How to visit the Taj Mahal: ticket prices, best times and how to get there

The Taj Mahal is in Agra, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. Together with Delhi and Jaipur it makes up the famous Golden Triangle, so it's an essential stop on any route.

How to get to the Taj Mahal from Delhi or other cities

Agra is very well connected to other major cities in India, especially Delhi, so you can even visit on a day trip.

By plane: There are daily flights from Jaipur and other cities.

By bus: Agra has good bus connections with cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and Jodhpur. Sleeper buses are a good alternative for long journeys, and you can book them on websites like 12Go Asia.

By train: This is the most popular and fastest option from Delhi. The trip takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the train. We recommend booking ahead on the IRCTC or 12Go Asia website. We chose this option and it was very comfortable. Here's our guide to traveling by train in India.

By taxi or private driver: Hiring a private driver from Delhi is a very popular option with tourists. It costs more, but it's still affordable compared with other countries, and it's ideal if you're looking for comfort and flexibility.

📌 Would you rather not worry about a thing? You can book one of these:

• Private day trip from Delhi to the Taj Mahal with a Spanish-speaking guide
• All-inclusive 3-day tour of the Taj Mahal and Jaipur from Delhi

👉 Read our complete guide to things to do in Agra too.

Best time to go to the Taj Mahal

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is between October and March. During these months the weather in Agra is cooler and more pleasant, which makes the visit much more comfortable. Avoid the summer months (April to June), because temperatures can be extremely high, and the monsoon season (July to September), when heavy rain can make your visit difficult.

🌅 Tip: If you want the best photos and to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The light is magical and there are fewer tourists.

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum that became one of the most famous monuments in the world and a symbol of eternal love. Emperor Shah Jahan built it in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child.

A brief history of the Taj Mahal

Construction began in 1632 and finished in 1653, and it took more than 20,000 workers, architects and artisans from different regions. The result was a jewel of Mughal architecture, a style that blends Islamic, Persian, Ottoman and Indian influences.

The Taj Mahal is part of a large complex with gardens, mosques and a monumental entrance gate. Its design stands out for its perfect symmetry, the details in inlaid semi-precious stones and the calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic.

Interesting facts about the Taj Mahal

• Did you know that the minarets lean outward? This architectural detail was designed so that, in an earthquake, the towers wouldn't fall onto the central tomb of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan.
• One legend says that after the Taj Mahal was built, the emperor ordered the hands of the artisans and laborers cut off so they could never replicate such a magnificent work. The story gives the monument an air of mystery and tragedy, but there's no historical evidence to back it up.

What does the Taj Mahal symbolize?

The Taj Mahal isn't just an architectural masterpiece: it's also a powerful symbol of eternal love and of the pain of loss. Its story moves millions of visitors every year.

If you want to visit the Taj Mahal without wasting time in line, your best bet is to buy your ticket online in advance. Not only does it save you time, it also saves you about 50 rupees for buying digitally.

You can buy Taj Mahal tickets on the official Taj Mahal website. Tickets become available one week in advance, and you have to choose the day and time of your visit.

👉 Tip: You can't buy more than 7 days in advance, so set a reminder to do it as soon as they're released.

Types of tickets and prices for the Taj Mahal (2025)

• General admission for foreigners: ₹1,100 (~US$13)
• Admission + access to the mausoleum: ₹1,300 (~US$15)

*Prices may change. Always check the official website.

Once you've bought your ticket online, you just show it on your phone at the entrance, where there are automatic scanners. There's no need to print it.

👉 That lets you skip the ticket office line and get in much faster.

If you'd like a guided tour in Spanish, you can book this tour.

The Taj Mahal is open every day (except Fridays) from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. The times vary with the time of year, but in general:

• 🕓 Opening: between 5:30 and 6:00
• 🌅 Closing: between 18:00 and 19:00
• ❌ Fridays: closed for prayers

✅ Hours updated for 2025: always check the official website before you go, since they can change for special events.

What's the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

Without a doubt, the best time is sunrise. Watching the white marble change color with the first light of the sun is magical. Also:

• There are fewer tourists and it's not as hot
• It's the best time for photos without crowds
• In winter (December to February), there can be fog early in the morning. In that case, sunset is also a good option.

👉 Advice: Get there at least 30 minutes before opening, so you're among the first in.

Visiting the Taj Mahal at night

You can only visit the Taj Mahal at night on 5 nights a month:

• 🌕 The night of the full moon
• 🌗 The 2 nights before and the 2 nights after

⏰ Night hours: between 20:30 and 00:30
🎫 Length of the visit: 30 minutes
💵 Price: ₹750 (foreigners)

⚠️ You can't visit at night if it falls on a Friday or during Ramadan. Tickets become available 7 days before and tend to sell out fast.

Which entrance gate should you choose at the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal has 3 entrance gates:

• East: the one most people recommend. There's generally a shorter line.
• West: it tends to be busier.
• South: it's farther away and sometimes doesn't open on time.

What to expect at the Taj Mahal

Your first view of the Taj Mahal will give you goosebumps. Nothing compares with standing in front of this icon of humanity. Its perfect symmetry, the white marble that changes with the light and the quiet morning atmosphere make for a one-of-a-kind experience.

For the best photos of the Taj Mahal, our advice is not to stop at the first entrance or in the gardens, but to go straight to the mosque at the far end on the left, where you'll be able to watch the sun rise behind the Taj. This corner is famous for its impressive views and tends to be less crowded early in the morning. You can also get amazing photos from the gardens and the reflecting pools, which have spectacular views of the Taj Mahal reflected in the fountains.

Before your visit to the Taj Mahal, keep these practical tips in mind to avoid surprises and make the most of it:

📅 1. Don't go on a Friday

The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday for Muslim prayers.

🎟️ 2. Buy your ticket online

You'll save time and about 50 rupees if you buy your ticket online. You'll also avoid the long lines at the ticket offices.

🧳 3. What you can't bring

Some items are prohibited on the grounds:

• ❌ Tripods and drones
• ❌ Food or drinks (except water in a clear bottle)
• ❌ Tobacco and lighters
• ❌ Headphones, books, cables
• ❌ Unnecessary metal objects

Tip: bring only what you really need. There are lockers at the entrance, but traveling light avoids delays.

📸 4. You can't take photos inside the mausoleum

You can take all the photos you want in the gardens and outside, but cameras and phones are banned inside the main mausoleum.

👗 5. Is there a dress code?

There's no mandatory dress code, but out of respect for the local culture we recommend wearing modest, comfortable clothes, especially if you're going on to visit other temples or mosques in the area.

👉 To make the most of your visit, don't miss our guide to places to see in Agra beyond the Taj Mahal.

Luxury:

• The Oberoi Amarvilas: Unmatched views of the Taj Mahal and a luxury experience with first-class service.
• ITC Mughal: A luxury resort with large gardens, a spa and a variety of dining options.

Mid-range:

• Tajview – IHCL SeleQtions: Convenient location, comfortable rooms, views of the Taj Mahal and a very good breakfast.
• Royale Sarovar Portico Agra: An established hotel with spacious rooms and a pool.

Budget:

• Joey's Hostel Agra: Shared and private rooms, plus a terrace with views of the Taj Mahal.
• The Orchid Retreat: A very cheap option with private rooms and a very good rating of 9.5 on Booking.