Louvre Museum tickets 2026: official vs resellers, combo deals & insider tips
Compare the official timed-entry price against partner 'hosted' or 'guided' options, which often provide better availability for sold-out dates and help navigating the complex security entrances.
Honest price comparison Updated 7d ago 0 live rows
Book directly through the official site for the lowest rates if you can plan 4–8 weeks in advance. If official slots are sold out or you want to avoid navigating the massive complex alone, choose a 'hosted' or 'guided' partner ticket.
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Budget-conscious travelers booking 1+ month in advance
Guarantees the lowest official rate (€22–€32) without reseller markups.
Non-EEA Surcharge: As of 2026, visitors from outside the European Economic Area pay a higher official rate (€32) than EEA residents (€22).
Mandatory Security: No ticket 'skips' the security line; expect 15–45 minutes at the Pyramid or 5–20 minutes at the Carrousel entrance.
Audio Guide Fee: The Nintendo 3DS audio guide is not included in standard tickets and costs approximately €5–€6 extra.
Late Arrival Penalty: Arriving more than 30 minutes past your time slot can void your priority entry, forcing you into the walk-in queue.
Cloakroom Limits: Large bags (exceeding 55x35x20 cm) are strictly prohibited and cannot be stored in the museum lockers.
Insider tips
4 things to know before your visit
Entrance: Avoid the main Pyramid entrance for security. Instead, use the 'Carrousel du Louvre' underground entrance (99 Rue de Rivoli), which is typically 50% faster and weather-protected. The 'Porte des Lions' entrance is the quietest but has unreliable hours; check its status on the day of your visit.
Price: The official benchmark for May 2026 is €22 for all visitors. Partner prices (starting around €30–€46) are higher because they include booking fees, hosting services, or bundled access to sold-out time slots.
Discounts: Free entry is available for all visitors under 18 and EEA residents under 26 with valid ID. Crucially, these visitors MUST still reserve a €0 timed-entry slot on the official website to guarantee admission. On the first Friday of the month (except July/August), entry is free for everyone after 6 PM.
Timing: Arrive early enough for security checks, ticket scanning and wayfinding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a 'skip-the-line' ticket really skip the queue?
It skips the ticket-office queue only. All visitors, regardless of ticket type, must wait in the mandatory security screening line.
Can I show my ticket on my smartphone?
Yes, mobile tickets are fully accepted. Ensure your phone is charged as you will need to scan it at the entrance and again to enter specific wings.
What happens if I miss my booked time slot?
The Louvre allows a 30-minute grace window. If you are later than that, you lose priority and may be denied entry or asked to join the much longer walk-in line.
Is the Mona Lisa included in a standard ticket?
Yes, but be prepared for a secondary queue inside the Denon wing specifically for the Mona Lisa, which can take 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Are there free days in May 2026?
Yes, the first Friday (May 1) is a public holiday and the museum is closed. However, a special free 'Museum Night' occurs on Saturday, May 23, 2026, requiring a mandatory advance reservation.
Can I leave the museum and come back in?
No, tickets are for a single entry only. Once you exit the security perimeter, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket.