Anne Frank House Tickets & Timed Entry: How to Save Time and Get In

Last updated: January 2026

Visiting the Anne Frank House is one of the most meaningful experiences in Amsterdam, and also one of the hardest tickets to secure. Demand is extremely high, capacity is limited, and there is no walk-up ticket desk. If you don’t plan ahead, you simply won’t get in.

This guide focuses on what actually works in practice: how Anne Frank House tickets are released, what “skip-the-line” really means here, which ticket options save the most time, and what to do if official tickets are sold out.

What “Skip-the-Line” Means at the Anne Frank House

At the Anne Frank House, skip-the-line does not mean bypassing security or entering through a special door.

It means:

• you already have a ticket, and
• you already have a reserved entry time.

There are no on-site ticket sales. Everyone enters by timed slot, and security checks apply to all visitors. The only real way to avoid waiting and disappointment is securing a valid time slot in advance.

Do You Need to Book Anne Frank House Tickets in Advance?

Yes, always. The Anne Frank House operates strictly by timed entry, and tickets regularly sell out days or weeks ahead.

Advance booking is essential if:

• you are visiting during spring, summer, or school holidays
• you are travelling on a weekend
• you have limited days in Amsterdam

If the museum is important to you, treat ticket booking as a fixed part of your itinerary, not something to “see on the day”.

Anne Frank House Ticket Prices (Official Baseline)

Official ticket prices are modest, but availability is the challenge:

• Standard adult ticket: around €16
• Children and teenagers: reduced price
• Under 10: free (timed entry still required)

All official tickets include timed entry and access to the permanent exhibition. Prices can vary slightly by age category and temporary programming.

How Anne Frank House Ticket Releases Work

This is where most visitors get confused.

• Tickets are released online only.
• Time slots are mandatory.
• Availability is limited by design.

Tickets are released in batches on the official museum website several weeks in advance of the visit date. Many sources report that a large portion of tickets are made available every Tuesday at 10 :00 AM CET, typically for dates about six weeks later. Once a date shows as sold out, it rarely reopens because all available slots have been claimed. There is no standby line and no guaranteed same-day entry.

How Timed Entry Works on the Day

Timed entry at the Anne Frank House is strict and well managed:

• Your ticket is valid only for your selected time.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early.
• Late arrivals may be refused entry.

Once inside, the visit follows a one-way route through the house and exhibition spaces. You cannot re-enter after exiting.

How Long Does a Visit Take?

The Anne Frank House is not a large museum, but the experience is immersive and emotionally demanding.

• Average visit: 60–90 minutes
• With reading and reflection: closer to 90 minutes

Plan something lighter afterwards. Many visitors underestimate how intense the experience can be.

Anne Frank House Ticket Types Explained

Standard Timed-Entry Ticket (Official)

This is the most common and most affordable option.

• Guaranteed entry at a fixed time
• Access to the house and permanent exhibition
• No guide included

Guided Tours and Hosted Entry Options

Third-party guided experiences can sometimes secure entry when official tickets are unavailable.

• Pre-arranged timed access
• Context and historical explanation before or after the visit
• Higher cost than official tickets

These options do not skip security, but they can save significant time and stress during sold-out periods.

Note: Many walking tours and general Amsterdam tours include commentary about Anne Frank’s story and the exterior of the house, but do not include official timed-entry admission. Only tickets purchased or arranged through the museum or a supplier that explicitly includes museum admission guarantee entry.

Combination Tickets and City Passes

Some curated city experiences include Anne Frank House admission.
Important: even when admission is included, timed entry is still required, and availability remains limited.

Which Anne Frank House Ticket Is Best for You?

Ticket type	Best for	Why it works	Things to consider
Official timed entry	Planners	Best price, direct access	Sells out fast
Guided / hosted entry	Late planners	Higher availability, added context	More expensive
Combination experience	Short stays	One booking, structured visit	Limited flexibility

 

What to Expect on Arrival

1. Arrive 10–15 minutes before your slot.
2. Have your ticket ready on your phone.
3. Go through security screening.
4. Follow the one-way route through the house.

Common Mistakes That Cost Visitors Their Entry

• assuming tickets are available on the day
• missing the ticket release window
• arriving late for a timed slot
• overloading the same day with emotional visits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Anne Frank House tickets at the door?

No. All tickets must be booked online in advance.

Is there a real skip-the-line option?

No fast-track entrance exists. Skip-the-line simply means having a valid timed entry ticket.

What if tickets are sold out?

Your options are limited. Occasionally, guided or hosted experiences may still have availability, but there is no guarantee.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time.

Final Advice

The Anne Frank House is not a museum you should leave to chance. If it matters to you, secure a timed entry ticket as early as possible. Early slots provide the calmest experience, and planning ahead is the only real way to save time and avoid disappointment.