Before you go
The Eiffel Tower draws over 7 million visitors each year. Ticket prices vary from EUR 11 to EUR 28 depending on the level accessed and the visitor’s age. The tower opens daily from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM, with last admission times shifting by season. Having up-to-date ticket details and timing helps avoid long lines and maximizes your visit in Paris.
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What are the different types of Eiffel Tower tickets available?
Tickets differ by access level: summit, second floor, or stairs to second floor, with prices adjusted for adults, youth, and children.
There are three main ticket types: summit tickets, which allow visitors to reach the top platform at 276 meters and see the city skyline and distant landmarks; second-floor tickets, which grant access to the viewing platform at 115 meters with views over the Seine and Paris rooftops; and stair tickets, where visitors climb 704 steps to the second floor, offering a close-up look at the tower’s iron lattice structure. Summit tickets start at EUR 28 for adults, while stair tickets begin at EUR 11.
Youth aged 12-24 pay reduced prices, children 4-11 have a lower fee, and those under 4 enter free. Tickets can be bought with either elevator or stair access, depending on physical ability and preference. Choose a ticket based on whether you want to reach the summit or take in the scenery from the second floor.
How much do Eiffel Tower tickets cost?
Prices range from EUR 11 for stairs to the second floor to EUR 28 for summit access by elevator for adults.
Adults aged 25 and over pay EUR 28 for summit elevator tickets, EUR 19.70 for second-floor elevator tickets, and EUR 16.60 for stairs to the second floor. Youth (12-24 years) pay EUR 14.50 for summit elevator tickets, EUR 10.40 for second floor, and EUR 8.30 for stairs. Children (4-11 years) pay EUR 7 for summit elevator tickets, EUR 5.20 for second floor, and EUR 4.10 for stairs. Children under 4 enter free.
These prices come from the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) and may change, so check official sources before visiting. Additional charges may apply for guided tours or special access options.
Location of Eiffel Tower Tickets
When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower to avoid long lines?
Early weekday mornings and late evenings after 9 PM offer the shortest lines at the Eiffel Tower.
The tower opens at 9:30 AM, with elevators starting then. Arriving right at opening time from Tuesday to Thursday usually means shorter queues and quieter surroundings. Evening visits between 9 PM and closing at 11:45 PM provide a calmer atmosphere and views of Paris aglow with city lights.
Avoid weekends, public holidays, and school vacations in February, April, July-August, and December, when crowds peak. During busy periods, booking skip-the-line tickets ahead is advisable to save time.
What is skip-the-line access and how can I get it for the Eiffel Tower?
Skip-the-line tickets let visitors bypass standard queues, cutting wait times significantly at the Eiffel Tower.
You can buy these tickets online through the official Eiffel Tower website or authorized vendors offering guided tours or private entry. Skip-the-line tickets come with a timed entry slot, allowing elevator access without waiting in the general admission line, which can exceed an hour during busy times.
Another way is joining a guided tour with priority access, which also provides historical context and commentary. Make sure to purchase from trusted sources to avoid scams. Booking several days in advance is recommended, especially in high season.
What are the opening hours and last admission times for the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower is open daily from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM, with last elevator access times changing by season.
From mid-June to early September, elevators run until 11:45 PM, with last admission at 11 PM. During the rest of the year, last entry is around 10:30 PM, with elevators closing by 11 PM. The stairs close earlier, usually by 6:30 PM.
Hours remain steady throughout the year, but always check the official site ahead of your visit since maintenance or special events can cause changes. Arriving well before closing is important to enjoy the views over the Champ de Mars and avoid being turned away.
“If you book your Eiffel Tower ticket online for the 5 pm slot, you can skip the long lines on Champ de Mars and enjoy a quiet sunset view. Tickets usually cost around 25 euros for the summit, which is well worth it if you want to avoid the crowds.”
How do I get to the Eiffel Tower using public transportation?
The tower is reachable via Metro lines 6 and 9, RER line C, and several buses, all requiring only short walks from stops.
The nearest Metro stations are Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) and Trocadéro (Line 9), each about a 10-minute walk to the tower’s base on the Champ de Mars. The RER C stops at Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel station, just 7 minutes on foot. Bus lines 42, 69, 82, and 87 serve nearby stops.
If arriving by river, the Batobus shuttle stops at the Eiffel Tower pier. Walking from landmarks like the Champs-Élysées or the Eiffel Tower & Champ de Mars neighborhood takes 15-20 minutes. Using a Paris Visite pass simplifies transfers across public transport.
What are some tips for visiting the Eiffel Tower like a local?
Parisians often suggest visiting early in the morning or late at night to avoid crowds. Bringing a picnic to eat on the wide lawn of the Champ de Mars is a common way to relax while gazing up at the tower.
Locals sometimes stroll along the Seine riverbanks or visit nearby quieter areas like the Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis. To save money, consider the Paris Museum Pass if you plan to see several sites, including the Eiffel Tower’s exhibitions.
Booking a guided tour such as the Paris 2-Hour Eiffel Tower Walking Tour with Professional Photo Shoot can provide historical background and help capture well-composed photos without hassle.
