Buckingham Palace is both a working royal residence and one of London’s best-known visitor attractions. It has served as the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837 and contains 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms. For visitors, however, the most important details are when the State Rooms open, which ticket to buy, what that ticket includes, and which nearby royal attractions require separate admission.
Quick Answer
For the 2026 Summer Opening, standard Buckingham Palace admission starts at £33 for adults when booked in advance. The ticket covers the State Rooms and a complimentary multimedia guide. Garden Highlights, East Wing tours, the Royal Mews, and The King’s Gallery have separate or combined ticket options.
The palace is also known for its 39-acre private garden, ceremonial balcony, important works from the Royal Collection, and role in state occasions. Because Buckingham Palace remains a working palace, opening arrangements can change and some rooms may be unavailable while official events or building works take place.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Summer Opening of the State Rooms runs from 9 July to 27 September.
- Standard adult admission costs £33 in advance or £37 on the day, subject to availability.
- A complimentary multimedia guide is included with standard State Rooms admission.
- The Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery are separate attractions, although combination tickets may be offered.
- Step-free access to the State Rooms must be arranged before the visit because the standard route is not step-free.
- Changing the Guard is free to watch outside the palace, but visitors should check the official dated schedule rather than assume it happens every day.
How to Purchase Tickets for Buckingham Palace
The safest way to buy Buckingham Palace tickets is through the official Royal Collection Trust Buckingham Palace page. The booking system lets you choose a date, timed entry, ticket category, and any available tour upgrade.
Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the summer opening. Although Royal Collection Trust publishes an on-the-day price for standard admission, it does not hold back a separate allocation specifically for walk-up visitors. A date that sells out online may therefore remain unavailable on the day.
Pro Tip: Book online in advance for the lower standard-admission price and arrive for the timed entry printed on your ticket. For guided products, Royal Collection Trust advises arriving about 15 minutes before the stated entry time.
Children under 5 receive free admission. Current individual categories also include Adult, Young Person aged 18–24, Child aged 5–17, Disabled Person, and a free Access Companion ticket. Do not assume that a general student or senior discount applies unless it is specifically shown for the ticket you are booking.
2026 Buckingham Palace Opening Dates and Hours
The State Rooms are open to the public during a limited summer season because Buckingham Palace remains a working royal palace.
- 9 July–31 August 2026: daily, 9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; last admission 5:15 p.m.
- 3–27 September 2026: Thursday through Monday, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; last admission 4:15 p.m.
Opening arrangements can change for official reasons, so check the official visitor page shortly before travelling.
Buckingham Palace Tour Options
The standard Buckingham Palace visit is a self-guided route through the State Rooms with a complimentary multimedia guide. Visitors who want a longer or more specialized visit can choose from several 2026 ticket products.
Standard State Rooms Admission
This is the main Buckingham Palace ticket. It provides access to the State Rooms used for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. The exact rooms and displays can vary because the palace is both a visitor attraction and a working royal residence.
State Rooms and Garden Highlights Tour
This option combines the self-guided State Rooms visit with an English-language guided walking tour of selected parts of Buckingham Palace Garden. The 2026 adult price is £48. The Garden Highlights portion lasts about 45 minutes and begins approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes after the State Rooms entry time. Royal Collection Trust recommends allowing about 3 to 3.5 hours for the complete experience.
State Rooms and East Wing Highlights Tour
This ticket adds an expert-led tour of the principal rooms of the East Wing before the standard State Rooms visit. In 2026, adult tickets cost £93 in advance or £97 on the day. The East Wing portion lasts about one hour and includes areas behind the palace’s famous east-facing façade.
Exclusive Guided Tour
Selected dates also offer an Exclusive Guided Tour of Buckingham Palace after the palace has closed to general visitors. The 2026 product costs £100 per person, lasts about 1.5 hours, is conducted in English, and has a maximum of 30 places per tour. Tickets must be pre-booked.
Royal Mews
The Royal Mews is a separate visitor attraction beside Buckingham Palace. It contains working stables, royal vehicles and historic coaches, including the Gold State Coach. In 2026, standard adult admission is £18. A Buckingham Palace and Royal Mews combined ticket is also offered during part of the summer season.
The King’s Gallery
The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace presents changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. It was previously known as the Queen’s Gallery. Admission is separate from a standard State Rooms ticket unless you purchase a combination product that specifically includes it. Exhibition pricing varies; the major 2026 exhibition is separately ticketed.
2026 Buckingham Palace Ticket Prices
These are the published 2026 prices for standard Buckingham Palace admission. Advance booking provides the lowest standard price.
| Visitor | Advance | On the Day |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £33.00 | £37.00 |
| Young Person, 18–24 | £21.50 | £24.50 |
| Child, 5–17 | £16.50 | £18.50 |
| Disabled Person | £16.50 | £18.50 |
| Access Companion | Free | Free |
| Under 5 | Free | Free |
Other 2026 adult prices include £48 for the State Rooms plus Garden Highlights Tour, £93 in advance for the State Rooms plus East Wing Highlights Tour, and £100 for the Exclusive Guided Tour. Prices and products can change in future seasons, so confirm the amount shown on the official booking page before paying.
What to Expect on a Buckingham Palace Tour
A standard visit takes you through the ceremonial State Rooms used by the monarch for official occasions and entertaining. Displays include furniture, decorative arts and works from the Royal Collection. The free multimedia guide explains the rooms, their functions and important objects along the route.
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms in total, but the public ticket covers only the designated visitor route rather than the entire palace. The building remains in active official use, so access to individual rooms can change.
Note: During the 2026 Summer Opening, ongoing reservicing work affects the visitor route. The White Drawing Room is not accessible, while the Ballroom and parts of the Music Room and Bow Room are partly obscured by hoardings.
At the end of the State Rooms route, summer visitors can reach the West Terrace area, Garden Café and garden exit. A new information trail through part of Buckingham Palace Garden is included with the standard 2026 State Rooms ticket, but this should not be confused with the separately ticketed Garden Highlights guided tour.
Buckingham Palace Garden covers about 39 acres, making it the largest private garden in London.
Special Events and Exhibitions at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace and the nearby royal visitor attractions host changing exhibitions, guided experiences and seasonal events. These are not automatically included with every palace ticket, so always check what your chosen product covers.
The King’s Gallery presents rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection. The Royal Mews provides a different experience focused on the working stables, royal transport and historic coaches. Special Buckingham Palace products can also include the East Wing, Garden Highlights or exclusive guided access.
Royal Garden Parties and other official events do take place at Buckingham Palace, but they are not ordinary public attractions included with a State Rooms ticket. Visitors should not plan their visit expecting admission to an official royal event.
Changing the Guard
Changing the Guard takes place outside Buckingham Palace and does not require a palace ticket. The Household Division normally schedules King’s Guard changes on selected days, commonly at 11:00 a.m., but the calendar can change because of ceremonial or operational requirements.
Check the official Household Division Changing the Guard calendar for your exact date rather than relying on a fixed weekly schedule copied from an older guide.
Tips for Visiting Buckingham Palace
Book your timed ticket before travelling and check the official visitor page again shortly before your visit. Buckingham Palace is a working palace, so opening arrangements can occasionally change.
- Arrive at the time stated on your ticket and allow extra time for security screening.
- Bring as little luggage as possible because all visitors pass through airport-style security.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The visitor route covers large rooms over two floors and finishes with an outdoor garden exit.
- There is no formal dress code for ordinary public visits.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside Buckingham Palace.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the palace apart from bottled water.
- Pushchairs cannot be taken through the State Rooms and must be checked in.
- Toilets and baby-care facilities for State Rooms visitors are located at the end of the route, after reaching the garden area.
Note: The Garden Café is at the end of the State Rooms route during the Summer Opening. You cannot use it before completing the palace visit.
Accessibility and Facilities at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace welcomes visitors with a range of access requirements, but an important detail is often missed: the normal State Rooms admission route is not step-free.
If you require step-free access, you must arrange it before your visit through the Royal Collection Trust Specialist Sales team. Visitors using the access route enter through a different entrance and then join the main visitor route. A free Access Companion ticket is available for disabled visitors.
Manual wheelchairs may be available to borrow, subject to availability, and some mobility equipment must be booked in advance. Accessible toilets and limited seating are available, assistance dogs are welcome, and the multimedia guide has accessibility options including British Sign Language with subtitles and an audio-described version.
The standard visitor experience ends with an outdoor route through the garden of approximately 500 metres, or one-third of a mile. Visitors who need alternative arrangements should contact the access team before booking.
Buckingham Palace Multimedia Guides
A complimentary multimedia guide is included with standard Buckingham Palace admission. It is available in multiple languages and provides commentary about the State Rooms, their history, works of art and ceremonial functions.
This means most standard visitors do not need to pay extra for an audio guide. The State Rooms are generally self-guided unless you have specifically purchased a guided product such as an East Wing or Exclusive Guided Tour.
Private and Exclusive Tours of Buckingham Palace
Visitors looking for a more guided experience should use the current Royal Collection Trust tour products rather than assuming that a personalized private tour can be arranged on demand.
For selected 2026 dates, the Exclusive Guided Tour costs £100 per person and takes place when the palace has closed to general visitors. It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, is conducted in English and is limited to a maximum of 30 people. A complimentary guidebook is included.
Other specialist experiences include East Wing tours in summer and additional East Wing guided products at other times of year. Availability is limited, so these options should be booked well in advance.
Can You Convert a Buckingham Palace Ticket Into a 1-Year Pass?
Eligible Royal Collection Trust tickets can be converted into a 1-Year Pass, allowing standard re-admission during the validity period under the Trust’s rules. The ticket must be processed according to the instructions provided during the visit. A transaction charge may apply when pre-booking a return visit.
This can be useful if you expect to return to London or want to revisit when a different exhibition or seasonal route is available.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Visiting Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is much easier to plan when you separate the different experiences. A standard ticket covers the State Rooms and complimentary multimedia guide. The Garden Highlights Tour and East Wing are upgrades, while the Royal Mews and King’s Gallery are separate attractions unless your chosen combination ticket specifically includes them.
For the 2026 season, standard adult admission begins at £33 in advance. Booking ahead is the best approach because entry is timed and sold-out dates are not guaranteed to have walk-up availability. Check current opening arrangements, Changing the Guard dates and any room closures shortly before travelling.
If you are comparing royal attractions around London and the United Kingdom, consider the type of experience you want rather than assuming every royal site works like Buckingham Palace. Some are working residences, some operate as museums or galleries, and opening periods can differ considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Buckingham Palace tickets in 2026?
Standard adult State Rooms admission is £33 when booked in advance or £37 on the day. Young Person, Child and Disabled Person tickets cost less, while children under 5 and Access Companions enter free.
What types of Buckingham Palace tours are available?
The main option is standard self-guided State Rooms admission. Depending on the date, visitors can also book Garden Highlights, East Wing Highlights or an Exclusive Guided Tour. The Royal Mews and King’s Gallery are separate attractions.
How should I purchase Buckingham Palace tickets?
Book through the official Royal Collection Trust website and choose a timed entry. Advance booking is recommended because it provides the lower standard price and sold-out dates are not guaranteed to have tickets available for walk-up visitors.
Are there discounts for Buckingham Palace tickets?
Current ticket categories include lower prices for visitors aged 18–24, children aged 5–17 and disabled visitors. Access Companions and children under 5 receive free admission. Check the official booking page for any additional current offers.
What can I see with a standard Buckingham Palace ticket?
Standard admission covers the designated State Rooms route and includes a complimentary multimedia guide. The exact rooms and displays can change because Buckingham Palace remains a working royal residence and is undergoing reservicing work.
Does a Buckingham Palace ticket include the Royal Mews or King’s Gallery?
Not with ordinary standard admission. The Royal Mews and King’s Gallery are separate attractions. Combination tickets may be offered for selected dates, so check exactly what is included before buying.
Is Buckingham Palace wheelchair accessible?
Yes, accessible arrangements are available, but the standard State Rooms route is not step-free. Visitors who need step-free access must arrange it in advance with Royal Collection Trust. A free Access Companion ticket is available.
Do I need a Buckingham Palace ticket to watch Changing the Guard?
No. Changing the Guard takes place outside Buckingham Palace and is free to watch. Check the official Household Division calendar for the exact date and time because the schedule can change.
Sources
- Royal Collection Trust — Buckingham Palace — 2026 admission prices, ticket products, multimedia guide and access information.
- Royal Collection Trust — Practical Information for Buckingham Palace — security, photography, refreshments, pushchairs, toilets and visitor rules.
- Royal Collection Trust — Mobility Access — step-free access and mobility arrangements.
- Royal Collection Trust — Royal Mews — Royal Mews admission and visitor information.
- The Royal Family — Buckingham Palace — official residence history and the palace’s 775 rooms.
- Household Division — Changing the Guard Calendar — official dates and times for Guard ceremonies.
