Planning the day

Get the hours, the entrance and the queue right.

Most ruined Louvre visits come from three things: arriving on a Tuesday, skipping the ID check, and leaving for security too late.

Opening hours

Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday, Friday: 09:00 – 21:00
Tuesday: Closed

Last entry is one hour before closing. The museum is also closed on 1 January, 1 May, 25 December.

Pick a date

Getting there

By metro
Lines 1 and 7 to Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre; the station exits almost inside the courtyard.
By bus
Lines 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81 and 95 stop on the streets around the museum.
By river
Vedettes du Pont Neuf and Bateaux Parisiens both call at the Louvre quay.
By car
Carrousel du Louvre parking sits directly beneath the museum, entered from Rue de Rivoli.

Good to know before you go

Five small things that decide the visit.

The security line is the real wait

Screening can take 30–40 minutes at peak times, so build it into your arrival, not your slot.

Every traveller needs ID

Passport, driving licence or residency card — the name on the ticket is checked against it.

Your slot is a window, not a countdown

You have 30 minutes from the booked time to enter; after that the ticket is no longer valid.

Once booked, nothing changes

Louvre tickets cannot be cancelled or modified, so choose a date you are sure of.

Late opening on Wednesdays and Fridays

The museum stays open until 21:00 on those two days — the quietest way to see the Mona Lisa.

Bring a small bag

Large luggage and suitcases are refused at the screening point.

Where to meet

75001 Paris — the museum's main entrance side.

Your confirmation names the exact meeting point. Arrive at least twenty minutes early: security screening can take 30–40 minutes, and your timed slot is fixed once it is issued.

Tickets are issued and supported by The Top Tickets, and arrive by email and WhatsApp as soon as they are confirmed.

Bring with you

Passport, driving licence or residency card for every traveller
The ticket on your phone, or a printed copy
Comfortable shoes — the galleries cover almost 15 hectares
A small bag; larger luggage is not allowed through the check