How to Buy Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets in Madrid

With its world-class art and breathtaking architecture, the Museo Nacional del Prado is one of Madrid’s quintessential cultural attractions—but sometimes, getting tickets can seem tricky. Whether you’re in town for a business trip or a family holiday, here’s what you need to know about buying direct entrance tickets to the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Why Buy Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets?

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the most exciting experiences you’ll likely have is a visit to the iconic Museo del Prado . With its breathtaking collection of Spanish masterpieces and internationally renowned works of art, it’s easy to spend hours in the Prado’s sunlit galleries exploring paintings and sculptures. The museum boasts some of Spain’s most famous works, like Francisco de Goya’s “Maja Desnuda” and Hieronymus Bosch’s “Garden of Earthly Delights,” as well as ancient artifacts, illuminated manuscripts, and religious arts from around the globe.

If you’d like to make the most of your visit, purchasing direct entrance tickets is a great way to go. Not only will you save time at the ticket desk—which can often be quite busy—but buying in advance will make sure that your group can all enter together, giving the flexibility to explore at your own pace and skip the lines.

Where to Buy Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets in Madrid

There are several ways to get direct entrance tickets to the Prado Museum in Madrid, both online and onsite. Here are some of the best ways to purchase tickets:

1. At the Museum Ticket Desks

The most direct way to acquire Prado Museum tickets is at the museum ticket desks onsite. Visitors can buy single-entry tickets, annual passes, and tickets for special exhibits here. The ticket desk is located at the main entrance of the museum on Paseo del Prado—but be aware that lines can be long; which means if time is of the essence, it’s probably better to purchase online.

2. On Website

Visitors can also buy Prado Museum tickets directly from the museum’s website. Here, guests will find ticket packages that bundle multiple visits together and provide discounts on admission fees. Even better: purchasing on the website eliminates any waiting time so visitors can go straight to enjoying their experience.

3. Through GetYourGuide

For visitors looking for something special, there are several GetYourGuide activities that provide VIP access to the top attractions in Madrid such as the Prado Museum. These packages not only include preferred access to all museum attractions, but guests will also have access to knowledgeable guides who can provide in-depth insights about the artwork and artist’s biographies. Plus—they even offer skip-the-line access and combo packages which can save travelers time and money.

When to Buy Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets in Madrid

Most direct entrance tickets to the Prado Museum in Madrid can be bought up to two days in advance—which is great if you’d like to plan your visit around specific work-times or exhibitions. However, if you’d like more flexibility, one of the best ways to ensure a hassle-free experience is to purchase a ticket bundle through GetYourGuide which provides a date-flexible ticket option that can be used within one year from the date of purchase. This way, visitors have more freedom to plan their visit whenever suits them best.

How Much Do Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets Cost?

The cost of direct entrance tickets for adults at the Prado Museum in Madrid starts from €15; however, there are also discounts available for senior citizens, students, and children under 18 (€1). Occasionally, there may be additional discounts for special exhibitions or multi-ticket packages which bundle together an evening visit with the usual €15 adult price ticket. Make sure to check online for more information on special deals before booking your tickets.

Final Thoughts on Buying Prado Museum Direct Entrance Tickets in Madrid

Ticket prices at the museum can formerly vary depending on what you want to see, but one thing is certain: buying tickets in advance guarantees that you won’t be stuck waiting in line once you get there. By booking through GetYourGuide, you can also avoid the hassle of dealing with long lines at the ticket desk and travel with ease. Plus—with bundles offering up to 60% discounts off admission fees and skip-the-line access included—getting your tickets through GetYourGuide is definitely one of the easiest—and most affordable—ways to visit the world-renowned Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid.

Ready to book your Prado Museum direct entrance tickets? Check out this page on GetYourGuide to get your tickets today!