Eiffel Tower: how to buy a ticket and visit without the queues
324 metres of iron lattice and three viewing levels. Below: current 2026 prices, the difference between stairs and lift, and a practical tip — the second floor is often more rewarding than the summit.
How much does an Eiffel Tower ticket cost
As of 2026, the stairs ticket only covers up to the second floor: it's no longer possible to climb the stairs all the way to the summit — a lift upgrade is required.
Children under 4 go free on every ticket type. For exact prices in each discount category, check the official rate card at toureiffel.paris right before you buy — rates can be adjusted slightly.
Opening hours
- October–June: daily 9:30 AM–11:00 PM (last entry 10:30 PM)
- June–September: daily 9:00 AM–midnight
The tower is open every day of the year, but summer evenings are the busiest — arrive at opening if you want a sunset view without the crowd.
How to get there
- Metro: Bir-Hakeim, line 6 — exits right at the tower's base
- Metro for photos: Trocadéro, line 9 — the best spot for a panoramic shot of the whole tower
- RER: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station, line C
The tower has four entrance pillars — North, South, East, and West. Your ticket specifies which one, and getting it wrong means walking around the perimeter to correct it.
Second floor or summit: what to see with limited time
First floor
A glass floor with a view straight down, historical exhibits about the tower's construction, and a terrace with cafés. A good option if you're travelling with children.
Second floor
The sweet-spot altitude: you can see the Seine, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur, and the view still reads as a city rather than an abstract map. Many visitors call this the best vantage point.
Summit (276 m)
Gustave Eiffel's restored office, orientation tables, and — for an extra charge — a glass of champagne. Access can temporarily close in strong wind, in which case your ticket is automatically limited to the second floor.
How to buy a ticket and visit without stress
- Book a timed ticket in advance — lift tickets open up 60 days ahead, stair tickets 40 days ahead of your visit date.
- Buy your ticket on the official site toureiffel.paris — that guarantees the exact price and entry time printed on your ticket.
- Check your entrance pillar on the ticket before leaving your hotel — North, South, East, or West.
- Want a photo of the whole tower? Go to Trocadéro instead of going up — you can't see the tower from the tower.
- Budget extra time for the final lift queue to the summit — up to 15–30 minutes at peak hours, on top of the main entry queue.
Map
The Eiffel Tower stands on the Champ de Mars at 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007, Paris.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the Eiffel Tower
Which is better — the second floor or the summit?
The second floor gives you a view where you can still recognize Paris's streets and buildings, and it costs less. The summit means thinner air, wind, and a view that reads more like a map. If budget is tight, the second floor is a reasonable choice.
Can I climb the stairs all the way to the summit?
Not since 2026. The stairs ticket only goes up to the second floor — reaching the summit now requires a lift upgrade.
Can I buy a ticket on the day of my visit?
Yes, but availability is limited, especially for the summit, and time slots can sell out by mid-morning during peak season. Booking online with a fixed time is the more reliable option.
Where can I buy an official Eiffel Tower ticket?
Only on the official site toureiffel.paris. Third-party sellers may charge more with no added benefit.