Baths of Caracalla, Rome: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Explore the Baths of Caracalla with this visitor guide covering 2026 ticket prices, seasonal opening hours, and tips for visiting in summer.

When I walked towards the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, the sheer scale of the brickwork caught me off guard. It is not just a ruin; it is a monstrous skeleton of what was once the most luxurious leisure centre in the empire. Unlike the Colosseum, where you fight for elbow room unless on a private tour, the Baths feel vast and surprisingly quiet. You can actually hear the gravel crunch under your feet here, which is a rare luxury in Rome.

Quick overview

The Baths of Caracalla are open daily from 9:00 AM, but closing times vary wildly depending on the season (from 4:30 PM in winter to 7:15 PM in summer). Entry is €8.00 for a standard ticket, though prices jump to €13.00 if a temporary exhibition is on.

How much do the Baths of Caracalla cost?

Pricing here can be a bit tricky because it often depends on whether they are hosting a special art exhibition inside the ruins. When I checked in January 2026, the base price was stable, but you should always budget for the “exhibition surcharge” just in case.

Are the Baths of Caracalla free to enter?

Yes, but only for specific groups or on specific days.

• Under 18s: Free entry (bring passport ID).
• First Sunday of the Month: Free for everyone (expect heavy crowds).
• Disabled Visitors: Free entry for Disability Card holders and one companion.

What time do the Baths of Caracalla open?

The opening time is consistently 9:00 AM (or 9:30 AM in deep winter), but closing times chase the sunset. This catches many visitors out.

• 30 March – 31 August: 09:00 – 19:15
• 1 – 30 September: 09:00 – 19:00
• October: 09:00 – 18:30
• End Oct – 31 December: 09:00 – 16:30
• 1 January – 28 February: 09:30 – 16:30
• 1 – 29 March: 09:00 – 17:30

Warning: The ticket office closes strictly one hour before the site shuts. If you arrive at 4:00 PM in December, you will not get in. Mondays are typically open, unlike many other Roman museums which close on Monday afternoons.

These Baths of Caracalla ticket prices and opening times were checked and verified in January 2026.

Do I need to book Baths of Caracalla tickets in advance?

Strictly speaking, no. This site is rarely as chaotic as the Vatican or Colosseum. You can usually walk up and buy a ticket at the gate with a minimal queue. However, if you are visiting on a weekend in summer, booking online via the Musei Italiani platform or a third party can save you 15 minutes of standing in the sun.

History of the baths

Emperor Caracalla inaugurated this complex in 216 AD. It wasn’t just a bathhouse; it was a statement of imperial power, capable of holding 1,600 bathers at once. It functioned for over 300 years until the Goths severed the aqueducts in 537 AD, rendering the baths dry and useless.

Inside: What to see

• The Caldarium: The hot room. Even as a ruin, the circular footprint is massive—the dome was once almost as wide as the Pantheon’s.
• The Mosaics: Look down. Large swathes of the original black and white geometric floor mosaics are still intact and exposed to the elements.
• The Natatio: The open-air swimming pool. You can still see the scale of the walls that once held giant mirrors to reflect the sunlight.
• The Underground (Sotterranei): A network of service tunnels where slaves kept the furnaces roaring. This area also houses a Mithraeum (temple to Mithras), though access to the Mithraeum itself is often restricted.

What’s included with your ticket?

A standard entry ticket gets you:

• Access to the main ground-level ruins.
• Access to the gardens surrounding the baths.
• Entry to the Underground Service Tunnels (usually included, but sometimes rotates).
• NOT Included: The Virtual Reality (4D) goggles. These are rented separately at the entrance and are highly recommended for visualizing the original marble glory.

Things to do near the Baths of Caracalla

Circus Maximus (600m, 8 min walk)

The ancient chariot racing stadium. It is mostly a grassy park now, but the shape is unmistakable and it is great for a walk.

The Aventine Keyhole (1.2km, 15 min walk)

A famous green door on the Aventine Hill. Peep through the keyhole for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Dome.

Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) (1.1km, 14 min walk)

Located just down the road from the Keyhole. It offers one of the best romantic sunset views over the Tiber and the city.

Appian Way Start (1.5km, 20 min walk)

The beginning of the ancient road (“Porta San Sebastiano”). It is walkable, but better to take a bus if you want to go deep into the catacombs area.

Case Romane del Celio (1.3km, 18 min walk)

Underneath the Basilica of Saints John and Paul, these are incredibly well-preserved ancient Roman houses with frescoes.

Slightly further afield, key sites in Rome include the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums, the bone art of the Capuchin Crypt and the most complete Ancient Roman building, the Pantheon.

Practical tips

• Water: There are water fountains (nasoni) inside the grounds. Bring a refillable bottle as it gets incredibly hot in the open ruins.
• Shade: There is very little roof cover. In July and August, visit at 9:00 AM sharp or late afternoon to fend off heatstroke.
• Virtual Reality: I strongly suggest renting the VR headset at the kiosk. It overlays the original decorations onto the ruins, which helps make sense of the brick skeletons.
• Accessibility: The site is surprisingly wheelchair friendly, with flat paths installed throughout the main areas of the complex.

FAQs

More Rome travel

Other Rome travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• Why Rome is a brilliant city for solo travellers.
• What Rome’s piazzas sadly lack.
• How Julius Caesar’s assassination site became a cat sanctuary.
• Can you take photos inside Rome’s Capuchin Crypt?
• A practical guide to visiting the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum.