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Buckingham Palace: which ticket to pick

Choosing the right Buckingham Palace experience depends on whether you want to go inside the magnificent State Rooms, witness the iconic Changing of the Guard from the outside, or enjoy a comprehensive royal day out.

Prices verified: 19 June 2026Mid season

Our recommendation

For most visitors, the standard State Rooms entry is the perfect way to see the palace's interior during its limited summer opening. If you want the full royal experience, the Royal Day Out passport covers all accessible areas, while the guided walking tour is best for understanding the complex Changing of the Guard ceremony.

  • First time insideProvides direct access to the State Rooms to see the main highlights of the working palace.
  • Complete Royal ExperienceIncludes the State Rooms, the Royal Mews, and the King's Gallery for a full-day itinerary.
  • Ceremony enthusiastsOffers a live guide to navigate the crowds and explain the history of the Changing of the Guard.
  • Couples & celebrationsCombines palace entry with a traditional English afternoon tea for a memorable outing.

Official price and partners

Official tickets for the State Rooms are £33 in advance (£37 on the day) but sell out months in advance. Partners often have inventory when the official site is sold out, though they may charge a booking fee.

Entrance tip

Use the visitor entrance at Buckingham Gate (Gate A or C) for State Rooms entry; the Buckingham Palace Road entrances are strictly for the Royal Mews and King's Gallery.

Compare options

GetYourGuide
from £66Free cancellation
  • State Rooms Entry
  • Royal Mews & Gallery
  • Live Guide
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Other London Attractions
Book via GetYourGuide

Viator
from £25Reserve now, pay later
  • State Rooms Entry
  • Royal Mews & Gallery
  • Live Guide
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Other London Attractions
Book via Viator

Headout
from £85Best price
  • State Rooms Entry
  • Royal Mews & Gallery
  • Live Guide
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Other London Attractions
Book via Headout

Civitatis
Free cancellation
  • State Rooms Entry
  • Royal Mews & Gallery
  • Live Guide
  • Afternoon Tea
  • Other London Attractions
Book via Civitatis

Choose by your situation

Short visit inside the palace
State Rooms Entry Ticket
Full day exploring all royal venues
Royal Day Out Passport
Watching the Changing of the Guard
Guided Walking Tour
Celebrating a special occasion
State Rooms & Afternoon Tea
Visiting 10+ other London sights
The London Pass

What is often not included

  • The State Rooms are only open to the public for a short window (usually July to October); outside these months, interior tours are unavailable.
  • The Changing of the Guard does not happen every day; check the official schedule before booking a walking tour to avoid disappointment.
  • The London Pass does not include entry to the State Rooms, only the Royal Mews and the King's Gallery.
  • Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the State Rooms for security and preservation reasons.

Discounts and free entry

Children under 5 enter for free but still require a pre-booked ticket. Discounted rates are available for visitors aged 5-17, young persons aged 18-24, and visitors with disabilities (who also receive a free companion ticket).

Frequently asked questions

  • Do skip-the-line tickets let me bypass the queue at Buckingham Palace?

    No. While pre-booked tickets let you skip the ticket-buying desk, all visitors must still wait in the same airport-style security queue before entering the State Rooms.

← Read the full Buckingham Palace guide

Our pickfrom £33