How to Buy Tickets for the Prado Museum in Madrid
The Prado Museum is the artistic jewel of Madrid, a must-see on any trip. But with over 2 million visitors a year, the lines can be long and frustrating. Knowing how and where to buy tickets for the Prado Museum can save you precious hours. This guide explains everything: prices, types of tickets, free entries, online tickets, skip-the-line options, and practical tips for a stress-free visit.
Why the Prado Museum is So Important
Before discussing tickets, it's worth remembering what makes the Prado unique in the world. The museum houses the most important collection of Spanish art, featuring masterpieces by:
Velázquez:Las Meninas, The Forge of Vulcan, The Surrender of Breda
Goya:The Black Paintings (including Saturn Devouring His Son), The Naked Maja and The Clothed Maja, The Third of May 1808
El Greco:The Knight with His Hand on His Chest, The Trinity
Ribera, Zurbarán, Murilloand many others
Additionally, it has works by Italian artists (Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio), Flemish artists (Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck), and German artists (Dürer). It is one of the richest museums in the world.
Types of Tickets for the Prado Museum
Here are all the available options, with prices updated for 2026.
General Ticket (Permanent Collection)
Price:15 euros
What it includes:Access to the entire permanent collection (over 1,500 works on display out of 8,000 owned)
Validity:One single entry, with no time limits (but you cannot exit and re-enter)
Purchase:Online or at the ticket office
Reduced Ticket
Price:7.50 euros
Who it is for:Students under 25 (with ID), over 65, holders of the European Youth Card, large families
Required document:At the entrance, you must show a document that proves your right to the discount
Free Ticket (Exempt Persons)
The following are entitled to free entry:
Children under 18
Disabled persons (with a free companion if assistance is needed)
Unemployed persons (with documentation)
Teachers (with certification)
Journalists (with professional ID)
ICOM Members (International Council of Museums)
Visitors with free hours (see below)
Ticket for Temporary Exhibitions
Price:Variable (from 8 to 15 euros depending on the exhibition)
What it includes:Access to the temporary exhibition + permanent collection
Advice:If you only want to see the temporary exhibition, you can buy the specific ticket. But for a few euros more, get the general one.
Combined Ticket Paseo del Arte
Price:32 euros (savings compared to single purchase)
What it includes:Admission to the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza (the three museums of the art triangle)
Validity:12 months from the purchase for the first use, then each museum must be visited within 1 year
Where to buy it:Online or at the ticket offices of the three museums
Is it worth it?If you plan to visit all three, yes. It costs 32 euros instead of 15+12+13 (40 euros total). You save 8 euros.
Ticket with Audioguide
Price:22 euros (general ticket + audioguide)
What it includes:Admission and audioguide in Italian, English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Russian
Audioguide duration:About 2 and a half hours for the recommended route
Recommendation:Get it if it's your first visit. It explains the historical and artistic context.
Opening Hours of the Prado Museum
Monday to Saturday:10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday and holidays:10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed:January 1, May 1, December 25
Reduced hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM):January 6, December 24 and 31
Free Admission at Specific Times
The Prado offers free time slots for everyone. It is the best time to visit the museum without spending anything, but also the most crowded.
Monday to Saturday:6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (free)
Sunday and holidays:5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (free)
Attention:Free admission does not include temporary exhibitions (which also have a cost during free hours, usually reduced).
How it works:No reservation is required. Arrive at the ticket office during the free time slot, pick up your free ticket, and enter. But the line can be very long (even 1 hour or more). Arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of the time slot.
How to Buy Tickets Online (Skip the Line)
The best option to avoid lines is to buy online on the museum's official website.
Step by Step
Go to the official website:www.museodelprado.es
Click on "Entradas" (Tickets) or "Compra online"
Choose the date and time of entry
Select the type of ticket (general, reduced, with audio guide)
Enter your details and pay with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or PayPal
You will receive the ticket via email (PDF). Print it or save it on your phone.
At the entrance, show the QR code (from your phone or printed) and go directly to the turnstile.
Advantages:No line at the ticket office. You enter at a scheduled time (within 30 minutes of the chosen time).
Additional cost:None. The online price is the same as at the ticket office.
Where to Buy Tickets at the Ticket Office (If You Haven't Bought Online)
If you haven't bought online, you can purchase tickets at the museum's ticket counters.
Main ticket office:Entrance at Puerta de Goya (side of Paseo del Prado). Here the line is longer.
Automatic ticket machines:There are self-service machines. Faster than the staffed checkout.
Best times to avoid lines:At 10:00 (at opening) or after 16:00. The worst times: 11:00 – 13:00 and 15:00 – 17:00.
Tip:If you really need to buy on-site, arrive at least 30 minutes before opening (9:30) and go to the automatic machines.
Skip-the-Line Tickets: What They Are and How They Work
There is no separate "skip-the-line" ticket. The online ticket is already a skip-the-line ticket because you avoid the queue at the ticket office. However, even with the online ticket, you might find a small line at the entrance (for bag checks and turnstiles). Usually, it's 5-10 minutes.
Some third-party sites (like GetYourGuide, Tiqets, Musement) sell tickets with "priority entry." It's actually the same online ticket, but you pay an extra fee. Avoid them if you can. Buy directly from the official site.
Best Times to Visit the Prado Museum (Less Crowded)
If you want to avoid the crowd (not just the lines), choose these times:
Tuesday and Wednesday:These are the least crowded days of the week.
Wednesday afternoon (from 15:00):Very quiet.
Friday evening (from 19:00):In the last hour, many tourists leave.
Sunday morning early (10:00):Right after opening, before the tour groups arrive.
Times to absolutely avoid:
Saturday and Sunday afternoon (13:00 – 17:00)
Free time slots (18:00 – 20:00) – crowded.
Spanish public holidays
How Much Time to Spend Visiting the Prado
It depends on your interest in art.
Quick visit (1.5 – 2 hours):Only the masterpieces: Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch. Follow the recommended route from the museum (21 must-see works).
Medium visit (3 – 4 hours):Main permanent collection, also including Ribera, Zurbarán, Rubens, Titian.
In-depth visit (6 hours or more):The entire museum. Plan for a lunch break (the museum has a café and a restaurant).
Visiting Tips
What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Bring:A bottle of water (there are not many fountains), a light jacket (the rooms are air-conditioned), your ticket (printed or on your phone), reading glasses if you use them.
Do not bring:Large backpacks (must be left in the free storage at the entrance), umbrellas (storage), food, drinks other than water, tripods or flash (flash photography is allowed).
Luggage Storage
The museum offers free storage for backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas. It is mandatory to leave backpacks in the storage area. Small crossbody bags can be kept with you.
Photography
Flash-free photos for personal use are allowed. Tripods, selfie sticks, and professional video recording are not allowed without permission.
How to Move Around Inside
The museum is large and can be disorienting. Download the map from the official website or pick up a paper one at the entrance. The recommended routes are marked. The most important room is theRoom 12(Las Meninas by Velázquez) on the ground floor.
What to Do if the Museum is Full
If you arrive and see endless lines, you have alternatives:
Online tickets:If you already have your online ticket, go directly to the entrance. The line for those with tickets is separate and faster.
Wait for the free time slot:If you're not in a hurry, come back at 6:00 PM (free). But be prepared for a long line.
Go to another museum:The Thyssen or the Reina Sofía are just a short walk away and often less crowded. You can return to the Prado another day.
Buy online for the next day:Use your phone, buy online, and come back tomorrow.
Mistakes to Avoid
Don't buy from scalpers:Outside the museum, there are street vendors offering "skip-the-line" tickets at inflated prices. They are scams.
Don't go without checking the hours:The Prado closes at 8:00 PM but the last entry is 30 minutes before. If you arrive at 7:40 PM, you won't get in.
Don't bring a huge backpack:You'll have to leave it in the storage, wasting time.
Don't try to see everything:It's impossible. Choose 10-15 masterpieces and focus on those.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Prado Museum Tickets
Can I buy tickets for the Prado on the same day?
Yes, at the ticket office or online. But if you want a specific time, buy in advance.
Is the online ticket personalized?
Yes, it is nominative. They may ask you for an ID at the entrance.
Can I change the ticket date online?
Yes, on the official website you can change the date up to 24 hours in advance, if available.
Is the ticket refundable?
No, Prado tickets are not refundable, except in the case of extraordinary museum closure.
How much does the student ticket cost?
7.50 euros (reduced ticket). You need a document proving student status under 25.
Do children pay?
No, those under 18 enter for free.
Can you exit and re-enter?
No. The ticket is valid for a single entry. If you exit, you cannot re-enter.
Is the museum accessible to disabled people?
Yes, fully accessible. Dedicated entrance for wheelchairs. Free entry for the disabled and their companion (if necessary).
Is there an evening schedule?
No, the museum always closes at 8:00 PM (7:00 PM on Sundays). There are no regular night openings.
Can I buy the ticket over the phone?
No, only online or at the ticket office. There is no phone sales service.
Buy online in advance
Buying tickets for the Prado Museum is easy if you know how. The golden rule is:buy online in advance. This way you avoid queues, choose your preferred time, and arrive at the museum relaxed. Remember the free time slots if you have a limited budget, but be prepared for the crowd. During yourholiday in Madrid, the Prado will be one of the highlights of the trip. Don't ruin it with the stress of lines. Plan, book, and enjoy the masterpieces.
Complete guide:holidays in Madrid.
Review date:April 15, 2026