Online Taj Mahal Ticket Booking Steps You Need in 2026

Introduction: Why Travelers Prefer Online Booking in 2026

If you’re planning to visit the Taj Mahal in 2026, booking your tickets online is the smartest, safest, and most time-saving decision you can make. The Taj Mahal receives millions of visitors every year, and with new tourism rules, security protocols, and crowd-management systems introduced in 2026, online booking has become almost essential—especially for international tourists, weekend travelers, and anyone who wants a smooth, stress-free experience.

Standing as a timeless symbol of love, the Taj Mahal continues to attract people from all corners of the world. But with increased digital adoption in India’s tourism sector, the entire ticketing system has become more organized and user-friendly. Whether you are visiting at sunrise, planning a photography session, or simply exploring Agra on a tight schedule, online ticket booking eliminates long queues, reduces waiting time, and guarantees confirmed entry.

This guide is designed to walk you through every step of the online Taj Mahal ticket booking process in 2026—explained in a very easy and practical way. You’ll learn about updated ticket prices, new rules for foreigners and domestic visitors, extra charges, must-know timings, ID requirements, do’s and don’ts, and tips to avoid scams. To make things even simpler, this article includes tables that present information clearly and help you plan your visit perfectly.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to book your Taj Mahal tickets online within minutes—without confusion, errors, or last-minute surprises.

Why Online Booking Is Better Than Offline Booking (2026 Update)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) strongly encourages visitors to choose online ticket booking. Here’s why online booking offers far more benefits in 2026:

✔ Faster Entry Without Long Lines

Offline lines outside the ticket counters can take 30 minutes to 1 hour, especially during peak season. Online booking gives you a direct queue.

✔ You Get Confirmed Entry for Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise and sunset slots fill fast. Online booking ensures your preferred timing is locked in.

✔ Secure Digital Payment Options

The 2026 update includes new global payment gateways, which make booking easy for international travelers.

✔ Instant Ticket Receipt on Email & Phone

You receive a QR code that is scanned at the entrance—no printing needed.

✔ Avoid Scams & Overcharging

Street vendors and unauthorized agents often overcharge or sell invalid tickets. Online booking eliminates this risk completely.

✔ Mandatory for Night Viewing

If you plan to see the Taj Mahal under the full-moon night, online booking is the only way to confirm your slot.

Types of Taj Mahal Tickets Available Online (2026)

Before you book, it’s important to understand the types of tickets offered. The Taj Mahal ticketing system in 2026 is categorized based on visitor type and entry preferences.

Below is the first table.

Types of Taj Mahal Tickets (Updated 2026)

Ticket Type	Suitable For	Includes	Not Included
General Entry Ticket	All visitors	Entry to Taj Mahal complex	Inside Mausoleum entry
Mausoleum Entry Ticket	Those who want to visit the main chamber	Access inside the central mausoleum + general entry	No guide or photography pass
Foreign Tourist Ticket	International visitors	Separate queue + general entry	Mausoleum fee
SAARC/ BIMSTEC Ticket	Visitors from SAARC/BIMSTEC nations	Discounted rate	Mausoleum fee
Night Viewing Ticket	Visitors on full moon nights	30-minute night viewing session	Daytime entry

Understanding Entry Gates (East, West & South Gate)

The Taj Mahal has three primary gates, but only two are recommended in 2026 due to smoother visitor flow.

1. East Gate (Best for Foreigners)

– Near luxury hotels (Taj Hotel & Oberoi Amarvilas)
– Fastest entry
– Least crowded

2. West Gate (Best for Indian Visitors)

– Crowded in morning hours
– Close to local markets and parking

3. South Gate (Entry Closed for Tickets)

– Only exit gate
– No ticket counter or entry allowed

Timings You Need to Know Before Booking (2026)

The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except Fridays.

Here is the second table with updated timings.

Taj Mahal Timings (Day & Night – 2026)

Visit Type	Timings	Notes
Day Visit	30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset	Closed on Fridays
Sunrise Slot	Varies seasonally (5:30 AM – 6:45 AM)	Best for photography
Sunset Slot	Varies seasonally (5:00 PM – 6:45 PM)	Popular among tourists
Night Viewing	8:30 PM – 12:30 AM	Only 5 nights a month
Friday	CLOSED	Only open for mosque prayers

Step-by-Step Online Taj Mahal Ticket Booking Process (Updated for 2026)

Booking Taj Mahal tickets online in 2026 has become more streamlined, faster, and user-friendly thanks to updated features introduced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Whether you’re a domestic traveler, an NRI, or an international visitor, the online booking steps remain nearly the same. Below is a clear, simple, and fully updated guide that ensures you can complete your booking smoothly.

How to Book Taj Mahal Tickets Online in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll complete your booking within minutes:

Step 1: Visit the Official Government Booking Website

The official ticket booking website for the Taj Mahal is:

ASI’s official website for monuments

Website Link: https://asi.payumoney.com/

This platform is safe, secure, and the ONLY trusted place for purchasing Taj Mahal tickets online.

Why use the official website?

No middlemen
No hidden fees
Direct QR-code tickets
Secure payment gateways

Step 2: Choose “Taj Mahal, Agra” from the Monument List

Once you’re on the site, you’ll see a dropdown list of all ASI monuments.
Select:

👉 Taj Mahal – Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

This redirects you to the dedicated booking page with updated pricing, rules, and timings.

Step 3: Select Your Date of Visit

Choose your preferred date from the calendar:

Green dates = slots available
Red dates = fully booked
Yellow dates = limited seats

Tip:
Sunrise and full-moon nights fill very fast — book at least 15–30 days in advance, especially in peak season.

Step 4: Choose Your Visit Time Slot

For 2026, ASI introduced a more precise time-slot system to control crowd levels.

You will typically see:

Early Morning Slot (Best)
Morning Slot
Afternoon Slot
Evening Slot (Popular)

Night viewing has its own fixed time slots.

Note for 2026:

Foreigners get a priority entry line, but must still select a time slot.

Step 5: Choose Ticket Type (General / Mausoleum / Night Viewing)

You’ll now be asked to choose the type of ticket:

Available ticket categories:

Indian Citizen Ticket
SAARC/BIMSTEC Ticket
Foreigner Ticket
Child Ticket (below 15 years – free)
Mausoleum Add-On Ticket
Night Viewing Ticket

Visitors above 15 must pay full price based on their category.

Step 6: Enter Visitor Information

Next, you’ll be asked to fill in:

Visitor name
Age
Gender
Nationality
ID type (Passport / Aadhaar / Driver’s License)
ID number

All details must match your ID proof, because you’ll need the same ID at the entry gate.

Step 7: Complete the Payment

Online payment gateways have improved significantly in 2026.
You can use:

For Indian Visitors:

UPI
Net Banking
Debit/Credit Cards
Wallets (Paytm, PhonePe, Amazon Pay)

For Foreign Travelers:

International Credit/Debit Cards
PayPal (newly supported)
Global payment gateways

Once the payment is successful, you will instantly receive:

✔ QR Code Ticket
✔ Booking Confirmation
✔ Email + SMS Copy

Step 8: Download or Screenshot the Ticket

Your ticket contains:

Entry gate
Time slot
Visitor name
QR code
Ticket type

You do NOT need to print it.
A mobile screenshot works perfectly at the scanning gate.

Step 9: Arrive at the Correct Entry Gate

There are two main entry gates for tourists:

✔ East Gate — Best for foreigners

✔ West Gate — Best for domestic visitors

The South Gate is exit-only.

Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes earlier to clear the security line.

Step 10: Show Your ID + QR Code at Entry

At the entrance:

Security will check your ID
The QR code will be scanned
You proceed to the main complex

If you purchased a Mausoleum ticket, keep it ready because the inner chamber has an additional checkpoint.

Taj Mahal Ticket Prices, Rules, and Important Information (2026 Update)

To help visitors plan their Taj Mahal trip smoothly, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released updated pricing slabs and visitor rules for 2026. Below, you will find a clean breakdown of ticket prices, mausoleum charges, night-viewing fees, and essential rules every traveler must follow.

Taj Mahal Ticket Prices (Fully Updated for 2026)

1. General Entry Prices

The ticket prices vary depending on nationality. Here’s the official 2026 price chart:

Taj Mahal Ticket Prices (2026 Updated)

Visitor Category	Entry Fee (Taj Complex)	Mausoleum Add-On	Total Cost
Indian Citizens	₹50	₹200	₹250
SAARC / BIMSTEC Visitors	₹540	₹200	₹740
Foreign Tourists	₹1300	₹200	₹1500
Children below 15 years	Free	Free	Free
Night Viewing – Indian Adult	₹510	Not applicable	₹510
Night Viewing – Foreign Adult	₹750	Not applicable	₹750
Night Viewing – Child (3–15 years)	₹500	Not applicable	₹500

✔ Understanding the Pricing Clearly

Indian Citizens

Indians pay one of the lowest entry fees.
However, if you wish to visit the central chamber (the actual mausoleum), you MUST purchase the ₹200 add-on.

SAARC & BIMSTEC Countries

Citizens from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand get a discounted price.
The mausoleum fee is equal for all.

Foreign Tourists

Foreign tourists pay a slightly higher rate but get:

Separate priority entry
Fewer security lines
Faster clearance

Children (Below 15 Years)

Entry is completely free, regardless of nationality.

Night Viewing Ticket Details (2026)

Night viewing is allowed:

Two nights before full moon
Full Moon Night
Two nights after the full moon

Time slots are fixed:

8:30 PM
9:00 PM
9:30 PM
10:00 PM
10:30 PM
11:00 PM
11:30 PM
12:00 Midnight

Visitors get exactly 30 minutes inside the designated viewing area.

👉 Night viewing tickets must be booked online, and slots fill up 7–10 days in advance.

What Is Included in Your Ticket (2026)?

✔ Included:

Entry to Taj Mahal complex
Shoe covers (for mausoleum)
Water bottle (for foreign tourists)
Golf cart ride (complimentary for foreigners from parking to gate)
Access to gardens, the mosque, and guest house

❌ Not Included:

Guided tours
Audio guides
Camera passes for tripods
Locker facility
Food/water inside (except 500 ml bottle for foreigners)

All additional facilities must be purchased separately.

Important Visitor Rules (2026 Update)

To protect the heritage structure and ensure traveler safety, ASI has updated several rules.

✔ Security Restrictions

Prohibited items:

Tobacco, cigarettes, lighters
Tripods
Drones
Large bags
Food items
Metal objects
Flowers, religious offerings

Only mobile phones, cameras, and water bottles are recommended.

✔ Dress Code Recommendations

There is no strict dress code, but:

Avoid revealing clothes (out of cultural respect)
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Prefer light-colored outfits for sunrise photography

✔ Photography Rules

Photography is allowed outside
No photography inside the mausoleum
Tripods are strictly not permitted
Professional photoshoots require special permission

Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal (Season-wise Guide for 2026)

✔ October to March — Peak Season (Best)

Cool weather, perfect for sunrise and long walks.

✔ April to June — Hot Season (Avoid Afternoon)

Early morning visits recommended.

✔ July to September — Monsoon Season (Great Views)

Soft light and lesser crowds on many days.

Special Tips for Foreign Tourists (2026)

✔ Carry passport (mandatory for verification)

✔ Book sunrise slot for best experience

✔ Use the East Gate for faster entry

✔ Avoid touts at the parking area

✔ Keep digital tickets ready for scanning

Essential Tips, Avoiding Scams, Refund Rules, Add-On Services & FAQs (2026 Edition)

This section will help travelers avoid mistakes, save time, protect themselves from scams, and experience the Taj Mahal in the best possible way. It includes updated insights for 2026, based on new tourism practices, visitor behavior, and digital booking changes.

Essential Tips for Taj Mahal Visitors in 2026

Travelers often make small mistakes that lead to delays, confusion, or extra expenses. The tips below ensure everything goes smoothly before, during, and after your visit.

✔ 1. Always Book Tickets Only from Official Platforms

There are many third-party websites and local agents who claim to offer “fast entry” or “discounted tickets.”
All Taj Mahal tickets must be booked only through the official ASI portal.

This guarantees:

Valid QR code
Correct pricing
No hidden fees
Priority entry

Never trust WhatsApp sellers, local touts, or unverified travel websites.

✔ 2. Choose the Right Gate for Your Entrance

The Taj Mahal has three gates, but not all of them work the same way.

East Gate (Recommended for Foreign Tourists)

Least crowded
Near luxury hotels
Faster scanning system

West Gate (Suitable for Indians)

Often crowded in the morning
Best for local visitors arriving by public transport

South Gate

EXIT only (no entry tickets here)

✔ 3. Reach 20–30 Minutes Before Your Time Slot

The Taj Mahal follows a strict time-slot entry system to control crowd levels.
Arrive early because:

Security lines may slow you down
Bag checks often take time
Large crowds during peak season can push your slot ahead

If you miss your slot, re-entry is not guaranteed.

✔ 4. Carry Only 3 Things to Avoid Delays

Security restrictions at the Taj Mahal are extremely strict.

Carry only:

Mobile Phone
Camera (without tripod)
Water Bottle

Everything else may be held at the security desk.

✔ 5. Best Times for Photography

Photography is one of the biggest highlights of the Taj Mahal.
For the best pictures:

Best Time: Sunrise

Soft golden light
Cool weather
Minimal crowds
Peaceful atmosphere

Second Best: Sunset

Warm tones
Shadow effects
Beautiful sky colors

Avoid afternoon due to harsh light and heat.

✔ 6. Book Sunrise Tickets at Least 7–10 Days Before

Sunrise tickets are the most in-demand.
Visitors often book weeks in advance, especially between October and March.
If you want clean, crowd-free photos — sunrise is essential.

✔ 7. Hire Only Approved Government Guides

There are many unregistered guides outside the Taj Mahal.
Always hire:

ASI-approved guides
Tour guides with ID cards
Online-rated guides from Gov sites

They offer correct information and avoid rushing or overcharging tourists.

✔ 8. Don’t Forget to Buy the Mausoleum Ticket Add-On

If you want to enter the actual chamber where the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are located, you must buy the ₹200 mausoleum add-on ticket.

Without it, you can see the Taj Mahal from outside only.

✔ 9. Wear Comfortable Clothing

The Taj Mahal complex involves a lot of walking.

Wear:

Lightweight cotton clothes
Breathable footwear
Sunglasses + hat (summer)

Avoid:

Tight footwear
Heavy bags

✔ 10. Avoid Friday Visits

The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.
Only the mosque inside is open for prayers—for locals only.

How to Avoid Scams & Overcharging (2026)

Agra is a major tourist city. While most locals are helpful, some unauthorized agents may try to exploit new travelers.
Here’s how to protect yourself:

❌ 1. Never Buy Tickets from Agents

All entry tickets must be purchased online or at the official ticket counter.
Agents may charge double — or give you invalid tickets.

❌ 2. Avoid Rickshaws Offering “Special Entry Passes”

Some drivers promise fast-track entry.
There is no such service.

Stick to your booked time slot.

❌ 3. Beware of Fake Guides

If someone approaches saying:

“I am a government guide.”
“I can take you inside faster.”
“I can show you secret photo points.”

Ask for:
✔ Government guide ID
✔ Registration number
✔ Badge on uniform

If they don’t have these — walk away.

❌ 4. Don’t Leave Bags or Expensive Items with Strangers

There are official lockers available outside the gate if needed.

❌ 5. Don’t Trust “Free Gifts” or “Special Offers”

Some may try to hand you souvenirs and later demand payment.
Politely refuse all unsolicited gifts.

Refund & Cancellation Policy for Taj Mahal Tickets (2026)

One important update for 2026 is the revised digital refund policy introduced by the ASI for online bookings.

✔ Refund Policy

Tickets are non-refundable in most cases.
If the monument closes due to government orders / weather / VIP movement, refunds are processed automatically.
Night-viewing tickets may be refunded if visibility is extremely poor.

✔ Modification Policy

You cannot change:

Visitor name
Visit date
Time slot

If you cannot visit — you must book a new ticket.

✔ Night Viewing Cancellation

If the full-moon viewing is cancelled due to:

Cloudy sky
Security reasons
Government restrictions

Refund is credited to the same payment method within 5–7 working days.

Add-On Services Available in 2026

The Taj Mahal does not offer luxury services inside the monument, but certain add-ons make the experience smoother.

1. Golf Cart Shuttle Service

Available at:

Shilpgram Parking (East Gate)
West Gate Parking

Average cost: ₹20–₹50 per person

Foreign tourists often get complimentary access.

2. Audio Guide (Rental)

Available in:

English
French
Japanese
Chinese
Korean
Spanish
German

Helps understand the history and architecture in detail.

3. Local Souvenir Shops

You can buy:

Marble miniatures
Taj replicas
Stone carvings
Agra petha

(Do bargain—prices start high.)

4. Photography Assistance

Local photographers offer:

Special portraits
Taj Mahal framing shots
Couple shoots

Prices vary from ₹100 to ₹2000 depending on package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Taj Mahal Ticket Booking 2026

Here are the most important questions travelers ask:

1. Is online booking mandatory in 2026?

Not mandatory, but highly recommended to avoid long queues and ensure guaranteed entry.

2. Can I use screenshots of my ticket?

Yes. A clear screenshot of the QR code is accepted.

3. Are sunrise tickets worth it?

Absolutely. They offer:

Best photos
Cool temperature
Smaller crowds

4. Can I re-enter the Taj Mahal once I exit?

No, re-entry is not allowed with the same ticket.

5. Are drones allowed?

Strictly prohibited for security reasons

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