Las Ventas Will Call: How to Pick Up Tickets
Yes, you can pick up bullfighting tickets at Las Ventas will call, but it’s only recommended if you already have a confirmed booking and understand the timing, queues, and ID requirements. This matters because Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas attracts nearly one million visitors per season, and will-call queues can exceed 45–60 minutes on high-demand days—especially during San Isidro.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where will call is located, when to arrive, what documents you need, and whether will call makes sense compared to mobile tickets. If you’re travelling from the USA and want to avoid stress on the day of the fight, this article will help you decide the smartest option—and book accordingly.
What Is Las Ventas Will Call and How Does It Work?
Las Ventas will call is the on-site ticket collection service at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, where visitors pick up pre-purchased tickets before the event. It operates from the official box office counters along Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028.
Here’s how the process works:
- You purchase tickets in advance.
- You arrive at the box office during opening hours.
- You present valid ID and your booking reference.
- You receive printed tickets for arena entry.
Will call is mainly used by Spanish buyers and agencies. For international visitors, especially Americans, it introduces extra steps and waiting time that are usually unnecessary.
→ Book your tickets here: Reserve Tickets (Instant Confirmation)
Where Exactly Is Will Call at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas?
Will call counters are located at the main box office façade of Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, facing Calle de Alcalá. Signage on-site refers to Taquillas.
Key location details:
- Address: Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028
- Metro: Line 2 or 5 to Ventas station
- Walking distance from metro: 2 minutes
There are multiple ticket windows, but only specific counters handle pre-paid collections, which can slow the process during busy periods.
If you’re unfamiliar with the arena layout, reviewing seating beforehand helps. Our Las Ventas seating guide shows gate locations and section access points.
When Does Las Ventas Will Call Open?
Las Ventas will call hours vary depending on the event calendar. According to official Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas information, typical hours are:
- Non-event days: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Event days: Opens 10:00 AM and remains open until the bullfight starts
Bullfights usually start at 7:00 PM in spring (March–June) and 6:00 PM in autumn (September–October). Arriving less than 60 minutes before start time is risky due to queues.
Our recommendation: If you must use will call, collect tickets earlier the same day, not right before the event.
→ Book your tickets here: View Seating & Prices
What Documents Do You Need to Pick Up Tickets?
To collect tickets at will call, you must present:
- Valid photo ID (passport for US visitors)
- Booking confirmation or reference number
- Original payment card (sometimes requested)
Names must match exactly. If someone else booked on your behalf, collection may be denied without written authorisation.
This is one of the main reasons Americans prefer mobile tickets: no ID checks, no counters, no delays.
Will Call vs Mobile Tickets: Which Is Better for Americans?
For travellers from the USA, mobile tickets are the better option in almost every case. They eliminate the need to visit the box office and allow direct arena entry.
Comparison: Will Call vs Mobile Entry
| Feature | Will Call | Mobile Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| Queue time | 30–60 min | None |
| ID required | Yes | No |
| Language support | Spanish | English |
| Risk of issues | Medium | Low |
| Convenience | Low | High |
Mobile tickets are scanned directly from your phone at the gate and include seat and section details clearly labelled in English.
→ Book your tickets here: Book Your Seats Now
Are There Situations Where Will Call Makes Sense?
Will call can make sense in limited situations:
- Group bookings handled by a third party
- Last-minute changes requiring physical reissue
- Local residents without smartphones
For international tourists, especially first-time visitors, will call adds friction without meaningful benefits. According to visitor feedback data collected by madridbullfighting.com, over 85% of US customers choose mobile delivery when given the option.
If you’re comparing purchase methods, our bullfighting tickets Madrid guide explains all available options clearly.
What Happens If You’re Late to Will Call?
If you arrive late:
- You may miss the opening tercio
- Some counters close 15–30 minutes before start
- Staff may redirect you to customer service queues
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas does not delay events for ticket collection issues. Once the fight begins, entry is paused between stages, meaning you could wait 20–30 minutes outside even after collecting tickets.
This is another reason we strongly recommend direct entry via mobile tickets.
Can You Switch from Will Call to Mobile Tickets?
In most cases, yes—if you book through a platform that supports mobile delivery. Once tickets are issued for will call, switching at the box office is not guaranteed and depends on staff availability.
Booking online with instant confirmation allows you to:
- Receive tickets by email
- Store them in your phone wallet
- Enter without stopping at any counter
This is especially valuable during San Isidro Fair (May 15 – June 15, 2026), when sell-outs and queues are routine. For confirmed dates, see the Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026.
→ Book your tickets here: Reserve Tickets (Instant Confirmation)
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Ventas Will Call
How early should I arrive if I’m using will call?
You should arrive at least 90 minutes before the bullfight start time. This allows time for queues, ID checks, and locating your entrance gate. During peak season or weekends, arriving earlier is strongly advised to avoid missing the opening.
Is will call available on the same day as the bullfight?
Yes, will call operates on event days, usually from 10:00 AM until shortly before the event starts. However, demand is highest on these days, and wait times are longest. Mobile tickets avoid this entirely.
Can someone else pick up my tickets for me?
Only in rare cases. The person collecting must usually present matching ID and the original payment method. Without authorisation, staff may refuse to release tickets.
Are there separate queues for will call and ticket purchases?
Yes, but they are often adjacent and poorly signposted. First-time visitors frequently join the wrong line, adding delays. Staff assistance is limited during peak hours.
What happens if I lose my will-call receipt?
Recovery is possible but time-consuming. You’ll need ID verification and booking details, and resolution is not guaranteed before event start. Book worry-free with instant confirmation to avoid this risk.
Do mobile tickets cost more than will call tickets?
No. Prices are identical, but mobile tickets offer greater convenience and lower risk. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Ready to Avoid the Will Call Queue?
To summarise:
- Will call is available but time-consuming
- Mobile tickets offer faster entry and less stress
- Peak dates create long queues and added risk
Booking through madridbullfighting.com gives you instant confirmation, mobile delivery, and English-speaking support before and after your purchase. If you have questions, our team speaks English, French, German, and Italian and can help you choose the smoothest option for your visit.
You can select your exact seats using our interactive seat map and head straight to the gate—no counters, no queues, no uncertainty—at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, inaugurated in 1931 and welcoming visitors from around the world every season.
Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.