Arc Du Triomphe
ParisSkip the Line Arc de Triomphe Tickets
Last updated: January 2026
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most visited monuments and offers panoramic views over the Champs-Élysées and the city’s historic avenues. Located at the top of a busy traffic circle, access is strictly controlled and queues for tickets and the rooftop stairs are common. Skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe work through reserved entry, allowing visitors to avoid the on-site ticket purchase line. It is a key highlight among Paris attractions.
What skip-the-line really means at the Arc de Triomphe
Skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe do not allow visitors to bypass security checks. All visitors must pass through mandatory screening before entering the monument.
What skip-the-line tickets do allow you to skip is the ticket purchase and validation queue at the entrance, which can be the longest wait, especially during peak hours.
On busy days, booking in advance can save anywhere from 30 minutes to over 1 hour compared to buying tickets on site.
Do you really need skip-the-line tickets for the Arc de Triomphe?
In most cases, yes. The Arc de Triomphe has a single public entrance and a fixed number of visitors allowed on the rooftop at one time. Lines build up quickly from late morning onward, particularly in spring, summer, and on weekends.
If you plan to combine your visit with nearby sights such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum, reserved entry helps keep your schedule predictable.
How entry works with skip-the-line tickets
Arrive at the Arc de Triomphe shortly before your selected time. After ticket validation, visitors pass through security and then climb approximately 280 stairs to reach the rooftop viewing platform. There is no elevator access to the top for most visitors.
The entrance is located via an underground passage from the Champs-Élysées side. Never attempt to cross the traffic circle at street level.
How long does a visit take?
- Interior exhibition: 20–30 minutes
- Rooftop terrace: 20–30 minutes
Most visitors spend about 45–60 minutes in total.
Ticket options explained
- Standard skip-the-line ticket: Reserved entry to the Arc de Triomphe
- Combo tickets: Arc de Triomphe plus other Paris attractions
If you want guaranteed entry at busy times, reserving a skip-the-line ticket in advance is the safest option.
Some options also combine the Arc de Triomphe with other Paris attractions, which can be useful if you are planning to visit several highlights in Paris.
Typical waiting times
- No reservation: 30–60+ minutes in high season
- Skip-the-line ticket: 10–20 minutes including security
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cross the traffic circle at street level
- Assuming sunset visits are quiet
- Expecting elevator access to the rooftop
- Arriving late for your reserved entry time
FAQs
Can I skip security at the Arc de Triomphe?
No. Security screening is mandatory for all visitors.
Is the Arc de Triomphe free to visit?
Ground-level access is free, but rooftop access requires a ticket.
Do skip-the-line tickets sell out?
Yes. Rooftop access slots often sell out during peak periods.
Final advice
The Arc de Triomphe offers some of the best views in Paris, but queues are common throughout the day. Booking skip-the-line tickets in advance saves time, avoids frustration, and fits perfectly into a well-planned Paris itinerary.
Opening Hours & Best Time to visit Arc Du Triomphe
- Opening days: Daily
- Opening time: Morning hours (varies by season)
- Last entry: Typically 45 minutes before closing
Hours may vary on public holidays or during official ceremonies. Late arrivals may be refused entry.
- Early morning or late afternoon is quieter
- Sunset is popular but busy
- Midweek visits are calmer than weekends
Summer and school holidays are the busiest periods.
How To get to Arc Du Triomphe
Bus
Both public transportations and private non-stop buses will take you to the Arc De Triomphe, besides AirFrance Bus. Remember the bus lines of public transportation, which are 22, 52, 30, 92, 31 and 73. All these halt at Arc De Triomphe. The ticket is just 1.90 €, which can also be used for a metro.
Metro
The nearest Metro stop is Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, on Metro line 1. This is conveniently located right underneath the Arc de Triomphe, which means you can come out of the station and enjoy the monument right away.
Car
The roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe comprises 12 lanes and serves as the meeting point for a dozen boulevards, including the famous Champs-Elysées.
The enormity of this roundabout, coupled with the heavy traffic, is remarkable and can make it quite challenging for tourists to navigate.
We strongly recommend using the underpass to access the Arc de Triomphe to avoid the hassle of crossing through the high-speed traffic. So, best is to park in one of the undergrounds nearby.
