Prado Museum Tickets

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Prado Museum entrance in Madrid with visitors and a HOHO bus in the background.
























































From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Luiz Ney Todero

Luiz

Jan 2026

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Buy tickets in advance and securely, quickly access the website, which has a smart design that makes it easy for anyone to understand and make a purchase. And arriving at the venue without having to wait in line is the best!
Gregory Khasin
US

Gregory

United States
Jan 2026

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In the to I'm sure because p I'm sure because he 5 museums in the world. No line in early January. Great placing in lighting.
Garbagni Stefano
IT

Garbagni

Italy
Jan 2026

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Great initiative, we skipped the lines, especially at the Prado. I suggest a premium version that allows you to enter museums multiple times.
Gianfranco Natalizio

Gianfranco

Dec 2025

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+1 more

Entrance to all three museums without a line , you just have to change tickets to enter. The service provided was done professionally and fairly. We also saved money on the total price of the three museums
Carlos César
BR

Carlos

Brazil
Jan 2026

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+1 more

We enjoyed the tour very much. We took line 2 (Modern Madrid) and then line 1 (Classic Madrid). We want to congratulate the manager Salvatore. He guided us wonderfully and had a great last minute idea: he suggested us to get off and take line 2 (the back bus) first; this way we could enjoy both lines in a row. Congratulations!
Fabiola Mundo
US

Fabiola

United States
Jan 2026

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Very good tour! Juan Antonio was very knowledagble and added great humor to the paintings to keep the tour interesting! Would absolutely recommend and do again. We truly skipped all lines and were able to do both the palace and Museo del Prado in 5 hours exactly.
Donovan Asis Ferrao
KW

Donovan

Kuwait
Jan 2026

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The Palace was majestic and having booked our tickets online saved us from standing in a 3 hour line. Every room within the Palace was indicative of the gradeur and royalty of the Spanish monarchy. We did a self guided tour which allowed us to go about and explore at our own pace. Thank you Headput for the smooth experience.
Nadia Bertoglio
IT

Nadia

Italy
Dec 2025

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I saw the Royal Palace in Madrid. Great experience, the skip the line ticket very helpful. Only flaw I didn't realize that the audio guide was only available on the app and not physically provided during the visit.


Things to know before booking Prado Museum tickets

  • You have three main ticket types: timed-entry tickets, skip-the-line guided tours, and audio-guide tickets. Choose based on how you like to explore: solo and flexible, or with an expert leading the way.
  • Want something special? Tickets with an exclusive guidebook give you a curated path through the Prado, insider tips, and detailed artwork stories. Perfect if you love structure and want the best self-guided experience.
  • Planning a culture-filled day? Get the Art Walk Pass (Paseo del Arte) to access the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza—Madrid’s famous golden art triangle.
  • Short on time but want to see more of Madrid? Combo tickets with the Royal Palace, guided tour of both the sites, or panoramic tuk-tuk tours help you maximize sightseeing with just one booking.
  • Into rare finds or trending exhibits? Check if the Prado has temporary exhibitions during your visit. These limited-time collections are often highlights for repeat visitors.
  • Free hours are available, but crowded. Booking ahead saves you from long lines and lets you explore comfortably without rushing.

Your Prado Museum tickets explained

Ticket typeDurationGuideInclusionsAdd-ons/Upgrades
Timed ticket

Flexible

Timed entry to the Prado Museum, Access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions

Exclusive guidebook covering highlights, local tips & nearby landmarks, Guided tour in English, Audio guide in 10 languages

Skip-the-line guided tour

90 to 120 minutes

English, Spanish, French, or Italian-speaking guide

Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum, Expert-led guided tour, Access to permanent and temporary collections

Choose a guide in the language of your choice

Art Walk Pass

Flexible

Skip-the-line entry to Thyssen National Museum, Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, Access to the permanent collection at all three museums, Access to some temporary exhibitions at Prado and Reina Sofía

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace

Flexible

Skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid, Access to the Grand Staircase, Royal Library, Royal Armory, Crown Room & main halls, Timed entry to Prado, Access to permanent collections

Timed tickets + tuk-tuk tour

Flexible

English and Spanish-speaking guide and driver (for the tuk-tuk tour)

Timed entry to the Prado Museum, Access to all permanent and temporary exhibitions, 2-hour tour of Madrid via an electric tuk-tuk, Private tour with a maximum of four people

Prado Museum floor-by-floor highlights

The Museo del Prado is arranged across multiple levels, each housing a treasure trove of European masterpieces spanning centuries of artistic genius. To make the most of your visit, here’s a floor-by-floor breakdown of the essential artworks and collections not to miss.

Ground Floor (Floor 0): Gothic & Early Renaissance Marvels

Start your journey with spellbinding works from the early stages of European art. This floor explores religious iconography, vivid altarpieces, and powerful symbolism from the Gothic and early Renaissance periods.

Must-sees:

  • The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch: A surreal triptych that combines fantastical imagery with deep philosophical themes. Bosch’s most iconic work invites endless interpretation and remains one of the Prado’s most talked-about highlights.
  • Works by Rogier van der Weyden & Fra Angelico: Representing Flemish precision and Italian devotion, these pieces reveal fascinating contrasts in early European art styles.

First Floor (Floor 1): The Spanish Golden Age

This floor is dominated by some of the most influential Spanish painters, offering insight into the Baroque brilliance of the 17th century and beyond.

Must-sees:

  • Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez: A revolutionary masterpiece that plays with perspective, narrative, and viewer engagement. It's a cornerstone of Western portraiture, rich in both technical skill and hidden meaning.
  • Works by El Greco and Ribera: Their emotionally intense and spiritually charged canvases provide cultural depth and dramatic flair to this level.

Second Floor (Floor 2): Goya & the Age of Modernity

Experience the emotional gravity and social commentary that drove 19th-century art, particularly through the eyes of Francisco de Goya, one of Spain’s most profound and provocative painters.

Must-sees:

  • The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya: An unflinching look at the horrors of war and a landmark in political art, this painting continues to speak powerfully across generations.
  • Black Paintings by Goya: Originally painted on the walls of his home, these haunting, psychological works, including Saturn Devouring His Son, represent a radical shift towards expressionism and modern art.
  • Romantic and Realist artworks from contemporaries: Get a broader look at how art began to reflect inner turmoil, societal changes, and a deeper psychological realism.

Prado Museum maps and layout

Prado map floor 0
Prado map floor 1
Prado map floor 2
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Floor 0 (Welcome & first masterpieces)

Start your Prado journey here, where ticket checks, help desks, and audio guide counters make life easier. Grab a quick espresso at the café before stepping into the temporary exhibition halls. Don’t miss early gems from Raphael and Renaissance masters that quietly set the tone for everything ahead.

Floor 1 (Goya, El Greco & Velázquez territory)

This level is the heart of the Prado. Step into the moody, mystical visions of El Greco, then walk toward the powerful Goya rooms, his portraits, royal commissions, and darker phases unfold like a story. Nearby, Velázquez steals the spotlight, leading you ultimately toward Spain’s most iconic work, Las Meninas.

Floor 2 (Rubens, Rembrandt & the sculpture cloister)

Head up to explore dramatic storytelling through brushstrokes. Rubens dazzles with mythological energy, while Rembrandt’s portraits glow with intimate light. Goya returns here in rare pieces, offering another layer to his legacy. Don’t miss the Cloister sculpture area, which is quiet, atmospheric, and perfect for a reflective break.

Plan your visit to the Prado Museum

  • Official hours: Monday–Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sundays and holidays: 10am – 7pm
  • Recommended visit duration: Allocate 2–3 hours to explore the highlights at a leisurely pace.
  • Last entry: Ensure you enter during your designated time slot, as Museo Prado tickets are time-specific.
  • Closed days: The museum is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. 
  • Special note: During free-entry hours (last two hours on weekdays), expect longer queues and limited access to temporary exhibits
  • Weekday mornings: Arriving right at opening (10am) helps you beat the crowd and enjoy a quieter ambiance.
  • Late afternoon: Galleries tend to calm down, and the soft light adds a magical touch to masterpieces like Las Meninas.
  • Low season: Visit during January and February when the visitor numbers are lower, offering you a more uninterrupted experience.
  • Tip: Try to avoid busy weekends or holiday periods (Easter, late December) if you prefer a more relaxed visit.

By metro:

  • Nearest Stop: Banco de España (Line 2); a 10-minute walk along Paseo del Prado.
  • Alternative: Estación del Arte (Atocha on Line 1) – about 5–10 minutes on foot. 

By bus:

  • Look for the “Museo del Prado” bus stop; several lines (e.g., 9, 10, 14, 19, 27) stop directly in front of the museum. 
  • Estimated walking time from stop: 3 minutes

By car:

  • Parking option: Plaza de las Cortes Parking (approximately 400 meters away; about a 5-minute walk).
  • Note: Driving from Madrid’s city center typically takes around 10–15 minutes, but consider traffic in peak hours.

Main entrance (Jerónimos Entrance):

  • Located on Paseo del Prado and often used by pre-booked Museo Nacional del Prado ticket holders and guided tour groups.
  • Easily spotted near the iconic façade and adjacent to other cultural landmarks.

Alternative entrances:

  • Goya Entrance and Murillo Entrance: These additional access points reduce waiting times and are clearly signposted.

Tip: Follow on-site directions and look for signage directing you towards the correct entrance based on your ticket type.

  • Lockers & cloakrooms: Free secure lockers are available with your Prado tickets to store large bags and backpacks before entering the galleries. 
  • Restrooms & changing rooms: Clean and well-maintained restrooms are strategically located throughout the museum. 
  • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible with ramps and elevators at every level; wheelchairs are available upon request. 
  • Museum shop: Find art books, souvenirs, and exclusive Prado merchandise
  • Cafe: Convenient café inside the museum offers light bites, snacks, and beverages.
  • Seating areas: Benches and seating in galleries for moments of rest as you enjoy exceptional artworks.
  • protect the artworks. 
  • Bag restrictions: Large bags and backpacks must be checked in at the lockers before entering the exhibition halls.
  • Food & drinks: Consumption of food or drinks in the exhibition areas is strictly prohibited.
  • Behavioral guidelines: Maintain a quiet decorum to respect fellow visitors and preserve the museum’s atmosphere. Always follow staff directions regarding entry and gallery rules. 

Visitor tips

  • Avoid the jam-packed crowd by opting for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Early slots around 10am give you access to peaceful galleries, while late slots reward you with golden lighting and shorter lines.
  • Museo Nacional del Prado tickets are time-specific, so pre-booking is essential. Not only do you skip long entry lines, but you also get more control over your schedule, especially if you're combining your visit with nearby sites.
  • The museum is home to over 8,000 artworks, so winging it isn’t ideal. Prioritize top works like The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch, Goya’s Third of May 1808, and Rubens’ vibrant canvases. 
  • Pick the guidebook option with your Prado ticket if you want the full experience. It provides tips from locals, artwork backgrounds, and an interactive floor plan. Great for navigating the sprawling collection without missing highlights.
  • The multilingual audio guide offers deeper context on hundreds of pieces, but it’s even better with your own earphones. You'll thank yourself during your 2+ hour visit.
  • You’ll be standing or walking for much of your visit, so comfortable, supportive shoes are a must. Dress in layers, as galleries can be cool compared to the sunny Madrid heat outside.
  • Keep phones silent, limit group chatter, and move to the sides of galleries when observing popular works to let others enjoy the view as well.

Frequently asked questions about Prado Museum tickets

Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours at the Prado Museum. Art enthusiasts might linger longer, while casual tourists often focus on the highlights.