About the Underground Tour
The Colosseum Underground Tour takes you beyond the public areas of the amphitheatre and into the Hypogeum, the network of underground tunnels and chambers where gladiators prepared for combat and wild animals were kept before entering the arena. Access to this restricted area is limited, making it one of the most exclusive ways to experience the Colosseum.
Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll also visit the Arena Floor, where gladiators once fought before thousands of spectators. After your guided tour of the Colosseum, you can continue exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill at your own pace using the included admission.
Private and small-group options are available, offering a more personalised experience inside one of Rome’s most visited landmarks.
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Ticket specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket type | Guided Colosseum Underground tour |
| Price | €199 per adult above 18 years |
| Attractions included | Colosseum Underground (Hypogeum), Arena Floor, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill |
| Entry type | Timed guided entry |
| Duration | 75 minutes–1.5 hours (depending on the selected option) |
| Guide | Professional live tour guide |
| Languages | English |
| Mobile ticket | Yes |
| Confirmation | Instant booking confirmation |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 3 days before your visit |
| Group size | Private and small-group options available |
| Underground access | Included |
| Arena Floor | Included |
| Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Self-guided visit after the Colosseum tour |
| ID required | Yes |
| Accessibility | Not suitable for wheelchair users, visitors with back problems or people with claustrophobia |
Colosseum Underground Tour prices
The Colosseum Underground Tour is offered as a premium guided experience with exclusive access to areas that are normally closed to general visitors. Available options include private tours and selected after-hours experiences, with prices varying depending on the tour type and availability.
| Tour option | Adult (18+ years) | Child (17 years and under) |
|---|---|---|
| Colosseum Underground Private Tour with Forum Entry | From €299 | From €199 |
| Small Group Night Tour + Underground Access | From €199 | From €179 |
| Exclusive Private Night Tour + Underground Access | From €299 | From €199 |
What makes it worthwhile
Restricted access
Enter areas closed to standard tickets, the underground tunnels and the arena floor itself.
Specialist guide
A dedicated guide explains the ingenious machinery that staged Rome’s deadliest spectacles.
Bucket-list moment
Stand where gladiators stood, looking up at the tiers from the centre of the arena.
What’s included & what’s not
Included
- Guided tour of the Colosseum
- Access to the Colosseum Underground (Hypogeum)
- Arena Floor access
- Entry to the Roman Forum
- Entry to Palatine Hill
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Private or small-group experience (depending on the option selected)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Flash photography
- Personal expenses
Who this ticket is best for?
Visitors who want access to the restricted Underground area
Couples, families and small groups seeking a more personalized tour
History enthusiasts interested in gladiators and Roman engineering
Travelers looking for the most exclusive Colosseum experience
Make the most of your visit
1
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour includes moderate walking through uneven underground passages and archaeological sites.
2
The Underground is a restricted area with limited daily capacity. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially during the peak travel season.
3
Flash photography is not permitted inside the Colosseum, including the Underground section.
4
Bring a bottle of water, particularly if you’re visiting during the warmer months.
Important Information
- Underground access is available only with the relevant Colosseum Underground Tour.
- The guided portion covers the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor, while the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill can be explored independently after the tour.
- Comfortable footwear is recommended due to uneven surfaces and moderate walking.
- This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, visitors with back problems or those with claustrophobia.
- Flash photography and large backpacks are not permitted inside the Colosseum.
- Tour availability is limited because access to the Underground is strictly controlled.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it worth doing the underground tour of the Colosseum?
Yes. The Underground Tour offers access to the restricted Hypogeum, where gladiators and animals waited before entering the arena. Combined with Arena Floor access and expert commentary, it’s one of the most immersive ways to experience the Colosseum.
2. Can you do the Colosseum underground without a tour?
No. The Colosseum Underground is a restricted area that can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Standard Colosseum tickets and Arena Floor tickets do not include access to the Hypogeum.
3. How long is the official Colosseum Underground tour?
Most Colosseum Underground tours last between 75 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the tour option. Many tickets also include self-guided access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after the guided Colosseum visit.
4. Is there an underground of the Colosseum?
Yes. Beneath the Colosseum lies the Hypogeum, a network of underground tunnels, chambers and passageways once used to house gladiators, wild animals and stage machinery before public spectacles.
5. What’s included with Colosseum Underground tickets?
Most Colosseum Underground tickets include guided access to the Hypogeum, Arena Floor entry, admission to the Colosseum, and entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Private and small-group options are also available on selected tours.
6. Is the Colosseum underground better than the arena floor tour?
It depends on your interests. The Underground Tour includes both the Hypogeum and Arena Floor, making it the more comprehensive experience. An Arena Floor tour is usually more affordable but doesn’t include access to the underground tunnels.
7. Is the Underground Colosseum tour claustrophobic?
It can be for some visitors. The tour passes through enclosed underground tunnels and chambers beneath the Colosseum. If you’re uncomfortable in confined spaces, this experience may not be the best choice.
8. How far in advance can you book a Colosseum Underground tour?
It’s best to book several weeks in advance, especially between April and October. Underground tours have limited daily capacity and are among the fastest-selling Colosseum experiences.
9. How to book Colosseum Underground?
Book through the official Colosseum ticket platform or an authorised tour provider. Make sure the ticket specifically includes “Underground” or “Hypogeum” access, as standard Colosseum and Arena Floor tickets do not include this restricted area.
124 reviews
From
€199
per person
Approx. 1-1.5 hours
-
English tour guide
-
Small or private group
-
After-hour tour option
-
Restricted arena and underground
Instant mobile ticket delivery
Free cancellation up to 3 days before your visit
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