Unmissable Truth: Agra Taj Mahal Closing Day, Timing & Tickets

The Taj Mahal. A universal symbol of enduring love, an architectural marvel, and the undisputed crown jewel of India. Planning a journey to Agra to witness this UNESCO World Heritage Site is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the most critical question on every traveler’s mind is: “When is the Taj Mahal closed?”

The fear of arriving at the Eastern Gate only to find the marble gates shut is a valid concern, especially since this monument observes a specific weekly closure.

To ensure your perfect trip doesn’t turn into a logistical nightmare, we’ve created the definitive travel guide that not only reveals the Agra Taj Mahal closing day but also dives deep into essential information like ticketing, combined passes, and nearby attractions, providing you with everything you need to plan your flawless visit.

1. The Definitive Answer: When Does the Taj Mahal Close?

Let’s address the central question immediately and dispel any confusion about the Agra Taj Mahal closing day.

The magnificent monument is CLOSED to the general public every single Friday.

This is not due to maintenance or a simple weekend off; the closure is observed out of respect for religious tradition. Inside the expansive Taj Mahal complex, there is a working mosque.

Every Friday, this mosque hosts the Jumu’ah (congregational) prayers for the local Muslim community. To maintain the sanctity of this weekly religious gathering, the entire Taj complex is closed to tourists from sunrise to sunset.

For the faithful wishing to attend prayers, entry is granted exclusively through the Western Gate between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM upon presentation of their local proof of residence. However, tourists cannot visit the main mausoleum or the grounds during this time.

Key Takeaway: If your itinerary includes a Friday, ensure you schedule your Taj Mahal visit for any other day of the week. Saturday and Sunday are often the busiest, so Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday offer a more peaceful experience.

2. Planning Your Budget: Deciphering the Taj Mahal Agra Entry Fee

Understanding the costs involved is paramount to budget planning. The Taj Mahal Agra entry fee structure is multi-tiered, designed to accommodate both domestic Indian citizens and international travelers, with an important distinction for accessing the main tomb of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

As of the latest updates (2025), the fees are structured as follows:

Note: The Main Mausoleum Fee is a mandatory additional charge if you wish to enter the raised platform and walk inside the main tomb where the cenotaphs are located. If you only wish to view the monument from the garden level (the classic view from the main entrance), you only need the Base Ticket.

The Advantage of Online Booking

To save time and get a small discount (often ₹5 for Indian tickets and ₹50 for foreign tickets), it is strongly recommended that you book your tickets online through the official Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) website. This not only speeds up your entry process but also helps avoid ticket counter queues, especially during peak season (October to March).

Suggested Read: Agra Cantt Railway Station to Taj Mahal Distance & Travel Fares

3. The Royal Combo: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Tickets

A visit to Agra is incomplete without exploring the magnificent Agra Fort. This massive red sandstone fortress, a UNESCO site in its own right, served as the principal residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638.

Crucially, the fort is where Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, spending his last years gazing across the Yamuna River at the Taj Mahal—the monument he built for his late wife.

The convenience of visiting both sites leads many travelers to search for a single discounted pass, or a single Taj Mahal and Agra fort tickets option.

While there are many third-party tours that package the entry fees into a single price (often including a guide, transport, and skip-the-line access), the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) generally sells separate tickets for each monument.

There is currently no official combined ASI pass for general admission that offers a massive discount, but there are advantages to multi-site visits:

1. ADA Toll Tax: Foreign visitors pay an Agra Development Authority (ADA) Toll Tax (Pathkar) which is often included in the ticket price. If you visit multiple ADA-ticketed monuments on the same day (like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, etc.), you are generally exempt from paying the ADA tax again after the first ticket purchase, offering a subtle saving.
2. Agra Fort Ticket Price: The Agra fort to Taj Mahal distance is incredibly short, making them a perfect pairing for a single day. The Agra Fort entry fee for foreign tourists is significantly lower than the Taj Mahal’s, making the two tickets combined a manageable cost.

The Short Journey: Agra Fort to Taj Mahal Distance

The proximity of the two great Mughal landmarks is part of what makes the Agra itinerary so seamless. The Agra fort to Taj Mahal distance is just 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles).

• By Auto-rickshaw/E-rickshaw: This is the quickest and most common way to cover the distance, taking about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic.
• On Foot: It is a walkable distance (about 30 minutes), but only recommended in the cooler morning hours or evening, as the midday heat can be intense.

4. Maximizing Your Agra Experience: The Taj Mahal Agra Distance and Logistics

The broader Taj Mahal Agra distance factor matters when you consider the city’s layout and major transportation hubs.

The Taj Mahal is located in the Tajganj area of Agra, on the south bank of the Yamuna River. Its nearest railway stations and city center points help define the travel logistics:

• From Agra Cantt Railway Station (AGC): Approximately 6 to 8 kilometers. This is the main railway station for luxury trains and express lines.
• From Agra Fort Railway Station (AF): Approximately 3 kilometers. This station is closer but serves fewer major express trains.
• From Agra Airport (AGR): Approximately 10 to 12 kilometers.

Transportation Restrictions (The Eco-Zone)

To preserve the pristine white marble, the entire Taj Mahal complex is surrounded by an official “No-Pollution Zone.” All polluting vehicles, including most cars and buses, must stop at the designated parking areas (Shilpgram, Taj Mahal Eastern Gate, or the Western Gate parking).

From these points, you must either:

1. Take an electric bus or golf cart (often free with the foreign ticket or a small fee for domestic tickets).
2. Walk the final 500 meters to the gate.

5. Beyond the White Marble: Near Taj Mahal Places to Visit

Once you’ve absorbed the sunrise or sunset magic of the Taj Mahal, Agra has a wealth of other historical sites. Planning a three-day itinerary or simply looking for the best afternoon activity means knowing the best near Taj Mahal places to visit.

Here are three essential stops to round out your Mughal history tour:

A. Mehtab Bagh (The Moonlit Garden)

Located directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh is often called the “Sunset Viewpoint.” This complex of gardens was built by Emperor Babur before the Taj Mahal was conceived.

It offers the most spectacular and perfectly framed sunset view of the mausoleum. It is an ideal spot to visit in the late afternoon, especially if you had an early morning start at the Taj. The entry fee is minimal, and the perspective is priceless.

B. Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (The Mini Taj)

Often considered a draft or precursor to the Taj Mahal, this tomb is a serene, smaller monument. Built completely of white marble and featuring intricate pietra dura inlay work, it earned the nickname “Baby Taj.” It is located about 5 kilometers from the main monument and is an absolute must-see for appreciating the architectural evolution that led to the Taj Mahal.

C. Fatehpur Sikri

Located about an hour’s drive (37 km) from Agra, this spectacular sandstone city was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a brief period under Akbar.

Though not technically near the Taj Mahal, it is essential for a full Agra historical experience. Its stunning architecture, including the towering Buland Darwaza and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, requires a dedicated half-day visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the answers to the most common traveler questions, helping you confirm your plans and address key logistical concerns.

1. Is the Taj Mahal Agra open now?

Yes, the Taj Mahal is open right now, provided today is not a Friday. The monument opens approximately 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset (usually around 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM). It remains open six days a week, from Saturday through Thursday. Always check the local weather forecast for sunrise and sunset times to plan your exact visit window.

2. Which Agra station is near to the Taj Mahal?

There are two primary railway stations in Agra. Agra Fort Railway Station (AF) is the physically closest station to the monument complex, at about 3 km distance.

However, the larger, better-connected station with more major train routes is Agra Cantt Railway Station (AGC), which is approximately 6 to 8 km away. For a seamless journey and access to the most train options, most travelers use Agra Cantt (AGC).

Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect, Worry-Free Trip

The magnificent Taj Mahal awaits your arrival. By understanding the critical Agra Taj Mahal closing day (every Friday), budgeting for the official Taj Mahal Agra entry fee, and mapping the short Agra Fort to Taj Mahal distance for a comprehensive tour, you are now equipped to navigate Agra like a seasoned traveler.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, arrive early to beat the crowds, and prepare your camera—the experience of witnessing this eternal monument of love is truly unparalleled.

Safe travels!

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