Prado Museum Entry Ticket

The standard Prado Museum entry ticket is the most straightforward way to visit one of the world’s great art museums. At €15 per person, it provides access to more than 3,000 works on display across two connected buildings — a collection that includes paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Bosch, El Greco, Titian, Rubens, Raphael, and Caravaggio — and is as good-value a cultural ticket as exists anywhere in Europe.

Booking online is strongly recommended. It secures your preferred entry time, eliminates the ticket desk queue on arrival, and gives you the flexibility of free cancellation if your plans change.

What Is Included

• Timed entry to the Museo Nacional del Prado (Villanueva Building and Jerónimos Building)
• Full access to the permanent collection — over 3,000 works on display
• Access to all current temporary exhibitions at no additional charge
• Entry to all public areas including rest zones, the museum café, and the museum shop
• QR code delivered to your email for direct scanning at the museum entrance

What Is Not Included

• Audio guide (available as a separate add-on for €4 at the museum, or via the ticket + in-app audio guide option)
• Official museum guidebook (available to add at €9 saving via the combined ticket + guidebook)
• Human guide or tour commentary — for guided interpretation, see the guided tour option
• Cloakroom — free of charge on the day but not included as a specific line item

Ticket Details

How to Use Your Ticket

1. Book online and receive your QR code confirmation by email
2. On the day, go to the Puerta de Velázquez — the main entrance on Paseo del Prado, up the broad front steps
3. Open your confirmation email and display the QR code at full screen brightness before reaching the scanner
4. Proceed through security screening
5. Deposit large bags and backpacks at the free cloakroom just inside the entrance
6. Collect a free floor map from the information point
7. Enter the galleries

For full detail on which entrance to use and what to have ready, see our entrances guide.

Is This the Right Ticket for You?

The standard entry ticket is the right choice if:

• You are an experienced museum visitor who prefers to explore independently
• You have visited the Prado before and know the layout and collection
• You are comfortable navigating the building with a map and your own knowledge
• You want the most affordable entry option that provides full access

Consider a different option if:

• You are visiting the Prado for the first time and want expert context — the guided tour will significantly enhance your experience
• You want a digital audio guide included — see the ticket + in-app audio guide
• You are visiting with children — a family private tour is designed specifically for this
• You want exclusive early-morning access — the VIP pre-opening tour is the premium option

When to Book

Book your Prado entry ticket as far in advance as possible if you are visiting during:

• July and August (peak international tourist season)
• Semana Santa — Holy Week (March or April)
• Christmas week and New Year
• Spanish national and Madrid public holidays
• Any weekend, particularly Saturday morning

For January, February, and weekday visits outside school holiday periods, booking a few days in advance is usually sufficient to secure your preferred slot.

Practical Information

Getting there: The Prado is located on Paseo del Prado in central Madrid. The nearest metro station is Banco de España (Line 2), a 10-minute walk, or Atocha Renfe (Line 1), approximately 8 minutes on foot. For full directions, see our how to get there guide.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, your QR code ready on your phone, and any eligibility documents if claiming free or reduced admission.

Photography: Strictly prohibited throughout the museum. No exceptions.

Free entry alternative: If you are on a tight budget, the Prado is free to all visitors Monday–Saturday from 6:00 PM–8:00 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, subject to capacity. Full strategy in the free entry guide.