Wimbledon 2026: How to get tickets | How much does it cost to attend
Your Ultimate Guide to Wimbledon 2026 Tickets: Ballot, Prices, and Insider Tips
The hallowed grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The unmistakable sound of a well-struck tennis ball. The thrill of witnessing the world's greatest athletes compete for the most prestigious titles in the sport. Wimbledon is more than a tournament; it's a timeless summer tradition, a bucket-list experience for sports fans across the globe.
If you dream of attending Wimbledon 2026, planning is not just recommended—it's essential. The demand for tickets vastly outstrips the supply, making the process famously competitive. But don't let that deter you. With the right knowledge and a bit of perseverance, you can secure your place at the greatest tennis championship on earth.
This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting tickets for Wimbledon 2026, from the iconic public ballot to day-of queueing and, crucially, what you can expect to pay for the experience.
The Crown Jewel: The Wimbledon Public Ballot
The most sought-after and fairest way to secure Wimbledon tickets is through the official public ballot. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a lottery based on luck alone; it is a ballot-based application process that is oversubscribed every single year.
How the Wimbledon 2026 Ballot Will Work (Based on Historical Precedent)
- Application Period: The ballot for Wimbledon 2026 will likely open in the late summer or early autumn of 2025. For example, the 2024 ballot opened in September 2023. You must register for a MyWimbledon account on the official website (wimbledon.com) to be eligible to apply.
- The Process: The ballot is not first-come, first-served. Applications are accepted throughout the window, and after it closes, all entries have an equal chance of being drawn. You can apply for two tickets per household for a specific day and court.
- The Draw: The random draw takes place, and successful applicants are notified via email, typically in February or March of 2026. This email is your golden ticket—literally. It will contain instructions on how to pay for your tickets.
- Payment Window: Crucially, you are given a strict timeframe (usually 72 hours to one week) to log in and purchase the tickets you were allocated. If you miss this window, your tickets are reallocated to someone else.
- Important Note on the Ballot: There is no single "Wimbledon ballot." There are separate ballots:
- The UK Public Ballot: For residents of the UK.
- The Overseas Ballot: For fans living outside the UK. The number of tickets available in the overseas ballot is significantly smaller.
The Famous Queue: A Wimbledon Tradition
If you're unsuccessful in the ballot or decide to plan a last-minute trip, all hope is not lost. The Wimbledon Queue is a legendary institution in itself, offering thousands of tickets for sale each day of The Championships.
How the Queue Works for Wimbledon 2026
- What is Available: Each day, a limited number of tickets for Centre Court, No.1 Court, and No.2 Court are held back for sale to those in the Queue. Additionally, several thousand Grounds Passes are available, granting access to the outside courts and the famous Henman Hill (officially Aorangi Terrace).
- The Process: You must arrive and join the Queue, where you will be given a dated and numbered Queue Card to hold your place. Camping is permitted overnight in the Queue field, with facilities provided. Your position in the Queue determines your chance of getting a show court ticket.
- Tips for Queuing:
- Arrive Early: For popular days (middle weekend, finals weekend), people often camp for over 24 hours.
- Come Prepared: Bring a tent, warm clothes, food, water, and entertainment. The spirit is famously friendly and part of the overall experience.
- Check the Official Rules: The AELTC provides a detailed "Guide to the Queue" on its website closer to the tournament, outlining prohibited items and conduct.
Other Official Ticket Options
- Hospitality Packages: Official hospitality providers like Keith Prowse and Sportsworld offer premium packages that include prime tickets, fine dining, champagne, and often transfers. This is the most expensive route but guarantees your seat and a luxurious experience.
- Ticketmaster Resale: Inside the grounds, there is a ticket resale kiosk. Spectators leaving early can return their tickets, which are then resold for a charitable donation (usually around £10-£15). All proceeds go to the Wimbledon Foundation. This is a fantastic way to get into a show court for a fraction of the price later in the day.
- Club and Member Allocation: A significant portion of tickets are allocated to the All England Club, other tennis clubs, and via various other membership schemes. If you have connections, this is a valuable route!
Debunking a Myth: The "Ticket Exchange"
It is vital to know that Wimbledon does not have an official ticket exchange for the general public to resell tickets they cannot use. Any website claiming to be an "official Wimbledon ticket exchange" is misleading. The only safe way to buy secondary tickets is through the official, on-site resale scheme mentioned above.
- WARNING: Be extremely cautious of unofficial secondary ticketing websites and touts (scalpers). Tickets bought from these sources are often vastly overpriced and can be declared void by the All England Club, denying you entry. Always purchase through official channels.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend Wimbledon 2026?
Prices increase slightly each year. The prices for 2026 have not been announced, but we can provide a very accurate estimate based on historical trends. The 2024 prices are a perfect benchmark.
Estimated 2026 Ticket Prices
Ticket Type - Estimated 2026 Price (Guide Only) -2024 Price for Reference
Centre Court (Final)- £ 280 - £ 300 - £ 270
The Total Cost of Your Day at Wimbledon
Your budget needs to extend beyond the ticket itself. Here’s a breakdown of potential daily costs for two people:
- Food & Drink: A quintessential part of the experience. Factor in:
- Strawberries & Cream (x2): ~£10
- Pimm's (x2): ~£20
- Lunch & Snacks: £30 - £50
- Souvenirs: From a classic towel (£30-£40) to a cap (£25) or a teddy bear (£20), memorabilia is a popular purchase.
- Travel: A travelcard for London's public transport is essential. Budget approximately £15-£20 per person for travel to and from SW19.
A realistic total budget for a day at Wimbledon for two people, including Grounds Passes, food, and travel, could easily be between £150 and £200. For a show court, this figure would start at over £250.
Final Tips and Preparation for Wimbledon 2026
- Plan Far in Advance: Mark your calendar for the ballot opening. Research travel and accommodation early, as prices in London soar during the tournament.
- Be Flexible: If you enter the ballot, be open to any day during the fortnight. Your chances are higher if you don't restrict yourself to the finals.
- Embrace the Queue: If you're young, adventurous, or on a budget, the Queue is not a consolation prize—it's an iconic experience that many fans prefer.
- Explore Grounds Passes: Don't underestimate a Grounds Pass. The first week offers incredible value, with access to over a dozen courts where you can see top-50 players up close.
- Stay Informed: Always refer to the official wimbledon.com website for the most accurate, up-to-date information on all ticketing matters. Avoid third-party sites that may have outdated or incorrect information.
Securing tickets to Wimbledon 2026 requires patience and planning, but the reward is an unforgettable day of world-class sport set against a backdrop of unparalleled tradition. Start your planning now, and you could be one of the lucky ones stepping into tennis history.
