The Eiffel Tower remains one of the most visited paid monuments in the world! However, unlike museums such as the Louvre or the Palace of Versailles, the space available for visitors is not expandable. This is why, during the high tourist season, particularly in summer, finding a ticket to visit the Eiffel Tower can be complicated, especially if you want to go to the top. On this page, we explain how and what types of tickets we sell and share our tips for buying tickets without stress.
What types of tickets are available at the Eiffel Tower ?
Two destinations to choose from
La tour Eiffel dispose de 3 étages que l’on peut visiter, et commercialise deux destinations : le sommet et le 2ème étage. Le billet "sommet" est la visite la plus complète et la plus recherchée. Ces destinations vous permettent également de visiter les étages inférieurs : 2ème et 1er étage pour le billet sommet ; 1er étage pour le billet 2ème étage.
Tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower are sold online and on site, at the same prices:
- Purchase online, in advance, on the official website ticket.toureiffel.paris. These are timed tickets that cannot be changed, allowing you to skip the ticket office. They therefore save you time. We sell single tickets online, as well as offers combining the ascent with a guided tour with an official Eiffel Tower guide (in French or English) or with a glass of champagne. We also offer additional options with the purchase of a ticket: the possibility of booking lunch or dinner at the Madame Brasserie restaurant, a box of Pierre Hermé macarons, or a session for the immersive Tour Eiffel Effect experience. These offers are exclusive to the Eiffel Tower and cannot be found anywhere else.
- Purchase on site at the monument's ticket office on the day of your visit for immediate access: the ticket offices are open during the day and in the evening. They sell all types of tickets, including the highly sought-after summit ticket. However, please note that when the summit is full of visitors, the ticket offices stop selling summit tickets until space becomes available at the highest level of the Tower.
You can therefore always fall back on purchasing at the ticket office on the day of your visit if you are not flexible on the date.
Types of standard tickets
The following four types of tickets are available for purchase online and at the ticket office:
- Ticket to the summit by elevator (first elevator to the second floor, then change elevators to the summit): available for purchase online 60 days in advance and at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
- Ticket to the top via stairs to the 2nd floor, then by elevator between the 2nd floor and the top: available online 14 days in advance (only during low season) and at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
- Ticket to the 2nd floor by elevator: available online 60 days in advance and at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
- Ticket to the 2nd floor by stairs: available online 14 days in advance and at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
Only the Eiffel Tower sells single tickets for the ascent! If you see websites other than ticket.toureiffel.paris offering single tickets for the ascent, be wary, as they may be fraudulent. You may end up paying much more than the official price, or even receive a fake ticket and be unable to enter the Tower. Our resellers are only authorized to sell offers that combine a ticket and an additional service (such as a guided tour).
What Are the Best Ways to Buy Your Eiffel Tower Tickets?
Tip #1 – Online purchase: the earlier, the better
We recommend purchasing timed-entry tickets online: they guarantee your chosen date and time at the best rate. Once on-site and through the security checks, you’ll use a dedicated line that lets you skip the ticket counter and head straight to the pillar entrance, where you can take the elevator or stairs, depending on your choice.
Of course, this requires some planning ahead. Be sure to check when tickets go on sale (60 or 14 days in advance), and the earlier you book, the more choices you’ll have for your visit! This is especially true for the most popular ticket—access to the top via elevators. No matter the season, we strongly recommend booking this ticket 60 days in advance. During peak periods (July and August or the Christmas holidays), these tickets sell out very quickly.
If you can’t find the tickets you want, keep checking the official ticketing website regularly, as more tickets may be released. And if that doesn’t work, move on to Tip #2: on-site purchase.
Tip #2 – On-site purchase: still possible, but no guarantee for the top
The Eiffel Tower has a unique feature: it sells tickets both online and at the ticket counters. So don’t be discouraged if you couldn’t book online. Purchasing tickets at the tower is still a valid option for an immediate visit.
If you're aiming for the top (except for those with reduced mobility), we recommend taking the stairs to the second floor, then the elevator to the top. You'll go through the stairs ticket counter, which is usually less crowded than the elevator ticket lines. And climbing to the second floor isn’t as tough as it seems—it typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes per floor.
Keep in mind, though, that tickets to the top can be unavailable during busy times of day due to crowd limits. In this case, you’ll be offered tickets to the second floor instead. A second-floor visit is still a must-see experience.
Tip #3 – Buying on third-party websites: be careful!
If you can’t find availability on the official Eiffel Tower website, you might consider looking elsewhere. If you do, be very cautious—fake or misleading offers are common during the busy summer season. We explain [here] everything you need to check to avoid scams and buy with confidence.
Tip #4 – There’s more than just summit tickets…
If you can’t find summit tickets but still want to book online, check out other available options. Outside of bundled deals, you may find tickets to visit the Eiffel Tower by elevator or stairs to the second floor.
However, purchase second-floor tickets knowingly and with no regrets: you won’t be able to upgrade on-site to reach the summit. These second-floor tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. That said, they offer a smoother experience, more flexibility in your visit, a breathtaking view of Paris, access to services on both the first and second floors—and all at a better price!
Tip #5 – Last-minute online tickets: think stairs
If you arrive at the tower and see long lines at the ticket counters, don’t give up. Check the online availability for the current or next time slot—you might still find tickets to the second floor via the stairs. You could save yourself a lot of waiting, and stair tickets are the most affordable.
Stair access is often unfairly seen as too sporty or difficult, but it’s a great, fun way to explore the heart of the structure at your own pace. It takes about 10 to 12 minutes per floor. Give it a try, unless your group includes people with reduced mobility, very young children, or those in poor physical condition.
Dining at the Eiffel Tower
There are two restaurants on the Eiffel Tower: Madame Brasserie on the first floor, and Le Jules Verne on the second.
Le Jules Verne (two Michelin stars), led by Chef Frédéric Anton, offers a unique fine dining experience for lunch or dinner in a stunning setting, with exclusive amenities such as valet service and a private elevator. Reservations must be made well in advance (90 days), and note that the restaurant experience does not include a visit to the rest of the Tower. We recommend booking your Tower tickets separately—preferably for before your meal.
To book a table at the elegant Madame Brasserie, led by Chef Thierry Marx, you have two options:
- Book directly on the Madame Brasserie website: This booking grants you access only to the 1st floor, not the rest of the Tower. So, if you'd also like to explore the monument, plan your Tower visit separately. Our advice: book your Tower ticket first, then book your meal, making sure you have enough time to reach the 1st floor before your reservation (restaurant services are at fixed times). This is the best option if you're focused on the dining experience—menu, seating, etc.
- Book a Tower ticket on the official website (ticket.toureiffel.paris) and select a lunch or dinner option at Madame Brasserie. This is the easiest way to combine both. However, note that this offer includes a set menu and your seating (restaurant or lounge) will depend on availability.
Tips for a Great Visit
Be on time with your e-ticket
If you purchased a timed-entry e-ticket, the time shown is when you're expected on the forecourt under the Tower to access the pillar (via elevator or stairs). Plan to arrive early, allowing 15–20 minutes for the initial security check at the Tower’s main entrances. Use the lines dedicated to visitors with pre-booked tickets.
Tips for buying at the ticket counter
During peak season, to reduce your wait at the elevator ticket line, aim for less busy times: arrive early at opening (8:45 a.m.) or later in the evening (after 8:30 p.m.).
If possible, choose the stairs option—lines are usually shorter. Plus, it’s the most rewarding experience if you enjoy walking: 674 steps, an exciting adventure with great views all the way up!
Be aware of security checks
All visitors must go through two security checks: first at the main entrances, and then again before entering the elevator or stairs. We encourage you to review the list of prohibited items before your visit. Large bags, bikes, and scooters are not allowed, and there’s no storage facility on-site. Only foldable strollers are accepted.
For everyone’s safety, we thank you for your patience during these necessary steps before enjoying the Eiffel Tower.
