How Much is Taj Mahal Ticket 2026? Entry Fee, Hours & Booking Process

The Taj Mahal stands as one of India's most recognizable symbols—a monument to love, loss, and the architectural ambition of the Mughal empire. Yet before you can stand before its white marble facade and experience its undeniable beauty, you need to navigate a few practical realities: how much will entry cost, when should you actually arrive, and what's the smartest way to secure your ticket.

I've helped countless travelers prepare for Taj visits, and the same questions come up repeatedly. People arrive without clear understanding of pricing, miss optimal timing windows, or waste hours in ticket queues during peak season. This isn't just inconvenience—it diminishes what should be a profound experience.

This guide covers exactly what you need to know. Current ticket prices verified against official ASI sources, realistic opening and closing times broken down by season, the honest truth about online versus counter booking, and practical tips based on how the monument actually operates in 2026.

Taj Mahal Entry Fee 2026: What You'll Pay

Pricing varies significantly based on your nationality. This isn't discrimination—it's the standard international practice for UNESCO sites in India. Local governments subsidize costs for Indian citizens, while international visitors pay market rates.

Indian Citizens and OCI cardholders

Entry to the main complex costs ₹50. This genuinely is affordable—roughly 60 cents USD. If you want to enter the main mausoleum chamber itself (the internal marble room), add ₹200. Most travelers do pay this extra fee for the interior experience. So a complete visit runs ₹250 total for Indians. Children below 15 are free everywhere.

SAARC and BIMSTEC nationals

This category includes citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. Entry is ₹540, plus ₹200 for the mausoleum interior, totaling ₹740. You'll need a valid passport to verify nationality.

Foreign tourists

Here's where costs jump. Complex entry is ₹1,100. Interior mausoleum access is an additional ₹200. Most foreign visitors pay both, totaling ₹1,300. This still costs less than many European monuments—the Eiffel Tower runs about €29, and the Colosseum €16–24. The Taj is remarkably affordable given its status.

The ADA toll (for foreign tourists only)

Foreign visitors encounter an additional ₹500 ADA toll (called Pathkar). This is shared across all Agra monuments. Buy it once at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, or Itmad-ud-Daulah, and you won't pay it again at other monuments the same day. It's genuinely a single-day pass, not per-monument. On Fridays, this toll is waived entirely—so Friday visits save you ₹500.

Online booking discount

Book online through ASI and you receive a modest discount: ₹5 off Indian tickets, ₹50 off foreign tickets. So foreign tourists save ₹50 from the ₹1,100 base price when booking online. It's a small incentive, but on top of faster entry, it makes sense.

Night viewing premium

The Taj Mahal offers night viewing during full moon periods—five nights monthly (full moon plus two days before and after). Night tickets cost ₹750 for Indians, ₹1,100 for foreign tourists. These must be booked in advance at the ASI office (minimum one day ahead). Capacity is limited to 400 visitors per night across eight 30-minute viewing slots.

Taj Mahal Timings: When Gates Actually Open

Understanding opening times requires abandoning the idea of fixed hours. The Taj Mahal operates on a sunrise-to-sunset schedule, not clock hours.

The basic operating principle

Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes before sunset. This isn't arbitrary—natural light is essential for appreciating the marble's color and detail. Interior chambers lack electric lighting. Safety requires daylight navigation. The monument physically cannot operate under artificial light alone.

January 2026 specific timings

In January, sunrise occurs around 6:35–6:45 AM. Gates open approximately 6:05–6:15 AM. Sunset is around 5:30–5:45 PM, so gates close around 5:00–5:15 PM. This gives roughly 11 hours of potential visiting time.

Seasonal variations matter

Summer (April–June): Sunrise as early as 4:50–5:15 AM, so gates open 5:20–5:45 AM. Sunset around 7:00 PM, gates close 6:30 PM. You have roughly 13 hours. However, midday heat (May–June exceeds 45°C) makes afternoon visits miserable.

Monsoon (July–September): Sunrise around 5:30–5:50 AM, gates open 6:00–6:20 AM. Sunset around 6:30 PM, gates close 6:00 PM. Roughly 12 hours. Humidity is oppressive; occasional sudden rains occur.

Winter (October–March): Sunrise around 6:30–7:00 AM, gates open 6:00–6:30 AM. Sunset around 5:15–5:45 PM, gates close 4:45–5:15 PM. Roughly 10–11 hours. This is universally preferred—comfortable temperatures, clear light, pleasant conditions.

Critical: Ticket counter closing time

This trips up travelers regularly. Ticket counters close 45 minutes before sunset, not gates closing time. Arrive at 4:30 PM expecting to buy tickets at 5:00 PM, and you've missed the window. Counters close around 4:15 PM in January. Always purchase tickets by 3:30 PM latest if visiting in afternoon. Better yet, buy online in advance.

Friday closure

The Taj Mahal is completely closed to tourists every Friday. This is the only weekly closure. It's non-negotiable—the monument is used for mosque prayers. The closure is noon to 2 PM technically, but the entire day is off-limits for casual sightseeing. Plan your Agra itinerary with Friday closure in mind.

Online Booking: Step-by-Step Process

Online booking through the ASI portal (asiagracircle.in or asi.payumoney.com) is straightforward once you understand the steps.

Before you start

Have these details ready: your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport or ID number, email address, phone number, and how many people you're booking for. Collect information for all visitors in your group.

The actual booking process

Visit asiagracircle.in and navigate to the Taj Mahal booking section. Select your preferred date. Choose your time slot (early morning slots sell out first, especially Oct–Mar). Select your visitor category: Indian, SAARC/BIMSTEC, or Foreign. Enter visitor details one by one. For each person, you'll specify name, age, gender, and ID number. Add mausoleum access if you want interior entry (the ₹200 fee).

Review your order summary showing total cost, then proceed to payment. Payment accepts credit cards, debit cards, and net banking. After successful payment, you receive an email confirmation with a QR code. This QR code is your ticket. You can print it or show it on your phone at the gate.

Timing your online booking

Book at least 3–5 days in advance during peak season (Oct–Mar). Sunrise slots fill quickly. If visiting during off-season (Jun–Aug), booking one day before is often sufficient. Night viewings require booking at least one day in advance at the ASI office itself (not online).

What happens if you don't book online

You buy at gate ticket counters. During peak season (especially 11 AM–1 PM), expect 30–45 minute waits. During quiet hours (before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM), waits are minimal. Counter staff can sell the same tickets online pricing offers. There's no price difference or access difference between online and counter tickets—it's purely convenience versus wait time.

On-Site Ticket Purchase vs Online Booking: An Honest Comparison

When on-site counter purchase makes sense

You arrive early morning (before 7:30 AM) during any season. Queues are negligible—often fewer than 10 people. Counter service is fast. You can pay cash if you prefer. This approach works well for spontaneous visits or backup plans if online booking fails.

You're visiting during off-season (Jun–Aug) when tourist flow is light. On a random Thursday afternoon in July, the counter may have zero line.

When online booking is genuinely better

Peak season (Oct–Mar) and you're arriving between 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. Counter queues regularly exceed 30 minutes. Online booking eliminates this entirely—you walk straight through with your QR code. For sunrise visits (the optimal time), online booking guarantees you don't miss entry due to counter delays.

You're part of a larger group (8+ people). Individual counter bookings take time and create chaos. Online booking for your whole group is organized and faster.

You want to secure sunrise time slots specifically. Popular slots truly fill up during peak season. Online booking ahead of time guarantees your preferred timing.

The practical recommendation

Book online if visiting Oct–Mar or prioritizing sunrise. Buy at counter if visiting Jun–Aug or arriving before 8:00 AM. You genuinely cannot go wrong either way—online is just more convenient during congested periods.

Entry Rules and What You Need to Know

Required items and identification

Bring your ticket (printed or digital). Carry a valid photo ID—foreigners should have passports available. Indians may use driver's licenses or Aadhaar cards. Children don't typically need ID for free entry but don't hurt to have identification.

Security screening

All visitors pass through metal detectors and security checks. Expect 5–10 minutes for this process. Staff inspect bags visually. Remove metals (keys, coins, phones) before the detector. The process is standard and professional.

Items you cannot bring inside

Weapons of any kind. Explosives or flammable materials. Large sharp tools. Drones. Helmets. Large luggage or briefcases. Alcohol or intoxicants. Smoking materials. Flowers or religious offerings.

Items you can bring

Small day packs. Water bottles (reusable or sealed). Cameras (including professional equipment). Mobile phones. Sunscreen and medications. Regular clothing. Tripods for personal photography.

Photography guidelines

Personal photography with smartphones or cameras is completely free. Professional commercial filming (obviously with expensive equipment, multiple cameras, lighting rigs) requires special permission and fees. Casual tourists never encounter this issue. Tripods are allowed for personal use.

Best Time to Visit: Season and Time of Day Strategy

Why winter dominates visitor preferences

October through March offers perfect conditions. Temperatures range 10–25°C. Humidity is low. Light is golden and photographically ideal. The only downside: peak tourist season means crowds. But even crowded, the Taj's scale accommodates thousands without feeling overwhelming.

Peak within peak season is Dec–Jan when international tourists flood India for holiday travel. Prices are highest; early booking (8–12 weeks ahead) is essential. January specifically offers winter's best light—crisp, clear air, no haze.

Summer: brutal but rewarding for dedicated travelers

May–June sees temperatures above 40°C. Midday visits are genuinely dangerous—heat exhaustion becomes real risk. However, if you're willing to arrive at 5:30 AM departure (meaning 6:00–6:30 AM Taj arrival), summer is spectacular. Crowds are minimal—perhaps 50 visitors in early hours instead of 500. Light is dramatic. Prices are 30–40% cheaper than winter.

The tradeoff: discipline is mandatory. You must depart early and finish by 10:00 AM. Afternoon sightseeing is impossible.

Monsoon: atmospheric but unpredictable

Jul–Sep sees oppressive humidity and occasional sudden rains. However, post-rain moments offer moody, dramatic photography. Crowds drop significantly. Prices fall. The marble sometimes appears more luminous in humid conditions. This season suits photographers and atmospheric enthusiasts, not comfort-prioritizing travelers.

Time of day: early morning wins decisively

Sunrise viewing (6:00–8:00 AM depending on season) is universally recommended. Light transforms from cool blue to warm gold. Crowds are 80–90% lighter than midday. You're psychologically fresher. Marble details are crisp before atmospheric haze builds. This is the gold standard.

Late afternoon (4:00–5:30 PM) offers decent light and thinning crowds. Manageable but inferior to morning.

Avoid midday (10:00 AM–3:00 PM) entirely. Harsh overhead light washes out marble color. Peak crowds. Heat is oppressive. Photography is poor. Only visit midday if you genuinely have no alternative.

Nearby Attractions and Building Your Agra Itinerary

Agra Fort: 6 km away, 20 minutes by car

The second must-do monument. Taj Mahal reveals romance and loss; Agra Fort reveals Mughal imperial governance. Combined visit requires 4–5 hours total. Ideal combination: Taj sunrise (6:00–8:00 AM), breakfast, Agra Fort (10:00 AM–1:00 PM), lunch. This avoids exhaustion and spreads your sightseeing across comfortable hours.

Mehtab Bagh: 4 km away, 15 minutes by car

A garden opposite the Taj offering the best sunset views and reflection photography of the monument. Entry: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners). Visit 4:30–5:30 PM during golden hour. Takes roughly 1 hour. Essential for photographers; worthwhile for everyone seeking different Taj perspectives.

Itmad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj): 4 km away, 20 minutes by car

A white-marble monument often overlooked. Genuinely beautiful with intricate inlay work. Entry: ₹30 (Indians), ₹310 (foreigners). Spends 1–1.5 hours here without time pressure. Far fewer crowds than Taj.

Fatehpur Sikri: 37 km away, 1.5–2 hours drive

A complete abandoned Mughal city. Entry: ₹50 (Indians), ₹610 (foreigners). Requires half a day dedicated time. Not a quick add-on but genuinely worth it for history enthusiasts.

Ideal one-day itinerary

5:30 AM alarm. 6:00 AM Taj sunrise entry. 8:30 AM exit and breakfast. 10:30 AM Agra Fort entry. 1:00 PM lunch. 4:30 PM Mehtab Bagh for sunset. 6:00 PM return to hotel. This captures three monuments without exhaustion.

Taj Mahal Entry Fee Summary Table (2026)

Key point: Foreign tourists should factor in the ₹500 ADA toll (unless visiting Friday when it's waived). If combining Taj with Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, and Itmad-ud-Daulah, the ₹500 toll covers all four—buy once at the first monument. The mausoleum interior fee (₹200) is optional; most tourists pay it for the complete experience. Children are always free everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips for Your Taj Visit

Hydration and sun protection

Carry 1.5–2 liters of water minimum. The monument grounds offer little shade. You'll be exposed for 1–2 hours minimum. Dehydration accumulates gradually—drink proactively. Sunscreen SPF 50+ is essential year-round. Wide-brimmed hat or scarf protects your head. Light cotton clothing is ideal. Winter still reflects intense sun off marble.

Footwear selection

Wear flat, closed-toe walking shoes. The marble floors are sometimes slippery, especially after rain. Heels are impractical and uncomfortable. Flip-flops offer insufficient support. Supportive shoes matter for extended standing.

Arrive with realistic timing expectations

Sunrise viewing requires 5:30 AM wake-up. Early morning demands discipline but yields profound advantages—solitude, optimal light, fresh energy. If dawn feels unrealistic, arrive by 8:00 AM latest. Arriving at 10:00 AM means accepting midday crowds and harsh light.

Photography strategy

Main complex exterior is photographed from infinite angles—don't obsess over "perfect" shots. Focus instead on composition and light quality. Interior mausoleum photography is restricted (no tripods, no commercial equipment), so enjoy the space rather than shooting constantly. Mehtab Bagh at sunset is the prime photography opportunity.

Managing crowds and fatigue

Peak times (11 AM–2 PM) see thousands of visitors simultaneously. If you must visit then, focus on quieter corners—rear gardens, side courtyards. Avoid the main chamber during midday.

Plan 1.5–2 hours for genuine appreciation. Rushing through in 45 minutes diminishes the experience. Alternatively, accept that you'll do a quick first pass and return another day for deeper exploration.

For families with young children

The monument involves considerable standing and walking. Children tire easily in heat. Visit early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) when air is cool and children are fresher. Pack snacks and water. Rest breaks in shaded gardens are helpful. The main complex is genuinely navigable with children—no extreme climbing or technical barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taj Mahal 2026

Q: What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for Indian visitors in 2026?

A: Entry to the main complex is ₹50. Interior mausoleum access is an optional ₹200. Total for complete visit: ₹250 per person. Children below 15 are free. This pricing is unchanged from previous years and managed by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).

Q: What time does the Taj Mahal open?

A: Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise. Sunrise timing varies by season—roughly 6:15 AM in January, 5:15 AM in May, 6:45 AM in November. Ticket counters open one hour before sunrise. Exact opening times are posted on the official website and adjusting monthly.

Q: Is the Taj Mahal closed on Fridays?

A: Yes, completely. The monument is closed to tourists every Friday for Islamic prayers. This is a firm closure with no exceptions. Plan your Agra itinerary accordingly.

Q: How do I book Taj Mahal tickets online?

A: Visit asiagracircle.in or asi.payumoney.com. Select Taj Mahal, your date, and visitor category. Enter visitor details (name, age, nationality, ID number). Choose whether to add mausoleum access. Complete payment. You'll receive a confirmation email with a QR code—this is your ticket. Print it or show it on your phone at entry.

Q: What's the difference between online and counter ticket prices?

A: Prices are identical. Online booking simply offers a modest discount (₹5 for Indian tickets, ₹50 for foreign tickets) and eliminates queue wait. Choose based on convenience, not cost—there's negligible price difference.

Q: Can I bring a camera inside the Taj Mahal?

A: Yes, absolutely. Personal cameras and smartphones are completely unrestricted. Professional commercial photography requires permits. Casual tourists never encounter restrictions. Tripods are allowed for personal use.

Q: How much time should I spend at the Taj Mahal?

A: Realistic minimum: 1.5 hours. This includes entry, walking to the mausoleum, appreciating the architecture, and exploring gardens. Many visitors spend 2–3 hours for comfortable pace. Rushing through in 45 minutes misses the point of visiting.

Q: Is the mausoleum interior worth the extra ₹200 fee?

A: For most travelers, yes. The interior chamber reveals the precious stone inlay work and architecture that exterior views cannot convey. You see the actual cenotaphs and understand the scale of craftsmanship. Budget the extra fee.

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Experience Fully

The Taj Mahal represents more than a tourist monument—it's a statement of human ambition, grief, and craftsmanship frozen in marble. Yet its impact depends entirely on how you experience it. Rushed visits with unclear logistics diminish this profoundly. Informed planning amplifies it.

Book online if visiting Oct–Mar; buy at counters if visiting Jun–Aug. Arrive by 7:00 AM whenever possible. Allocate 2 hours minimum. Pay the extra ₹200 for interior mausoleum access. Bring water and appropriate footwear. Explore gardens beyond the main chamber. Return at sunset to Mehtab Bagh for reflection photography.

Ticket prices are straightforward: ₹50–₹250 for Indians, ₹1,300–₹1,800 for foreign tourists (including optional fees and toll). Timings are predictable: sunrise to sunset, closed Fridays. These practical details matter because they enable the actual experience—standing before the marble, understanding its history, appreciating its beauty without distraction.

Plan accordingly. Arrive prepared. Then let the Taj Mahal reveal why it earned its status as one of the world's most beloved monuments.