Going up the Eiffel Tower is the number-one thing to do in Paris for most visitors — and tickets for the best time slots sell out weeks ahead in spring and summer. The good news: official tickets are reasonably priced, and with a little planning you can avoid long queues and pick the perfect time for the view.
This guide explains every Eiffel Tower ticket in 2026 — summit, 2nd floor, lift or stairs — with official prices, what each floor offers, the best time to visit, how to book on the official website, skip-the-line and guided options, and practical tips on security, weather and getting there. Prices come from the official Eiffel Tower website; new 2027 prices apply to visits from 11 January 2027.
Eiffel Tower ticket prices 2026
| Ticket | Adult | Youth (12–24) | Child (4–11) | Under 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift to the summit | €36.70 | €18.40 | €9.20 | Free* |
| Lift to the 2nd floor | €23.50 | €11.80 | €6.00 | Free* |
| Stairs + lift to the summit | €28.00 | €14.00 | €7.00 | Free* |
| Stairs to the 2nd floor | €14.80 | €7.40 | €3.80 | Free* |
*Children under 4 need a free ticket. Source: toureiffel.paris, 2026 rates valid until 10 January 2027.
Good to know: the “youth” rate covers everyone aged 12–24, whatever their nationality — a big saving for students and young travellers. The Eiffel Tower is not included in the Paris Museum Pass.
Which Eiffel Tower ticket should you buy?
Summit (lift) — the full experience
The top of the Eiffel Tower is 276 metres above the ground. You ride a lift to the 2nd floor, then change to a second lift for the summit, where you’ll find Gustave Eiffel’s restored office and a champagne bar. On a clear day the view stretches for kilometres. If it’s your first visit and the weather is good, this is the ticket to get.
2nd floor (lift) — the best views for many people
At about 115 metres, the 2nd floor is high enough for a sweeping panorama but close enough to recognise every landmark — Sacré-Cœur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Seine bridges. Many visitors say the view here is actually better than from the summit. It’s the smart choice for tight budgets, windy days or people who don’t love heights.
Stairs — cheapest and fun
Climbing the 674 steps to the 2nd floor takes 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace and costs only €14.80. You see the iron structure up close, and you can add the lift to the summit for €28 in total. Since 29 September 2026, stairs tickets must be reserved in advance (source).
Summit vs 2nd floor: quick comparison
| 2nd floor | Summit | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | about 115 m | 276 m |
| Adult price (lift) | €23.50 | €36.70 |
| View | Detailed, landmarks easy to spot | Huge panorama, buildings look tiny |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours | 2–3 hours (extra lift queue) |
| Closes in bad weather? | Rarely | Sometimes (wind, storms, crowds) |
How to buy official Eiffel Tower tickets
- Book on the official website (toureiffel.paris) — it’s the cheapest way and you choose a time slot.
- Book early: tickets usually go on sale a few weeks ahead, and summer, holiday and sunset slots sell out fast.
- Choose your ticket (summit or 2nd floor, lift or stairs) and the number of adults, youths and children.
- Download your e-tickets to your phone, and arrive 15–30 minutes before your slot for security.
Sold out? Try again a few days later (cancellations come back), buy on site on the day (long queues in peak season), or choose a guided tour or reseller ticket — usually more expensive, but often with guaranteed availability and a guide. Compare Eiffel Tower tickets and tours.
Official tickets vs tours vs combo tickets
| Option | Price level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official website | Cheapest (€14.80–36.70) | Best price, choose your slot | Sells out early; you still queue for security and lifts |
| Guided tour | Higher | Availability when official slots are gone, a guide, sometimes faster access | Fixed time, group pace |
| Combo (tower + Seine cruise or dinner) | Higher | Two experiences in one booking | Only worth it if you wanted both |
| Ticket on the day | Official price | No planning needed | Long queues in peak season, slots may be gone |
How long does an Eiffel Tower visit take?
Plan about 1–1.5 hours for the 2nd floor and 2–3 hours with the summit, including security and the queue for the second lift. Add 30 minutes for the stairs. In July and August, allow extra time.
Visiting the Eiffel Tower with kids
- Under-4s are free and children 4–11 pay only €3.80–9.20 — the tower is great value for families.
- Strollers can be awkward in the busy lifts and on the stairs — a baby carrier is easier.
- Book a morning slot to avoid tired children and long queues.
- Combine the visit with a picnic and the playground areas on the Champ de Mars.
Eiffel Tower opening hours
The tower is usually open from 9:30 am to 11 pm, with the last ascent at 10:45 pm (source). Hours can change, and the summit may close temporarily in strong wind, storms or when it’s too crowded. Check the official calendar for your date.
Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower
- At opening (9:30 am): shortest queues and clear morning light.
- Sunset: the most magical time — but book well ahead.
- After dark: the tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the start of every hour after nightfall, and the city lights are beautiful from the top.
- Season: November to February has the fewest crowds; April to September is busiest.
- Weather: pick a clear day if you can — low cloud can hide the view from the summit.
Security, bags and accessibility
- Everyone passes airport-style security checks at the entrance.
- Large luggage and pets (except guide dogs) aren’t allowed, and there’s no left-luggage service (source).
- The summit and stairs aren’t suitable for people with limited mobility; the 1st and 2nd floors are accessible by lift.
- Beware of street sellers and scammers around the tower — buy only from the official website or trusted platforms.
Eating at the Eiffel Tower
There are snack bars on the esplanade and the floors, a champagne bar at the summit, the brasserie on the 1st floor and the Michelin-starred Jules Verne on the 2nd floor. A meal at the restaurant includes lift access to that floor — a special-occasion way to visit.
Free ways to enjoy the Eiffel Tower
- Trocadéro: the classic photo spot across the river, best at sunrise.
- Champ de Mars: the park at the foot of the tower — perfect for a picnic.
- Pont de Bir-Hakeim: a beautiful bridge view.
- The hourly sparkle after dark, from almost anywhere along the Seine.
- A Seine cruise passes right beside the tower — compare Seine river cruises.
How to get to the Eiffel Tower
- Metro: Bir-Hakeim (line 6) or Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9) — a single Metro-Train-RER ticket costs €2.55 in 2026 (source).
- RER C: Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel station.
- On foot: a lovely walk along the Seine from the Musée d’Orsay or Les Invalides.
Planning where to sleep? The 7th arrondissement has hotels with Eiffel Tower views — see our guide to where to stay in Paris.
Eiffel Tower facts
- Height: about 330 metres including antennas.
- Built: for the 1889 World’s Fair by Gustave Eiffel’s company.
- Steps: 674 from the ground to the 2nd floor (the summit is by lift only).
Plan the rest of your Paris trip
- Paris in 3 days: the perfect itinerary
- Louvre tickets: prices, hours and tips
- Where to stay in Paris
- CDG to Paris: every way into the city
- Disneyland Paris tickets
- Paris travel guide
Still to book: hotels in Paris, flights to Paris and travel insurance for France.
FAQ: Eiffel Tower tickets
How much are Eiffel Tower tickets in 2026?
For adults: €36.70 for the lift to the summit, €23.50 for the lift to the 2nd floor, €28 for stairs plus lift to the summit, and €14.80 for the stairs to the 2nd floor.
Is it worth going to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
On a clear day, yes — the summit view is unforgettable. But the 2nd floor offers a more detailed view for less money and less queuing.
How far in advance should I book Eiffel Tower tickets?
As soon as they’re released for your date, especially for summer, holidays and sunset. Popular slots can sell out weeks ahead.
Can you buy Eiffel Tower tickets on the day?
Yes, summit tickets are also sold on site, but queues can be long in peak season. Since 29 September 2026, stairs tickets must be reserved in advance.
Is the Eiffel Tower included in the Paris Museum Pass?
No. You need a separate ticket.
What time does the Eiffel Tower open?
Usually 9:30 am to 11 pm, with the last ascent at 10:45 pm. Check the official calendar for your date.
Are children free at the Eiffel Tower?
Under-4s are free but need a ticket. Children 4–11 pay €3.80–9.20 and youths 12–24 pay €7.40–18.40, depending on the ticket.
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