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Book St Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets

St. Mark's Basilica Skip the Line Tours

How long are the queues at St. Mark's Basilica entrance?

St. Mark's Basilica is an immensely popular attraction in Venice, hence the big crowds and long queues, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Queues can vary significantly, ranging from around 45 minutes to over an hour. Spoiler alert; during busy periods and holidays it might stretch up to over two hours. To mitigate wait times, considering off-peak hours or booking skip-the-line tickets in advance is advisable for a smoother and quicker entry.

Know your queue at the St. Mark's Basilica entrance

St. Mark's Basilica

General queue

Visitors in the general queue at St. Mark's Basilica usually wait around 45 minutes. The west entrance or the Door of St. Clement is the main entrance. It's open from 9:30 am – 5:15 pm.

St. Mark's Basilica

Tower entry queue

The Bell Tower Entrance, situated to the right of the main entrance and connected to St. Mark’s Square, is exclusively for skip-the-line ticket holders. You have to pay a minimal additional fee to access the tower, which visitors often don't mind considering the spectacular views.

St. Mark's Basilica

Priority access queue

With skip-the-line tickets, visitors enjoy faster entry, minimizing wait times and maximizing their experience at the attraction. There's a separate queue at Porta S. Pietra., the Door of St. Peter is next to the Door of Flowers.

St. Mark's Basilica

Accessible entry queue

Visitors with disabilities and wheelchair users can access the Basilica and Treasury via the Porta dei Fiori, equipped with a ramp. The Museum on the upper floor has a lift and stairlifts. Contact a staff member at the Porta dei Fiori for assistance.




Book Skip the Line Tickets for St Marks Basilica

St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets with Optional Audio Guide
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Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
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Venice Icons: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Free Cancellation
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Mobile Ticket
2 hr. - 2 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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Combo (Save 3%): St. Mark's Basilica + Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets
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Flexible Duration
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Combo (Save 5%): St. Mark’s Basilica + St. Mark’s Bell Tower Tickets
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Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
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Venice in a Day: St. Mark’s, Doge’s Palace, Murano & Burano with Gondola Ride
Free Cancellation
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Mobile Ticket
9 hr.
Guided Tour
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Absolute Venice - Doge's Palace, St Mark's Basilica & More with Priority Access
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
4 hr.
Guided Tour
More details

Why you should skip-the-line at St. Mark’s Basilica?

  • Beat the crowd: Skip-the-line access helps you bypass the lengthy queues, allowing for shorter wait times and ensuring a smoother and quicker entry to the Basilica.
  • Maximize Your visit: Spend more time admiring the intricate details, precious artwork, and learning Basilica's fascinating history without the interruption of long lines.
  • Discover more: With reduced waiting, explore beyond the Basilica, major attractions like Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Campanile, and Bridge of Sighs.
  • Stay stress free: Skip-the-line service minimizes stress, so you can appreciate the Basilica's grandeur at your own pace without feeling rushed or impatient.

How to skip the-line at St. Mark’s Basilica?

St. Mark's Basilica

1. Book skip-the-line tickets

Save time and avoid long waiting hours by booking skip-the-line tickets so you can enter St. Marks Basilica quicker and enjoy better. Consider after-hours tours, which provide exclusive access to the Basilica outside regular hours, offering an intimate and serene exploration of this historic site.

St. Mark's Basilica

2. Early bird advantage

Plan your visit during early hours or just before closing time to experience shorter queues. Mornings typically have fewer visitors, offering a chance to explore with more ease and fewer crowds. Similarly, arriving an hour before closing allows for a quieter visit when the site is less crowded.

St. Mark's Basilica
St. Mark's Basilica

4. Exclusive after hour tours

Join an exclusive after-hours tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, thereby providing a crowd-free experience. See St. Mark’s Square, Church, golden mosaics, the crypt, Bell Tower, Marciana Library, and the Pala D’Oro altarpiece. Upgrade for access to Doge’s Palace, elevating your after-hours exploration.

Which entrance to use for skip-the-line tickets?

The Bell Tower entrance that is connected to St. Marks Square is used for skip-the-line ticket holders. This entrance is located on the right side of the main entrance known as Porta di San Clement (Door of St. Clement). This is quite close to San Marco Calle Valleresso where the vaporetti Line 1 or N stops. The timings are from 9:30 AM – 9:15 PM.

Frequently asked questions about St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets

Can I skip the line at St. Mark's Basilica?

You can avoid waiting in line at St. Mark's Basilica by purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance. These tickets allow you to bypass the long queues and gain direct access to the basilica, saving you time and hassle. Alternatively, you can choose a guided tour option, which includes skip-the-line access for a more comprehensive and informative visit.

Can we purchase skip-the-line tickets on the same day?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica can be purchased on the same day, depending on availability. However, it's generally recommended to book in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist seasons when there may be high demand for tickets. Booking ahead ensures you have a reserved slot and can skip the long queues at the ticket counter.

How much do the St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets cost?

Prices for skip-the-line tickets to St. Mark's Basilica vary. Usually the costing start from €9 and usually increases as per additional features like audio guides and more. Find pricing details and other inclusions on the ticket info.

Why should I book skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica?

Booking skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica is highly recommended due to the significant visitor traffic it receives annually, totaling around three million visitors. With such high numbers, queues at the basilica can stretch for hours, sometimes up to 1-2 hours or even longer during peak times. By purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance, you can avoid these long queues and gain expedited access to this iconic attraction, saving valuable time during your visit and ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience overall.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, you can select a preferred time slot when purchasing skip-the-line tickets online.

Is there a limit to how many skip-the-line tickets are available each day?

While there is no specific limit to the number of skip-the-line tickets available for St. Mark's Basilica each day, it's essential to note that due to the popularity of this landmark, tickets sell out fast. Therefore, it's advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot and ensure availability, particularly during peak tourist seasons when demand may be higher.

How long is the validity period for these tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica are generally valid for the selected date and time slot.

Is there a specific entrance for skip-the-line ticket holders?

Skip-the-line ticket holders for St. Mark's Basilica have a dedicated entrance for expedited entry. Porta Di San Pietro is the entrance adjacent to the Door of Flowers, known as the St. Peter's Door, is designated for visitors with priority access.

Can I visit the Bell Tower with St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica doesn't always include access to the Bell Tower. Although, there is a combo ticket available for priority access to the basilica and the bell tower.

Can I use skip-the-line tickets for multiple entries to St. Mark's Basilica on the same day?

Skip-the-line tickets generally allow single-entry access to St. Mark's Basilica for the chosen time slot.

Can I change the date or time of my St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets?

It might not be possible to change the date or time of purchased skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica. Check terms and conditions of the specific ticket.

Are audio guides available with St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets?

Audio guides might be available with every skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica. You can however, get a priority access ticket with audio guides, as a different package.

What is the waiting time to get into the St. Mark's Basilica?

The waiting time to enter St. Mark's Basilica can vary depending on the time of day and the season. During peak tourist seasons or busy times, such as weekends or holidays, the wait to enter the basilica can range from 30 minutes in mid season to over 1-2 hours in peak season. However, with skip-the-line tickets or guided tours, visitors can bypass the queue and enter the basilica more quickly.

If I arrive late, is my skip-the-line ticket still valid? Or can I get a refund?

If you arrive late, your skip-the-line ticket may no longer be valid as these tickets usually have a fixed date and time for entry. Unfortunately, late arrivals often mean forfeiting your skip-the-line privilege. Refunds or rescheduling options are typically not available, so punctuality is crucial.

What if I need additional tickets when I arrive?

Additional tickets to St. Mark's Basilica can be purchased upon arrival, subject to availability. However, for skip-the-line access, it's advisable to pre-book all tickets together. While last-minute tickets may be available occasionally, it's recommended to secure your tickets in advance to avoid long waits.

Can I use skip-the-line tickets for multiple entries to the St. Mark's Basilica on the same day?

No, skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica typically allow only one entry on the specified date and time indicated on the ticket.

Can I change the date or time of my skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, unfortunately, skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica are typically non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning you cannot change the date or time once the purchase is completed. Be sure to confirm your chosen date and time before finalizing the booking.

Do St. Mark's Basilica skip-the-line tickets include a guided tour?

Some skip-the-line tickets for St. Mark's Basilica may include a guided tour, while others may only provide fast-track entry without a guided component. It's essential to check the details of the ticket you're purchasing to see if it includes a guided tour or if it's solely for skip-the-line access. If you prefer a guided experience, look for tickets explicitly labeled as including a guided tour. Here's an example:
Guided Tour of St. Marks Basilica with Priority Entry
St. Mark's Basilica Guided Tour with Gondola Ride

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