Your city travel guideLondon Guide
Ticket comparison

Tate Modern: which ticket to pick

Tate Modern's permanent collection is free to enter, but special exhibitions require paid tickets. Choose between standard exhibition entry, guided tours of the museum's masterpieces, or combo packages that include a Thames river cruise.

Prices verified: 2 May 2026Mid season

Our recommendation

Your choice depends on whether you want to see the temporary exhibitions or get a deeper understanding of the permanent modern art collection. Independent visitors should grab an exhibition ticket, while art enthusiasts will benefit greatly from a guided tour.

  • Art EnthusiastsA private art historian provides deep context for complex modern and contemporary pieces.
  • Independent VisitorsSecures your timed entry to the paid temporary exhibitions without any extra fluff.
  • SightseersCombines a visit to the gallery with a scenic cruise along the River Thames.
  • Self-Paced LearnersIncludes exhibition entry and an audio guide to learn about the artworks at your own speed.

Official price and partners

Official exhibition tickets are priced around £22. Booking through partners is recommended for guided tours or when official slots for popular shows are sold out.

Entrance tip

Use the Blavatnik Building entrance on the south side to avoid the larger crowds at the main Turbine Hall entrance.

Compare options

Tiqets
from £22Mobile ticket
  • Special Exhibition
  • Guided Tour
  • Private Group
  • Audio Guide
  • Thames Cruise
Book via Tiqets

GetYourGuide
from £40Free cancellation
  • Special Exhibition
  • Guided Tour
  • Private Group
  • Audio Guide
  • Thames Cruise
Book via GetYourGuide

Viator
from £55Reserve now, pay later
  • Special Exhibition
  • Guided Tour
  • Private Group
  • Audio Guide
  • Thames Cruise
Book via Viator

Headout
from £28Best price
  • Special Exhibition
  • Guided Tour
  • Private Group
  • Audio Guide
  • Thames Cruise
Book via Headout

Choose by your situation

Deep dive into modern art
Private Tour with Art Historian
Seeing the temporary exhibits
Special Exhibition Entry Ticket
Combining art with sightseeing
Tate Modern and Thames Cruise
Learning at your own pace
Exhibition Ticket with Audio Guide
Sociable overview of masterpieces
Masterpieces Guided Group Tour

What is often not included

  • Permanent collection entry is completely free; you only need to pay for special exhibitions or guided tours.
  • Special exhibition tickets are often timed-entry; arriving late may result in denied entry.
  • Audio guides may require a smartphone and your own headphones; check the provider details before arriving.
  • Combo tickets with river cruises might require you to travel to a specific pier to board the boat.

Discounts and free entry

Discounts for special exhibitions are available for students, seniors, and visitors under 25. Children under 12 usually enter paid exhibitions for free.

← Read the full Tate Modern guide

Our pickfrom £90