Is the trevi fountain open? Hours, updates & best-time tips
Yes—the Trevi Fountain is open to visitors every day. In 2026, close-up access is managed from 9:00 to 21:00 (last entry 20:30) with brief routine closures for coin collection and basin cleaning. After 21:00, free access resumes for everyone.
From 1 February 2026, Rome introduces a €2 fee for tourists who want the close-up, managed access between 09:00 and 21:00; after 21:00 it remains free. Residents are exempt.
Quick check: If you’re wondering “is the Trevi Fountain open today or at night?”—yes, you can visit at night; after 21:00 there’s free, ungated access (crowds are lighter and photos are easier).
Why the hours changed (and what it means for you)
Rome added managed hours to protect the monument, prevent overcrowding, and keep the viewing area safe. During the day, stewards guide you along a simple one-way route to the balustrade; at night, barriers open and you can freely enter the square and approach the fountain. If you plan a “Trevi at sunset” moment, arrive by 20:00 so you can still use the managed path—then stay after 21:00 for a calmer vibe.
For the new €2 daytime fee (from Feb 1, 2026), Rome confirmed it as part of an updated tariff system for monuments. This formalizes last year’s pilot and helps fund upkeep. Official announcement (Italian): Roma Capitale – nuovo sistema tariffario.
Exact times, closures, and the nightly “free access” window
Here are the essentials so you don’t show up at the wrong time:
- Daily managed hours: 09:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30).
- Coin collection closures: Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 (midday) the area is briefly closed so crews can collect coins.
- Cleaning: Every other Monday the basin is emptied and cleaned from 14:00–21:00, so close-up viewing is paused.
- After 21:00: barriers open and access is free for all.
These times come from Rome’s official tourism portal, which also explains the crowd-management route during the day. For details and any temporary variations, see Turismo Roma – Fontana di Trevi (hours & visiting modes).
Best times to visit (today, at night, or “golden hour”)
If you prefer quiet photos and space to breathe, aim for after 21:00. The marble glows under the lights, the water looks electric blue, and the square is less chaotic. If your schedule only allows daytime, arrive near 09:00 when the managed line is shortest, or pop by around lunchtime on non-closure days (midday heat thins the crowd). On Mondays and Fridays, avoid 12:00–early afternoon because the routine coin collection closes the path.
PAA-style quick answer: Is the Trevi Fountain open 24 hours?
You can always see the fountain, but close-up access is managed 09:00–21:00 (fee from Feb 1, 2026). After 21:00, free access resumes.
Day vs. night: which “look” do you want?
Daytime shows the travertine’s texture and Oceanus’ sculpted details. You’ll catch the classic coin-throw moment with a bright backdrop. Nighttime is dramatic—warm lights on pale stone, an easy breeze, and fewer elbows in your frame. If photos matter, do both: a brisk daytime pass (managed route), dinner nearby, then late return for the moody shots after 21:00.
Coin-toss tradition (and why the fountain sometimes closes)
The tradition is to toss a coin over your right shoulder with your back to the water—one coin means you’ll return to Rome. The pile is real money: the city collects it twice a week and directs the proceeds to charity (Rome has historically partnered with Caritas). That’s why you’ll see Monday/Friday midday closures and occasional Monday afternoon cleaning.
Tip: keep your coin ready but don’t climb the balustrade. Local police can fine anyone who enters the water or sits where it’s not allowed; enforcement is strict because damage adds up fast.
Getting there without stress (and leaving room for gelato)
You’re in Centro Storico, a short walk from the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon. If you use the Metro A, Spagna or Barberini are the usual stops, then it’s a 10–12 minute stroll. Buses and taxis drop on nearby streets—note that the square itself is pedestrian. Give yourself time to wander the lanes before or after your visit; that’s when you stumble onto small gelaterie and quiet corners for photos.
“Is the Trevi Fountain open today?”—a quick planning flow
- Check the day: If it’s Monday or Friday, avoid 12:00 onward for a bit; collections/cleaning may pause close-up access.
- Choose your window:
- 09:00–21:00: managed route (from Feb 1, €2 for tourists).
- After 21:00: free access, looser flow, night photos.
- Expect a short line in daytime, especially near 09:00 or late afternoon (outside coin/cleaning times).
- Have your coin ready, keep valuables close (crowds), and follow stewards’ directions.
Story moment: how a 15-minute plan saved an hour
Picture this: you land, drop bags, and head to Trevi around 11:45 on a Friday. The square is buzzing. At 12:00, the route closes for coin collection—your “quick stop” becomes waiting in the sun. A smarter move? Pop in at 09:10 the next morning: zip through the route in 10 minutes, grab an espresso nearby, then return at 21:30 for night photos. Two visits, zero stress.
What about photos, lights, and that turquoise water?
The water runs day and night, and the fountain is fully lit after sunset, which is why many travelers prefer late visits. Bring a small tripod or stabilize your phone on the balustrade (where allowed). Use night mode and lock focus on the statues. If you shoot people tossing coins, pick a side angle—faces look better and you avoid blocking the flow.
Rules that matter (so you don’t get fined)
- No entering the water, no climbing or sitting on parts of the monument not meant for seating.
- No picnics on the balustrade; eating right at the edge is discouraged.
- No drones without permission.
- Respect the one-way path during managed hours and listen to stewards/police.
Enforcement is active due to past incidents; fines and bans do happen.
Nearby add-ons (make a mini-itinerary)
- Spanish Steps (10–12 min walk): evening glow, street musicians.
- Pantheon (12–15 min): dramatic dome; check entry rules/times separately.
- Via del Corso: window-shopping and quick bites.
- Hidden lanes around Vicolo del Babuino and Via della Stamperia: calmer cafés for a post-Trevi espresso.
FAQ
Is the Trevi Fountain open 24 hours?
You can access the square at all hours, but close-up, managed entry operates 09:00–21:00. After 21:00 it’s free access (no daytime fee).
Is the Trevi Fountain open at night?
Yes. It’s lit after dark and free after 21:00. Night is ideal for photos with fewer crowds.
What time does the Trevi Fountain close?
The managed route closes at 21:00 (last entry 20:30), then the area reopens for free access. On Mondays/Fridays it may close midday for coin collection, and every other Monday 14:00–21:00 for cleaning.
How much does it cost to visit?
From 1 Feb 2026, tourists pay €2 for the 09:00–21:00 close-up route. After 21:00 it’s free; residents are exempt.
Can you toss coins any time?
Yes—except when the route is temporarily closed for collections/cleaning (see Monday/Friday notes). Coins fund social programs via city partnerships.
Summary you can copy into your notes
Is the Trevi Fountain open? Yes. In 2026, close-up viewing runs 09:00–21:00 with brief closures for coin collection (Mon/Fri) and alternate-Monday cleaning. From 1 Feb 2026, a €2 fee applies for tourists during the daytime window; after 21:00 it’s free and beautifully lit. If you want elbow-room photos, go after 21:00; if you want that bright, classic look, arrive near 09:00.
