Taj Mahal Timings & Entry Ticket Price — 2026 Visitor Guide

Taj Mahal timings

The Taj Mahal is open six days a week and closed every Friday, when the on-site mosque is reserved for prayers. Timings vary slightly by the type of visit — general daytime entry, sunrise entry, and the rare night viewing on full moon nights.

Taj Mahal entry ticket price (2026)

Ticket prices are set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and differ for Indian citizens, SAARC/BIMSTEC nationals, and foreign tourists. Entry to the main mausoleum — the inner marble chamber — carries a small additional fee on top of the general garden/complex ticket.

Additional charges & facilities

• Still photography: Included in the entry ticket. Tripods are not permitted.
• Video camera fee: A small additional charge applies for handheld video cameras.
• Shoe covers: Provided free at the mausoleum entrance, or remove shoes before stepping onto the marble.
• Battery-operated vehicle: A short shuttle ride from the parking/drop-off point to the West or East Gate, roughly $0.25 per person (walking is also an option).
• Wheelchairs: Available free of charge at the ticket counters for visitors who need them.

How to book Taj Mahal tickets online

Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for sunrise slots and weekends, when queues at the ticket counters can run long.

1. Book online in advanceTickets are available via the official ASI booking portal or through an authorized tour operator, who can bundle in a guide and skip-the-line entry.
2. Choose your time slotSunrise and early-morning slots sell out first during peak season (October–March) — book at least a few days ahead.
3. Carry valid photo IDA passport (foreign visitors) or Aadhaar/government ID (Indian visitors) is required at entry, matching the name on your ticket.
4. Arrive 20–30 minutes earlySecurity screening at the East and West Gates can take time during high season, so build in a buffer.

Best time to visit the Taj Mahal

Weather and crowd levels shift a lot across the year. Here's how the three main seasons compare.

Brief history & must-see highlights

Commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal took around two decades and an estimated 20,000 artisans to complete. It blends Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles under a Persian architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

A few details worth slowing down for: the pietra dura inlay work of semi-precious stones across the facade; the four minarets, each built to lean very slightly outward (so that in the event of an earthquake they would fall away from the tomb); the Yamuna riverside gardens best seen from Mehtab Bagh across the water; and the calligraphy bands framing each archway, deliberately sized larger toward the top to appear uniform from ground level.

Essential visitor tips

• Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered is respectful and comfortable in Agra's climate.
• Food, chewing tobacco, and large bags aren't allowed inside; small clear bags are fine.
• Carry water and sun protection, especially for a daytime visit between March and June.
• Keep a photo ID and your ticket (digital or printed) accessible at both security checkpoints.
• Plan around Fridays — the monument is closed to sightseeing visitors that day.

Other monument ticket prices in Agra

Most Taj Mahal itineraries also cover a couple of nearby sites. Here's what to budget for each.

Taj Mahal tour packages

If you'd rather skip the ticket queues and logistics, our same-day and Golden Triangle tours bundle entry, a private car, and a licensed guide into one fixed price.

Frequently asked questions — Taj Mahal timings & tickets