Things to do in Madrid

Ways to skip the lines at the Royal Palace of Madrid

Last Updated:

Although it is the official residence for the royal family of Spain, the Royal Palace of Madrid is now primarily used during state ceremonies. As it is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, and the largest one by floor space, it is a widely frequented attraction for not just tourists, but also locals. In fact, such is the vastness of the palace, that only a select few rooms are possible to view on a visit. Given how busy it can get at this historic site, it is important to know how you can skip the lines for your visit.

Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid hosts several monumental attractions for you to check out.

Buying Skip the Line Royal Palace of Madrid Tickets


Skip the line Royal Palace of Madrid tickets not only save you time that would have been spent waiting in long lines, but also helps you save money. It's the go-to purchase for those who want to explore the palace at their own pace.

For more promo codes, check out Headout Promo Codes, Deals and Offers.

Wait Times - What to Expect at the Royal Palace of Madrid


Since the Royal Palace of Madrid is a major historic attraction, drawing crowds of 1.5 million visitors annually, you may find yourself waiting for an hour or two on any given day before gaining entry access. The Palace houses 3000 rooms, out of which you’ll get to explore the Crown Room, the Royal Library, as well as the Grand Staircase and the Royal Armory. So why delay your visit when you can skip the crowds and head straight inside to marvel at the enchanting art and the spellbinding Baroque architecture. Grab yourself Royal Palace of Madrid skip the line tickets right away.

5 Ways To Skip The Lines at Royal Palace of Madrid


Now that you know how long the lines to get tickets are, you also know how important it is to plan in advance. Here are 5 ways you can skip the lines at Royal Palace of Madrid and make your visit a memorable one:

#1 Pre-Book Your Royal Palace of Madrid Tickets Online

Although tickets can be purchased directly at the palace, we suggest booking your tickets online, and well in advance. Since the palace is a widely frequented attraction, there are often long queues outside the palace where many visitors hope to buy tickets on the spot. So, making your bookings online and doing so in advance will spare you the long wait in endless lines for tickets, and save you time on your itinerary to explore the palace leisurely.

#2 Book dedicated skip the line tickets

If you’d like to be a step ahead from other visitors, consider booking dedicated skip the Line Royal Palace of Madrid tickets. This is the perfect solution if you have a packed itinerary or are simply in Madrid for a short duration. Skip the Line tickets will grant you premier access to the Royal Palace of Madrid, allowing you to zip past the lines of visitors waiting to gain entry.

#3 Opt for Guided Tours

Another great way to skip the lines is by opting for guided tours, which usually include skip the line access as well. Not only is this a great way to avoid the winding queues and head straight in to the Palace, but you will also learn so much about this historic landmark, its history, and the marvelous architecture.

#4 Visit during the least crowded time of day

If you’ve got time on your hands and you are an early riser, we suggest opting to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid during its early opening hours. This is the most straightforward way to avoid standing in long lines, as you will be visiting the palace during the least crowded time of the day, when the crowds are significantly thinner and the lines shorter.

#4 Go for a fast-track guided tour

A sure shot way to skip all the lines is by combining the skip the line access with a guided tour, and opting for a fast-track guided tour. This option gives you the opportunity to skip the hassle of standing in endless lines and lets you dive straight into the rich history and enchanting architecture of the Royal Palace.

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip The Line Tickets vs Guided Tours - What to choose?


Royal Palace of Madrid
Admire paintings and frescoes made by the Old Masters, such as Goya, Velasquez, Caravaggio, and Battista.

Depending on the experience you'd like, you can choose between Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tours or Skip The Line tickets. The good part about choosing a guided tour is that your tickets by default allow you to skip the line. You also get to explore the palace in the company of a knowledgeable local guide who knows the ins and outs of the Tower.

There are a bunch of combo guided tours worth the bang for your buck too. For example, grabbing a Royal Palace of Madrid + Prado Museum combo is much cheaper than buying the two tickets individually.

That said, if you're on a budget and like exploring at your own pace, a Skip The Line Royal Palace of Madrid ticket is a great buy. It saves you time, worth the extra few bucks to skip the queues that also save you a lot of time and allows you to soak in the panaromas of Madrid at your own pace.

Perfect Time To Visit Royal Palace of Madrid


While the Royal Palace of Madrid draws large crowds of tourists every day, the number of visitors is usually much higher on the weekends. So the best time to visit the Palace would be a weekday. This would allow you to explore the many rooms of the palace at a leisurely pace and absorb the architecture as well as paintings at your own convenience without too many visitors around. Further, you should opt for an early morning visit to the Palace if you would like to beat the crowds at the entry as well as the ticket counters. The morning hours are the least crowded time for the Palace and it will allow you to peacefully walk through the royal rooms if you plan your visit early.

Royal Palace of Madrid Location & Opening Hours


Opening Hours

The Royal Palace of Madrid is open almost every day of the year for sightseeing.

  • Mon-Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM
  • Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM

GETTING TO ROYAL PALACE OF MADRID

  • The nearest metro station to the Royal Palace is Ópera.
  • The closest bus stations are Palacio Real, Ópera, Jardines De Sabatini- each 5-10 min away from the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Royal Palace of Madrid Skip the Line Reviews


Amazing and beautiful Palace. We did a self guided tour. Very well organised and lots of information and signs to explain the rooms and contents


- Gerald, Headout, May 2022

We had a wonderful time at the Royal Palace , it is so spectacular! It was great being able to go straight to the front of the queue, especially since the other queue was so long and it was pouring with rain .


- Carole, Headout, Apr 2022

Handy Tips: Skip The Lines At Royal Palace of Madrid


  • Wear comfortable shoes to help you get around the Palace easily so you can make the most of your time.
  • Wake up early and eat a hearty breakfast so you have enough energy in case you’re opting for a guided tour.
  • If you’re visiting in the early morning hours, check the Palace’s opening hours and arrive 20 to 30 minutes ahead of opening time to ensure you’re one of the first peopl in line to gain entry.
  • When making bookings for tickets online, remember to save screenshots and save the ticket details for your reference.
  • Keep your e-ticket handy to show to the Palace staff and gain entry without any hassle.
  • Avoid visiting the Palace on the weekends, or during public holidays, as those are usually crowded days.

Ready to explore Madrid?


Check out the top things to do in Madrid to make the most of your vacation in this remarkable city!

Skip the Line: Royal Palace of Madrid Guide