Buckingham Palace Entrance Fee
Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous attractions, but visitors usually need a paid ticket to go inside. Standard visitor entry is mainly for the summer opening of the State Rooms, which runs from 9 July to 27 September 2026. During the rest of the year, Buckingham Palace is only open on selected dates for small-group guided tours.
Buckingham Palace entrance fee at a glance
For most visitors, the main ticket is Buckingham Palace standard admission, which covers entry to the State Rooms during the summer opening. Current 2026 prices are:
- Adult: £33.00 in advance / £37.00 on the day
- Young person (18 to 24): £21.50 in advance / £24.50 on the day
- Child (5 to 17): £16.50 in advance / £18.50 on the day
- Disabled person: £16.50 in advance / £18.50 on the day
- Access companion: Free
- Under 5: Free
There are also £1 tickets for people on Universal Credit and certain other named UK benefits, which can make Buckingham Palace much more affordable for eligible visitors.
Ticket types and what they include
Standard admission
This is the main Buckingham Palace ticket for most tourists. It gives you access to the State Rooms, which are the ceremonial rooms used for official entertaining, and the visitor route then continues out through the garden. A free multimedia guide is included during the summer opening.
Royal Day Out
If you want more than just the Palace interior, the Royal Day Out ticket includes Buckingham Palace, The King’s Gallery and the Royal Mews. Royal Collection Trust says this option saves 10% compared with buying separately. 2026 prices start from £65.70 in advance for adults.
Buckingham Palace plus a Garden Highlights Tour
This option combines standard Palace entry with a guided walking tour of notable parts of the garden. Prices start from £48.00 for adults.
Buckingham Palace plus an East Wing Tour
This is a more expensive upgrade that combines the State Rooms with a guided East Wing visit. Prices start from £93.00 in advance for adults.
How to buy tickets
Booking online in advance is usually the best option. Buckingham Palace uses a timed admission system, and Royal Collection Trust recommends arriving 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. During busy summer dates, prebooking is strongly recommended.
Another useful point is that your ticket can be converted into a 1-Year Pass, which gives free re-admission for a year.
Best time to visit
The main public opening for Buckingham Palace in 2026 runs from 9 July to 27 September. Through 9 July to 31 August, the State Rooms are open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm, with last admission at 5:15pm. In September, opening is generally Thursday to Monday from 9:30am to 6:30pm, with last admission at 4:15pm.
For a calmer visit, earlier timed slots usually work well. On-the-day tickets cost more, so advance booking normally gives better value.
Useful visitor information
Buckingham Palace is a working royal palace, so entry rules are stricter than at many other London attractions. Visitors go through airport-style security, and large bags cannot be taken inside. Bags larger than 45cm x 20cm x 30cm are not allowed.
Photography and filming are not permitted inside Buckingham Palace. Food and drink are not allowed inside either, apart from bottled water.
The visit usually takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and the summer route includes a fairly long walk through the garden on a gravel path, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
Buckingham Palace and the Palace Garden are accessible. Concessionary rates are available for disabled visitors, and an access companion can enter free.
Is Buckingham Palace worth the entrance fee?
For many visitors, yes. Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable buildings in the UK, and the summer opening gives access to rooms that are normally used for royal ceremonies and official events. It is not a cheap attraction, but the standard ticket is more reasonably priced than many people expect, especially when booked in advance.
If your main aim is simply to see the building from outside, you do not need a ticket for that. The paid entry is mainly for visitors who want to see the State Rooms and the formal visitor route inside the Palace.
FAQs about Buckingham Palace entrance fee
How much is the Buckingham Palace entrance fee?
Standard summer 2026 admission starts at £33.00 for adults when booked in advance, or £37.00 on the day. Child, young person and concession prices are lower.
Is Buckingham Palace free to enter?
No, you normally need a paid ticket to go inside the State Rooms. However, under-5s go free, access companions go free, and some visitors on qualifying UK benefits can book £1 tickets.
Can you buy Buckingham Palace tickets on the day?
Yes, on-the-day tickets are available for standard admission, but they cost more and may sell out on busy summer dates.
What is included with a standard Buckingham Palace ticket?
Standard admission includes access to the State Rooms during the summer opening, plus a free multimedia guide.
Is Buckingham Palace open all year?
Not for standard tourist visits. The main public opening is in summer, and during the rest of the year the Palace only opens on selected dates for smaller guided tours.
How long do you need at Buckingham Palace?
Royal Collection Trust suggests allowing around 2 to 2.5 hours for a standard summer visit.