Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026: Entry Fees for Indian & Foreign Tourists, Timings, Mausoleum Ticket & Booking Guide

The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognised monuments, but its ticket system creates a surprising amount of confusion. Search results can show ₹50, ₹540, ₹1,100 and ₹1,300 for what appears to be the same attraction. The reason is simple: Indian/OCI visitors, SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors and other foreign tourists use different ticket categories, while entry to the main mausoleum is charged separately.

This guide focuses first on the question travellers most often need answered: how much does a Taj Mahal ticket cost in 2026? It then covers the main-mausoleum charge, online booking, opening hours, Friday closure, entry gates, night viewing, Delhi and Jaipur transport, hotels, photography, security, visa planning, family travel and realistic one-day and two-day itineraries.

If you are planning your first Agra visit, use this page as a practical checklist rather than trying to collect small pieces of information from different search results. The most important details are the correct ticket category, the correct date, the correct gate and enough time for security and the final approach to the monument.

Taj Mahal Ticket Price Table 2026

Taj Mahal Ticket Price for Foreign Tourists

For most international travellers, the standard Taj Mahal admission category is Foreign Tourist. The current base entry fee is ₹1,100 per person.

If you also want to enter the main mausoleum, add ₹200. A foreign adult visiting both the monument grounds and mausoleum therefore normally pays ₹1,300 before any applicable online discount.

Foreign Ticket vs Indian Ticket

Taj Mahal Main Mausoleum Ticket Price

The regular Taj Mahal ticket does not automatically include entry inside the main mausoleum. Visitors who want to enter the mausoleum currently need to pay an additional ₹200 along with their regular ticket.

Is the ₹200 Main Mausoleum Ticket Worth It?

For a first visit, it can be worthwhile because you experience the monument from inside rather than only walking around the gardens and marble platform. The interior visit is relatively short, however, and can feel crowded during busy periods.

If your priority is exterior architecture, photography, gardens and the classic reflecting-pool views, the standard entry ticket already provides the main Taj Mahal experience.

Do Children Need a Taj Mahal Ticket?

Current official information states that children below 15 years do not pay the normal Taj Mahal entry fee. This applies to both Indian and foreign children.

If a child is close to the age limit, carry suitable age proof. Always check the current conditions of any additional paid access selected with the booking.

Taj Mahal Online Ticket Price & Booking

The Taj Mahal can be booked online through official Archaeological Survey of India ticketing channels. Online booking is useful for early-morning visits because it reduces the need to spend time at the ticket counter after arriving in Agra.

Can You Buy Taj Mahal Tickets at the Gate?

Yes. Ticket windows are currently available at the East and West Gates. The official schedule lists ticket-window opening around one hour before sunrise and closing around 45 minutes before sunset.

Avoid Unofficial Ticket Sellers

Do not hand money to someone outside the monument simply because they claim the official website is not working or that your online ticket is invalid. Ask uniformed monument staff or use the clearly marked official counter.

What Does the Foreign Tourist Ticket Include?

Current official Taj Mahal visitor information lists several services with the foreigner's entry ticket:

• Shoe covers
• One water bottle
• Tourist guide map of Agra
• Specified battery-bus service
• Specified golf-cart service
• Free shoe racks below the main mausoleum

Taj Mahal Timings 2026

The Taj Mahal normally opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset. Because sunrise and sunset change through the year, there is no single fixed opening time that applies every month.

Is the Taj Mahal Closed on Friday?

Yes. The Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday. This is one of the most important details to check before booking a Delhi–Agra day trip, train, hotel or non-refundable vehicle.

Taj Mahal East Gate, West Gate & South Gate

For normal visitor entry, use the East Gate or West Gate. The South Gate is currently not a normal entrance.

East Gate

The East Gate is convenient for travellers staying around Taj East Gate Road and Shilpgram. It is often a practical choice for an early visit.

West Gate

The West Gate is widely used by travellers arriving from central Agra and other parts of the city.

Can You Enter Through the South Gate?

No. Current official information states that the South Gate is exit only.

Taj Mahal Night Viewing Ticket Price

Night viewing is a separate experience from normal daytime admission. It is available only on limited dates around the full moon and uses controlled visitor groups.

Current official night-viewing information places the sessions between 8:00 PM and 11:59 PM. Visitors are admitted in controlled 30-minute periods and should report at Shilpgram near the East Gate around 30 minutes before the time printed on the ticket.

Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal

Sunrise or Sunset: Which Is Better?

Sunrise and early morning are popular because temperatures are cooler and the first part of the day can be quieter. The soft early light is also excellent for photography.

Winter is the exception. December and January can bring dense morning fog, so a later visit may provide better visibility than arriving before sunrise.

Late afternoon gives warmer light, but remember that the monument closes before full darkness. For another perspective, compare our Taj Mahal sunrise vs sunset guide.

India Visa & e-Visa Planning for Taj Mahal Visitors

There is no separate “Taj Mahal visa.” International travellers simply need the correct permission to enter India for their nationality and travel purpose.

Many nationalities are eligible for India's e-Visa system, but eligibility, fees, validity, permitted entry points and stay conditions depend on the traveller's passport and visa category.

e-Visa Checklist

• Use the official Government of India visa portal.
• Confirm that your nationality is currently eligible.
• Check passport-validity requirements.
• Use exactly the same name and passport details as your travel document.
• Upload a compliant photograph.
• Upload a clear passport bio-page scan.
• Check your permitted airport or seaport of entry.
• Save the approved travel authorisation offline.
• Confirm approval before boarding your flight.

Delhi to Taj Mahal: Distance, Time & Best Options

Agra is approximately 230 km by road from Delhi. The Yamuna Expressway makes a same-day visit possible when you leave early.

Delhi to Taj Mahal by Private Car

A normal private-car journey often takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the pickup point, Delhi traffic, stops and traffic when entering Agra.

A private car is especially useful for families, couples, seniors and first-time India visitors who want hotel-to-hotel transport. Travellers wanting a planned route can compare our Delhi to Agra same-day tour.

Delhi to Taj Mahal by Train

Delhi and Agra Cantt are connected by fast trains. Depending on the date and current railway timetable, services may include Gatimaan Express, Shatabdi and selected Vande Bharat trains.

Remember the Full Journey Time

• Hotel to Delhi railway station
• Station-entry and platform time
• Rail journey
• Exit from Agra Cantt
• Road transfer to the Taj Mahal
• Parking / final electric transfer
• Security queue

A 100-minute train does not mean your hotel-to-Taj-Mahal journey takes only 100 minutes.

Agra Cantt to Taj Mahal

Agra Cantt railway station, code AGC, is approximately 6–8 km from the common Taj Mahal access areas. The road transfer typically takes about 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Pre-booked cars, hotel transfers, taxis and auto-rickshaws are commonly used. Conventional private vehicles do not drive directly to the marble monument, so allow extra time for the final regulated approach.

Jaipur to Taj Mahal

Jaipur and Agra can be combined by private car or selected train services. A road journey often takes around four to five hours depending on the route, traffic and stops.

Fatehpur Sikri fits naturally on a Jaipur–Agra road journey because it sits outside central Agra. Compare our Jaipur to Taj Mahal day trip and Jaipur to Agra one-day train guide.

Best Areas to Stay Near the Taj Mahal

Questions to Ask Before Booking a Taj-View Hotel

• Is the Taj Mahal visible from my exact room?
• Is the view only from a rooftop restaurant?
• How far is the hotel from the actual entry gate?
• Does the hotel arrange early-morning transfers?
• Can breakfast be packed for an early departure?
• Can luggage be stored after checkout?

What to Wear to the Taj Mahal

There is no complicated tourist dress code, but the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and its complex includes a mosque. Comfortable and respectful clothing works best.

• Light trousers
• Long skirts or comfortable dresses
• Breathable tops
• Hat and sun protection during hot months
• Light layer for winter mornings
• Footwear that is easy to remove

Visitors need to remove shoes or use shoe covers in designated areas. For more detail, see our Taj Mahal dress code guide.

Taj Mahal Security: What Can You Carry?

Best Taj Mahal Photography Tips

• Use the main gateway as a natural frame.
• Photograph the reflecting pool early before the busiest periods.
• Move away from the centre line for less repetitive photographs.
• Use side arches, trees and doorways to frame the monument.
• Protect detail in the bright white marble by checking exposure.
• Use people selectively to communicate scale.
• Check winter fog before committing to a sunrise shoot.
• Follow photography restrictions inside the mausoleum.
• Never use a drone.

Taj Mahal With Children, Seniors & Limited Mobility

A Taj Mahal visit includes more walking than many travellers expect. The complete journey includes parking, electric transfer or walking, security, gardens and the raised marble area.

For Senior Travellers

• Visit early during hot weather.
• Confirm current wheelchair assistance before arrival.
• Allow extra rest time.
• Use a legal pre-planned drop-off point.
• Avoid combining too many monuments in one day.

For Families With Children

• Carry a small bag.
• Use hats and sun protection.
• Agree on a meeting location.
• Keep a parent's phone number with young children.
• Plan food before or after the monument visit.

Taj Mahal Tourist Scams & Mistakes to Avoid

• Unofficial tickets: use official booking channels.
• Guide without an agreed price: confirm language, duration and full fee first.
• Forced shopping: tell your driver or guide if you do not want shop stops.
• “Government shop” claims: the wording does not automatically mean government-owned.
• Unclear transport prices: ask whether the amount is per person or per vehicle.
• Fake visa websites: verify the domain before entering passport information.
• Friday booking: normal Taj Mahal sightseeing is not available.
• Wrong gate: South Gate is currently exit only.

Food, Water & Summer Heat

Agra has hotel restaurants, cafés, North Indian restaurants and international options. Choose busy, clean places with recent reviews, especially if you have only recently arrived in India.

Use sealed bottled water or reliable filtered water. April, May and June can be extremely hot, and much of the Taj Mahal garden is exposed to the sun.

Total Taj Mahal Trip Budget

Your total Taj Mahal cost depends on nationality, transport style, hotel choice, whether you enter the mausoleum and how many additional Agra attractions you visit.

One-Day Taj Mahal Ticket-Focused Itinerary

1. Early morning: leave Delhi by confirmed private car or fast train.
2. Morning: enter the Taj Mahal as early as practical.
3. 2–3 hours: gardens, photography, platform and mausoleum if selected.
4. Lunch: proper break at a reputable restaurant.
5. Afternoon: visit Agra Fort.
6. If time remains: choose Mehtab Bagh or Itmad-ud-Daulah.
7. Evening: return to Delhi with confirmed transport.

Trying to combine the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Bagh and several shopping stops in one short day usually creates more driving and queueing than sightseeing.

Two-Day Agra Itinerary

What Else Should You Visit in Agra?

Agra Fort

Agra Fort is the best historical companion to the Taj Mahal. Its palaces, courtyards and Yamuna views help explain Mughal Agra and the imperial world associated with Shah Jahan.

Itmad-ud-Daulah

Often called the “Baby Taj,” this smaller riverside tomb is known for fine marble inlay and is useful for understanding architectural developments that came before the Taj Mahal.

Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh sits across the Yamuna and provides a distant perspective toward the Taj Mahal, especially useful for travellers interested in sunset views.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is outside central Agra and deserves meaningful time. It fits especially well into a road journey between Agra and Jaipur.

Should You Hire a Taj Mahal Guide?

A knowledgeable guide can explain the Mughal history, symmetry, calligraphy, stone inlay, architecture and planning of the Taj Mahal far better than simply walking through the complex without context.

Before Hiring a Guide

• Confirm the language.
• Check official identification.
• Agree on the total duration.
• Agree on the complete price.
• Ask whether tickets are included.
• Ask whether transport is included.
• Ask whether shopping stops are included.

Taj Mahal & India's Golden Triangle

Delhi, Agra and Jaipur form India's famous Golden Triangle. It is one of the easiest first-time India routes because it combines Delhi's historic neighbourhoods, the Taj Mahal and Mughal Agra with Jaipur's palaces and forts.

Travellers planning a longer route can compare our Golden Triangle tour packages and Taj Mahal tour packages.

Best Ways to Save Money on a Taj Mahal Visit

• Buy the correct nationality ticket instead of paying an unofficial seller.
• Use the official online-ticket discount when available.
• Decide in advance whether you actually want the ₹200 mausoleum entry.
• Stay near the correct gate if you plan a sunrise visit.
• Combine Agra Fort with the Taj Mahal instead of unnecessary cross-city driving.
• Confirm whether your tour already includes a guide or transport.
• Agree on driver and guide fees before starting.
• Carry your online ticket offline so you do not purchase it again.

Ticket Mistakes That Increase Your Taj Mahal Cost

• Using the ₹50 Indian price when budgeting as a foreign visitor.
• Buying a foreign ticket when you qualify for another official category.
• Assuming the mausoleum is included automatically.
• Buying from an unofficial website or seller.
• Arriving on Friday after paying for non-refundable transport.
• Booking a guide without agreeing on a full price.
• Arriving with prohibited luggage and paying for unnecessary storage or transport changes.
• Booking a Taj-view hotel without checking whether your actual room has the view.
• Trying to enter through the South Gate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taj Mahal Ticket Prices

What is the Taj Mahal ticket price in 2026?

The current base ticket costs ₹1,100 for a foreign tourist, ₹540 for eligible SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors and ₹50 for Indian/OCI visitors. The main mausoleum costs ₹200 extra.

How much is the Taj Mahal ticket for foreigners?

The standard foreign-tourist ticket currently costs ₹1,100. With the optional ₹200 main-mausoleum ticket, the normal total is ₹1,300 before any applicable online discount.

What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for Indian visitors?

The current base ticket for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders is ₹50. Entry to the main mausoleum costs ₹200 extra.

What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for SAARC and BIMSTEC visitors?

The current base ticket for eligible SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors is ₹540. The main mausoleum requires an additional ₹200 ticket.

Is the main mausoleum included in the Taj Mahal ticket?

No. Entry to the main mausoleum currently requires an additional ₹200 ticket along with the regular admission.

Is the Taj Mahal online ticket cheaper?

Current official visitor information lists an online discount of ₹50 per foreign ticket and ₹5 per Indian ticket.

Can I buy Taj Mahal tickets at the gate?

Yes. Ticket windows currently operate at the East and West Gates. Online booking can be more convenient for busy early-morning visits.

Do children need a Taj Mahal ticket?

Children below 15 years currently receive free general admission, including foreign children.

Is the Taj Mahal closed on Friday?

Yes. The Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday.

What time does the Taj Mahal open?

The Taj Mahal normally opens 30 minutes before sunrise.

What time does the Taj Mahal close?

It normally closes 30 minutes before sunset.

What time do Taj Mahal ticket counters open?

The East and West Gate ticket windows currently open around one hour before sunrise and close around 45 minutes before sunset.

Which Taj Mahal gate is best?

The East and West Gates are the normal visitor entrances. The better option depends on your hotel, parking point and transport arrangement.

Can I enter through the South Gate?

No. The South Gate is currently used only as an exit.

How many hours are enough for the Taj Mahal?

Two to three hours is a good amount of time for most first-time visitors. Travellers interested in photography or a slower visit may want longer.

Can I visit the Taj Mahal from Delhi in one day?

Yes. The Yamuna Expressway and fast rail connections make a same-day Delhi–Agra visit practical when you start early and confirm the return journey in advance.

How far is the Taj Mahal from Delhi?

Agra is approximately 230 km by road from Delhi. A typical private-car journey takes around three to four hours depending on traffic and pickup location.

How far is Agra Cantt from the Taj Mahal?

Agra Cantt is approximately 6–8 km from the common Taj Mahal access areas. The road transfer often takes around 20–35 minutes.

Can I carry a water bottle inside the Taj Mahal?

Yes. Current official visitor information allows a water bottle, and a water bottle is also listed among the services supplied with the foreigner's entry ticket.

Can I carry food inside the Taj Mahal?

No. Eatables are not allowed inside the Taj Mahal. Carry only necessary permitted items to make the security check easier.

Are drones allowed at the Taj Mahal?

No. Drone cameras are strictly prohibited inside and around the Taj Mahal.

Can I carry a tripod?

A tripod is not allowed without appropriate permission from the Archaeological Survey of India.

What is the Taj Mahal night-viewing ticket price?

The current night-viewing price is ₹510 for an Indian adult, ₹750 for a foreign adult and ₹500 for a child aged 3–15.

Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night every day?

No. Night viewing is available only on selected dates around the full moon. It is also closed on Fridays and during the month of Ramzan.

Is sunrise the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

Sunrise and early morning are excellent for cooler temperatures and lighter early crowds. December and January can have dense morning fog, so visibility should be checked in winter.

What is the best season to visit the Taj Mahal?

October to March is generally the most comfortable season, although winter fog can affect some early-morning visits.

What should I wear at the Taj Mahal?

Wear comfortable, respectful clothing suited to the weather. Shoes must be removed or covered in designated marble areas.

Where should I stay for a sunrise Taj Mahal visit?

Taj East Gate Road is convenient for many early-morning visitors. Fatehabad Road has a wider choice of hotels and restaurants. Always check the actual distance to your intended entry gate.

Should I hire a guide at the Taj Mahal?

A knowledgeable guide is useful if you want detailed explanations of Mughal history, architecture, calligraphy and marble inlay. Confirm identification, language, duration and total fee before starting.

What else should I visit in Agra?

Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah and Mehtab Bagh are the easiest additions. Fatehpur Sikri needs more travel time and fits particularly well on an Agra–Jaipur road journey.

Final Taj Mahal Price Planning Advice

The most important number for a standard international visitor is ₹1,100 for general Taj Mahal entry. Add ₹200 if you want to enter the main mausoleum. Do not accidentally plan your budget around the ₹50 Indian/OCI tariff simply because it appears in a search result.

A good Taj Mahal trip is not created by adding every attraction in Agra. Start with the correct ticket, choose a date other than Friday, decide whether you want the mausoleum, book the correct gate area and then add transport, hotel, Agra Fort and other attractions only when they fit your schedule.

For a Delhi day trip, Taj Mahal + Agra Fort is usually the strongest first-time combination. For a slower experience, stay one night in Agra and visit the Taj Mahal early the following morning.