Planning a trip to the Taj Mahal and wondering how much that Taj Mahal Visit going to cost you? Here’s the quick answer:
- Indian visitors: ₹50 (entry) + ₹200 (mausoleum) = ₹250 total
- Foreign tourists: ₹1,100 (entry) + ₹200 (mausoleum) = ₹1,300 total
- SAARC/BIMSTEC nationals: ₹540 (entry) + ₹200 (mausoleum) = ₹740 total
- Children under 15: Free (all nationalities)
- Budget trip from Delhi (Indian traveler): ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person
- Mid-range trip from Delhi (foreign tourist): ₹5,000–₹10,000 per person
- Luxury/private guided day tour: ₹15,000–₹30,000+ per person
For travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door convenience, a same day Taj Mahal tour by car from Delhi can often be one of the smartest options — especially for families, couples, or visitors short on time. Instead of managing trains, transfers, and local transport, many travelers choose a private car experience for a smoother Delhi-to-Agra journey.
But the ticket price is only the beginning. A complete Taj Mahal Visit Cost involves transport, food, guides, local rickshaws, and possibly a hotel. This guide breaks down every rupee so you can plan with confidence — whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple, or a family traveling internationally.
Taj Mahal Ticket Price (2026 Updated Entry Fees)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages Taj Mahal ticketing. There are two separate tickets: one for entering the main complex (gardens and platform) and an optional one for the mausoleum (the central marble tomb).
2026 Entry Fee Table
| Visitor Category | Complex Entry | Mausoleum Add-On | Total |
| Indian / OCI Cardholder | ₹50 | ₹200 | ₹250 |
| SAARC / BIMSTEC Nationals | ₹540 | ₹200 | ₹740 |
| Foreign Tourist | ₹1,100 | ₹200 | ₹1,300 |
| Children under 15 | Free | Free | Free |
SAARC countries covered: Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives.
BIMSTEC countries covered: Myanmar, Thailand (plus SAARC members above).
Night Viewing Ticket
Night viewing is a special experience — the Taj Mahal glows under moonlight in a way daytime visits simply can’t match. It’s available on five nights per lunar month (the full moon night plus two nights before and two nights after).
| Visitor Category | Night Viewing Ticket |
| Indian | ₹510 |
| Foreign Tourist | ₹750 |
Night viewing runs from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM in eight batches of 50 people each (400 visitors per night maximum). Tickets must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Night viewing is closed on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan.
Online Discount
Booking tickets online through the official ASI portal (asiagracircle.in) saves ₹5 per Indian ticket and ₹50 per foreign ticket. It also eliminates queue time — a significant advantage during peak season.
What’s Included in the Taj Mahal Entry Ticket?
Many first-time visitors are confused about what the standard ticket actually covers. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Included in the base entry ticket:
- Full access to the Taj Mahal gardens and outer complex
- The great gate (Darwaza-i-Rauza) and forecourt
- The mosque (Masjid) on the western side
- The guesthouse (Mehman Khana) on the eastern side
- Views of the mausoleum platform from ground level
Not included in the base ticket (requires ₹200 add-on):
- Entry inside the mausoleum chamber itself (the tomb of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal)
- Shoe covers are provided when entering the mausoleum — no additional charge for covers
Rules to know:
- Tripods and drone cameras are strictly prohibited
- Personal photography is allowed and free
- Large bags must be left in the free cloakroom at the gates
- Food and tobacco are not permitted inside the complex
- A government-issued photo ID (passport for foreigners, Aadhaar or passport for Indians) is required
The small museum inside the complex (housed in the outer chambers) is included in the entry price and contains Mughal artefacts, miniature paintings, and Shah Jahan’s history.
Pro tip: The mausoleum add-on is absolutely worth the ₹200. Seeing the inlaid marble cenotaphs up close is the highlight of any Taj Mahal visit. Don’t skip it.
Hidden Costs Most Visitors Forget
Your Taj Mahal trip will cost more than just the entry ticket. Budget for these extras:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Parking (car/bus) | ₹50–₹200 |
| Battery-powered shuttle bus (parking to gate) | ₹10–₹20 per person (one-way) |
| Shoe covers (for mausoleum) | Included in mausoleum ticket |
| Licensed ASI guide (English) | ₹500–₹1,000 per group |
| Private licensed guide (full tour) | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Water bottle inside complex | ₹30–₹50 |
| Food near the East/West Gate | ₹150–₹600 per person |
| E-rickshaw (Taj Ganj to gate) | ₹30–₹60 per person |
| Agra Fort combo (highly recommended) | ₹50 Indian / ₹650 foreign |
A few things worth knowing:
The battery bus from the parking area to the entrance gates is mandatory — private vehicles cannot park near the monument to protect the marble from pollution. The bus is cheap, but factor it in.
Shoe covers are compulsory when entering the mausoleum. They’re provided free of charge with the ₹200 mausoleum ticket, but if you wear them out of the complex, you’ll be charged.
Guides outside the gates are often unlicensed. An ASI-licensed guide wears a badge and charges a regulated fee. Unlicensed guides may overcharge or provide inaccurate information. Ask to see the license.
Maney chose Agra Fort for Visit after Taj Mahal because, Agra Fort is 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal and is one of India’s finest Mughal forts. Adding it to your day costs ₹50 for Indians and ₹650 for foreign tourists — a genuinely worthwhile addition.
Full Taj Mahal Trip Cost from Delhi (Budget to Luxury)
Agra is approximately 200 km from Delhi. Here’s what a full day trip (same day, return) costs across three travel styles:
Budget Trip (Indian Traveler, Train + Local Transport)
| Expense | Cost |
| Train from Delhi (sleeper/2nd class, return) | ₹200–₹400 |
| E-rickshaw / local auto | ₹100–₹200 |
| Taj Mahal entry + mausoleum | ₹250 |
| Water + snacks | ₹100–₹200 |
| Street food lunch | ₹100–₹200 |
| Total per person | ₹750–₹1,250 |
Add an overnight stay at a budget guesthouse (₹400–₹800/night) if you want two days.
Mid-Range Trip (Foreign Tourist, Train + Auto)
| Expense | Cost |
| Gatimaan/Shatabdi Express (AC Chair Car, return) | ₹700–₹1,400 |
| Auto-rickshaw / Uber in Agra | ₹200–₹500 |
| Taj Mahal entry + mausoleum | ₹1,300 |
| Licensed guide (half day) | ₹800–₹1,200 |
| Sit-down restaurant lunch | ₹500–₹1,000 |
| Agra Fort entry (optional) | ₹650 |
| Total per person | ₹4,150–₹6,050 |
Luxury / Private Guided Tour (Delhi–Agra, All Inclusive)
| Expense | Cost |
| Private AC car (Delhi–Agra–Delhi) | ₹4,000–₹8,000 |
| Private expert guide (full day) | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Taj Mahal entry + mausoleum | ₹1,300 |
| Agra Fort, Baby Taj, Itimad-ud-Daulah entries | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Upscale hotel (1 night, if staying over) | ₹5,000–₹20,000 |
| Fine dining meals | ₹1,500–₹4,000 |
| Total per person (day trip) | ₹9,100–₹19,800 |
Transport comparison: Delhi to Agra
| Mode | Duration | Cost (one way) | Best For |
| Gatimaan Express (AC Chair) | 1 hr 40 min | ₹690–₹1,365 | Speed + comfort |
| Shatabdi Express (AC Chair) | ~2 hrs | ₹500–₹1,000 | Reliable, affordable |
| Intercity Express (2nd class) | ~4 hrs | ₹100 | Budget travelers |
| Volvo bus (UPSRTC/private) | ~4–5 hrs | ₹300–₹600 | Budget, flexible |
| Private car (Yamuna Expressway) | ~3 hrs | ₹4,000–₹8,000 (full cab) | Families, groups |
| Vande Bharat Express | ~1 hr 36 min | ₹800–₹1,500 | Fastest option |
→Check our Taj Mahal tour packages to find the right fit for your travel style.
Cheapest Ways to Visit the Taj Mahal
Visiting the Taj Mahal on a budget is very doable. Here’s how:
Take a slow train. The cheapest trains from Delhi to Agra run for as little as ₹100 in second-class unreserved. They take 4–5 hours, but for budget travelers the savings are significant.
Share a tour. Several operators run shared budget day tours from Delhi for ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person that include transport, entry fees, and a guide. These leave from Connaught Place or Paharganj early morning.
Travel by bus. State-run UPSRTC buses from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate ISBT to Agra cost ₹300–₹600 and run frequently. Private overnight buses are also available.
Visit on a weekday. Weekends and Indian public holidays bring significantly larger crowds. Monday is also a good option since Agra Fort is closed on Fridays (same day as Taj Mahal), so many tourists pair the two on the same weekday trip.
Travel in the off-season. Ticket prices don’t change, but off-season (July–September) means dramatically fewer crowds and cheaper hotels and tours.
Book tickets online. Save ₹50 on foreign tickets and ₹5 on Indian tickets. More importantly, skip the sometimes long gate queues.
Eat outside the monument. Restaurants near the East and West gates (Taj Ganj area) serve good thalis, chai, and snacks for ₹100–₹300 per person. Eating inside the complex is not allowed anyway.
→ Explore our Same Day Tour of Taj Mahal by Car options — same experience, smarter spend.
Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal to Save Money
By Season
| Season | Months | Crowd Level | Hotel Prices | Verdict |
| Peak | October–March | Very High | Highest | Best weather, highest costs |
| Shoulder | April–June | Moderate | Mid-range | Hot but manageable (early visits) |
| Off-season | July–September | Low | Cheapest | Rains possible, great value |
The ticket price itself is the same year-round, so savings come from cheaper accommodation and tours during the off-season.
By Time of Day
Sunrise visits (arriving at opening, 30 min before sunrise) offer the softest light, fewest crowds, and the magical sight of the marble glowing gold at dawn. This is the most popular slot among serious photographers — arrive at least 15–20 minutes before the gates open to get a good position.
Afternoon visits tend to be the most crowded, especially on weekends between 11 AM and 2 PM.
Sunset visits (entering by 5:30 PM) offer warm evening light and thinning crowds as day-trippers leave.
Full moon nights are the most romantic and atmospheric, but also the most competitive for tickets — book weeks in advance.
Monthly Quick Guide
- Best overall months: October, November, February, March (pleasant weather, clear skies, ideal for photography)
- Best for budget: July, August, September (50–60% cheaper hotels, fewer crowds)
- Avoid: May, June afternoons (extreme heat, 42°C+)
Taj Mahal Tour Packages vs DIY Cost
Should you book a package or plan it yourself? Here’s an honest comparison:
DIY Self-Planned Trip (Foreign Tourist, 1 Day)
- Shatabdi Express return: ₹1,200
- Uber/auto in Agra: ₹400
- Entry + mausoleum: ₹1,300
- Unofficial guide haggled at gate: ₹500–₹800
- Lunch: ₹600
- Total: ~₹4,000–₹4,300
Pros: Full flexibility, can add/remove stops, go at your own pace.
Cons: Navigation in Agra, dealing with touts, no cultural context unless you’ve researched.
Budget Group Package (Foreign Tourist, 1 Day from Delhi)
Typical inclusions: AC transport, licensed guide, entry fees, basic lunch.
- Cost: ₹3,500–₹5,000 per person
Pros: Stress-free, licensed guide adds context, no bargaining required.
Cons: Fixed timing, can’t linger or deviate from route.
Private Guided Tour (Foreign Tourist, 1 Day from Delhi)
Typical inclusions: Private AC car, expert licensed guide, Taj Mahal + Agra Fort, lunch at a good restaurant.
- Cost: ₹8,000–₹18,000 per person
Pros: Complete flexibility, deeply knowledgeable guide, premium experience.
Cons: Highest cost.
Value verdict: For first-time visitors, a budget group package offers solid value — the licensed guide context genuinely enriches the visit. For couples or families, a private tour’s flexibility and comfort often justifies the premium.
Taj Mahal Opening Time, Friday Rules & Entry Tips
Opening Hours
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before local sunrise and closes 30 minutes before local sunset, every day except Friday.
In practice, this means:
- Summer (Apr–Sep): approximately 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Winter (Oct–Mar): approximately 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Ticket counters open 1 hour before sunrise and close 45 minutes before sunset.
Friday Closure
The Taj Mahal is closed to general tourists every Friday. The mosque inside the complex holds Jumu’ah (Friday congregational prayer), and the complex remains closed to non-worshipping visitors throughout the day.
If your only available day in Agra is a Friday, you cannot visit the Taj Mahal. Plan accordingly.
The Gatimaan Express also does not run on Fridays, which affects day-trippers from Delhi.
Night Viewing Rules
- Available 5 nights per lunar month (full moon + 2 nights before + 2 after)
- Closed on Fridays and during Ramadan
- 8 batches of 50 people (400 visitors per night maximum)
- Timings: 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM (report to Shilpgram 30 minutes before your batch time)
- Book at least 24 hours in advance through the official ASI counter or portal
- Passport required for foreign visitors
Security & Dress Code
- Metal detectors and bag X-ray at all gates
- Large bags must be deposited at the free cloakroom
- Prohibited items: food, tobacco, tripods, selfie sticks (check current rules), drones, alcohol
- Dress code: No strict dress code, but respectful clothing is expected. Shoulders and knees do not need to be covered. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are all fine.
- Remove shoes when entering the mausoleum (shoe covers are provided)
VIP Entry — The Truth
There is no official VIP fast-track entry at the Taj Mahal. Anyone claiming to offer “VIP” or “skip the queue” tickets outside the gates is likely a tout. The only legitimate way to reduce queue time is booking tickets online in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to tour the Taj Mahal?
For Indian visitors, the full experience (entry + mausoleum) costs ₹250 per adult. For foreign tourists, it’s ₹1,300 per adult (₹1,100 entry + ₹200 mausoleum). Children under 15 enter free. Factor in transport, food, and a guide if you want a complete trip budget.
Is the Taj Mahal free on Friday?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed to general tourists on Fridays — not free. It is only open for Muslim worshippers attending Friday prayers at the mosque. There is no public entry on Fridays.
Is 2 days enough for Agra?
Yes, two days is comfortable for Agra. Day 1: Taj Mahal at sunrise, Baby Taj (Itimad-ud-Daulah) in the afternoon. Day 2: Agra Fort in the morning, Fatehpur Sikri day trip in the afternoon. One day is enough if you’re only focused on the Taj Mahal and don’t plan to linger.
Can I wear jeans to the Taj Mahal?
Yes. There is no enforced dress code at the Taj Mahal. Jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, and casual wear are all permitted. Remove shoes before entering the mausoleum (shoe covers are provided).
Is there VIP entry at the Taj Mahal?
No official VIP entry system exists. Anyone outside the gates selling “VIP” tickets is a tout or scammer. Book tickets online through the official ASI website (asiagracircle.in) to skip counter queues — that is the only legitimate way to streamline entry.
What is included in a full package tour?
A typical Taj Mahal day tour package from Delhi includes: round-trip AC transport (train or car), entry fees, a licensed guide, and sometimes a restaurant lunch. Always confirm exactly what’s included before booking, especially whether Agra Fort entry is covered.
How much does a Taj Mahal guide cost?
An ASI-licensed guide at the gate costs approximately ₹500–₹1,000 for a group. Private expert guides hired through tour operators charge ₹1,500–₹3,000 for a half-day. Always ask to see the ASI guide license before agreeing on a price — licensed guides are regulated and knowledgeable.
Is Agra Fort worth adding to the trip?
Absolutely. Agra Fort is 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal, and entry costs ₹50 (Indian) or ₹650 (foreign). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right — a sprawling red sandstone fortress with stunning Mughal architecture, royal palaces, and panoramic Taj Mahal views from its ramparts. Most visitors who skip it say they wish they hadn’t.
→ Read our full Agra Fort guide before you visit.
Final Budget Verdict — What Will Your Taj Mahal Trip Actually Cost?
Here’s a realistic total trip budget for a same-day return trip from Delhi, covering all major expenses:
Solo Budget Indian Traveler
| Item | Cost |
| Train (return, 2nd class) | ₹300 |
| Local transport in Agra | ₹150 |
| Taj Mahal entry + mausoleum | ₹250 |
| Water + snacks + street food | ₹200 |
| Total | ~₹900–₹1,200 |
Couple (Foreign Tourists, Mid-Range)
| Item | Cost |
| Shatabdi return (×2, AC Chair) | ₹2,400 |
| Auto/Uber in Agra | ₹600 |
| Taj Mahal entry + mausoleum (×2) | ₹2,600 |
| Licensed guide | ₹1,000 |
| Agra Fort (×2) | ₹1,300 |
| Lunch at a good restaurant | ₹1,200 |
| Water + incidentals | ₹400 |
| Total for couple | ~₹9,500–₹11,000 |
Family of 4 (2 adults foreign, 2 children under 15)
| Item | Cost |
| Train return (×2 adults) | ₹2,400 |
| Taj Mahal (adults only, children free) | ₹2,600 |
| Guide | ₹1,200 |
| Agra Fort (adults) | ₹1,300 |
| Meals for family | ₹2,000 |
| Local transport | ₹800 |
| Total for family | ~₹10,300–₹12,000 |
Luxury Private Tour (Per Person)
| Item | Cost |
| Private AC car (Delhi–Agra–Delhi) | ₹6,000 |
| Private expert guide (full day) | ₹3,500 |
| All entries (Taj + Fort + Baby Taj) | ₹1,800 |
| Fine dining × 2 meals | ₹3,000 |
| Luxury hotel (1 night) | ₹12,000+ |
| Total | ₹26,000–₹40,000+ |
Planning Your Visit: Key Takeaways
The Taj Mahal remains one of the most accessible world wonders in terms of entry cost — ₹250 for an Indian visitor to see the full monument is remarkable value. Even for foreign tourists, ₹1,300 to enter one of the most magnificent buildings ever constructed is a price that very few visitors regret.
The real cost of the trip lies in transport, accommodation, guides, and add-on attractions. A solo budget traveler can do the whole thing from Delhi and back for under ₹1,500. A couple of international tourists can plan a premium guided day for under ₹12,000 total.
Three things that will save you the most:
- Book tickets online (saves ₹50 per foreign ticket + avoids gate queues)
- Travel on a weekday, not a weekend
- Arrive at opening time — you get the Taj almost to yourself for the first 30–45 minutes
→ Plan your Taj Mahal trip smarter
Last updated: May 2026. Ticket prices are set by the Archaeological Survey of India and subject to change. Always verify the latest fees at asiagracircle.in or tajmahal.gov.in before your visit.
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