Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026: Indian vs Foreign Tourist Guide
Planning to visit the Taj Mahal in 2026? One of the first things you will want to know is the Taj Mahal ticket price. Whether you are an Indian traveler, an OCI cardholder, a foreign tourist, or a visitor from a SAARC or BIMSTEC country, the entry fee is different for each category.
The Taj Mahal remains one of India’s most visited monuments, and understanding the ticket system before reaching Agra can save you time, money, and unnecessary confusion. The official Taj Mahal website currently lists different admission rates for Indian/OCI visitors, foreign tourists, and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries. An additional ticket is required if you want to enter the main mausoleum.
This complete Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026 guide explains the latest listed entry fees, additional mausoleum charges, online booking discounts, children’s tickets, visiting hours, Friday closure, and important tips for a smooth visit.
Important: Ticket prices and visitor rules can change. Always verify the latest price on the official Taj Mahal or Archaeological Survey of India website before your visit.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026 at a Glance
According to the official Taj Mahal website, the current standard admission rates are:
| Visitor Category | Regular Entry | Main Mausoleum | Total if Mausoleum Is Added |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian / Domestic / OCI | ₹50 | ₹200 | ₹250 |
| Foreign Tourist | ₹1,100 | ₹200 | ₹1,300 |
| SAARC / BIMSTEC Tourist | ₹540 | ₹200 | ₹740 |
| Children below 15 years | Free | — | Free* |
*Children below 15 years are exempt from the regular entry fee according to the official visitor information. Check the current ticketing rules when booking.
The official website states that the ₹200 mausoleum charge is optional and is added if a visitor wants to enter the main mausoleum.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for Indian Tourists in 2026
For Indian and domestic visitors, the standard Taj Mahal entry ticket is currently ₹50 per person.
If you also want to enter the main mausoleum, an additional ₹200 ticket is required. This makes the total cost ₹250 per person when both regular entry and mausoleum access are selected.
For many Indian travelers, this makes the Taj Mahal one of the most affordable major heritage attractions to visit.
Indian Visitor Ticket Cost
- Regular Taj Mahal entry: ₹50
- Main mausoleum: ₹200 additional
- Regular entry + mausoleum: ₹250
- Children below 15: No entry fee
The official Taj Mahal website also states that online ticket buyers receive a ₹5 discount per Indian ticket.
Therefore, booking online can be a convenient option, especially during busy weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for Foreign Tourists in 2026
Foreign tourists currently pay a significantly higher admission fee than Indian visitors.
The official Taj Mahal website lists the regular foreign tourist entry fee as ₹1,100.
If you want to enter the main mausoleum, another ₹200 is required.
Therefore:
Foreign tourist regular entry = ₹1,100
Foreign tourist entry + main mausoleum = ₹1,300
The official website also provides a ₹50 online booking discount for foreign tourist tickets.
Foreign travelers should therefore consider purchasing their ticket through the official online ticketing system rather than waiting until arrival.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price for SAARC and BIMSTEC Tourists
Visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries have a separate ticket category.
The current official rate is ₹540 for regular entry.
An additional ₹200 is charged for visitors who want to enter the main mausoleum.
This means:
- Regular entry: ₹540
- Main mausoleum: ₹200 additional
- Entry + mausoleum: ₹740
The Taj Mahal’s official visitor information identifies countries belonging to the SAARC and BIMSTEC categories and provides separate admission rates for these visitors.
If you are traveling from a SAARC or BIMSTEC country, make sure you select the correct category while booking your ticket.
What Is the ₹200 Main Mausoleum Ticket?
A common question among first-time visitors is whether the ₹200 charge is included in the regular Taj Mahal ticket.
It is not.
The ₹200 main mausoleum ticket is an additional optional charge. The regular ticket allows you to enter the Taj Mahal complex, gardens and surrounding areas, while the additional ticket provides access to the main mausoleum.
The official Taj Mahal website specifically states that visitors who want to visit the main mausoleum need to purchase the additional ₹200 ticket.
Is the Main Mausoleum Worth Visiting?
For many travelers, yes.
The exterior of the Taj Mahal is spectacular, but entering the mausoleum gives you a different perspective of the monument. You can see the interior architectural details, marble craftsmanship, decorative work and the cenotaphs associated with Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
However, photography restrictions apply inside the monument, so visitors should follow the instructions of security and ASI personnel.
Is the Taj Mahal Free for Children?
Yes. According to the official Taj Mahal website, children below 15 years of age do not have to pay the regular entry fee, for both domestic and foreign visitors.
Families traveling with children should still carry appropriate identification documents and verify the latest ticketing requirements before visiting.
If your family includes teenagers close to the age limit, check the current official rules carefully because age eligibility can affect the ticket category.
Taj Mahal Online Ticket Booking in 2026
Buying your Taj Mahal ticket online can be more convenient than waiting at the ticket counter.
The official Taj Mahal website provides online ticketing information and states that both domestic and foreign visitors can use the online booking system.
Online booking also offers a small discount:
- Indian ticket: ₹5 online discount
- Foreign tourist ticket: ₹50 online discount
Apart from the discount, online booking can help you prepare your visit before arriving in Agra.
Why Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online?
There are several advantages:
- You can check ticket information before leaving for Agra.
- You can avoid unnecessary queues at the ticket counter.
- You can plan your Taj Mahal visit more efficiently.
- Online tickets offer a small discount.
- You can arrange your Delhi-to-Agra itinerary around your planned visit.
- It can be particularly useful during busy tourist periods.
For the safest experience, use the official Taj Mahal/ASI ticketing system rather than purchasing tickets from unknown individuals outside the monument.
Taj Mahal Opening Hours in 2026
The Taj Mahal normally opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset.
The official Taj Mahal website also states that the monument is closed to general visitors every Friday.
This makes the day of your visit extremely important.
Before Planning Your Trip
Always check:
- Sunrise time
- Sunset time
- Friday closure
- Official ticket availability
- Special holiday or security restrictions
- Current entry rules
If you are planning a sunrise visit, remember that the ticket counters open before sunrise, while the monument itself opens approximately 30 minutes before sunrise.
Taj Mahal Ticket Counters
The official visitor information lists ticket facilities at the Western Gate and Eastern Gate.
The Southern Gate is currently used only for exit rather than normal visitor entry.
Ticket counters generally operate around the monument’s visiting schedule, so visitors should not arrive at the last minute.
If you already have an online ticket, follow the instructions provided with your booking and use the appropriate entrance.
Taj Mahal East Gate vs West Gate
The Taj Mahal has multiple access points, but visitors should understand the difference before arriving.
East Gate
The East Gate is popular with travelers staying around the eastern side of the Taj Mahal and is commonly used for sunrise visits.
West Gate
The West Gate is another major visitor entrance and can also be convenient depending on your hotel and transportation arrangements.
South Gate
The South Gate is not currently used as a regular visitor entry point and is designated for exit according to the official Taj Mahal information.
Your ticket and current instructions should always take priority because entry arrangements can change.
Is Taj Mahal Closed on Friday?
Yes.
The Taj Mahal is closed for general tourist viewing every Friday.
The Friday closure is one of the most important details to remember when planning a Taj Mahal tour.
For example, if your Delhi itinerary is flexible, avoid scheduling your main Taj Mahal visit for Friday.
This is especially important for travelers booking:
- Delhi to Agra day trips
- Sunrise Taj Mahal tours
- Weekend Golden Triangle tours
- Train-based Agra tours
- Multi-city India itineraries
The official Taj Mahal website confirms Friday as the weekly closure day for general viewing.
Taj Mahal Night Viewing Ticket Price
Night viewing is a separate experience and should not be confused with the regular daytime admission ticket.
The Archaeological Survey of India explains that night viewing is permitted around the full moon period on selected nights, subject to restrictions. It is generally available for the full moon night and two nights before and after, excluding Fridays and the specified restricted period.
However, the ASI Agra Circle page currently displays older night-viewing price/date information, so travelers should confirm the current 2026 night-viewing schedule and ticket rate directly with ASI before making plans.
This is especially important because night-viewing dates and operational arrangements can change.
What Is Included in the Taj Mahal Ticket?
The regular Taj Mahal admission ticket provides access to the monument complex during normal visiting hours.
According to the official travel information, facilities associated with the foreign tourist ticket include items such as a shoe cover, water bottle, tourist guide map, and access to battery bus/golf cart services.
The ticket does not automatically mean that you have a private tour guide.
A guide service is a separate arrangement.
Similarly, transportation from Delhi to Agra, hotel pickup, lunch, private cars and other tour services are not part of the basic monument admission fee.
Do You Need a Guide at the Taj Mahal?
A guide is not mandatory for simply entering the Taj Mahal.
You can visit independently using your admission ticket.
However, hiring a knowledgeable local guide can make the experience more informative because the Taj Mahal has numerous architectural, historical and artistic details that can be easy to overlook.
A guide can explain:
- Mughal architecture
- Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
- Marble inlay work
- Calligraphy
- Symmetry of the complex
- Garden design
- Construction history
- Stories behind important architectural features
If you are booking a tour, choose a reputable company and make sure you understand exactly what is included in the package.
Documents to Carry When Visiting the Taj Mahal
Visitors should carry a valid government-issued identity document as required by the current visitor rules.
Foreign travelers should carry their passport or accepted identification.
It is always better to have your identification available when visiting a major protected monument.
Before leaving for Agra, also keep:
- Your ticket confirmation
- Passport/ID
- Hotel details
- Emergency contact information
- Phone with sufficient battery
- Small amount of cash
- Water, where permitted
What Can You Carry Inside the Taj Mahal?
Security restrictions apply inside the Taj Mahal.
The official visitor information lists several prohibited items, including drones, weapons, explosives, smoking-related items, large bags and other restricted materials.
Travelers should therefore avoid carrying unnecessary items.
A smaller bag can make the security process easier.
The official travel information also states that water bottles are permitted and that shoe racks are available near the main mausoleum.
How Much Does a Complete Taj Mahal Visit Cost?
The monument ticket is only one part of your overall travel budget.
Your actual Taj Mahal trip cost can include:
- Taj Mahal entry ticket
- Main mausoleum ticket
- Transportation
- Tour guide
- Hotel
- Meals
- Agra Fort ticket
- Mehtab Bagh ticket
- Local transportation
- Shopping
- Photography or other optional services
For example, an Indian traveler visiting independently may spend only a small amount on the monument itself but considerably more on transportation and food.
A foreign traveler arriving from Delhi may spend much more because of private transportation, hotels and guided experiences.
Therefore, Taj Mahal ticket price and Taj Mahal tour cost are two different things.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price vs Taj Mahal Tour Package
This distinction is important when comparing tour companies.
A Taj Mahal ticket is simply your admission to the monument.
A tour package can include several additional services.
For example, a Delhi-to-Taj Mahal private tour may include:
- Hotel or airport pickup
- Private air-conditioned car
- Driver
- Fuel
- Toll taxes
- Local guide
- Taj Mahal entrance ticket
- Agra Fort visit
- Restaurant lunch
- Hotel drop-off
Because packages contain different services, never compare two tour prices only by their final amount.
Instead, check what is actually included.
Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal in 2026
For the best overall experience, early morning is one of the most popular choices.
The Taj Mahal opens shortly before sunrise, allowing visitors to see the monument in softer morning light and often experience cooler temperatures.
Sunrise visits are particularly popular with photographers and travelers making a same-day trip from Delhi.
Winter mornings can be foggy, however, so visibility may vary.
Morning Visit
Best for:
- Sunrise photography
- Cooler temperatures
- Photographers
- Travelers wanting an early start
Midday Visit
Best for:
- Travelers with flexible schedules
- Visitors combining several Agra attractions
However, the midday sun can be stronger, especially during warmer months.
Sunset Visit
Best for:
- Evening light
- Relaxed sightseeing
- Travelers who are staying overnight in Agra
Your ideal time depends on the season, weather and itinerary.
Tips to Save Money on a Taj Mahal Visit
Although the basic Indian entry fee is relatively low, there are several ways to keep your overall trip affordable.
1. Book Tickets Through Official Channels
Avoid unauthorized sellers and agents.
2. Travel by Train
If you are coming from Delhi, train travel can sometimes be more economical than hiring a private car.
3. Visit Multiple Attractions
Combine the Taj Mahal with Agra Fort and other nearby attractions instead of making multiple trips to Agra.
4. Compare Tour Packages
If you prefer a private tour, compare inclusions rather than simply choosing the cheapest price.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons
Decide whether you actually need additional services such as a private guide, luxury transportation or hotel accommodation.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
A little preparation can prevent many common problems.
Mistake 1: Visiting on Friday
Always check the weekly closure before booking your itinerary.
Mistake 2: Confusing Entry Fee With Mausoleum Fee
The ₹200 main mausoleum charge is additional.
Mistake 3: Buying From Unauthorized Sellers
Use official ticketing channels whenever possible.
Mistake 4: Carrying Prohibited Items
Security restrictions can cause delays if you arrive with restricted belongings.
Mistake 5: Arriving Too Late
The Taj Mahal follows specific opening and closing times, so do not plan your visit around the last few minutes.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Weather
Fog, heat and monsoon weather can affect the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026
What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for Indians in 2026?
The current official regular entry fee for Indian/domestic/OCI visitors is ₹50. An additional ₹200 is required for main mausoleum access.
What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for foreigners in 2026?
The current official regular entry fee for foreign tourists is ₹1,100. The main mausoleum costs an additional ₹200.
What is the Taj Mahal ticket price for SAARC tourists?
The current official entry fee for SAARC/BIMSTEC visitors is ₹540, with another ₹200 for optional main mausoleum access.
Is the Taj Mahal free for children?
Children below 15 years currently have no regular entry fee according to the official Taj Mahal website.
Is the ₹200 mausoleum ticket compulsory?
No. It is an additional charge for visitors who want to enter the main mausoleum.
Can I book Taj Mahal tickets online?
Yes. The official Taj Mahal website provides online ticketing information for domestic and foreign visitors. Online bookings also receive applicable discounts.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Friday?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday.
How early does the Taj Mahal open?
The Taj Mahal opens approximately 30 minutes before sunrise and closes approximately 30 minutes before sunset on normal visiting days.
Is a guide included in the Taj Mahal ticket?
No. A standard monument ticket is an admission ticket. A private or professional guide is a separate service.
Is Taj Mahal night viewing included in the regular ticket?
No. Night viewing is a separate, specially regulated experience and requires separate arrangements/ticketing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Taj Mahal Ticket Price 2026 before your journey can make your Agra visit much easier.
For Indian and OCI visitors, the current regular ticket is ₹50, while foreign tourists pay ₹1,100. SAARC and BIMSTEC visitors currently pay ₹540. Visitors who want to enter the main mausoleum need to add ₹200 to their regular ticket. Children below 15 years are currently exempt from the regular entry fee.
Remember that the Taj Mahal is closed to general visitors every Friday, and normal visiting hours run from approximately 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset.
For the most convenient experience, check the official ticketing information before traveling and book through authorized channels.
If you are traveling from Delhi, consider combining your Taj Mahal visit with Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh and other major attractions. A well-planned itinerary can turn a simple monument visit into a complete Agra experience.
Prices, schedules and visitor regulations can change, so verify the latest information on the official Taj Mahal/ASI website before your trip.
