Eiffel Tower to Louvre: Best Ways to Travel (Metro, Boat, Taxi, Walk)
The Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum are ~3.5 km (2.2 miles) apart. Here are the best ways to travel between Paris's two most iconic landmarks.
1. Metro — Recommended: Fast, Cheap, Reliable
Route: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) → Charles de Gaulle–Étoile (transfer) → Line 1 → Palais-Royal–Musée du Louvre
- Time: ~15 minutes
- Cost: €2.15 (single ticket) or Navigo/Paris Visite pass
- Frequency: Every 2–5 minutes
- Tip: Line 6 is elevated near Bir-Hakeim—great Eiffel Tower views!
2. Batobus (River Shuttle) — Scenic & Relaxing
Route: Walk 10 min to Port de la Bourdonnais → Batobus downstream → Louvre stop
- Time: 10–15 minutes on water + 10 min walk = ~25 min total
- Cost: €20/day pass (unlimited hops); single tickets not sold
- Schedule: Every 20–25 min (Apr–Sep), 30–45 min (Oct–Mar)
- Bonus: Seine views of Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité
3. Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Uber, Bolt, Free Now) — Door-to-Door Comfort
- Time: 10–15 min (light traffic); 20–30 min (rush hour)
- Cost: €15–25 typical; surge pricing possible
- Pickup: Designated taxi stands at both landmarks
- Note: Paris traffic is unpredictable; metro often faster at peak times
4. Walking — For Sightseers With Time
- Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
- Time: 45–60 minutes at leisurely pace
- Route: Quai Branly → Pont de l'Alma → Champs-Élysées → Tuileries → Louvre
Or: Seine left bank (Musée d'Orsay, Pont Neuf, Île de la Cité)
- Perks: Free, maximum sightseeing, photo ops, café stops
Quick Comparison
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
| Metro | 15 min | €2.15 | Speed, value, simplicity |
| Batobus | 25 min | €20/day | Scenery, multi-stop Seine exploring |
| Taxi/Uber | 10–30 min | €15–25 | Luggage, mobility issues, late night |
| Walk | 45–60 min | Free | Sightseeing, exercise, budget |
Pro Tip
Buy a Navigo Week Pass (€30.75) or Paris Visite Pass if making multiple metro/bus trips. Both cover Batobus with specific zones.