Prado Museum Tickets
Last update:
Key takeaways
| Paragraph | Key idea |
|---|---|
| Timed tickets | Buy online; a time pass is mandatory. |
| Free hours | Final two hours are free; capacity is limited. |
| Discount proof | Bring official ID to validate free/reduced entry. |
| Museum rules | No photos or filming inside the galleries. |
| Best timing | First slot or late window; avoid peak weekends. |
| Want context? | Consider an expert-led or private visit. |
Prado Museum tickets: what to book and how
Purchase your tickets on the official site and choose a date and time; access is managed with a time pass. Your ticket covers both the Collection and current temporary exhibitions.
If you are flexible, the museum offers free access to the Collection in the last two hours before closing; temporary exhibitions are discounted then. Entry during that window is first come, first served and subject to capacity.
Several visitor groups qualify for free or reduced admission, but you must show official, valid proof at the ticket office on the day of your visit. Bring a physical ID or accreditation that matches your benefit.
Planning multiple museums? The Art Walk pass covers the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen with one ticket valid for a single visit to each within one year.
Smart visiting: save time, avoid hassles, enjoy the highlights
Know the basics: photographs and video are not permitted inside the galleries; food is only in authorised areas, and cloakroom capacity is limited. Travel light to speed up entry.
Timing matters. Many visitors prefer the first entry of the day for calmer rooms, or the late free window for savings, though lines can be long and entry is capacity‑controlled. Weekday afternoons are usually less crowded than weekends.
Want expert context without planning every room? Book an expert‑led Prado highlights tour to navigate top works efficiently and get the backstory that brings them to life.
Prefer a quieter, tailored experience? A private Prado visit lets you set the pace and focus on specific artists or themes.
Quick route for first‑timers (about 60–90 minutes)
Aim for a compact circuit: Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights, Velázquez's Las Meninas and Goya's Black Paintings, adding El Greco or Titian if time allows. Use the museum map to connect these wings efficiently.
Unique tip (crowd‑control + depth)
Pair a timed ticket early in the day for clear views of masterpieces with a short return in the free window to revisit favourites without rushing. Bring only essentials to skip cloakroom lines.
Visitor questions answered
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Prado museum?
Strongly recommended. The museum operates with timed entry; buying online secures your slot and reduces waiting at the ticket office.
What day is Prado free?
On most days the final two hours before closing are free for the Collection; capacity is limited and lines form early. Check the official calendar before you go.
Do I need my passport to enter the Prado museum?
Only if you are claiming free or reduced admission. You must present official, valid proof of entitlement on the day of the visit. Otherwise, standard entry does not require a passport.
What is the best time to go to the Prado museum?
Choose the first timed slot for calmer galleries, or the late free window for savings if you can handle queues and possible capacity limits. Weekdays generally beat weekends.
