If you’re planning a trip to Rome in 2026, the Trevi Fountain will almost certainly be one of your first stops.
But this year, things are different. Due to record tourism numbers — especially for the Jubilee — new Trevi Fountain access rules, entry fees, visiting hours, and managed flow systems have been introduced to protect the monument and improve the visitor experience.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
What’s New at the Trevi Fountain in 2026?
The Trevi Fountain has always been free and open 24/7. But starting in 2026, Rome has introduced paid entry, limited hours, one-way walking routes, and scheduled closures. These changes help manage the millions of annual visitors while preserving one of the world’s most iconic fountains.
From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, access to the fountain is now regulated. Only about 400 visitors are allowed in the main viewing area at once. Entry is through the central stairs, and exit is via Via dei Crociferi, following a monitored one-way system.
Expect a short wait during peak hours — especially in the afternoon.
The good news? After 9:00 PM, all barriers are removed and the area becomes open again for free, just like in past years. If you want to avoid the crowds, take photos without waiting, and skip the entry fee, plan your visit late at night or just after sunrise.
Limited Entry and Managed Flow Explained
To improve safety and crowd control, the city has introduced a managed flow system. Staff regulate access, ensuring a maximum number of visitors in the central viewing area. This makes the experience calmer — though you may need to queue during busy times.
Special Closures in 2026: Coin Collection & Cleaning Days
Every Monday and Friday morning, the fountain opens later (around 11:00 AM) to allow for the collection of coins tossed by visitors.
Every other Monday, the fountain is drained and cleaned, with access reopening around 2:00 PM. These scheduled closures are now part of regular maintenance and weren’t common in past years.
Is the Trevi Fountain Still Free in 2026?
No — starting February 1, 2026, the Trevi Fountain is no longer free for tourists during daytime hours.
The city of Rome has officially implemented a €2 entry fee (approximately $2.35 USD) to access the close-up viewing area of the fountain from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Here’s what you need to know about the new fee:
- €2 per person for tourists to access the fountain basin and lower steps
- Rome residents enter FREE with proof of residency
- Children under 6 enter FREE
- Viewing from a distance remains FREE — you can see the fountain from the surrounding piazza without paying
- After 9:00 PM, entry is FREE for everyone — the area returns to open access with no ticket required
The fee supports monument maintenance, crowd management, and conservation efforts. Rome estimates the new system will generate approximately €6-7 million annually, all dedicated to protecting the city’s cultural heritage.
You can purchase tickets:
- Online through the official Rome tourism website (recommended)
- At ticket booths near the fountain (subject to availability)
- Credit cards accepted
Pro tip: If you want to save the €2 and experience the fountain without crowds, visit after 9:00 PM when entry becomes free and the barriers are removed.
Trevi Fountain Rules for Visitors
To protect the site, Rome has tightened behavior rules around the Trevi Fountain in 2025. These include:
- No sitting on the fountain’s edge
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in the immediate area
- No dipping feet, wading, or climbing into the fountain (always illegal)
Police and city staff are present daily, and violations can lead to fines or bans from the area.
Fines and Penalties: What Not to Do
In 2026, enforcement is stricter than ever. Breaking the rules — such as sitting on the edge, wading into the water, or causing damage — can cost you between €250 and €500.
In extreme cases, offenders may face a temporary ban from the site or even criminal charges. Police officers and surveillance cameras monitor the area 24/7, so the safest option is to admire the fountain respectfully and follow posted rules.
Final Tips for Visiting the Trevi Fountain in 2026
- Visit after 9:00 PM for FREE entry and fewer crowds
- Book tickets online in advance if visiting during daytime hours (9 AM – 9 PM)
- Plan extra time for queuing during peak afternoon hours
- Early morning (sunrise) is also free — the fee only starts at 9:00 AM
- Avoid Mondays and Fridays before noon (coin collection and cleaning)
- Viewing from the piazza above is always free, no ticket needed
- Always respect the rules to avoid hefty fines
The Trevi Fountain remains one of the most magical sights in Rome. With a little planning — and now a small fee or strategic timing — you can enjoy its beauty and toss your coin in peace, ensuring your return to the Eternal City.