- Location: Main entrance (Porta di San Clemente), west façade
- Who it’s for: Visitors buying on-site tickets
- Wait time: 60–90 mins (peak), 20–40 mins (off-peak)
- Skip‑the‑line? ✅Yes, if you book online in advance
Skip-the-line tickets let you bypass the long ticketing line—but not the mandatory security check. Depending on your ticket, you may also enter through quieter entrances like the Bell Tower or Porta di San Pietro for faster access. Most visitors are inside within 20–30 minutes with these tickets.
St. Mark’s Basilica sees over 3 million visitors each year, and lines outside the church can be long, particularly from April to October.
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Ticket type
Wait times
Queues skipped
Includes
Price from
Book
On-site ticket
60–90 mins
❌ None
Entry to Basilica
€3–€10
Not recommended
Entry ticket
20–30 mins
✅ Ticket queue
Guaranteed entry to Basilica
€20
Book now →
Entry with audio guide
20–30 mins
✅ Ticket queue
Entry to Basilica + audio guide
€44.90
Book now →
Guided tour
10–20 mins
✅ Ticket queue
Basilica entry + guide + St. Mark's Museum + Pala d’Oro
€56
Book now →
Combos with Doge Palace
10–30 mins
✅ Ticket queues at both sites
Entry to both + audio guides + guided tour of both landmarks, depending on the experience chosen
€69.70 ~€84
Venice Pass
10–20 mins
✅ Basilica & Bell Tower ticket queues
Skip-the-line entry + elevator to Bell Tower top
€42
Book now →
It means you can bypass the long ticket queue at the entrance. However, all visitors—regardless of ticket type—must still go through mandatory security. Some tickets also use quieter entrances like the Bell Tower or Porta di San Pietro for faster access.
Yes. Security screening is mandatory for all visitors, even with skip-the-line or guided tour tickets. Expect a wait of 10–20 minutes during busy hours.
During peak season (April to October), regular entry lines can stretch 60–90 minutes. With skip-the-line access, most visitors enter within 20–30 minutes—saving up to an hour.
Some do. Entry-level skip-the-line tickets typically include access to the Basilica only. For the Pala d’Oro altarpiece and the museum, choose a guided tour or upgraded combo ticket.
Sometimes—on quieter days. But during peak months, skip-the-line tickets often sell out 2–3 days in advance. Booking early is highly recommended.
It depends. Guided tours offer skip-the-line access plus expert narration, access to additional areas (like the museum), and a smoother entry via reserved group entrances. If you're interested in the mosaics, domes, and layout, [this deep-dive on the interior and architecture is a great primer →], the guided tour is the way to go.
No. All skip-the-line tickets require you to choose a time slot during booking. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for security checks.
No. During mass or liturgical services—usually at 7am, 8am, 12pm, and 6:45pm—tourist entry is paused. Skip-the-line tickets are not valid during these windows.
You're paying for priority access, timed entry, and crowd avoidance. Prices also reflect limited capacity per time slot and, in some cases, access to additional areas or guided services.
Usually not. Most tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable. Some platforms allow changes for a fee—check the cancellation policy before booking.
Yes. Most skip-the-line ticket holders use the Bell Tower entrance (Porta di San Clemente), located to the right of the main façade, near the Calle Valleresso vaporetto stop (Line 1 or N).
No. All tickets—including skip-the-line options—are valid for single entry only.
Some are. Entry-level tickets may include a multilingual audio guide. Others, like combo tickets or guided tours, may replace this with live commentary.
Yes, children usually need a separate ticket—though many platforms offer discounted or free entry for minors under a certain age. Always check the product details.
St. Mark's Basilica Hosted Entry Tickets with Skip-the-Line Access
St. Mark’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide
St. Mark's Basilica Entry & Doge's Palace Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audioguide
Venice Icons: St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Venice Pass Skip-the-Line St. Mark's Basilica & Bell Tower
