Buckingham Palace Tour: Tickets, Times and Tips for 2026

Updated and fact-checked: September 2026 · Written by Clara Whitby, The Londonologist.

Buckingham Palace is the most famous royal address in the world and the official London residence of King Charles III. For a visitor it offers two very different experiences: the grand State Rooms, open only for a few weeks each summer, and the free, ever-popular Changing of the Guard outside the gates. This guide explains exactly what you can see and when, what tickets cost in pounds and dollars, and how to time your visit in 2026 so you are not disappointed.

What You Can Visit at Buckingham Palace

The palace is a working royal residence, so public access is limited and seasonal. There are three main things to see:

• The State Rooms: the 19 grand rooms used by the King to receive and entertain guests, designed by John Nash and hung with masterpieces from the Royal Collection by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and more. These open to visitors only in summer, usually from late July into the early autumn, while the King is away. This is the full palace tour.
• The Royal Mews: the royal stables and carriage house, home to the spectacular Gold State Coach used at coronations and the horses that still pull royal carriages. Open for much more of the year than the State Rooms.
• The King’s Gallery: a public art gallery beside the palace, showing changing exhibitions of treasures from the Royal Collection. Open across most of the year.

The Changing of the Guard

The most famous free spectacle in London. The King’s Guard, in their scarlet tunics and tall bearskin hats, hand over duty in a ceremony of music and marching outside the palace. It usually takes place at 11am on selected days of the week, and daily in peak summer, but the schedule changes with the season and the weather, so always check the official schedule before you go. To get a good view, arrive at least 45 minutes early and stand by the palace railings or the Victoria Memorial. It is completely free to watch.

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Buckingham Palace Tickets and Prices in 2026

Indicative prices at the time of writing; they change, so confirm on the Royal Collection Trust website, and dollar figures use a rate of about $1.34 to the pound.

The Best Time to Visit

• For the full palace tour: you must come in summer, roughly late July into the early autumn. Confirm the exact 2026 dates and book ahead.
• For the Changing of the Guard: arrive by around 10:15am for an 11am ceremony to get a spot at the railings or the Victoria Memorial.
• To avoid the biggest crowds: a weekday is calmer than a weekend, and early in the day is best around the palace.
• Combine it: the palace sits between St James’s Park and Green Park, so pair your visit with a walk in the royal parks and a look at the Mall.

Getting There

The nearest Underground stations are Green Park, St James’s Park and Victoria, each a short walk. The palace stands at the end of the Mall, an easy stroll from Westminster and Trafalgar Square, so it fits neatly into a day of central sightseeing. For more ideas, see our guide to attractions in London and guided tours of London.

Keep Exploring London

The Bottom Line

If you are in London in summer, book the State Rooms early for the full palace experience. At any other time of year, build your visit around the free Changing of the Guard, then add the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery. Either way, check the official schedule first, arrive early for the guard, and Buckingham Palace makes a memorable morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tour inside Buckingham Palace?

Yes, but only in summer. The State Rooms open to visitors for a few weeks each year, usually from late July into the early autumn, while the King is away. Outside that window you cannot go inside the main palace, though the Royal Mews and The King’s Gallery stay open much longer.

How much does a Buckingham Palace tour cost in 2026?

A summer State Rooms adult ticket costs from about 35 pounds (about 47 dollars). The Royal Mews is from about 17 pounds and The King’s Gallery from about 19 pounds. The Changing of the Guard outside is completely free. Prices change, so confirm on the Royal Collection Trust website.

What time is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?

It usually takes place at 11am, on selected days of the week and daily in peak summer, but the schedule changes with the season and the weather. Always check the official schedule before you go, and arrive around 45 minutes early for a good view.

Is the Changing of the Guard free?

Yes, watching the Changing of the Guard is completely free. It happens outside the palace, so no ticket is needed. Arrive early and stand by the palace railings or the Victoria Memorial to see the guards, the band and the marching clearly.

When do Buckingham Palace State Rooms open in 2026?

The State Rooms open for the summer season, typically from late July into the early autumn, though the exact dates change each year. Confirm the 2026 dates on the Royal Collection Trust website and book online as early as you can, because they sell out.

What can you see at Buckingham Palace besides the State Rooms?

Year-round you can usually visit the Royal Mews, home to the Gold State Coach and royal carriages, and The King’s Gallery, which shows changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Outside plus the free Changing of the Guard, these make a full royal morning even outside summer.

How do you get to Buckingham Palace?

The nearest Underground stations are Green Park, St James’s Park and Victoria, all a short walk. The palace sits at the end of the Mall between St James’s Park and Green Park, an easy stroll from Westminster and Trafalgar Square.

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