Van Gogh Museum Tickets & Timed Entry: How to Visit Smoothly and Avoid Sell-Outs

Last updated: January 18, 2026

The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s busiest attractions and a must for first-time visitors. It is also one of the easiest museums in the city to misjudge, because the ticket system is strict, tickets sell out regularly, and you cannot rely on buying entry at the door.

In 2024 the museum welcomed 1,842,742 visitors, which is why timed entry is enforced and why planning matters more here than at many other museums. If you want a stress-free visit, you need to understand how the start-time system works and choose the right time slot.

What “Skip-the-Line” Means at the Van Gogh Museum

At the Van Gogh Museum, “skip-the-line” does not mean a separate fast-track entrance. It means something more important: you already have your ticket and start time, so you do not waste time trying to buy tickets on site.

The key point is simple: tickets are available online only. Every visitor needs a ticket with a start time, including visitors using discount cards or free entry categories. If you do not have a start time reservation, you cannot enter.

Skip-the-line tickets avoid the ticket purchase queue by securing a fixed entry time; security checks still apply to all visitors.

Van Gogh Museum Ticket Prices (Official Baseline)

• Standard adult ticket: around €25
• Under 18: free (timed entry still required)
• Museumkaart holders: free entry, but advance time-slot reservation is mandatory

Do You Really Need to Book in Advance?

Yes. Treat advance booking as essential. Popular time slots often sell out, especially late morning through mid-afternoon and during weekends, school holidays, and spring and summer travel peaks.

If you want a specific day and time, book as early as you can. If you wait until the last minute, you may find only inconvenient time slots left, or no availability at all.

Van Gogh Museum Opening Hours and Late Nights

The Van Gogh Museum is generally open daily, and the schedule changes slightly through the year. As a planning baseline, daytime opening is typically 9:00 to 18:00, with a late opening on Fridays until 21:00 on many weeks. Exact hours can vary by month and by special programming, so always confirm the schedule for your visit date.

If you want a calmer visit, Friday evenings can be an excellent option because the museum spreads demand over more hours and many day-trippers have already left the city.

How Timed Entry Works at the Van Gogh Museum

Your ticket is tied to a start time. In practice, timed entry works like this:

• You book a date and start time. This is your window to enter the museum.
• Arrive early. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your start time so you can find the entrance, scan your ticket, and pass security without stress.
• Security checks still apply. Bags may be checked and large items may need to be stored.

Once you are inside, you can usually visit at your own pace. The museum experience is best when you do not feel rushed, so build extra time into your day.

How Long Does a Visit Take?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours in the museum. If you want a slower visit, time for the museum shop, or you like reading every label, plan closer to 2.5 hours.

If your schedule is tight, it is still possible to have a satisfying visit in about 90 minutes by focusing on the most iconic works and moving efficiently through the floors.

Van Gogh Highlights Most Visitors Want to See

• Sunflowers
• The Bedroom
• Almond Blossom
• Early self-portraits

Seeing these early in your visit makes a noticeable difference during busy hours.

Best Times to Visit the Van Gogh Museum

If you want fewer crowds, choose your start time strategically. The museum can feel busy because many visitors concentrate into the same midday period.

• Early morning: The first entry slots are often the calmest and best for a slower, more focused visit.
• Late afternoon: Crowds often thin later in the day, and it can feel more comfortable than midday.
• Friday evening: A great option if you want a different atmosphere and potentially more space, depending on programming.
• Peak hours: Late morning to mid-afternoon is typically the busiest time window.

If you are visiting Amsterdam in peak season, prioritise booking a morning slot. It is the single simplest way to improve your experience.

Van Gogh Museum Ticket Types Explained

Ticket names can vary depending on sales channel, but most options fall into a few categories. The goal is to choose the simplest option that fits your visit style.

Museumkaart and City Passes

Museumkaart holders enter for free, but a timed entry reservation is still required.
During busy periods, these slots can sell out just like regular tickets, so booking early matters.

Standard Timed-Entry Ticket

This is the core ticket for most visitors. You select a start time and enter during that window.

• Guaranteed entry time
• Access to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions
• Best option if you want to explore independently

Ticket with Audio Guide

If you want more context without committing to a guided tour, an audio guide is a strong middle ground. It helps you understand the story behind key works without slowing you down.

• Good for first-time visitors
• Flexible pace
• Better understanding of highlights

Guided Tour (Small Group or Private)

Guided tours are ideal if you want a curated route and clear storytelling. They can also help you avoid decision fatigue in a very popular museum.

• Structured visit with expert context
• Efficient routing to key works
• Fixed schedule and pace

Discount Cards and Museum Passes

Many travellers assume a city card or museum card means spontaneous entry. At the Van Gogh Museum, the critical point is that you still need a start time reservation, even if admission is discounted or free with your card.

If you are using a Museumkaart or another discount option, book your timed entry as early as possible. Availability can be limited for certain time slots.

Which Van Gogh Museum Ticket Should You Choose?

Use this comparison to choose quickly based on your travel style.

Ticket type	Best for	Why it works	Things to consider
Standard timed entry	Most visitors	Guaranteed start time and flexible visit	Peak hours still feel busy inside
Timed entry with audio guide	First timers who want context	Better understanding without a group pace	Requires a bit more time on site
Guided tour	Short stays and art lovers	Efficient route and clear storytelling	Fixed schedule and higher cost

Our recommendation:

• Most visitors: standard timed-entry ticket in an early slot
• Best balance of depth and flexibility: timed entry with audio guide
• Best if you want the full story fast: guided tour

Where Is the Entrance and How Do You Get There?

The Van Gogh Museum is located at Museumplein, close to the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum. This area is well connected by public transport, and it is easy to combine with nearby attractions.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to account for walking from the tram stop, finding the correct entrance, scanning your ticket, and passing security checks.

What to Expect on Arrival

1. Join the line for your start time
   Staff and signage direct visitors by time slots.
2. Ticket scan and validation
   Have your ticket ready on your phone or printed.
3. Security checks
   All visitors may be subject to bag checks.
4. Enter and start your route
   Once inside, you can usually move at your own pace.

If you are carrying large bags, plan extra time. Museums often have restrictions and storage requirements, and dealing with this at the last minute is a common cause of stress.

Common Mistakes That Cost Time

• Assuming you can buy tickets at the door
• Booking a midday slot and expecting a quiet visit
• Arriving late for your start time
• Not leaving time for security checks and bag storage
• Trying to squeeze the museum into a too-tight itinerary around Museumplein

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Van Gogh Museum tickets at the door?

No. Tickets are sold online only. You need a ticket with a start time to enter.

Do I need a start time even with a museum card?

Yes. Even if admission is free or discounted with a card, you still need to reserve a timed entry start time online.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your start time so you can enter calmly and avoid stress.

How long should I plan for the visit?

Plan 1.5 to 2 hours for a comfortable visit. If you like to read everything and take your time, allow up to 2.5 hours.

What is the best time to visit?

Early morning is usually the calmest. Late afternoon and some Friday evening slots can also feel less crowded than midday.

Final Advice

The Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s most rewarding visits when you book it correctly. Secure your timed entry in advance, choose an early slot if you want a calmer experience, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the collection without rushing.

Compared with the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum is more compact, but crowd density can feel higher due to narrower galleries, making timed entry especially important.