next to the main entrances, west of the Arc of Constantine.
The entrance is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. and the average waiting time here is 15 minutes. For all Colosseum underground ticket holders, you will first meet your guide at the designated meeting point. From there, your guide will navigate you. The meeting point will be shared in the email.
Learn More About Colosseum Entrances.
Accessibility
This tour is not accessible for people with mobility impairment and those who use wheelchairs.
Rules and Regulations
- Guided tours only: Access to the underground of the Colosseum is allowed only via guided tours.
- Group Size: Each group for the tour can consist of a maximum of 7 people, including the guide.
- Child Policy: While children are allowed on the tour, they must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the tour.
- Restricted items: Sharp objects, glass bottles, weapons, aerosol containers, and selfie sticks are prohibited strictly.
Tips for Visiting Colosseum Underground
- Book your tours in advance: Underground tours have limited capacity and sell out very soon. Hence, if you want to visit the Gladiator dungeons make sure you book well in advance online.
- Confirm your tour timings: The tour timings may vary by up to 30 minutes. Make sure to check with the provider about a week before the visit to avoid last-minute rush.
- Arrive early: Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled time for tours to have an easy start to your trip.
- Comfortable attire: Comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear are a must because of the unevenness of underground paths and areas.
- Hydration: Pack a water bottle since most walking tours can get challenging especially if you are going during the warmer seasons. You can also find multiple water fountains in Colosseum to refill your bottles.
- Bring a camera: Be sure to carry a camera to capture the history of the attraction. At the same time, be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash and tripods, as these are not allowed.
- Travel light: Keep your things minimal. Only small bags are allowed on the sites, so avoid carrying large backpacks.
- Use restrooms in advance: There are only a few inside the Colosseum, so using the restrooms before your guided tour is preferable.
- Follow your guide: The underground area is complex, confusing and easy to get lost in. Listen to your guide carefully and follow their route. Keep in mind that this is a restricted area and do not touch any artifact there.
- Check the Weather Conditions: If visiting during the rainy or cold season, carry an umbrella or a jacket, as some parts of the place might be exposed.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen: As you will be going on daytime tours, apply sunscreen and cover up with a hat against the sun.
Read the Top 11 tips for visiting the Colosseum that will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey through this world-famous attraction.
Ticket Reviews
FAQs related to Colosseum Underground Tours
1. How much does the Colosseum underground tour cost?
The Colosseum Underground tour costs €144 for visitors over the age of 17, €120 for children between 2 and 16 years and €34 for infants below 1 year.
2. What other attractions can I visit with this ticket?
The Colosseum Underground Ticket also grants you access to all areas of the Colosseum and includes entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
3. How to book Colosseum underground tickets?
Colosseum Underground tickets can be booked online. While you can also buy them at the site, it is subject to availability based on crowd levels.
4. When do Colosseum underground tickets go on sale?
The Colosseum underground tickets usually go on sale a month in advance. Tickets for peak tourist seasons between June and August are available before that as well.
5. Why visit the Colosseum underground?
The underground of the Colosseum gives you a peak into the chambers where the gladiators and wild, exotic animals were prepared for the fights. It gives you an idea of advanced Roman engineering and all the backstage operations.
6. Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for children as the guide present makes it interesting, keeping the little ones engaged.
7. Is the Colosseum underground tour worth it?
Yes, the Colosseum Underground tour is worth it. It gives you a unique perspective of the major landmarks in Rome, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill with the added benefit of having an experienced guide, to enrich your experience.
8. Can I book the Colosseum underground tour on the same day?
You can book these tickets on the same day, but there is a high possibility that they will be sold out as these are only available online. We suggest you book the tickets well in advance.
9. What’s special about the Colosseum underground tour?
The Colosseum Underground Tour gives you a detailed experience of all the levels of the Colosseum, like the underground, the arena, and all the upper tiers. It also includes exploring the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. This tour helps you visit all the important monuments of Rome in a single ticket.
10. How long is the Colosseum underground tour?
The Colosseum Underground Tour lasts for 3 hours, giving you a comprehensive overview of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill.