How to Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online Prices, Entry Fee & Tips

VBooking your Taj Mahal tickets ahead of time will save you precious hours at this breathtaking world monument. The UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes over 7 million visitors each year, so you’ll need to plan carefully for a smooth visit.

You’ll find several benefits to booking your Taj Mahal tickets online instead of at the site. The process lets you book from home and skip the long lines at the entrance. You won’t have to worry about tickets running out either. Foreign tourists pay ₹1,100 (about $13 USD) for entry. Access to the main mausoleum costs an extra ₹200, which brings the total to ₹1,300 ($16 USD).

Your visit will be better when you know all your ticket options. Kids under 15 get in free, no matter where they’re from. Night viewing offers a unique way to see this architectural wonder, with different prices based on nationality.

We’ll show you the best ways to book your taj tickets with dream India and pay the entrance fee. Our insider tips will help make your visit unforgettable. Your trip to this magnificent monument should be perfect from start to finish!

Understanding Taj Mahal Ticket Types and 2026 Prices

The Taj Mahal uses a tiered ticket pricing system that varies by nationality and access level. You’ll need to understand these categories to plan your budget and make smart choices about your visit.

Standard entry fees for Indian and foreign tourists

Taj Mahal entrance fees in 2026 vary by visitor nationality. Indian citizens pay ₹50. Foreign tourists pay ₹1,100 to enter the complex. Visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries (Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand) pay a middle-tier price of ₹540.

Booking tickets online saves you money. Indian visitors get ₹5 off while foreign tourists save ₹50. Online booking makes the process easier and cheaper.

The Taj Mahal stays closed every Friday. Make sure to plan your visit on other days to avoid any issues.

What’s included in your ticket

A simple Taj Mahal ticket lets you access several areas. You can visit the main complex, Mughal gardens, mosque area, and exterior viewing platforms. Foreign tourists get extra perks with their tickets – a free water bottle, shoe covers, tourist guide map of Agra, and complimentary battery bus or golf cart service from parking to the main gate.

Everyone can use the shoe racks near the main mausoleum at no cost. You’ll find locker facilities and ticket windows at both entrance gates.

Kids under 15 get in free, whatever their nationality. They still need registration, especially for online bookings.

Add-on for mausoleum access

The biggest thing to know about Taj Mahal tickets is the mausoleum add-on option. Your standard entry ticket doesn’t include access to the central marble mausoleum – the iconic white structure with Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal’s cenotaphs.

You’ll need an extra ₹200 ticket to enter this inner area. Therefore, foreign tourists pay ₹1,300 total, SAARC/BIMSTEC nationals ₹740, and Indian visitors ₹250.

Most international visitors get this add-on because it lets you:

See the detailed marble inlay work up close
Experience the chamber’s amazing acoustics
Visit Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal’s symbolic graves

Discounts for students, seniors, and disabled visitors

The Archeological Survey of India offers some great discounts. Indian students with valid ID cards pay about ₹25, half the regular price. Indian senior citizens get a small discount, paying around ₹40.

The official policy doesn’t include discounts for foreign students or senior citizens. Only kids under 15 get in free everywhere, if they can prove their age.

Disabled visitors get special treatment. Some sources say disabled visitors and one person helping them might get free entry. You should check this when you visit since rules can change.

You must bring a government-issued photo ID. This helps verify your identity and any discount eligibility.

How to Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online in 2026

Booking your Taj Mahal tickets online has become the go-to choice for visitors worldwide. You can skip the long lines at ticket counters, which is particularly helpful during peak tourist seasons when wait times can stretch for hours.

Step-by-step guide to using the official ASI website

The official Archeological Survey of India (ASI) website lets you book your Taj Mahal tickets. Here’s what you need to do:

Select “Taj Mahal, Agra” from the monument list
Choose your visit date from the calendar
Select your time slot (forenoon or afternoon)
Pick your ticket type based on nationality (Indian, Foreign, SAARC, or BIMSTEC)
Choose between a simple entry ticket or one with mausoleum access
Enter the number of adult and child tickets you need
Fill in visitor details on the next page
Complete your payment
Download or save your e-ticket with QR code

You should book your tickets 2-3 days ahead during peak season (October-March) to make sure you get spots.

Required details and ID proof

You’ll need these details ready before you start booking:

Each visitor’s full name (exactly as shown on ID documents)
Age and gender information
Phone number and email address for confirmations
Valid ID proof details (passport for foreigners; Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or voter ID for Indian nationals)

The staff will check that you have the same ID you used while booking when you arrive at the monument. Any mismatch could mean you won’t get in.

Payment methods and confirmation process

The ASI website takes several payment options:

Credit/debit cards
UPI transactions
Net banking
Digital wallets

International travelers might run into trouble using their credit cards on the official website. Your tour guide or hotel might need to help if this happens.

Once your payment goes through, you’ll get an email with your e-ticket and QR code. Keep this digital ticket handy during your visit, either as a printout or on your phone.

Benefits of booking online vs. offline

Online Taj Mahal tickets are a great way to get several advantages over counter purchases:

Time efficiency: No more waiting in long ticket counter lines
Guaranteed entry: Lock in your spot ahead of time, crucial during busy periods
Convenience: Book from anywhere at any time
Flexibility: Pick your preferred date and time slot in advance
Security: You won’t have to worry about losing paper tickets

The east gate usually has shorter lines than the popular west gate. This makes it a smart choice for foreign visitors, even with pre-booked tickets.

Night Viewing and Special Ticket Options

The Taj Mahal transforms into something magical when viewed under moonlight. Moonbeams light up the marble façade and create an otherworldly sight that you’ll remember forever.

Full moon night viewing schedule

You can view the Taj Mahal at night only five times each month. The Archeological Survey of India allows visits on the full moon night and two nights before and after it. Planning ahead is vital since spots are limited.

The monument stays closed every Friday and during Ramadan. When full moons fall on Fridays, viewing opens for just four days instead of five.

Visitors need to reach the Shilpgram complex, about 500m from the monument, 30 minutes before their slot for security checks. Battery-operated busses take guests to the viewing area after security clearance.

Night ticket prices and booking rules

Viewing costs more than daytime visits:

Indian adults: ₹510
Foreign tourists: ₹750
Children (3-15 years): ₹500
Children under 3: Free entry

Night viewing tickets work differently from regular ones. You’ll need to buy them in person at the Archeological Survey of India office at 22 Mall Road, Agra. Tickets go on sale 24 hours before viewing time and you can get them between 10 AM and 6 PM.

Night visits run from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM in eight 30-minute slots. Each slot lets in 50 people, which makes it feel exclusive but limits nightly visitors to 400.

Combo tickets for Agra Fort and other monuments

The Archeological Survey of India’s Agra Heritage Package helps you save money. This package lets you visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah, and Sikandra. Foreign tourists pay ₹1,350, saving about ₹300 compared to separate tickets.

You can use these combo tickets within two days of your first visit. This gives you time to explore each site without rushing.

Private tour packages with included tickets

Tour operators provide packages that include tickets, transport, and guides. Prices range from $50-200 per person based on what’s included.

Popular choices include:

Day tours from Delhi ($80-150)
Excursions from Jaipur ($90-160)
Golden Triangle tours covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

These packages are a great way to get everything handled in one go. You won’t need to worry about transport or tickets, and you’ll learn more with expert guides.

Tips to Save Money and Avoid Hassles

Smart timing and good planning can turn your Taj Mahal visit from a stressful experience into a smooth one. Every year, millions of people visit this wonder. A few insider tips can help you save money and enjoy your trip more.

Best time to visit for lower prices and fewer crowds

The right timing can make a big difference in your costs and experience. The weather is best from October through March, which makes it perfect to explore. These months draw bigger crowds though, and December-January might have foggy sunrise views.

Budget travelers should consider the monsoon season (July-September). You might see some rain, but hotel prices drop substantially. The gardens look lush green and tourist numbers are lower.

Early morning visits (30 minutes before sunrise) give you magical photo light and smaller crowds. Visiting on weekdays helps you find cheaper hotels and transport.

Booking in advance during peak season

During busy months (October-March), you need to book your taj mahal tickets online. This saves you from last-minute problems, especially during Indian festivals like Diwali or international holidays when visitor numbers go up.

On top of that, it keeps you safe from scammers who sell fake or used tickets at the site.

Avoiding touts and scams

Agra has many scammers who target first-time visitors. Watch out for:

Fake tour guides with counterfeit IDs charging extra fees
Taxi drivers who force shopping detours for commissions
“Discounted” tickets sold outside gates
Overpriced photographers promising quick service
Souvenir sellers claiming authentic materials

Stay safe by hiring guides only through official Archeological Survey of India offices. Say no to unwanted stops, buy tickets from official channels, and shop at government-approved stores.

Group travel benefits and shared costs

Traveling with friends helps you save money. Groups can:

Share transport costs
Get better hotel rates
Split guide fees
Save with bulk bookings

Tour companies often get special prices through their long-term relationships with hotels, attractions and restaurants. Groups also leave a smaller carbon footprint by sharing rides.

Money aside, seeing this amazing monument together creates memories that last forever.

What to Know Before You Go

A good plan will give you a seamless experience at the iconic Taj Mahal. You can save time and avoid complications during your visit by understanding everything beforehand.

Taj Mahal opening hours and entry gates

The Taj Mahal follows a sunrise-to-sunset schedule instead of fixed hours. Visitors can enter 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset. The monument stays closed every Friday for general viewing. Visitors can use three entry points:

East Gate: Least crowded, ideal for foreign tourists and sunrise visits
West Gate: More popular but typically busier with longer queues
South Gate: Primarily functions as an exit point now

Note that visitors must enter 45 minutes before sunset at the latest.

Security checks and prohibited items

The Taj Mahal’s security procedures are as strict as airport screening. Men and women must use separate queues. You cannot bring these items:

Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks
Tobacco products, lighters, and smoking materials
Food items and liquor
Mobile chargers, headphones, and large bags
Books and printed materials

The main mausoleum does not allow photography. You should only carry basic items like water bottles, cameras, phones, and wallets.

Carrying valid ID and ticket copies

You must show valid identification that matches your Taj Mahal ticket details. These IDs are accepted:

Passport for foreign visitors
Aadhaar, voter ID, or driving license for Indian nationals

You can show your digital tickets on your phone without printed copies.

Refund and cancelation policies

Taj Mahal online tickets are usually non-refundable. You cannot change e-tickets after purchase. Official ASI bookings offer these refund options:

Full refund: 24 hours before visit date
Partial refund: 2-24 hours before (with deductions)
No refund: Same-day cancelation

Refunds typically reach your account in 7-10 working days.

Conclusion

Booking your Taj Mahal tickets online makes your visit to this world-renowned monument easier and more enjoyable. No one wants to waste precious vacation time in long queues when they could be admiring one of the world’s most spectacular architectural wonders. A little planning and securing tickets through the official ASI website will save you time and prevent hassles.

This piece covers everything you need for a great Taj Mahal visit – from ticket options and 2026 pricing to using the online booking system. You can also explore special experiences like night viewing during full moon periods, which gives you an exceptional view of this magnificent monument.

The small price gap between simple entry and mausoleum access makes the upgrade worth it. You’ll get to see the intricate marble inlay work up close, and the remarkable acoustics inside the main chamber are worth the extra ₹200.

Your visit’s timing can shape your entire experience. Sunrise visits offer stunning photo opportunities and help you dodge the biggest crowds. Weekday visits usually mean fewer tourists to work around.

Being alert to common scams and having proper ID that matches your ticket details will help you enter smoothly. Your memories of this stunning symbol of eternal love will last forever, especially without any avoidable problems.

You now have all the information to book your Taj Mahal tickets with confidence and experience one of humanity’s most breathtaking creations. Happy travels!

Key Takeaways

Master the art of booking Taj Mahal tickets online to skip queues, save money, and secure your spot at this UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts over 7 million visitors annually.

Book online through ASI’s official website to save ₹50 for foreigners and avoid hours-long queues during peak season
Foreign tourists pay ₹1,100 base entry plus ₹200 for mausoleum access (total ₹1,300), while Indians pay ₹50 plus ₹200 for inner chamber
Visit during sunrise or weekdays for fewer crowds; book 2-3 days ahead during October-March peak season when accommodation costs rise
Night viewing occurs only 5 nights monthly around full moon (₹750 for foreigners) but requires in-person ticket purchase 24 hours prior
Carry valid ID matching your ticket details and avoid prohibited items like tripods, food, and large bags during thorough security checks

The key to a memorable Taj Mahal experience lies in advance planning. Online booking not only guarantees entry but also provides valuable time savings that can be spent appreciating this architectural masterpiece rather than waiting in lines.

FAQs

Q1. How early can I purchase Taj Mahal tickets?

Taj Mahal tickets can be booked up to 7 days in advance through the official booking system. It’s recommended to book at least 2-3 days ahead during peak season (October-March) to ensure availability.

Q2. Is there a price advantage to buying Taj Mahal tickets online?

Yes, purchasing tickets online offers a small discount. Foreign tourists save ₹50 per ticket, while Indian visitors save ₹5 per ticket when booking through the official ASI website.

Q3. What is the current entry fee for the Taj Mahal?

As of 2026, foreign tourists pay ₹1,100 for basic entry, with an additional ₹200 for mausoleum access (total ₹1,300). Indian visitors pay ₹50 for basic entry, plus ₹200 for the mausoleum (total ₹250).

Q4. Are there special viewing options available at the Taj Mahal?

Yes, night viewing is available on five nights monthly around the full moon. Tickets for night viewing cost ₹750 for foreign tourists and must be purchased in person 24 hours before the viewing date.

Q5. What should I bring for entry into the Taj Mahal?

Bring a valid ID that matches the details on your ticket, such as a passport for foreign visitors or government-issued ID for Indian nationals. Carry only essentials like water, camera, and wallet, as many items are prohibited inside.

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