🕰️ Taj Mahal Timings, Tickets & Travel Tips
Seeing the Taj Mahal isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about picking the right moment — the right light, the right silence. Otherwise, you’ll just see a building. But when it’s quiet and glowing in the morning sun? It speaks. And it stays with you forever.
⏰ What time does the Taj Mahal open?
If you want the Taj to whisper its secrets, you have to get there before the city wakes up. The early hours are when the magic happens — the reflection in the water, the crisp air, and the silence that lets you feel the love it was built upon. Visiting early also helps you beat the crowd and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the white marble glowing golden under the sunrise. Agra gets busy quickly, and visiting before 7:00 AM ensures a more peaceful, camera-friendly atmosphere.
- Opens: One hour before sunrise
- Closes: 45 minutes before sunset
- Closed: Every Friday (for prayers)
🎟️ Taj Mahal entry ticket price foreigners & Indians child, camera fee 2025
The ticket system is simple. But if you want to experience the inner sanctum — the white marble mausoleum that holds the soul of the Taj — there’s an additional fee. And it’s worth it. The Taj Mahal experience can feel different based on how deeply you explore. For many, just standing in front is enough, but if you step into the marble platform, you’ll feel something else — reverence, wonder, and a quiet kind of awe.
Make sure to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak months (October to March), as the footfall is extremely high. Online booking helps skip long queues and ensures smooth entry.
| Visitor Type | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | ₹50 + ₹200 (Mausoleum) = ₹250 |
| SAARC / BIMSTEC Nationals | ₹540 (with Mausoleum Access) |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹1100 + ₹200 (Mausoleum) = ₹1300 |
| Children under 15 | Free (for all nationalities) |
💵 Ticket Prices in USD (Approx.)
For international visitors planning ahead, here’s a quick guide to approximate ticket prices in US dollars. These are based on an exchange rate of ₹83 per $1. Always check live rates when booking. Displaying prices in USD helps global travelers plan better, and also supports comparison with other destinations.
| Visitor Type | Ticket Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | $3.01 |
| SAARC / BIMSTEC Nationals | $6.51 |
| Foreign Tourists | $15.66 |
| Children under 15 | Free |
🚗 Traffic, Entry Gates & Best Routes
Agra is well-connected by road and train. However, due to increasing tourist volume, traffic jams around Taj Ganj and Fatehabad Road are common during weekends and holidays. We recommend:
- Use the East Gate if arriving from central Agra
- West Gate is less crowded in early morning hours
- South Gate mainly for pedestrian access via local markets
- Ola, Uber, and e-rickshaws are easily available, but walking the last 500 meters is mandatory
Pro tip: Most tour operators start their day with the Taj. If you’re an independent traveler, go before the group buses arrive — that’s your golden hour.
🌙 What about Night Viewing?
If you’re lucky to be in Agra around the full moon, night viewing is allowed on 5 days each month — the full moon night and two nights before and after. The Taj under moonlight is not just a view; it’s an experience that feels unreal. You can’t use professional cameras or drones, but even a basic phone camera captures the emotion in the air. Dress warmly and carry minimal items — security is strict during night visits.
- Timing: 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM (8 batches, 50 people each)
- Tickets: Available at Archaeological Survey of India, Agra office
- Entry Duration: 30 minutes per group
📱 How to Book Tickets Online
Don’t waste time in lines. Book online and just walk in. You can use:
- Official ASI Booking Website
- Private platforms like MakeMyTrip or Yatra for combo tours
- Rajasthan Tour Driver – Private Car Tours & Bookings
SEO Tip: Adding direct links to tour packages or trusted ticket booking portals increases user trust and search ranking. Make sure your blog or website is internally linking to high-value Taj Mahal pages.
📸 5 Things to Know Before You Visit
- Carry a valid photo ID — passport for foreigners, Aadhaar for Indians
- Prohibited items: food, cigarettes, drone, tripods, and big bags
- Footwear must be removed or covered when entering the mausoleum (shoe covers are provided)
- Sunrise is peaceful and less crowded, ideal for photography
- Give yourself time — don’t just take photos, take it in
Traffic hack: Avoid weekends and Indian public holidays. If visiting in summer, bring a hat and water bottle (plastic only, no glass allowed). In winter, fog may delay visibility until 9 AM, so plan accordingly.
✨ Want the full Taj + Golden Triangle Experience?
The Taj Mahal is only one part of India’s Golden Triangle. For a truly rich cultural journey, include Delhi’s chaos, Jaipur’s colors, and Agra’s elegance. The three cities offer a well-balanced taste of Mughal, Rajput, and Colonial history, along with vibrant bazaars, heritage walks, and royal hospitality. Here are two of our most loved tours:
- 🌆 Golden Triangle Tour – Explore Delhi, Agra & Jaipur
- 🌄 Taj Mahal Tour – The Magic of a Morning Visit
FAQs on Taj Mahal Entry Timings & Ticket Prices 2025
Q1: When is the Taj Mahal open for visitors?
A1: The Taj Mahal is open every day except Friday (closed for general visitors, open only for mosque prayers).
The entry window is from about 30 minutes before sunrise to 30–45 minutes before sunset.
Q2: Can I buy tickets on the same day at the counter or should I book online?
A2: You can buy tickets at the counters near the entrance gates on the same day. However, to avoid long queues—especially during peak season—online booking is recommended.
Q3: What are the night-viewing slots & how do I book them?
A3: Night viewing is allowed on five nights each month—the full moon night and two nights before and after (except Fridays).
Tickets must be purchased one day in advance from the ASI office in Agra (Mall Road) between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
Q4: Which gate should I enter from and what are the gate timings?
A4: The Western and Eastern Gates open about one hour before sunrise and close 45 minutes before sunset. The Southern Gate is mainly used as an exit.
For fewer crowds, enter early from the East or West Gate.
Q5: Are children, students, or special categories eligible for discounts?
A5: Yes — children below age 15 often get free entry. Always check the latest rates on the official website.
Q6: What is included in the ticket for foreign tourists?
A6: The ticket includes entry to the complex, a bottle of water, a map or guide, and shoe covers (for the main mausoleum).
Q7: Is there a time limit for how long I can stay inside?
A7: Yes — visitors can stay for up to three hours from the time of entry to manage crowding and preserve the monument.
Q8: What items are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal?
A8: Large bags, tripods, drones, and food items are not allowed. Carry valid ID, wear comfortable shoes, and note that no shoes are allowed inside the main mausoleum (shoe covers are provided).
Q9: What is the best time of day or year to visit?
A9: Early morning (sunrise) offers fewer crowds and great lighting for photos. Avoid Fridays, and visit during off-peak months for a quieter experience.
📞 Questions? We're here to help.
- Call or WhatsApp: +91 95719 15083
- Email: enquiry@rajasthantourdriver.com
- Quick Chat: Click here to message us on WhatsApp
The Taj Mahal doesn’t rush. Neither should you. Go early, stay long, and let the silence speak. Whether you’re on a solo trip, honeymoon, or cultural exploration, the Taj has something personal to offer. It never tells the same story twice.
Headline: Taj Mahal Ticket Price And Time
Created by: Adil Khan
Publisher: Rajasthan Tour Driver
Last Updated: 2025-10-25










