The options compared
| Option | Price seen | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Official ticket, self-guided | EUR 18 standard, EUR 9 reduced, free under 5 | EUR 0.77 booking fee online in the calendar example |
| Official ticket with guided tour | EUR 26 standard, EUR 17 reduced | in Spanish or English; arrive 15 minutes early |
| Palace plus Gallery of Royal Collections | EUR 24 standard, EUR 12 reduced | the "Royal District Essential Pass"; see the Gallery of Royal Collections |
| GetYourGuide fast access (box) | from EUR 22; 4.6 out of 5 from 16,443 reviews (October 2026) | timed ticket to avoid the ticket desk |
Official hours: October to March, Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 16:00; April to September, Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 19:00. The ticket desk and entry close about an hour earlier. Closed on 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 25 December; closing at 15:00 on 24 and 31 December. Closures for official events are possible.
Free entry: who, when?
Monday to Thursday from 16:00 to 18:00 in winter (17:00 to 19:00 in summer), entry is free for citizens of the European Union, residents with a work permit and Latin American citizens, with proof. Tickets are sold only at the ticket desk, the visit is self-guided and guided groups are not admitted. The queue is long: come early. Other visitors, including British and US passport holders, pay full price. Entry is free for everyone on 18 May.
Official or fast access?
The official site is cheapest. The GetYourGuide fast-access ticket costs a little more and lets you pick your slot and keep the ticket on your phone: useful in high season, less so on a weekday outside the holidays. Large bags are discouraged at the door. We did not confirm the changing of the guard schedule: check Patrimonio Nacional before planning your morning. Full page: Royal Palace of Madrid; around the palace: around the Royal Palace.
When a guided tour is worth it
The palace has over 3,000 rooms and a self-guided visit gets tiring without landmarks. A guide helps you choose what to see. You have two options: the official guided visit at EUR 26, or the guided tour of the palace and Almudena Cathedral on GetYourGuide. Check on each listing whether the entry ticket is included.
FAQ
How much is the Madrid Royal Palace? EUR 18 standard, EUR 9 reduced (30 October 2026).
When is it free? Late afternoon Monday to Thursday for EU and Latin American citizens, and on 18 May for everyone.
How long does it take? Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
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