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Everything You Need to Know About the Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances

Where is the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances

The Royal Palace of Madrid has two entrances. Puerta del Príncipe or Prince's Gate is located on the east side and Puerta de Santiago is located on the south side. There is a private entrance used by the Spanish royal family located on the north side. 

Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances Location and Getting There

Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances

Puerta del Príncipe

The Puerta del Príncipe is the main entrance to the Royal Palace of Madrid. It is located on the east side of the palace, facing the Plaza de la Armería. The entrance features a grand staircase.

Who is it For: Puerta del Príncipe is used for state occasions and official visits.

How to Reach: The Puerta del Príncipe entrance is located in the heart of the city centre, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Visitors can take the metro, or bus or walk to the palace.

Timings: The entrance is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the opening timings are 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Average Wait Time: The average wait time can vary depending on the season and time of day. During peak tourist seasons, such as the summer months or holidays, the wait time can be up to an hour or more.

Accessibility: The entrance features a ramp and an elevator, allowing visitors with mobility disabilities to access the palace easily.

Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances

Puerta de Santiago

Puerta de Santiago is located on the south side of the palace. Visitors can access the palace's courtyard through this entrance.

Who is it For: This entrance is often used for guided tours and group visits.

How to Reach: To reach the Puerta de Santiago entrance at the Royal Palace of Madrid, visitors can take the metro to the Ópera station, which is located just a few minutes walk from the palace. Alternatively, buses and taxis are also available.

Timings: The entrance is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Sunday).

Average Wait Time: During the peak tourist season, the wait time can be longer, especially if there are large tour groups. It is always advisable to book tickets online in advance to skip the queue and save time.

Accessibility: There are no stairs at this entrance, and visitors can use a ramp to access the palace's courtyard. Inside the palace, elevators provide access to the different floors of the building. 

Disable Access

Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances
  • The Royal Palace of Madrid is committed to providing disabled access at all of its entrances.
  • The main entrance, Puerta del Príncipe, has ramps and lifts for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility impairments.
  • The Puerta de Santiago entrance, located on the south side of the palace, is fully accessible with no stairs, and visitors can use a ramp to access the palace's courtyard.
  • Inside the palace, there are elevators that provide access to the different floors of the building.
  • Visitors with visual impairments can also request audio guides, and the palace offers sign language interpretation services for the deaf and hard of hearing.

How to Enter the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the palace's ticket office, and there are different types of tickets available depending on the visitor's preference, such as guided tours, audio guides, or self-guided tours.




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Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Palace of Madrid Entrances

How many Royal Palace of Madrid entrances are there?

The Royal Palace of Madrid has two entrances known as the Puerta del Príncipe or Prince's Gate, located at the east and the Puerta de Santiago entrance located on the south side of the palace. There is also a private entrance used by the Spanish royal family located on the north side of the palace.

What is the average wait time at the Royal Palace of Madrid entrance?

The wait time can go up to an hour, especially if there are large tour groups. It is always advisable to book tickets online in advance to skip the queue and save time.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance do skip-the-line ticket holders use?

Skip-the-line ticket holders at the Royal Palace of Madrid can use the Puerta del Príncipe entrance.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance is used for guided tours?

Puerta de Santiago entrance is often used for guided tours and group visits, and visitors can access the palace's courtyard through this entrance.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance do visitors with disabilities use?

Visitors with disabilities can use both the Puerta del Príncipe and Puerta de Santiago entrances at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Both entrances are wheelchair accessible, and visitors with mobility impairments can access the palace's courtyard using ramps.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance do I use if I have already purchased tickets?

If you have already purchased tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid, you can enter the palace using either the Puerta del Príncipe or the Puerta de Santiago entrance.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance do I use if I don’t have tickets?

Both entrances have ticket offices where visitors can buy tickets on the spot, subject to availability. However, during peak tourist season, it is advisable to book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure availability.

Which Royal Palace of Madrid entrance should I use if I’m travelling with a group?

It is recommended to use the Puerta de Santiago entrance if you’re travelling in a large group. This entrance is often used for guided tours and group visits, and it has a dedicated queue for groups. The staff at this entrance is also equipped to handle larger groups, and they can assist with any special needs or requirements.

How can I avoid waiting in line for a long time at the Royal Palace of Madrid entrances?

To avoid waiting in line for a long time, buy tickets in advance online, consider visiting the palace during the weekdays and opt for a skip-the-line ticket.

What are the Royal Palace of Madrid's timings?

The Royal Palace of Madrid is open from 10 AM to 7 PM on Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, the timings change to 10 AM to 4 PM.

What time should I visit the Royal Palace of Madrid to avoid waiting in line?

If you want to avoid waiting in line at the Royal Palace of Madrid, it is recommended to visit early in the morning during weekdays. The palace opens at 10 AM and is usually less crowded during the first few hours of the day.