Taj Mahal Timings: Opening Hours, Visiting Time & Planning Guide
Planning a visit to the Taj Mahal? Check its opening hours before arranging your transport, buying tickets or setting out from your hotel.
The Taj Mahal in Agra opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset on normal visiting days. It is closed to general tourists every Friday. On other days, including Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enter during the normal visiting hours.
Unlike monuments with fixed opening hours, the Taj Mahal follows the local sunrise and sunset. The exact clock time therefore changes throughout the year.
For international visitors planning their first trip to Agra, understanding this schedule helps avoid arriving on a closed day, missing the morning opening or leaving too little time for sightseeing.
TajMahal TajMahalTimings AgraTravel VisitTajMahal IndiaTravel TajMahalGuide AgraTourism TajMahalCabs
Taj Mahal Timings at a Glance
| Visitor information | Official timing or arrangement |
|---|---|
| Opening time | 30 minutes before sunrise |
| Closing time | 30 minutes before sunset |
| Weekly closure | Every Friday for general tourist viewing |
| Open on Saturday | Yes |
| Open on Sunday | Yes |
| Other visiting days | Monday to Thursday |
| Ticket counter opening | 1 hour before sunrise |
| Ticket counter closing | 45 minutes before sunset |
| Night viewing | Separate ticket and special arrangements |
Important: These are the normal visiting rules. Check the official Taj Mahal website close to your travel date for any temporary restrictions or changes.
What Time Does the Taj Mahal Open?
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before local sunrise on normal visiting days.
The opening time is not the same throughout the year because sunrise in Agra changes with the seasons.
For example, the monument opens earlier during periods when sunrise occurs earlier and later when sunrise occurs later. This is why an old timetable showing a fixed 6:00 AM opening time may not be accurate for your travel date.
If you are staying in Agra, check the local sunrise time for the morning of your visit and plan to reach the appropriate entrance before the official opening.
If you are travelling from Delhi, remember that reaching Agra involves a separate road journey. A sunrise visit from Delhi requires much earlier departure planning than a visit from an Agra hotel.
For exact sunrise-related planning, see our Sunrise Taj Mahal timings guide.
What Time Does the Taj Mahal Close?
The Taj Mahal closes 30 minutes before local sunset.
Its closing time changes throughout the year because sunset does not occur at the same clock time every day.
Visitors planning an afternoon visit should leave enough time for the journey to the entrance, ticket verification, security screening and walking through the complex.
Do not plan your arrival for the final few minutes before closing. A late arrival can leave you with very little time to explore the monument.
If you are combining the Taj Mahal with Agra Fort or returning to Delhi on the same day, allow a realistic buffer rather than planning every activity back-to-back.
Is the Taj Mahal Open Every Day?
No. The Taj Mahal is closed to general tourist viewing every Friday.
It is normally open from Saturday to Thursday, including Sundays and public holidays, subject to any official temporary restrictions.
Here is the weekly visiting schedule:
| Day | General tourist viewing |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open |
| Tuesday | Open |
| Wednesday | Open |
| Thursday | Open |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Open |
| Sunday | Open |
If your planned visit falls on Friday, arrange your Agra sightseeing around other attractions instead of expecting normal Taj Mahal entry.
For a detailed explanation of the Friday closure and alternative sightseeing arrangements, read our guide: Is the Taj Mahal Open on Friday?.
Does the Taj Mahal Have Different Timings in Summer and Winter?
The Taj Mahal does not follow separate fixed summer and winter opening schedules. Its normal visiting hours follow sunrise and sunset throughout the year.
However, the practical clock time changes with daylight.
During summer:
- Sunrise generally occurs earlier.
- Sunset generally occurs later.
- The daylight visiting period is longer.
- Early morning visits can be more comfortable because Agra becomes hot later in the day.
During winter:
- Sunrise generally occurs later.
- Sunset generally occurs earlier.
- The daylight visiting period is shorter.
- Early mornings can be cold and foggy, particularly in December and January.
Always check the sunrise and sunset for your actual travel date instead of relying on approximate seasonal timings.
If you are deciding which month or season is best for your visit, read our separate guide to the best time to visit the Taj Mahal.
What Time Do Taj Mahal Ticket Counters Open?
Ticket counter timings are different from the monument’s normal visiting hours.
According to the official Taj Mahal visitor information, ticket counters at the East and West Gates operate:
- Opening: One hour before sunrise.
- Closing: 45 minutes before sunset.
You can also purchase tickets online through the official ticketing arrangements.
If you are visiting during a busy travel period, check the availability and booking instructions before leaving your hotel. Keep your ticket and the identification required for your visitor category accessible.
For ticket categories, booking instructions and admission information, see our Taj Mahal tickets guide.
For current ticket charges, consult our Taj Mahal ticket price guide.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Taj Mahal?
The best time depends on what you want from your visit.
Early morning: A good choice for visitors who prefer cooler conditions, morning light and an early start to their Agra sightseeing.
Late morning: Suitable for travellers who prefer a less rushed start, although temperatures and visitor numbers can increase.
Afternoon: Offers more flexibility for visitors who are not interested in a sunrise visit. During summer, however, the heat can make walking around the complex uncomfortable.
Late afternoon: Can offer attractive light as the day progresses, but you must allow sufficient time before the official closing time.
There is no need to force a sunrise visit if your transport arrangements, family schedule or travel plans make another time more suitable.
For a fuller comparison of weather, photography conditions and visitor experience, read our best time to visit the Taj Mahal guide.
How Early Should You Arrive at the Taj Mahal?
Your arrival plan depends on where you are staying and whether you have purchased your ticket online.
If you are staying in Agra and want to enter around sunrise, arrange your transport so you reach the correct visitor area before the monument opens.
Remember that you may need additional time for:
- Travelling from your hotel.
- Reaching the correct entrance.
- Walking from the vehicle drop-off or parking area.
- Joining the appropriate queue.
- Ticket verification.
- Security screening.
Do not assume that arriving at the parking area means you are already at the monument entrance.
First-time visitors should check the current entry arrangements before setting out. Read our Taj Mahal entry gates guide to understand the available entrances.
Taj Mahal Timings for International Visitors
If you are visiting India from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia or another country, it is worth planning your Taj Mahal visit before arriving in Agra.
A few practical points can make the day easier:
- Check the local Agra sunrise and sunset for your travel date.
- Avoid planning your normal Taj Mahal visit on Friday.
- Keep your ticket and required identification accessible.
- Confirm the correct entrance before leaving your accommodation.
- Allow time for security screening and walking.
- Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage.
- If travelling from Delhi, include realistic road travel time and a buffer.
- If you have a return train or flight, leave enough time to reach your departure point.
International visitors sometimes try to combine the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, shopping and a return journey to Delhi in one tightly scheduled day.
That can make the experience unnecessarily rushed.
If the Taj Mahal is your main reason for visiting Agra, give the monument priority and plan the remaining activities around it.
For help planning the journey from the capital, see our Delhi to Taj Mahal travel guide.
Can You Visit the Taj Mahal at Night?
Yes, but night viewing is a separate arrangement and is not included in normal daytime visiting hours.
According to the official Taj Mahal information, night viewing is available on five nights around the full moon:
- The full moon night.
- Two nights before the full moon.
- Two nights after the full moon.
Night viewing is subject to limited admission, separate tickets and official restrictions. It is not available on Fridays or during Ramadan.
The night-viewing schedule and booking arrangements should be checked directly with the official authorities before making plans.
See the official Taj Mahal night-viewing information for current details.
A normal daytime ticket does not give you permission to enter the monument again at night.
Which Taj Mahal Gate Should You Use?
The entrance you choose can affect how easily you reach the monument, especially if you are visiting for the first time.
The current official visitor information identifies the East and West Gates as ticket-entry points. The South Gate is currently listed as exit-only.
Before leaving your hotel, check which gate is appropriate for your ticket and transport arrangements.
If you are travelling by private car, remember that vehicles cannot simply drive up to the monument entrance. You may need to use the designated parking and transfer arrangements.
Read our Taj Mahal entry gates guide before deciding which entrance to use.
How Long Should You Allow for a Taj Mahal Visit?
For many visitors, around two to three hours is a useful allowance for exploring the Taj Mahal complex. Your actual visit may take more or less time depending on your interests, photography, guide arrangements and visitor queues.
Allow additional time if you are combining the monument with:
- Agra Fort.
- Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj.
- Mehtab Bagh.
- Local sightseeing or shopping.
Remember that the time spent inside the Taj Mahal is different from the total time needed for your Agra itinerary.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our guide on how long to spend at the Taj Mahal.
A Simple Taj Mahal Visit Plan
If you are staying in Agra:
The evening before:
- Confirm your visiting date.
- Check the official opening hours.
- Confirm your ticket arrangements.
- Check local sunrise time if visiting early.
- Arrange your transport and identify the entrance.
On the day:
- Leave your hotel with enough time.
- Reach the correct visitor area.
- Complete ticket verification and security.
- Explore the Taj Mahal without rushing.
- Continue to Agra Fort or another attraction if time permits.
If you are travelling from Delhi:
Before departure:
- Confirm that your visit is not on Friday.
- Check the opening time for your travel date.
- Plan your Delhi pickup and journey to Agra.
- Allow a buffer for traffic and entry procedures.
- Plan your return journey around the actual sightseeing schedule.
A private car can make the journey more flexible, particularly if you want to combine the Taj Mahal with Agra Fort and return to Delhi on the same day.
Common Taj Mahal Timing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming the Taj Mahal always opens at 6:00 AM
The opening time follows sunrise. Check the actual date rather than relying on a fixed clock time.
2. Planning a normal visit on Friday
The monument is closed to general tourists every Friday.
3. Confusing ticket-counter hours with monument hours
Ticket counters open one hour before sunrise, while normal visitor access begins 30 minutes before sunrise.
4. Arriving just before closing
Security and walking time can reduce the time available for sightseeing.
5. Treating night viewing as ordinary evening entry
Night viewing has separate tickets and eligibility rules.
6. Choosing a gate without checking current arrangements
The South Gate is currently exit-only according to official visitor information.
7. Underestimating the Delhi–Agra journey
A Delhi day trip requires planning for the road journey as well as the monument visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taj Mahal Timings
What are the official Taj Mahal timings? +
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset on normal visiting days. It is closed to general tourists every Friday.
What time does the Taj Mahal open? +
The Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before local sunrise. The exact clock time changes throughout the year.
What time does the Taj Mahal close? +
The monument closes 30 minutes before local sunset. Check the sunset time for your actual travel date.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Sunday? +
Yes. The Taj Mahal is normally open to general visitors on Sunday, subject to its regular sunrise-to-sunset visiting hours.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Saturday? +
Yes. Saturday is a normal visiting day. The monument opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset.
Is the Taj Mahal open on Friday? +
No. It is closed to general tourist viewing every Friday. See our dedicated Friday closure guide for details.
Is the Taj Mahal open every day? +
It is normally open from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is its weekly closure for general tourist viewing.
Does the Taj Mahal have fixed opening hours? +
No. Normal visiting hours follow sunrise and sunset rather than fixed clock times. This means the opening and closing times change throughout the year.
What time do Taj Mahal ticket counters open? +
The East and West Gate ticket counters open one hour before sunrise and close 45 minutes before sunset, according to the official visitor information.
Is the Taj Mahal open right now? +
The answer depends on the local time in Agra, the day of your visit and any temporary official restrictions. On normal visiting days, general entry follows the sunrise-to-sunset schedule. Check the official Taj Mahal website before travelling.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal in the evening? +
Yes, during normal visiting hours if you arrive with sufficient time before closing. Special night viewing is also available on eligible full-moon dates with a separate ticket.
Can I visit the Taj Mahal at night? +
Yes, on the full moon night and two nights before and after it, subject to official restrictions and separate night-viewing arrangements. Night viewing is closed on Fridays and during Ramadan. Check the latest official information before planning your visit.
Does the Taj Mahal opening time change in winter? +
Yes. Sunrise occurs later during much of the winter, so the monument’s opening time also moves later. The closing time changes with sunset.
How much time should I spend at the Taj Mahal? +
Around two to three hours is a useful planning allowance for many visitors. Allow additional time if you want a guided visit, photography or a slower exploration of the complex.
Final Advice from Babloo at Taj Mahal Cabs
Before visiting the Taj Mahal, remember three important things: check the opening time for your actual date, avoid Friday for normal tourist viewing and allow enough time to reach the correct entrance.
If you are staying in Agra, an early visit is usually easier to arrange without rushing. If you are travelling from Delhi, plan your pickup and journey around the monument’s actual opening time rather than choosing a departure time based on the shortest estimated drive.
At Taj Mahal Cabs, we help international visitors plan Agra sightseeing and private transportation around their travel schedule.
If you need help arranging a Delhi–Agra journey or a local Agra sightseeing trip, you can contact us to discuss your itinerary.
Plan your Taj Mahal visit with enough time to enjoy the monument, rather than simply trying to fit it into a timetable.
Information reviewed: 31 October 2026. Please check the official Taj Mahal website for any changes before travelling.
About the author: Babloo is a Taj Mahal tour expert at Taj Mahal Cabs, helping international visitors plan Taj Mahal visits, private car journeys and Agra sightseeing.
Travel planning
Taj Mahal Timings: Opening & Visiting Hours Guide
Check Taj Mahal timings, opening and closing hours, Friday closure, ticket-counter hours and practical tips for planning your visit to Agra….
Read More →
👨💼for Booking & Inquiry Please Call / Whatsapp to +91 7500-840-840
.
.
.
Looking for a customized trip?
Our tour expert always ready to help you plan your next unique trip.
.
.
.
.
About the Author
Babloo is an Agra-based travel professional associated with Taj Mahal Cabs. His guides focus on practical information for travelers visiting the Taj Mahal and Agra, particularly first-time visitors.
Last reviewed: Oct 31, 2026
Planning a trip? Share this article with your friends and family who may be planning a visit.
You must be logged in to post a comment.