Eiffel Tower Tickets
The Eiffel Tower tickets provide access to the first, second, and top levels. After exploring the observation decks via the stairs or elevator, visitors can ascend to the Summit for a 360° view of the Paris skyline. All of this is part of a detailed guided visit in English.
Book tickets online to access Eiffel Tower
Do you need tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, visitors require tickets to access the Eiffel Tower. Booking online weeks in advance remains ideal because it guarantees entry and helps tourists avoid lines at ticket counters. Eiffel Tower Guided Tours represent a good option for travelers who want to explore the structure.
Upon arrival, visitors show their electronic or paper tickets at the checkpoints. A glass security wall protects this entrance at the base of the tower. Staff members scan the barcodes at the gates before individuals access the elevators or stairs. Readying these documents beforehand accelerates the validation process for everyone.
What can you see on these tickets?
Purchasing these Eiffel Tower tickets provides visitors with access to the first, second, and top floors of this wrought-iron landmark. From these levels, guests can experience:
The iron structure
The tower consists of 18,000 metallic parts held together by 2.5 million rivets. In addition to this assembly, four pillars form the base and support the total weight of the puddled iron frame. The iron receives a coat of paint every seven years to prevent oxidation.
This lattice design specifically responds to wind pressure through its geometric arrangement. Visitors observe the intersection of beams and the scale of the pillars that transition from the ground toward the upper sections.
Plan your visit in advance
Updated logistical information for planning a visit to Eiffel Tower, including special opening hours for upcoming dates:
Opening hours
The Eiffel Tower starts operations daily at 09:15. However, the closing time depends on the time of the year:
- From June 14 to August 31, the monument permits public access until 00:45.
- Throughout the remaining months of the year, the administration sets the closure of the structure at 23:45.
The staff regulates the flow of visitors within these timeframes to ensure the evacuation of the premises by the hours established in the tower regulations.
Can you buy Eiffel Tower tickets on the day?
Yes, visitors can purchase same-day Eiffel Tower tickets directly at the ticket office, but long lines form daily. One TripAdvisor user noted, “The line can be long, perhaps a two-hour wait.” However, these on-site tickets often sell out quickly during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, the monument ceases on-site sales once attendance reaches the daily capacity limit.
Therefore, buying tickets online weeks in advance remains ideal because it guarantees entry and eliminates long wait times.
Can you go up to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, visitors can ascend to the top level of the Eiffel Tower, which management classifies as the summit. This observation deck sits 276 meters above the ground. To reach this area, visitors ride an elevator from the second floor, as stairs do not service the public beyond that stage. The tower requires a summit ticket for entry, which individuals purchase online or at the entrance gates. The level contains Gustave Eiffel’s office and a beverage bar.
However, staff periodically closes the summit during heavy winds, maintenance operations, or maximum crowd limits. Ticket holders should review daily operational updates prior to arrival at the monument.
What should you know before visiting the Eiffel Tower?
Visitors to the Eiffel Tower should consider these practical details before arriving:
- Security checks: All visitors pass through mandatory security screening at the entrance, similar to airport procedures. Large bags and luggage are prohibited.
- Bag restrictions: Items larger than 40x40 cm are not permitted inside. Small backpacks and handbags are allowed after inspection.
- Weather exposure: The tower's open-lattice design offers minimal shelter from wind and rain. Warm clothing is essential during cooler months, even in summer evenings.
- Visit duration: The average visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, though this extends significantly during peak tourist seasons when queues form at each level.
- Stair climbing option: The first and second levels are accessible via 674 steps.
- Glass floor experience: The first level features transparent glass floor panels. Visitors uncomfortable with heights may find this challenging.
- Photography rules: Tripods and professional equipment require advance authorization. Standard cameras and smartphones are permitted throughout.
- Evening illumination: The tower sparkles with 20,000 lights for five minutes at the beginning of each hour after sunset. The light show continues until the monument closes.
- Elevator wait times: Peak hours (10:00 to 16:00) generate the longest queues. Early morning or evening visits typically involve shorter waits.
What time do Eiffel Tower tickets go on sale?
The physical ticket offices at the base of the Eiffel Tower open daily at 9:00 during the summer season. Throughout the remainder of the year, these on-site windows begin sales at 9:30. These counters close at 23:00 during winter months and extend operations until midnight during summer.
Buyers form queues at the esplanade counters before the opening hour to secure entry. The ticket offices sell admissions exclusively for immediate access on that day. The monument halts ticket sales when attendance reaches the maximum capacity limit. Visitors purchase both lift and stair passes at these gates until the final admission cutoff.
Are there skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
Are there skip-the-line tickets for the Eiffel Tower?
No, all visitors must clear the security screening lines regardless of ticket type. However, online buyers purchase timed-entry passes in advance, which eliminates the need to stand in the ticket purchase line. This method bypass the purchasing queue but do not grant direct entry to the tower access points.
Visitors still join the mandatory lines at the security checkpoints and the elevator or stair boarding gates. The protocol suggests arrival fifteen minutes before the selected time slots to enter the monument grounds.
