Caracalla Baths: Tickets and Tours

The Baths of Caracalla give a glimpse into daily life in Ancient Rome. Built in the early third century, the baths were used for public bathing, socializing and exercise.

Despite being over 1,700 years old, the baths are still an impressive sight, with remnants of intricate mosaics, marble columns and vast open spaces.

If you find yourself in Rome, be sure to grab yourself Baths of Caracalla tickets.

Here's your guide to the Baths of Caracalla, which are among the most fascinating attractions in Rome.

How much do tickets to the Baths of Caracalla cost?

Baths of Caracalla tickets are affordable and can be booked online in advance. The tickets are the same price if you show up at the thermal baths, however, you are not guaranteed entry.

• Full price: €8
• Reduced price: €2

There is an online reservation fee for Caracalla baths of €2. This does not apply to persons with disabilities or school students.

Who is eligible for discounted Baths of Caracalla tickets?

Young adults from the European Union qualify for a reduced rate of €2 on their Baths of Caracalla tickets. This is applicable if they are between the ages of 18 and 25.

Some members of the public are also eligible to visit Baths of Caracalla for free. These include persons with disabilities alongside one family member or caregiver, and children under the age of 18.

The baths are also included in the Roma Pass and those in possession of the pass can enter the site for free or at a reduced rate.

Should you book Baths of Caracalla tickets in advance?

It is not a requirement to purchase a ticket before arrival. However, there are often queues to enter the ancient site during the peak of the tourist season and booking in advance ensures a hassle-free experience.

If you want to visit Baths of Caracalla in the evening during the summer, it's highly recommended to pre-book a ticket in order to gain access.

Is it possible to visit the Baths for free?

The Baths of Caracalla entry fee is waived on the first Sunday of every month, and visitors can explore the ancient site for free. Bear in mind that the baths can become busy on this day.

Free tours are also available on World Water Day and Natale Di Roma, which is Rome's birthday. This takes place on April 21 every year.

What are the best tours to Baths of Caracalla?

Opera at Baths of Caracalla at night

This tour combines electrifying opera with ancient history in this nighttime experience. The music is provided by an authentic Roman opera group and will send chills up your spine.

During the intermission, you're free to discover the ruins and marvel at the Roman architecture.

Rome e-bike rental and visit to Baths of Caracalla

This Baths of Caracalla tour takes place via audio guide and allows you to explore the vast landscape of Rome at your own leisure. With no pedaling required, you can sit back and observe Italian life as your electric bike roams the streets.

Once you arrive at the thermal baths, you'll be guided around the ruins with your own headset and be able to imagine the grandeur of the site before it fell into disrepair.

Baths of Caracalla private tour

If you want to dive deeper into ancient life, a Caracalla Baths private tour with an art historian guide is the right choice for you.

During the tour, you'll be able to engage with your guide and ask questions, as you picture the ruins in their prime. You'll also hear stories about the Roman Empire and compare it to life today.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Baths of Caracalla and other attractions?

Combined tours are a great way of saving both money and time on your trip to Rome. There is a multitude of interesting sites to see in the city and itineraries can often be limited.

With a combined tour you can visit two or more of the most notable monuments and landmarks in just a few short hours.

• Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus tour:  If you love discovering the ins and outs of daily life in Ancient Rome, learn about the spa ritual of a third-century Rome, followed by an insight into the public games that took place.
• The majesty of ruins in Rome, from the Baths of Caracalla to Ponte Rotto: This whirlwind tour of the city takes you back to ancient times with visits to five of Rome's most memorable sites.

What will you see at the  Baths of Caracalla?

Baths of Caracalla were one of the largest public bathing facilities ever built and could accommodate up to 1,600 bathers at a time. The site often provided facilities to 8,000 Romans per day.

Construction began at the beginning of the third century and the baths were named after the son of Emperor Septimius Severus, who ordered their construction.

The baths would have been a large building project, and it's estimated that 2,000 metric tons of material would have needed to be installed at the site every day for six years before they were completed.

The Caracalla Baths went through a number of expansions and renovations over the centuries, and remained in use until the sixth century when they fell to ruins.

Today, visitors can still see the remains of the massive complex, which included a swimming pool, saunas, a gymnasium and two libraries. In addition, many of the original statues and mosaics that decorated the baths are on display in nearby museums.

The site was well renowned in its time and provided inspiration for other buildings, such as the Baths of Diocletian. A visit to the Baths of Caracalla offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ancient Romans and the role that public baths played in their society.

How to reach the Baths of Caracalla?

The Baths of Caracalla are situated on the southern side of Rome and are easily accessible via the metro. The closest station is Circo Massimo on line B. You can also journey to Piramide station and walk for a few minutes through the city streets.

Alternatively, bus lines 118, 628, 671 and 714 all pass nearby the baths.

When is the best time to visit the Baths of Caracalla?

It's advisable to get up early and visit as soon as the site opens at 9 AM in order to beat the crowds. If you want to view the ancient ruins at night, visit in August or September when the site's opening hours extend.

The site closes on Monday afternoons from 2 PM onwards, so purchase your Baths of Caracalla tickets for the morning or another day.

Which other attractions can be visited in the city?

• The Colosseum & Roman Forum
• The Pantheon
• Trevi Fountain
• St. Peter's Basilica
• Catacombs of Rome
• Capuchin Crypt

Know before you go

• On Mondays, the site is only open in the mornings, so plan your visit to Baths of Caracalla around this.
• If you wish to explore many of the ancient monuments in Rome, consider a Roma Pass and benefit from a reduced rate on your Baths of Caracalla tickets.
• Set aside around two hours for your trip to the baths.