Taj Mahal Ticket Price & Timings: Complete Tourist Guide

Taj Mahal Visitor Essentials: Tickets, Hours & Planning Guide

The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset daily, except Fridays when it remains closed for general sightseeing. Ticket counters operate one hour before sunrise until 45 minutes before sunset at two gates. This guide covers all essential details for planning your 2026 visit.

Taj Mahal Daily Operating Hours

Friday Status: Closed for tourists (prayer access only). Other days open sunrise to sunset.

Arrive 45 minutes early for security screening.

Official 2026 Taj Mahal Ticket Prices

All fees include ASI and Agra Development Authority charges. Children under 15 enter free.

Main Mausoleum: Optional ₹200 extra fee provides access to Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal cenotaph chamber (narrow stairs).

Ticket Purchase Locations

• Western Gate (near Saheli Burj): Serves city center visitors.
• Eastern Gate (Taj Ganj): Best for budget accommodations.
• Southern Gate: Exit only—no entry tickets available.

Separate queues operate for domestic and foreign tourists with clear signage.

Online Ticket Booking Process

Official platforms deliver e-tickets instantly with discounts:

• asi.payumoney.com
• asiagracircle.in

Booking steps:

1. Select date and entry slot (sunrise recommended)
2. Enter passport or Aadhaar details
3. Complete payment
4. Receive QR code via email/WhatsApp

Online advantages:

• Skip ticket counter queues
• Guaranteed entry time slot
• Automatic discounts applied
• Valid one year from purchase

Entry Requirements and Restrictions

Required identification:

• Foreigners: Original passport
• Indians: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or passport
• Children under 15: Birth certificate or school ID

Prohibited items (use cloakrooms at gates):

• Drones and power banks
• Food, tobacco products, lighters
• Large bags and tripods
• Wireless earphones

What Your Ticket Includes

All visitors access:

• Taj Mahal complex and gardens
• Reflecting pool photo areas
• Museum exhibits

Foreign ticket holders receive:

• Disposable shoe covers
• One-liter bottled water
• Agra tourist map
• Golf cart shuttle from parking

Strategic Visit Planning

Sunrise visit (recommended):

• 5:15 AM: Arrive Eastern Gate
• 5:45 AM: Marble glows pink at dawn
• 6:30 AM: Main dome photography
• 7:30 AM: Mausoleum entry (if purchased)

Afternoon alternative:

• 3:00 PM: Gardens and less crowded
• 4:30 PM: Golden hour lighting

Night viewing (full moon nights):

• 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
• Limited 400 tickets nightly
• Separate pricing applies

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Friday access?
   Closed for sightseeing. Prayer access permitted for Muslims.
2. Ticket validity period?
   One year from purchase date.
3. Duration for complete visit?
   2.5 hours total (1.5 hours grounds + 30 minutes mausoleum).
4. Dress requirements?
   Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes inside main building (socks permitted).
5. Nearby monument tickets?
   Separate purchases required:
   Agra Fort: ₹650 (foreigners)
   Fatehpur Sikri: ₹610 (foreigners)

Sample Day Trip Schedule in Agra (Local Visitors)

• 6:00 AM: Taj Mahal sunrise (Eastern Gate)
• 8:30 AM: Breakfast Taj Ganj
• 9:30 AM: Agra Fort (2.5 km)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch Taj Ganj

Taj Mahal Day Trips from Major Cities

From Jaipur (240 km, 4 hrs):

• 4:00 AM: Leave Jaipur
• 8:00 AM: Taj sunrise (East Gate)
• 10:30 AM: Agra Fort
• 1:00 PM: Lunch + Return

From Jaipur: Taxi costs approximately ₹8,000 round trip.

From Delhi (230 km, 3.5 hrs):

• 3:30 AM: Leave Delhi
• 7:00 AM: Taj Mahal
• 9:30 AM: Agra Fort
• 12:00 PM: Lunch + Return

From Delhi: Taxi costs approximately ₹7,500 round trip.

Tip: Book sunrise slots online. Perfect for Rajasthan/Delhi tourists.

Security and Flow Management

• Peak hours to avoid: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM daily
• Quietest periods: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM weekdays
• Security queues: 20-40 minutes (separate domestic/foreign lines)
• Closing rush: Avoid final 45 minutes

Preparation Checklist

• Book e-tickets 1-7 days ahead
• Carry original photo identification
• Wear removable shoes or socks
• Keep small change for cloakroom
• Charge phone fully (limited outlets)
• Download offline maps

Troubleshooting Guide

E-ticket issues: Show confirmation email + ID at gates
Payment problems: Use incognito mode, prefer UPI payment
Mausoleum closure: Daily capacity limits first 100 visitors
Gate confusion: Uniformed staff provide directions

Official contact: ASI helpline through asiagracircle.in

Cost Comparison: Official vs Third-Party

Official online: ₹1,100 – ₹50 discount = ₹1,050
Third-party agents: ₹1,650+ (no mausoleum access)
Official channels guarantee lowest prices, immediate e-tickets, and gate-specific entry.

This guide equips you with precise Taj Mahal timings and ticket prices for stress-free planning. Sunrise visits capture the monument’s legendary beauty—book official tickets today for guaranteed access.