The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world and the symbol of Paris. Standing 330 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city from its three levels: 1st floor, 2nd floor, and the Summit.
This guide explains all ticket types, skip‑the‑line options, best visiting times, and practical tips to make your visit smooth and unforgettable.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Types
1. Standard Lift Tickets
- 2nd Floor Access (Lift)
- Summit Access (Lift)
These are the most popular options.
2. Stairs Tickets
- Stairs to 2nd Floor
- Stairs to 2nd Floor + Lift to Summit
Faster lines, cheaper, more athletic.
3. Skip‑the‑Line / Priority Tickets
Skip:
- the ticket office line
- most elevator waiting lines
Do not skip:
- security checks (mandatory for all visitors)
4. Guided Tour Tickets
Includes:
- priority group entrance
- expert guide
- access to 2nd floor or summit
5. Evening & Sunset Tickets
Ideal for:
- golden hour
- night illuminations
- reduced crowds
Skip‑the‑Line: What You Need to Know
Can you really skip the line?
Yes — but only for ticket lines and some elevator queues. Security checks cannot be skipped.
Is it worth it?
Absolutely, especially during:
- summer
- weekends
- holidays
- sunset slots
Skip‑the‑line reduces waiting time from 1–2 hours to 10–20 minutes.
Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower
- Morning (9:30–11:00): fewer crowds
- Late evening: quieter, magical lighting
- Sunset: most popular (book early)
Avoid:
- 12:00–17:00 in high season
- weekends if possible
Highlights by Level
1st Floor
- Glass floor walkway
- Exhibitions
- Restaurants & cafés
- Views of the Champ de Mars
2nd Floor
- Best panoramic views
- Perfect for photos
- Access point to the summit elevator
Summit
- Highest viewpoint in Paris
- Gustave Eiffel’s restored office
- Champagne bar
- 360° views of the entire city
Location & Atmosphere
The Eiffel Tower stands on the Champ de Mars, in the 7th arrondissement, surrounded by:
- the Seine
- Trocadéro
- Pont d’Iéna
- elegant Haussmannian avenues
The atmosphere is lively, international, and iconic.
How to Get There
- Metro: Bir‑Hakeim (L6)
- RER: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel (RER C)
- Bus: 42, 69, 82, 87
- Batobus: Eiffel Tower stop
Hotels Near the Eiffel Tower (with addresses)
- Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel — 18 Avenue de Suffren
- Hôtel La Comtesse — 29 Avenue de Tourville
- Hôtel Eiffel Seine — 3 Boulevard de Grenelle
Security & Practical Tips
- Arrive 15–20 minutes before your time slot
- Large luggage is not allowed
- Bring a small bag only
- Summit may close due to weather or crowd control
- Book early for sunset or night visits
Internal Links
- Pont d’Iéna
- Trocadéro Gardens
- Champ de Mars
- Musée du Quai Branly
- Pont Alexandre III
- Les Invalides
https://youtube.com/live/9FRynQeTuxc
FAQ
Do skip‑the‑line tickets really exist for the Eiffel Tower?
Yes — but only for ticket lines. You cannot skip the security check, which is mandatory for all visitors.
What do skip‑the‑line tickets actually skip?
They let you bypass:
- the ticket office line
- the general queue for elevator access (depending on the provider)
They do not skip:
- security screening
- summit elevator queues (if crowded)
What types of skip‑the‑line tickets are available?
- 2nd Floor Access (Lift)
- Summit Access (Lift)
- Guided Tour with Priority Entry
- Stairs Ticket + Lift to Summit
- Evening or Sunset Priority Tickets
Are guided tours faster than regular skip‑the‑line tickets?
Yes. Guided tours often use priority group entrances, which are faster than individual lines.
How long is the wait with skip‑the‑line tickets?
Usually 10–20 minutes. Without skip‑the‑line, waits can reach 1–2 hours in high season.
Can you skip the security check?
No. Security is mandatory for everyone.
Does skip‑the‑line include summit access?
Only if the ticket explicitly says “Summit Access”. Many skip‑the‑line tickets stop at the 2nd floor.
Is the summit worth it?
Yes — for panoramic views and the reconstructed Gustave Eiffel office. But it may close due to weather or crowd control.
What happens if the summit is closed?
You can still visit the 2nd floor. Some providers offer partial refunds.
Are skip‑the‑line tickets more expensive?
Yes — they cost more than standard tickets because they include priority access or guided services.
Can you buy skip‑the‑line tickets on the same day?
Rarely. Most same‑day slots are sold out, especially for the summit.
Are stairs faster than the lift?
Often yes. Stairs lines are shorter, cheaper, and offer great views — but require climbing 674 steps.
What is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower?
- Morning: fewer crowds
- Sunset: most popular
- Night: magical lighting and shorter lines
Are skip‑the‑line tickets available for children?
Yes — every visitor needs a ticket, even if discounted.
Is the Eiffel Tower accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Yes — lifts serve the 1st and 2nd floors. The summit is not accessible for safety reasons.
Can you bring bags or luggage?
Small bags only. Large luggage is not allowed.
Do skip‑the‑line tickets sell out?
Yes — especially:
- weekends
- holidays
- summer
- sunset slots
18. Are skip‑the‑line tickets worth it?
Yes — if you want to avoid long waits or visit during peak hours.
Recommended Tickets (Partner )
(Fast access – mobile friendly)
- Skip‑the‑Line Elevator Ticket — Fast access to 2nd floor
- Summit Access Ticket — Elevator to the top
- Stairs Ticket — Cheapest option, great views
- Guided Tour (English) — Priority access + expert guide
How to Skip the Line at the Eiffel Tower (Real Tips)
- Arrive before 9:00 AM → quasi aucune file
- Choose the stairs entrance → beaucoup plus rapide
- Book a timed ticket → évite les files d’achat
- Use the South Pillar entrance → souvent moins chargée
- Avoid weekends & holidays → files x2 plus longues
Eiffel Tower Entrances Explained
- South Pillar (Pilier Sud) → ascenseur
- East Pillar (Pilier Est) → ascenseur
- North Pillar (Pilier Nord) → ascenseur
- West Pillar (Pilier Ouest) → réservé aux groupes
- Stairs Entrance → accès rapide, moins de monde
Stairs vs Elevator: Which One to Choose?
Stairs
- Faster access
- Cheaper
- Great views
- Physical effort required
Elevator
- Comfortable
- Best for families
- Longer waiting times
- Required for summit access
Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower
- Morning (9:00–11:00) → moins de monde
- Late evening → files plus courtes
- Avoid 12:00–17:00 → période la plus chargée
- Sunset → meilleur moment pour les photos
Related Guides
- Eiffel Tower Facts
- Champ de Mars
- Pont d’Iéna
- Trocadéro Gardens
- How to Skip the Line (Full Guide)
- Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower