Skip the line tickets have become increasingly popular for tourists visiting Europe’s top attractions. These tickets promise to help you bypass long queues and get faster access to sights like the Eiffel Tower, Vatican Museums, and more. But are they really worth the extra cost? Here’s what you need to know about skip the line tickets in Europe.
What are skip the line tickets?
Skip the line tickets, also known as priority access or fast-track tickets, allow you to access attractions via a separate entrance, bypassing the main queue. You’ll still go through security checks as normal, but once inside you can head straight to the attraction rather than standing in line outside.
These tickets are sold by both official sites and third-party vendors. They usually cost extra on top of general admission tickets. Prices vary depending on the attraction, season, and vendor, but expect to pay anywhere from €5-50 extra per person.
The main benefits
Skip the line tickets offer two major benefits:
- Save time – This is the main selling point. You can skip waiting in long lines, especially in peak season. General queues can be 2+ hours at popular sights like the Louvre, Sagrada Familia, and the Colosseum.
- Beat crowds – With faster entry, you avoid the most crowded times outside the attraction. Once inside, you’ll have less competition for prime viewing spots too.
This saves physical and mental energy, leaving you fresher to enjoy the actual attraction. With limited time in Europe, skip the line access helps maximize sightseeing.
When are they worth buying?
During peak travel times, skip the line tickets can be a smart purchase. Summertime is crowded at European attractions, as are major holidays like Easter and Christmas. Some sights even have daily morning “rush hours” with long queues.
Here are times when paying extra can pay off:
- Visiting in summer (June-August)
- During European school holidays
- On weekends and public holidays
- At famously busy sights like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Anne Frank House
- If you have mobility issues or traveling with young children
Peak season lines can take hours, so paying €20-30 extra per person is worthwhile. Similarly, skip the line access is great for families and less mobile travelers who don’t want to wait with kids or on sore feet.
When are they not necessary?
During off-peak seasons, skip the line tickets are less essential. Queue times shrink from November-March minus the Christmas period. Weekdays are also generally less busy than weekends.
Here are times when you may not need them:
- Visiting in winter (November-February)
- Avoiding school holidays and weekends
- Arriving early/late in the day
- At less crowded, famous sights like Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) or Monet’s Garden
Without hordes of summer tourists, queues tend to be shorter. Arriving when a site opens or just before closing also beats the crowds. And some attractions just don’t get as packed.
Where are they commonly offered?
Skip the line tickets are available at many, but not all major sights. Common locations include:
- Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica (Rome)
- Colosseum & Roman Forum (Rome)
- Louvre Museum (Paris)
- Eiffel Tower (Paris)
- Sagrada Familia (Barcelona)
- Anne Frank House (Amsterdam)
Guaranteed access is useful at these perpetually crowded attractions. But also expect skip the line deals at places like St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, and more.
Are they sold onsite?
Some major sights sell skip the line tickets onsite, but availability is limited. At the Colosseum for example, only around 300 are sold per day. So buying ahead online is better for peace of mind.
Third parties also offer digital skip the line passes covering multiple attractions. These give flexibility to choose your sight and day, without needing to buy tickets at each location.
Tips for buying skip the line tickets
To ensure your skip the line tickets are worthwhile, follow these tips:
- Purchase from official sources like the attraction’s website or ticket office to guarantee validity. Scams do exist.
- Check the fine print for blackout dates, expiration policies, and other rules.
- For digital tickets, have your voucher ready on your phone to show staff.
- Arrive at the start of your time slot – tickets are usually for morning or afternoon entry.
- There still may be some short security lines, so account for a little wait.
Following the guidelines helps avoid hiccups with your skip the line access. Also research the specific attraction’s policies when buying tickets.
Are there downsides to skip the line tickets?
While these tickets can save time, there are some potential drawbacks:
- They may have hidden fees like processing charges on top of base cost.
- Buying from a third-party site means less recourse if issues arise.
- They won’t necessarily allow you to skip security, just the outside queue.
- Scanning tickets and entering via groups can still take 15-30 minutes.
- You may not have an exact entry time, just morning or afternoon access.
So while faster overall, the experience may not be as seamless as imagined. Do research to have realistic expectations.
Are skip the line passes worth it for museums?
Skip the line museum tickets can be extremely useful if you want to see the highlights quickly. Museums like the Louvre and Vatican Museums are massive, so fast-track entry saves hunting for exhibits.
These passes are great for:
- Seeing the main masterpieces and icons like the Mona Lisa and Sistine Chapel.
- Having enough time for a brief 1-2 hour visit.
- Avoiding queues to buy tickets onsite.
- Beating the crowds to take better photos.
However, if you plan to spend a full day at a museum, the standard ticket may suffice during off-peak times. Prioritize skip the line for whirlwind sightseeing.
Typical prices of skip the line tickets
Skip the line ticket prices vary greatly depending on the sight, season, and source. As a general benchmark, here are typical costs:
Attraction | Individual Price |
---|---|
Eiffel Tower Summit Access | €40-60 |
Louvre Museum | €20-35 |
Colosseum Underground Tours | €15-22 |
Sagrada Familia | €25-35 |
Vatican Museums | €25-40 |
Multi-attraction passes offer per-site costs around €25 on average. Official vendors tend to charge full price, while third parties offer small discounts but add fees.
Are there multi-attraction skip the line passes?
Yes, several European cities offer skip the line passes covering multiple sights. These provide fast-track entry to a handful of top attractions over a few days. Brands include:
- City Pass – Paris, Berlin, Vienna
- City Sightseeing – Rome, Paris, Barcelona
- Skip the Line Italy – Rome, Venice, Florence
These can offer savings compared to individual tickets. However, you may not use all the inclusions depending on your interests. Check what’s available at your chosen destinations.
Should you book a guided tour instead?
Organized small group tours are another way to bypass lines at busy European attractions. Benefits can include:
- Guaranteed entry with prepaid bookings.
- Expert commentary from guides.
- Tailored to particular areas of interest.
- Possibility to bundle transport and admissions.
If you want an in-depth experience and don’t mind sticking to a schedule, tours can be ideal. But if you value independence, skip the line tickets offer more flexibility.
What’s the best way to buy skip the line tickets?
The best sources for skip the line tickets are:
- Official attraction websites – For reliability and customer service.
- Reputable tour companies like Viator and GetYourGuide – For convenient one-stop shopping.
- City tourism boards – For deals on official passes.
- Directly onsite – If available for peace of mind.
Research trusted vendors and read reviews before purchasing. Allow enough time for digital tickets to be processed and sent.
Should you book skip the line tickets in advance?
Yes, booking skip the line access well in advance is highly recommended. Last minute tickets may be unavailable, especially during peak season.
Popular time slots can sell out months ahead online. Onsite box offices also have very limited supply. Don’t wait until the day you want to visit, as you risk missing out.
For peace of mind, purchase tickets 4-8 weeks pre-travel. This guarantees availability and gives time to receive mobile vouchers.
How far in advance can you book skip the line tickets?
Most vendors allow bookings starting 30-90 days in advance. But a few exceptions exist:
- Sistine Chapel – Can book 6 months ahead via its online system.
- Eiffel Tower – Opens up ticketing 180 days in advance.
- City passes – Let you reserve up to a year ahead through tourism boards.
Book as early as allowed for high season travel and top sights. For lower-demand times, a month out can suffice.
Can you buy Louvre skip the line tickets at the door?
The Louvre offers limited skip the line tickets each morning, but they sell out extremely quickly. Only around 70-100 are available for same day purchase.
To actually secure them, you’d need to arrive before the museum opens and line up. Even then, they may be gone by the time you reach the booth.
For a guaranteed ticket, pre-booking online via the Louvre site or a reseller is highly recommended. Give yourself peace of mind before your trip.
What’s the best Colosseum skip the line tour?
The best Colosseum skip the line tours include:
- Small group tour – 8 people max with a guide for context.
- After hours tour – Access when the Colosseum is closed.
- Underground with arena floor tour – Explore below ground.
- Combo tour – Add Palatine Hill & Roman Forum.
A small group evening or underground tour allows you to avoid crowds. Combos give a fuller experience of the ancient site. Read reviews and check tour length to choose.
Bottom line
Skip the line tickets provide faster, more convenient access to Europe’s most popular sights. They are most worthwhile during peak season and big holidays when queues swell. For flexible sightseeing without guide constraints, they offer strong value.
Just be sure to compare prices across vendors, read the fine print, and book early. Used strategically at the busiest attractions, skip the line passes can maximize your European vacation time.