Europe, Italy, Places to Visit in Italy, Read About Can't Miss Places, Rome, Travel Tips

Trevi Fountain Fee Explained: What’s Changed and How to Visit in 2026

Amy French the Roaming Historian

What’s Changed at the Trevi Fountain

Even if you’ve never been to Rome, you can probably picture the Trevi Fountain. From the opening coin toss in Three Coins in the Fountain to Anita Ekberg’s famous scene in La Dolce Vita, cinema and the fountain’s stunning Baroque design have made it one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Tossing a coin is supposed to bring a return visit to Rome—and it seems to work—every year I toss a coin in the fountain and every time I return!

But travelers visiting the Trevi Fountain today will notice something new: Rome has introduced a small fee to access the basin area at the water’s edge. The days of just walking past the Trevi Fountain and tossing a coin over your shoulder are no more. But frankly, in the past few years that hasn’t been the case anyway. Before Covid, Jon and I used to easily walk up to the Trevi Fountain and toss a coin in it. The last few years though, it’s been insanely crowded and difficult. To limit access and control crowds, the city of Rome has instituted a fee to enter the basin area.

Here’s what visitors need to know before planning their visit.

What the Trevi Fountain Fee Is—and What It is Not

Contrary to popular belief, the fountain remains free to visit. You can see it from the piazza in front. You can still walk around the square, take photos, and view the fountain from above for free at any time. The change applies specifically to the basin area, which is the section right at the water’s edge down a flight of steps. This area is now a controlled space with a maximum capacity of 400 people. It is this area that you have to pay to access, depending on when you go.

When the Trevi Fountain Fee Applies

The fee to access the basin is not required 24/7. As of February 1, 2026, tourists and non-residents must pay €2 to enter the lower, gated basin area from 9 am to 10 pm daily (note the fountain is cleaned on Mondays and Fridays so access to the basin doesn’t start until around 2:00; see the official site for details). Outside of these times, and during night hours (10 pm to 9 am), the basin is free to enter. Access is free for residents, children up to five years of age, and people with disabilities and their care companions.

How to Pay the Trevi Fountain Access Fee

Tickets can be purchased in advance online, on-site, or at tourist access points around the city. They are not timed tickets and not specific to one day.

  • Online: Purchase tickets in advance on the official booking site.
  • In-Person: At tourist info points or civic museums.
  • At the Fountain: Card payment only at machines located near the basin entrance.

You can buy online here: https://fontanaditrevi.roma.it/en This official site also tells of temporary closures.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit to the Trevi Fountain

If you’re going to try to visit between 10 pm and 9 am, you will likely find it pretty crowded until early hours of the morning after midnight and then starting again around 6 or 7 am. Last year, Jon and I went at 7 am and there was already a substantial crowd. The nicer the weather, the more people will be there very late or very early. You may want to buy your tickets online and have it ready for when you go. It seems worth it to me to pay to see it, so that access is actually restricted, rather than going when access to the basin is free and could be a complete madhouse.

A Brief History of the Trevi Fountain

Legend has it if you toss a coin in the fount you will return to Rome. To do it properly, you should throw the money with your right hand over your left shoulder. If you toss a second, it will help you find love and tossing a third coin is supposed to guarantee marriage. Since I already travel everywhere with mi amor, I only throw one and cannot comment on the veracity of two or three coins bringing love. I can say that tossing one coin has worked though! I’m not sure the fountain gods will look on you more favorably if you throw more coins, but Caritas, the Catholic organization that benefits from the coins, undoubtedly will. They bring in approximately 1.5 million euro a year from the Trevi. Wishing wells are lucrative in the 21st century!

The Trevi was designed by Nicola Salvi and finished in 1762 by Pietro Bracci. Rome’s modern aqueduct, the Acqua Vergine (an extension of the ancient Aqua Virgo), bursts forth at the fountain. The original aqueduct had been around since antiquity and during the 17th century, discussions had occurred about creating a fountain at the end of its modern extension, but it wasn’t until Pope Clement XII held a competition in 1730 that a design was agreed upon.

The resulting monumental travertine and marble fountain blended in perfectly with Palazzo Poli behind it thanks to an update to that mansion’s façade. Huge Corinthian columns create a breathtaking backdrop for a story of the gods, which is depicted through huge statues above the main basin of water. A figure of Oceanus astride a chariot led by two horses jockeyed by Tritons stands in the middle of the Trevi. The god is muscular and fierce. One horse is rearing up, while one seems quite serene. To the sides are statues representing abundance and health. Abundance has a vase at her feet spilling forth water. Salubrity (health) holds a cup from which a snake drinks.

Built into the palatial exterior behind the Trevi is an inscription honoring the pope who conduct the competition. It states: Clemens XII Pontifex Maximus decorated the Virgin Aqueduct and committed it with abundance and salubrity to the magnificent cult in the year of our Lord 1735, the sixth year of his pontificate. Under this inscription is another that tickles my fancy, it reads: Benedict XIV Pontifex Maximus made perfect. I guess Pope Benedict wanted his due credit.

I suggest taking some time to ponder the scene. You’ll want to wander around to the little side alcoves, too, which provide great vantage points (and fewer crowds than the front).

Things to Do When in Rome

The Trevi Fountain is gorgeous and a visit to it should be on your list, but there are many more things to do in Rome.

Want to experience Rome beyond the Trevi Fountain? Guided tours can help you skip long lines and understand the incredible history behind the city’s landmarks. We’ve personally used LivTours, whose expert guides bring Rome’s history to life. I recommend taking a golf cart tour to get an idea of what the city has to offer and explore Rome’s seven hills without exhausting yourself.  You can read my full review of their golf cart tour here. https://roaminghistorian.com/2023/07/09/awesome-golf-cart-tour-rome/

LivTours Golf Cart Tour Link (save 10% off 2 or more tours with AMYRH10): https://livtours.com/tours/golf-cart-tour-of-rome-semi-private-experience?af_code=E1DDN61

Rome Golf Cart Tour, Italy, LivTours

There are other golf cart options available via The Tour Guy, Viator, and Get Your Guide.

The Tour Guy Rome: https://tidd.ly/4oZhNpQ

Viator Rome: https://www.viator.com/Rome/d511-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Get Your Guide Rome: https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Links

The Eternal City seemingly has endless sites to see. I’ve visited over a dozen times and still find something to explore that is new to me. Other popular attractions in Rome include:

  • Colosseum/Palatine Hill/Roman Forum
  • Pantheon
  • Vatican Museums/Sistine Chapel
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • visiting various piazzas, like Piazza Navona
  • Spanish Steps
  • Taking a food tour/cooking class

I recommend any of our tour partners below to explore the city further. I’ve also written many blogs about things to do in Rome, which can be found on my “Must Visit Destinations” page under “Rome.”

LivTours Rome (save 10% off 2+ tours with code AMYRH10): https://livtours.com/destinations/rome-tours?af_code=E1DDN61

The Tour Guy Rome: https://tidd.ly/4oZhNpQ

Viator Rome: https://www.viator.com/Rome/d511-ttd?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector

Get Your Guide Rome: https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher

Happy travels! Amy

FAQ: Visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Do you have to pay to see the Trevi Fountain?

No. The Trevi Fountain itself is still free to see from the piazza at any time. Visitors can walk around the square and take photos without paying. The fee only applies if you want to enter the lower basin area right next to the water.

How much is the Trevi Fountain access fee?

The fee is €2 per person for tourists and non-residents who want to access the basin area at the water’s edge.

When do you have to pay to enter the Trevi Fountain basin?

The fee applies daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Outside of those hours (10:00 PM to 9:00 AM), access to the basin area is free, although it can still be very crowded. Note there is a slightly different time structure on Mondays and Fridays when it is cleaned.

Who does not have to pay the Trevi Fountain fee?

Access is free for:

  • Residents of Rome
  • Children five years old and younger
  • Visitors with disabilities and their care companions

Do you need a ticket to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain?

You only need a ticket if you want to toss your coin from the basin area right next to the fountain during paid hours. If you visit before 9:00 AM or after 10:00 PM, you can access the basin without paying.

How do you buy Trevi Fountain basin tickets?

Tickets can be purchased:

  • Online through the official Trevi Fountain website https://fontanaditrevi.roma.it/en
  • At tourist information points or civic museums in Rome
  • At machines near the basin entrance (card payment only)

What is the best time to visit the Trevi Fountain?

The Trevi Fountain is crowded almost 24 hours a day. Early, early morning or late, late evening are usually best. However, even very early (around 6–7 AM) the area can already be crowded. If you want guaranteed access to the basin during the day, purchasing the €2 ticket may make your visit less stressful.

Why did Rome introduce a Trevi Fountain access fee?

The fee was introduced to control overcrowding and protect the historic monument. The basin area now has a maximum capacity of 400 people at a time, which helps reduce congestion and improve the visitor experience.

Why do people throw coins in the Trevi Fountain?

According to legend, tossing a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand ensures you will return to Rome. Millions of euros are thrown into the fountain each year, and the money is collected and donated to the Catholic charity Caritas to support social programs in Rome.

Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.

Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners

Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.

Affiliate Disclosure

Roaming Historian may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the research and storytelling that go into every article. All opinions are always our own.

Leave a Reply