Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026: Entry Fee, Online Booking & Timings
Check the official Taj Mahal ticket prices for 2026, including entry fees for Indian, foreign and SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors, the ₹200 mausoleum ticket, online booking, entry gates, opening hours, Friday closure and night-viewing information.
Short answer: The official Taj Mahal entry fee in 2026 is ₹50 for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, ₹540 for SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors, and ₹1,100 for other foreign visitors. Entry inside the main marble mausoleum costs an additional ₹200 per person.
That means an adult paying for both regular admission and main-mausoleum access pays ₹250 as an Indian/OCI visitor, ₹740 as a SAARC/BIMSTEC visitor, or ₹1,300 as another foreign visitor.
Children below 15 years are exempt from the standard Taj Mahal entry fee.
Important: The Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday.
Ticket prices and procedures can change, so always reconfirm through the official Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ticketing system before your visit.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026
| Visitor Category | Standard Entry | Main Mausoleum Add-On | Adult Total With Mausoleum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Citizen / OCI Cardholder | ₹50 | ₹200 | ₹250 |
| SAARC / BIMSTEC Visitor | ₹540 | ₹200 | ₹740 |
| Foreign Visitor | ₹1,100 | ₹200 | ₹1,300 |
| Child Below 15 | Standard entry free | Check current ASI booking option | Confirm when booking |
Last checked: September 2026.
The ₹200 mausoleum charge is optional. You need it only if you want to enter the main marble mausoleum.
What Does the Standard Taj Mahal Ticket Include?
The standard entry ticket gives you access to the main Taj Mahal complex, including the gardens and outdoor monument areas.
It does not automatically include entry inside the main mausoleum chamber.
If entering the marble mausoleum is important to you, select the additional ₹200 mausoleum option when purchasing your ticket.
This distinction causes considerable confusion because many travelers assume the normal Taj Mahal ticket includes every part of the monument.
It does not.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for Foreigners
The official standard entry fee for most foreign tourists is:
₹1,100 per adult
Add:
₹200 if you want main-mausoleum access.
Total for a Foreign Visitor
₹1,100 + ₹200 = ₹1,300
Do not confuse the ₹1,300 combined total with the standard entry fee.
Some third-party websites display the pricing unclearly and can make it appear that ₹1,300 is the base ticket before the mausoleum surcharge.
The official published base fee is ₹1,100.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for Indian Visitors
Indian citizens and OCI cardholders currently pay:
₹50 standard entry
Add:
₹200 for main-mausoleum access
Total
₹250 per adult with mausoleum access
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for SAARC and BIMSTEC Visitors
Eligible visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries currently pay:
₹540 standard entry
Add:
₹200 for main-mausoleum access
Total
₹740 per adult with mausoleum access
Carry appropriate government-issued identification or your passport so your visitor category can be verified if necessary.
Is the Main Mausoleum Ticket Worth Buying?
For most first-time visitors who want the complete Taj Mahal experience, it is worth considering.
The standard entry ticket lets you experience the gardens and exterior of the monument, which are the most visually impressive parts of the complex.
The additional mausoleum ticket lets you enter the central marble structure.
Inside, visitors can see the cenotaphs associated with Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and view the marble craftsmanship from much closer range.
However, the interior experience is relatively brief and can become crowded.
So the decision is simple:
Buy it if: entering the actual mausoleum matters to you.
Skip it if: your priority is photography, the gardens, architecture from outside or you have very limited time.
How to Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online
The safest option is to use the official Archaeological Survey of India ticketing system rather than an unofficial reseller.
The basic booking process is:
- Open the official ASI ticket-booking portal.
- Select the Agra circle or Taj Mahal.
- Choose your visit date.
- Select the correct visitor category.
- Choose the main-mausoleum option if required.
- Enter the requested visitor details.
- Complete payment.
- Save your electronic ticket or QR code to your phone.
Take a screenshot of your ticket before leaving your hotel so you are not dependent on mobile data at the entrance.
Should You Print the Ticket?
A digital ticket or QR code is normally the practical option, but keeping a screenshot and your booking confirmation available is sensible.
Also carry valid government-issued photo identification.
Official Taj Mahal Online Ticket Discount
The official Taj Mahal website currently states that online buyers receive a small discount:
- ₹5 on an Indian ticket
- ₹50 on a foreign visitor ticket
Because ticketing systems and fees can change, check the final amount shown by the official ASI portal before payment.
Can You Buy Taj Mahal Tickets at the Gate?
Yes.
Official ticket counters are available at the East Gate and West Gate.
However, online booking is usually more convenient because it removes the need to first stand in the ticket-purchase queue.
Remember:
Buying online does not allow you to bypass mandatory monument security.
Every visitor must still complete the required entry and security procedures.
Taj Mahal Entry Gates Explained
This is another area where outdated travel information causes confusion.
East Gate
The East Gate is one of the main visitor entrances.
It is commonly convenient for travelers staying around Tajganj, Fatehabad Road and the hotel areas east of the monument.
An official ticket counter is available on the East Gate side.
West Gate
The West Gate is also open for visitor entry and has an official ticket counter.
It can become busy, particularly when larger numbers of domestic visitors arrive.
Which gate is more convenient depends largely on where you are staying and how your driver or guide has planned the visit.
South Gate
The South Gate is currently not open for visitor entry. It is used for exit only.
Be careful with older travel articles that continue to describe all three Taj Mahal gates as active entry gates.
Taj Mahal Opening Time
The Taj Mahal operates according to sunrise and sunset rather than one identical clock time throughout the year.
On normal visiting days:
Opening: approximately 30 minutes before sunrise
Closing: approximately 30 minutes before sunset
Actual sunrise and sunset change throughout the year.
This means there is no single permanent 6:00 AM opening time that applies every day.
Taj Mahal Ticket Counter Timings
Do not confuse monument opening hours with ticket-counter hours.
Official information currently states that ticket windows at the East and West Gates operate:
From approximately one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset.
This is one reason online booking is useful if you plan to arrive early.
Is the Taj Mahal Open on Friday?
No.
The Taj Mahal is closed to general sightseeing every Friday.
Friday is reserved for prayers at the mosque within the Taj Mahal complex.
If the Taj Mahal is the main reason for your Agra trip, always check the day of the week before booking:
- Hotel
- Train
- Delhi–Agra tour
- Private car
- Guide
- Golden Triangle itinerary
If your planned Golden Triangle visit places Agra on Friday, the route can often be adjusted.
Is There a Free Entry Day at the Taj Mahal?
There is no regular weekly free-entry day that travelers should plan around.
Friday is a closure day, not a free sightseeing day.
ASI may sometimes announce special arrangements or fee waivers connected with particular events or occasions, but you should not rely on an old blog or an expected annual date.
If you see a website claiming a particular 2026 free-entry date, confirm it directly through an official ASI announcement before changing your travel plans.
Children below 15 remain exempt from the standard daytime entry fee.
Can Students Get a Taj Mahal Discount?
The current standard official price table does not list a general student discount for normal Taj Mahal daytime admission.
Do not assume that carrying a student card automatically provides discounted Taj Mahal entry.
Use the visitor category available in the official ASI booking system.
Is There a Senior Citizen Discount?
The standard official Taj Mahal price table does not currently list a separate general senior-citizen admission category.
Senior visitors therefore should check the category that applies to their nationality when booking.
Is There a Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line Ticket?
There is no official VIP or skip-the-security ticket.
This is an important distinction.
Online booking can save time because you do not need to purchase your ticket at the physical ticket counter.
A pre-arranged tour can also make the process easier because your ticket and guide may already be organized.
But every visitor still has to follow the monument's official entry and security procedures.
Be cautious if anyone promises that they can completely bypass mandatory security checks.
What Foreign Visitor Tickets Include
According to current official Taj Mahal visitor information, the foreign visitor ticket includes additional visitor facilities such as:
- Shoe covers
- A water bottle
- Tourist guide map of Agra
- Battery-bus / golf-cart service connected with monument access
Services can change, so check current arrangements when you visit.
What Should You Carry With Your Ticket?
Carry:
- Your electronic ticket / QR code
- Passport or government-issued photo ID
- Phone with a screenshot of the ticket
- Only essential belongings
Travel light because the Taj Mahal has strict security rules.
For a complete list of permitted and prohibited items, read our Taj Mahal Visiting Rules & Tips.
What Items Are Not Allowed?
The official visitor rules restrict a range of items, including food, smoking materials, drones, large bags and various objects that can create security or conservation concerns.
Tripods also require appropriate permission.
Rather than carrying a large day bag and discovering a problem at security, take only what you actually need for the visit.
For the detailed list, see our Taj Mahal Visiting Rules & Tips.
Taj Mahal Night Viewing Tickets
Night viewing is completely separate from a normal daytime Taj Mahal ticket.
Night viewing is generally available on five nights around the full moon:
- Two nights before the full moon
- The full-moon night
- Two nights after the full moon
It is not available on Fridays or during the month of Ramzan under the current official rules.
Current Published Night-Viewing Prices
| Visitor | Night-Viewing Ticket |
|---|---|
| Indian Adult | ₹510 |
| Foreign Adult | ₹750 |
| Child aged 3–15 | ₹500 |
Night viewing takes place in limited 30-minute batches and capacity is restricted.
Because dates and availability are limited, check the official booking system for your exact travel date rather than assuming a full-moon date automatically guarantees admission.
Is Sunrise More Expensive?
No separate premium daytime ticket is required simply because you enter around sunrise.
Normal visitor-category ticket prices apply.
What changes is the opening time because it is linked to sunrise.
If you are deciding whether an early visit is actually right for your travel month, read our Taj Mahal Sunrise vs Sunset guide.
Winter travelers should remember that December and January can sometimes bring morning fog to Agra, so sunrise is not automatically the best option every day.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
There is no reason to leave your ticket until the last minute once your date is confirmed.
During busy travel periods, weekends and Indian holidays, arranging the ticket in advance reduces uncertainty.
However, avoid relying on old travel blogs that claim one permanent advance-booking window.
Booking rules can change.
Use the dates currently offered by the official ASI ticket portal for your visit.
Common Taj Mahal Ticket Mistakes
1. Thinking ₹1,300 Is the Foreign Base Price
It is not.
The standard foreign entry is ₹1,100.
₹1,300 is the combined adult total when the ₹200 main-mausoleum ticket is added.
2. Forgetting the Main Mausoleum Add-On
The normal ticket and mausoleum ticket are separate components.
Select the correct option before arriving if you want interior access.
3. Arriving on Friday
The Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday.
4. Buying From an Unofficial Reseller Without Checking
Third-party sites can charge additional fees or package the ticket with services you may not need.
Check whether you are dealing with the official ASI system before paying.
5. Believing “Skip the Line” Means Skip Security
It does not.
Online tickets can save the ticket-counter step, but security remains mandatory.
6. Following Old South Gate Advice
The South Gate is currently exit-only.
Use the East or West Gate for entry.
7. Depending on Mobile Internet
Screenshot your QR ticket before you arrive.
8. Assuming Sunrise Always Means a Better View
Winter fog can sometimes make a later visit much clearer.
Visiting Independently vs Booking a Tour
You do not need a tour package to visit the Taj Mahal.
Independent travelers can purchase an official ticket, reach the monument and explore on their own.
A private guided tour becomes useful when you want someone else to handle:
- Delhi–Agra transportation
- Ticket arrangements
- Pickup and drop-off
- Monument sequencing
- A private local guide
- Agra Fort
- Meal arrangements
- Optional Baby Taj sightseeing
If you are staying in Delhi and have only one free day, see our Same-Day Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Private Car.
For broader Agra planning, read our Ultimate Taj Mahal Travel Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Taj Mahal entry fee in 2026?
The current standard entry fees are ₹50 for Indian/OCI visitors, ₹540 for eligible SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors and ₹1,100 for other foreign visitors. Main-mausoleum access costs an additional ₹200.
What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for foreigners?
The standard foreign visitor ticket is ₹1,100. With the ₹200 main-mausoleum add-on, the adult total is ₹1,300.
What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for Indians?
Indian citizens and OCI cardholders currently pay ₹50 for standard entry. Adding main-mausoleum access makes the adult total ₹250.
How much is the Taj Mahal mausoleum ticket?
The additional main-mausoleum ticket is ₹200 per person under the current published tariff.
Is Taj Mahal entry free for children?
Children below 15 years are exempt from the standard daytime entry fee. Check the current ASI booking flow if you also want mausoleum access for a child.
Can I book Taj Mahal tickets online?
Yes. Taj Mahal tickets can be booked through the official Archaeological Survey of India ticketing system.
Can I buy Taj Mahal tickets at the gate?
Yes. Official ticket counters operate on the East and West Gate sides.
Which Taj Mahal gate should I use?
The East and West Gates currently admit visitors. The most convenient choice depends on your hotel and transport arrangements. The South Gate is currently exit-only.
What time does the Taj Mahal open?
It normally opens approximately 30 minutes before sunrise.
What time does the Taj Mahal close?
It normally closes approximately 30 minutes before sunset.
Is the Taj Mahal closed on Friday?
Yes. It is closed to general visitors every Friday.
Is Friday a free-entry day?
No. Friday is a closure day for normal sightseeing.
Is there a student discount?
The current standard official price table does not list a general student discount for normal daytime admission.
Is there a senior citizen discount?
The current standard official tariff does not list a separate general senior-citizen category.
Is there a skip-the-line ticket?
There is no official ticket that bypasses mandatory security. Online booking can save time at the ticket-purchase counter.
Do I need to print my online ticket?
Keeping the electronic QR ticket available on your phone is practical. Save a screenshot as backup and carry valid photo identification.
Is the Taj Mahal ticket more expensive at sunrise?
The normal daytime visitor-category tariff applies. Sunrise does not require a separate premium daytime ticket.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night?
Limited night viewing is available around selected full-moon dates under separate ticketing arrangements.
Final Advice
The most important thing to understand about Taj Mahal tickets is that the pricing itself is actually simple:
Indian / OCI: ₹50
SAARC / BIMSTEC: ₹540
Foreign visitor: ₹1,100
Main mausoleum: +₹200
The confusion usually comes from outdated websites, third-party resellers, changing booking portals and incorrect information about gates or “VIP” entry.
Use the official ASI booking system, select the correct visitor category, decide whether you want mausoleum access, carry identification and remember that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.
For everything beyond tickets — security rules, what to wear and what you can carry — continue with our Taj Mahal Visiting Rules & Tips.
If you are planning the complete visit, read our Ultimate Taj Mahal Travel Guide.
And if you are coming from Delhi, explore our Same-Day Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi by Private Car.
