Eiffel Tower Summit Access: Time, Options, and Tips
Reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower (276 m / 906 ft) takes 10 minutes by elevator or 30-45 minutes climbing stairs—but total visit time is 2-3 hours with queues.
Access Options
| Route | Time | Details |
|---|
| Elevator to Summit (all-elevator) | 10 min ride | Ground → 2nd floor → Summit (change at 2nd). Requires summit ticket. |
| Stairs to 2nd + Elevator to Summit | 30-45 min climb + 5 min | 704 steps to 2nd floor. Cheaper, often shorter queue. |
| Stairs only (to 2nd floor) | 30-45 min | No summit access. 1,665 steps total to summit (not public above 2nd). |
Ticket Types & Prices (2024)
- Summit (elevator): €28.30 adult, €14.10 youth (12-24), €7.10 child (4-11)
- 2nd floor (elevator): €18.10 / €9.00 / €4.50
- 2nd floor (stairs): €11.30 / €5.60 / €2.80
- Under 4: Free (ticket still required)
Three Visitor Levels
- 1st Floor (57 m): Glass floor, exhibits, 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, shop
- 2nd Floor (115 m): Best views, Le Jules Verne restaurant, shops, champagne bar
- Summit (276 m): Gustave Eiffel's office, panoramic maps, champagne bar, 360° views
Planning Essentials
- Book online: toureiffel.paris — 60 days ahead for summit
- Time slots: 30-min windows; arrive 15 min early
- Best times: Opening (9:30), late evening (sunset), weekdays
- Weather: Summit closes in high winds (>80 km/h), lightning, ice
- Accessibility: Elevators to 1st/2nd; summit not wheelchair accessible
View Distance
On clear days: 70 km (43 mi) — can see Chartres Cathedral, Orly airport, Sacré-Cœur, La Défense.
Pro Tips
- Stairs to 2nd + elevator = best value + experience
- Champagne at summit: €15-25 (bar on summit level)
- Picnic on Champ de Mars after for iconic photos
- Evening sparkle show: 5 min every hour on hour (until 1 am)
The Eiffel Tower remains the world's most-visited paid monument (~6M/year)—plan ahead for the best experience.
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