How long can the queues at the Prado Museum get?

The Prado Museum is big, and not just in terms of its size, but also the number of visitors it attracts every year. After all, there’s a reason why it’s one of Madrid’s most sought-after attractions.

During the peak season, it could take you anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half to get your tickets. While the entrances with automated ticket machines (such as the Puerta de Goya Alta) are quicker, you’ll still have to wait a while until you can finally get inside the museum.

How to skip the line at the Prado Museum

Book skip-the-line tickets

The best way to avoid the super-long ticket lines we spoke about earlier is to book skip-the-line tickets in advance. Booking these in advance gives you the benefit of walking right past other visitors, giving you that edge and more time to explore the museum’s vast collection.

Book a guided tour

A guided tour is another great way to avoid the long ticket lines that the Prado Museum often experiences. Once your guide validates your tickets, you’re escorted straight into the museum, easily giving you an extra hour during the peak season.

Book your tickets online

Booking your tickets online in advance gives you the same benefit—you won’t have to wait in long lines. Add to this the option to book timed entry tickets, and you can be sure your spot is secured.

Visit during the early hours

Arriving at the museum as soon as it opens at 10am is another brilliant way to explore the museum with fewer people around. The ticket queues will also be short, and you’ll get to enjoy the exhibits in peace.

Which entrance should you use if you’ve purchased skip-the-line tickets?

The Prado Museum has five entrances, but not all of them cater to those who’ve purchased skip-the-line tickets. The three that do are the Velázquez Gate, the Jerónimos Gate, and the Murillo Gate.

If you enter via the Velázquez Gate, you can simply scan your tickets and make your way into the museum. The Murillo Gate, on the other hand, is for group tours, which also usually makes this the one with the shortest queues.

You can easily use the train or the metro to get to the Prado Museum. Most stations are no more than a 5-10 minute walk from the museum, making a strong case for getting around using public transportation.

Frequently asked questions about Prado Museum skip-the-line tickets

Can you buy skip-the-line tickets to the Prado Museum?

Absolutely! Whether you choose the timed entry tickets or any of the guided tours on offer, you’ll seamlessly breeze past the ticket queues. Keep in mind that these tickets only let you skip the ticket lines, and not any security checks that the museum has in place.

What are the benefits of choosing a guided tour?

Besides the ability to skip ticket lines, a guided tour includes an expert guide who will guide you through the museum. The guide will tell you fascinating stories about several of the museum’s most notable pieces, their history and significance, and a whole lot more.

Is the Prado Museum accessible to wheelchair users?

It certainly is. Every level within the Prado Museum is designed to be accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with reduced mobility. They have ramps, accessible elevators and restrooms, and even wheelchairs available for you to rent. What’s more? You can even get hearing loops if you suffer from hearing difficulties.

Guided Tours

4.3(0)

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour

Explore Madrid’s top 2 sites—just 11 minutes apart—with expert guides in two languages.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid, a tour of the palace’s key chambers, and of the Prado Museum with an expert guide who speaks English, Spanish, or both.
Why choose this: Experience two of Madrid’s top cultural icons in one day, with a knowledgeable guide who brings these attractions to life. You’ll get to see the highlights of the palace and the museum with insider information and insights.

Explore Madrid’s top 2 sites—just 11 minutes apart—with expert guides in two languages.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid, a tour of the palace’s key chambers, and of the Prado Museum with an expert guide who speaks English, Spanish, or both.
Why choose this: Experience two of Madrid’s top cultural icons in one day, with a knowledgeable guide who brings these attractions to life. You’ll get to see the highlights of the palace and the museum with insider information and insights.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid
Guided tour of the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid
English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Souvenirs
- Food & drinks
- Transport
- Audio guide

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

5 hr.

Guided Tours

4.5(0)

Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Soak in the Prado Museum's massive collection with the expertise of a guide in your language.

Everything you get: Skip the ticketing line as you enter the Prado Museum on a guided tour in a language of your choice.
Why choose this: Helps navigate one of the world's largest art collections (8,000 plus works of art!) efficiently through a structured route, with key insights into centuries-old art from some of Europe’s most famed artists.
Upgrades: Upgrade your ticket to choose a bilingual guided tour in both Spanish & English.

Soak in the Prado Museum's massive collection with the expertise of a guide in your language.

Everything you get: Skip the ticketing line as you enter the Prado Museum on a guided tour in a language of your choice.
Why choose this: Helps navigate one of the world's largest art collections (8,000 plus works of art!) efficiently through a structured route, with key insights into centuries-old art from some of Europe’s most famed artists.
Upgrades: Upgrade your ticket to choose a bilingual guided tour in both Spanish & English.

Inclusions

Entry to the Prado Museum
Guided tour of the Prado Museum
Monolingual or bilingual guided tour (based on option selected)
Guided tour in English, Spanish, French, or Italian

Exclusions

Souvenirs
- Food & drinks
- Audio guides
- Transport

Your ticket lets you skip the ‘ticket’ lines and not the security lines.
Photography & videography are strictly prohibited at the Prado Museum.
Food & drinks are not allowed inside the museum, so make sure to pack accordingly.
The Prado Museum is wheelchair-accessible and also offers a bag-drop facility.
Some sections in the museum may be closed at the last minute at the authorities’ discretion.
Pets are not allowed at the Prado Museum.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

4.4(0)

Museo del Prado & Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Bypass ticket lines and enjoy a guided tour of both museums in your preferred language.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line access to both the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia, along with a guided tour led by an expert guide.
Why choose this: Combines two of Madrid’s top art museums in a single tour, with expert guides who make art history engaging and accessible.
Upgrades: Choose a guided tour in Spanish, English, or both based on your preferences.

Bypass ticket lines and enjoy a guided tour of both museums in your preferred language.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line access to both the Prado Museum and Reina Sofia, along with a guided tour led by an expert guide.
Why choose this: Combines two of Madrid’s top art museums in a single tour, with expert guides who make art history engaging and accessible.
Upgrades: Choose a guided tour in Spanish, English, or both based on your preferences.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums
Guided tour of the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums
Expert English and/or Spanish speaking guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Food & drinks
- Souvenirs
- Transport
- Audio guide

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

NEW

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour with Transfers

Skip ticket lines & tour two Madrid icons with an expert guide & transfers between sites.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to both the Prado Museum and Royal Palace of Madrid, an insightful guided tour of both attractions with a live expert (English, Spanish, or both), and transfers from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum.
Why choose this: Combines Madrid’s top art and royal attractions in a single, expertly guided experience, all without the hassle of waiting in ticket lines or having to navigate 8000+ works of art and an entire palace, on your own..
Upgrades: For a more engaging experience, opt for a guided tour in English or a Spanish bilingual tour.

Skip ticket lines & tour two Madrid icons with an expert guide & transfers between sites.

Everything you get: Skip-the-line entry to both the Prado Museum and Royal Palace of Madrid, an insightful guided tour of both attractions with a live expert (English, Spanish, or both), and transfers from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum.
Why choose this: Combines Madrid’s top art and royal attractions in a single, expertly guided experience, all without the hassle of waiting in ticket lines or having to navigate 8000+ works of art and an entire palace, on your own..
Upgrades: For a more engaging experience, opt for a guided tour in English or a Spanish bilingual tour.

Inclusions

Skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum
Skip-the-line entry to the Reina Sofia Museum
Guided tour in Spanish, English, or both (as per option selected)
Transfer from the Royal Palace of Madrid to the Prado Museum
Radio guide system

Exclusions

Souvenirs
- Food & drinks
- Audio guide

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

4 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers included

Skip-the-Line tickets to the Prado Museum

How long can the queues at the Prado Museum get?

How to skip the line at the Prado Museum

Book skip-the-line tickets

Book a guided tour

Book your tickets online

Visit during the early hours

Which entrance should you use if you’ve purchased skip-the-line tickets?

Frequently asked questions about Prado Museum skip-the-line tickets

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Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour

Museo del Prado Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Museo del Prado & Reina Sofía Museum Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Tickets

Museo del Prado & Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour with Transfers