Buckingham Palace tickets: Summer opening 2026

Enjoy a self-guided tour of Buckingham Palace to see the lavishly furnished State Rooms at one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, plus discover some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures.

Buckingham Palace tours usually take place every summer between July and September. Book your Buckingham Palace tour tickets in advance to secure your spot.

In 2026, Buckingham Palace tours are taking place from 9 July to 27 September. If you're not able to visit during this time, take a look at London's other royal attractions.

Join the glorious State Rooms tour at Buckingham Palace

Coinciding with the palace opening its doors for visitors once again, the Royal Collection Trust invites visitors to take a spectacular tour through its State Rooms and gardens.

Your visit starts with a self-guided tour of the palace's magnificent State Rooms at your own leisure. Afterwards, you can take in the panoramic view of the lawn from the Garden Cafe.

The palace tour ends with a walk along the south side of the garden towards the exit gate, where visitors can take in views of the famous lake and the west front of the palace.

What will you see on the Buckingham Palace tour?

The Buckingham Palace tour gives you a chance to explore the otherwise out-of-bounds State Rooms and part of the gardens. Highlights include:

• Visiting the 19 beautifully decorated Buckingham Palace State Rooms, used for receiving guests and official functions.
• Seeing the Throne Room – often used as a backdrop for royal wedding photos.
• Admiring the magnificent Grand Staircase.
• Spotting incredible pieces of fine art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck.
• Strolling along the south side of the garden, featuring views of the famous lake and the palace from a different angle.

When can I buy Buckingham Palace tour tickets?

You can book tickets for the Buckingham Palace tours 2026 now by using the booking button on this page.

How much do Buckingham Palace tickets cost?

Tickets to visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms in 2026 cost £33 for adults aged 25 and over, £21.50 for adults aged 18 to 24 and £16.50 for children over five. Children under five enter for free, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Tickets are also available on the day, however, these are likely to sell out quickly and cost between £2 and £4 extra per admission.

Please note visitors who require mobility access must book directly with Buckingham Palace.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket price includes entrance to Buckingham Palace, a multimedia guide available in multiple languages for the self-guided tour and access to a temporary royal exhibition.

Enhance your Buckingham Palace experience

Combine your Buckingham Palace tour with other top attractions or experiences for a memorable day out! Options include:

• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle day tour
• Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge day trip
• Buckingham Palace tour with afternoon tea
• Royal London Walking Tour with entry to Buckingham Palace
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with entry to Buckingham Palace

How long does it take to tour Buckingham Palace? 

It takes between two hours and three hours to explore Buckingham Palace. 

What are the Buckingham Palace opening times?

From 9 July to 31 August 2026, Buckingham Palace is open every day from 9.30am to 7.30pm.

From 1 to 27 September 2026, Buckingham Palace is open Thursday to Monday from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

Entry is on a timed admission basis and ideally you should arrive no later than 15 minutes before the entry time on your ticket.

Where is Buckingham Palace and how do I get there?

Buckingham Palace is located in central London.

• Tube – The closest Tube stations are Victoria (Circle and District and Victoria lines), Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) and Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line).
• Bus – Several buses, including numbers 11, 211 and C10, stop nearby.
• Coach – If you are arriving by coach, Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk away.

The Buckingham Palace Ticket Office (Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1A 1AA) is close by to the visitor entrance, located on the left-hand side of the Palace as you head to Gate A. The exit is through the gardens.

For Buckingham Palace tickets only, you will need to exchange your voucher for tickets at the Buckingham Palace Ticket Office where some queuing time should be expected.

For Royal Mews and Buckingham Palace tickets, you will start your visit at the Royal Mews. You will need to exchange your voucher for tickets at the Royal Mews Ticket Office (Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0QH) where some queuing time should be expected.

Your scheduled entry to Buckingham Palace is 75 minutes after your entry to Royal Mews. You must leave the Royal Mews and wait outside The King’s Gallery for a Golden Tours representative to take you to Buckingham Palace – you will not be allowed into the Palace without them.

Plan your visit to Buckingham Palace

After securing your Buckingham Palace tickets in advance, explore everything the royal residence has to offer, learn about its history and plan your unforgettable visit to Buckingham Palace.

More royal things to do

Discover more of royal things to do in London including an expert-led Royal Walking Tour, the best royal historic parks for a relaxing stroll and other royal attractions in London.