Before traveling to the Taj Mahal, Americans need to be aware that the monument is closed every Friday because of prayers. You are advised to purchase your tickets ahead of time since it will guarantee smooth sailing for your visit; it costs foreigners about INR 1,300 (about $16 US dollars), while entering the inner part of the building will cost you an extra INR 200.
Security screening is very stringent; therefore, do not bring items such as big luggage, food, smoking products, headsets, tripods, or drones into the site. The last thing to note is that although there is no mandatory dressing code, culturally speaking, visitors should dress properly in order to honor the mosque and tomb inside.
About Taj
The Taj Mahal is not just any monument. It symbolizes the concepts of love, craftsmanship, and heritage. Being part of the Taj Mahal means being culturally oriented, since one will be immersed in the cultural heritage of India. Regardless of your plans to either do a Delhi Agra Jaipur tour package from Delhi or the full Golden Triangle Tour itinerary, knowing about the timings of the Taj Mahal, entry guidelines, and visiting hours depending on the seasons will be very important.
Taj Mahal Visit Timing – The Complete Schedule
The following timings are to be followed at the Taj Mahal, and certain restrictions are necessary to keep in mind as well.
Timings for regular Days
- Opening Time: 30 minutes before sunrise.
- Closing Time: 30 minutes before sunset.
- These timings do not change much during the whole year, except that there might be some slight variations due to the difference in timing of sunrise and sunset.
Weekly Closing Day
- The Taj Mahal will be closed on all Fridays
- Only visitors for prayers in the mosque will be permitted to enter.
Updated Taj Mahal Ticket Prices (2026)
Entry fees are different depending on your nationality. These rates are reviewed periodically and reflect the latest 2026 information:
|
Visitor Type |
Taj Complex Only |
Optional Main Mausoleum |
|
Indian Citizens |
₹50 | +₹200 |
|
SAARC/BIMSTEC Citizens |
₹540 |
+₹200 |
|
Foreign Tourists |
₹1,050–₹1,100 or $10.92–$11.44 USD |
+₹200 or $2.08 USD |
| Children (Under 15 years) | Free |
Free |
Visiting the central tomb of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal is optional, although it is very much advised, since here you can see one of the highlights of your journey.
Taj Mahal Night Viewing Timing
Night viewing is a magical, once in a lifetime experience.
- It is only possible during the full moon night plus
- 2 Nights before and after the full moon
- Timings for night visits: 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM
- Entry in batches of 50 persons each for 30 minutes
- It does not happen on Fridays or during Ramadan.
If you want to plan your night visit, checking the full moon calendar in advance is essential.
Costs of Night View Tickets (Estimated)
|
Visitor Type |
Night View Estimated Price |
|
Indian |
₹510 |
|
Foreigner |
₹750 |
|
Kids Age Group (3-15 yrs) |
₹500 |
| Under 3 Yrs |
Free |
The night entry times and costs can change, hence better if checked near to your tour date.
Taj Mahal Ticket, Timings & Entry Gates
Understanding the entry gates helps you avoid crowds.
Ticket Counters Timing
- Open one hour before sunrise
- Close 45 minutes before sunset
However, most travelers now book tickets online to avoid long queues, something we always recommend.
Bookings of Taj Mahal Tickets Online
It is recommended to book Taj Mahal Tour tickets online since it:
- Saves your time in front of the ticket counter
- Gives you an option to select the time slot as per your convenience
- Prevents long queues
- Official online booking of tickets can be done via ASI website, which is a government body responsible for managing Taj Mahal tour tickets.
Taj Mahal Gates
Gate 1 – Eastern Gate (Good for Tourists)
- Fewer people
- Closeness to hotels in Taj Ganj
- Perfect for viewing the sunrise
Gate 2 – Western Gate (Most People)
- Preferred by domestic tourists
- Begins filling up after 9 AM
- Should be avoided at peak hours
Gate 3 – Southern Gate (Only Exit Point)
- No longer an entrance point
- Directs towards a busy market area
- To have a hassle free visit, begin your day from the Eastern Gate.
Timings in Seasons and Months to Visit
Although the monument is opened in the morning on the rise of the sun and closed in the evening on the setting of the sun, seasonal timings in India influence your trip to this place.
Ideal Months: October to March
- Cool and pleasant weather
- Clear blue sky for good shots
- Peak season for tourism; book your tickets and accommodation beforehand
Summers: April to June
- Warm afternoons (temperature could go beyond 40 degrees centigrade)
- Visit at either sunrise or sunset for better weather
- Have enough water supply
Monsoons: July to September
- Greener areas around the monument
- Good rains may add color to the surroundings
- An overcast sky would spoil your photographs
How Much Time Do You Need to Stay Inside?
To have a proper look at the monument,
Recommended Time: 2 to 3 Hours
In this period you would get an opportunity to:
- Admire the gardens around the place
- Observe the main tomb
- Have a look at the mosque and pavilion
- Take pictures from all angles
Architectural lovers may need 3 to 4 hours.
Important Rules And Security Measures
For security purpose visitors need to follow some rules which are assigned by the Government of India. These rules are genuine and common in other monuments too. These are good for travellers and help them to explore the Taj Mahal in a better and safer way. Here are some things that you should keep in mind while visiting the Taj Mahal.
Objects Not Permitted
Things you should not carry with you while visiting the Taj Mahal:
- Tripods
- Food stuffs
- Drones
- Large bags
- Tobacco
- Lighters/ match boxes
Objects Permitted
Things you can carry with you while visiting the Taj Mahal:
- Cell phones
- Small cameras
- Water bottles
- Small bags
Note: Take only essential items to pass through security.
Taj Mahal Tourist Tips for 2026
- Arrive Early
Early morning visits at the Taj Mahal prove to be more enjoyable.
- Buy Tickets Online
Time efficient and guarantees entry into the monument.
- Make Use of a Guide
The use of a guide allows you to gain knowledge regarding its history.
- Wearing Comfortable Footwear is a Must
Consider that there are long walks in marble halls and other areas.
- Don’t Forget to Pack Water
Most importantly during the summer months.
- Photographic Sites That You Must Not Miss Out On
- Entrance arch (Darwaza-i-Rauza)
- Water channel in the middle
- From the mosque side
- From the guesthouse side
- Backside of the Taj Mahal (Mehtab Bagh)
Conclusion
Knowledge of the schedule for visiting Taj Mahal is all that is required for a memorable and smooth journey. You could visit at sunrise, sunset, or on a full moon day, it all depends upon the time you plan your visit to make the Taj Mahal’s magic come alive before your eyes.
Should you have any doubts in planning your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us, and we at Fourwheeldriveindia will be glad to help.
