- Ticket Prices: Indian (domestic/OCI) – ₹50 (₹250 including mausoleum); SAARC/BIMSTEC – ₹540 (₹740 including mausoleum); Foreigner – ₹1100 (₹1300 including mausoleum). Children under 15 are free.
- Mausoleum Entry: +₹200 add-on for all tickets (optional inner tomb visit).
- Skip-the-Line: No official VIP or fast-track ticket exists. Booking on the government site only skips the ticket counter line.
The Taj Mahal stands majestic in Agra, but visiting involves clear rules. Many travelers worry about being overcharged or duped by “VIP skip-the-line” tours. In reality, the ticket system is simple: a ₹50 entry for Indian citizens (₹250 including the inner mausoleum) and ₹1,100 for foreigners (₹1,300 with tomb). This guide cuts through confusion and fake offers. We share the official prices, explain queues, and reveal the truth about skip-the-line and VIP scams – so you won’t overpay or fall for tricks.
Official Taj Mahal Ticket Prices
|
Visitor Type |
Entry Ticket (₹) |
Mausoleum Add-on (₹) |
|
Indian (Indian citizen/OCI) |
50 |
200 (total ₹250) |
|
SAARC/BIMSTEC Nationals |
540 |
200 (total ₹740) |
|
Foreign Tourist (Others) |
1100 |
200 (total ₹1300) |
|
Children (< 15 years) |
Free |
— (no mausoleum fee needed) |
All prices include the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) fee. An extra ₹200 is charged only if you want to enter the main mausoleum chamber. Note that children under 15 enter free. (There is no other hidden fee or “VIP” ticket price beyond these official rates.)
Truth About Skip-the-Line/VIP Tickets
There is no legitimate “skip-the-line” or VIP ticket for the Taj Mahal. The only way to bypass a queue is to buy tickets online – which simply lets you skip the ticket window line. After that, everyone must enter through the same security gate. Any tour or agent selling a “skip-the-line” ticket is misleading you (often charging a big extra fee for the same standard ticket). In short, don’t fall for the hype: book yourself online, and you’ve already done the only possible “skip.” No special pass can cut the security queue.
Indian vs Foreigner Entry Queues
At security, Indian citizens and foreign visitors form separate queues. This is mainly for processing visas and ID checks. Foreigners often join a slightly longer line, but it moves fast with dedicated staff. If you’re in a mixed group, you can reunite in the garden inside after passing through. The separation is only at the gates; once inside the Taj complex, all visitors share the same view and paths. So don’t worry – your group can enter around the same time as long as everyone has the correct ticket and ID.
What the Foreigner Ticket Includes
The foreigner ticket (₹1300 total) comes with a few perks that are not given to Indian ticket holders. Along with entry, foreign visitors receive:
- Complimentary shoe covers (for the mausoleum entry).
- A bottle of drinking water (helpful in Agra’s heat).
- A Taj Mahal tourist guide map of Agra.
- Battery-powered cart service from parking to the main gate (often free or very cheap, saving a long walk).
These amenities are included because of the higher ticket price. (Even so, skip taking a personal vehicle too close – leave cars outside and use the cart or battery bus.)
Official Ticket Booking Website
Always book through the official government site – not third-party agents or tour sellers. According to ASI/Uttar Pradesh Tourism, the official portals for Taj Mahal tickets are linked from a .gov.in domain. One official site is tajmahal.gov.in (linked to the ASI PayGov portal). Other legitimate sites include ASI’s own portal (e.g. asiagracircle.in or asi.payumoney.com). Any other website claiming to sell “VIP” tickets likely adds extra fees or is fraudulent. In fact, “any site claiming tickets may redirect you or charge extra commission”. To avoid scams, stick to the official platforms only.
ID Requirements
- Indian visitors: You must show valid government-issued ID. Acceptable IDs include Aadhaar card, PAN card, Indian passport, or Indian driving license. These must match the name on your ticket. Carry one original (not just a copy).
- Foreign visitors: You must show your passport. Even Indian-origin people holding foreign passports must queue in the foreigner line. (Indian passport holders are treated as Indian visitors for ticketing.)
No other ID proofs (like voter ID or school ID) are accepted at the gate. Make sure to carry exactly one valid ID per ticket.
Best Time to Visit (Sunrise)
Most guides and travelers agree: sunrise is the best time to see the Taj Mahal. Arriving at or before sunrise means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the most beautiful light. In the early morning, the white marble often glows pink-gold under soft light. You’ll enjoy a calm, serene atmosphere and much shorter lines. After sunrise crowds build up quickly, making afternoons hot and busy. If you miss sunrise, a good trick is to arrive about 45 minutes after opening; by then the early rush has passed and the lighting is still nice. In short, plan for an early (or very early) start – it’s worth it for the magic of the Taj in soft morning light.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Book online in advance. Avoid long queues at the ticket window by buying e-tickets from the official site.
- Bring your ID/passport. Keep it with you to show at the gate (photocopies are not accepted).
- Pack light. Large backpacks, tripods, and outside food are not allowed (aside from water). Leave them at your hotel or pay to store them.
- No drones or professional equipment. Checkpoints will confiscate drones and tripods without permission. Photography is only allowed with handheld cameras.
- Respect the rules. Don’t touch the marble or lean on barriers, and follow all security instructions. Respect the monument and other visitors.
- Use official guides if needed. Beware of unsolicited “guides” at the gates. Only hire uniformed, licensed ASI guides if you want a tour.
- Stay aware of belongings. Keep valuables safely stowed. The Taj grounds are generally safe, but pickpocketing can occur in crowds.
Safety at the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is very safe for tourists due to heavy security and police presence. Armed guards monitor the entrance gates and grounds at all times. The immediate area is well-patrolled and tourist-friendly. Just use normal travel caution: don’t carry excessive cash or valuables, avoid isolated spots after dark, and keep an eye on your belongings. If you feel uneasy or need help, uniformed security personnel are stationed everywhere. Overall, visitors report feeling secure and welcome.
Honest Bottom Line
Once you know the facts, the Taj Mahal’s ticket system is straightforward. Confusion comes from unreliable sources and greedy sellers. Now you have the real facts: official prices, queue rules, and what the foreign ticket includes. No secret fees, no real VIP tickets – just plan, book on the official site, bring your ID, and arrive early. Your journey to the Taj Mahal should be about wonder, not worry. Enjoy this world wonder responsibly, and let the beauty of the Taj Mahal shine for you.
FAQ (Taj Mahal Ticket & Entry)
Q: What is the official Taj Mahal ticket price?
A: The official rates are ₹250 for Indian citizens (garden + mausoleum) and ₹1300 for foreign tourists (garden + mausoleum). SAARC/BIMSTEC nationals pay ₹740 (garden + mausoleum). Children under 15 years are free. The base garden entry is ₹50 for Indians, ₹540 for SAARC, and ₹1100 for others; the extra ₹200 is the mausoleum add-on.
Q: Is there a skip-the-line or VIP ticket for the Taj Mahal?
A: No. There is no official skip-the-line or VIP ticket. Buying online only skips the ticket counter. Any “skip-the-line” tour is likely a regular ticket sold at a higher price.
Q: Do Indians and foreigners have separate entry queues?
A: Yes. Indian visitors and foreigners have separate security lines. This is temporary (mostly at gate screening). After entry, everyone meets in the main garden. In mixed groups, you can join together inside after passing the gate.
Q: What ID is required to enter?
A: Indian citizens must show one government photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or driving license). Foreign visitors must present their passport. No other IDs are accepted at the gate.
Q: What does the foreign tourist ticket include?
A: The foreigner ticket includes extras like shoe covers and a bottle of water, a guide map, and usually a battery-powered cart ride from parking to the gate. These amenities are provided free with the foreigner ticket.
Q: Do children have to buy a ticket?
A: No. Children under 15 years old enter the Taj Mahal free of charge (for both Indian and foreign visitors).
Q: Where can I buy official Taj Mahal tickets?
A: Only on the official government sites. Use the ASI-approved portals (linked via tajmahal.gov.in or asiagracircle.in). Avoid third-party travel sites or agents. The Taj Mahal’s official ticketing page is on a .gov.in domain, and that’s the safest way to buy your e-ticket.