Eiffel Tower Tickets & Timed Entry: How to Avoid Long Queues

Last updated: January 2026

The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most visited landmark, and also one of the most tightly controlled. Entry is limited, security checks are mandatory, and waiting times can stretch for hours if you arrive without a plan.

Combine your visit with other top Paris experiences like Louvre tickets or a relaxing Seine canal cruise.

This guide explains how Eiffel Tower tickets really work, what “timed entry” means in practice, how to choose between lifts and stairs, and how to avoid the longest queues without using misleading “skip-the-line” promises.

What “Timed Entry” Means at the Eiffel Tower

At the Eiffel Tower, there is no true skip-the-line access. Every visitor must pass through security, and that cannot be bypassed.

Timed entry means:

• you book your ticket in advance
• you reserve a specific time slot for the elevator or stairs
• you avoid the ticket purchase queue on site

This saves significant time, because the ticket line (not security) is usually the longest bottleneck.

Do You Need to Book Eiffel Tower Tickets in Advance?

Yes, if you care about timing.

Advance booking is strongly recommended if:

• you want to visit the summit
• you are travelling between April and October
• you are visiting on a weekend or holiday
• you want an evening or sunset slot

Same-day availability is unpredictable, especially for summit access, which often sells out days ahead.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices (Official Baseline)

Prices depend on how high you go and how you ascend:

• Second floor by lift: lower-priced option
• Summit access by lift: higher price, most popular
• Stairs to second floor: cheapest option, limited capacity

Children and young visitors receive reduced pricing. Exact prices vary by date and availability, so always check your selected time.

Lift vs Stairs: Which Option Should You Choose?

Lift Access

• Only way to reach the summit
• Most popular — sells out first
• Requires a timed slot

Stairs Access

• Up to the second floor only
• Physically demanding (over 600 steps)
• Often shorter waits than lifts

If seeing Paris from the highest point matters to you, book the summit lift in advance. If budget and flexibility matter more, stairs can be a good alternative.

How Long Does an Eiffel Tower Visit Take?

Plan realistically:

• Second floor only: 1.5–2 hours
• Summit visit: 2.5–3 hours

Waiting times, weather, and crowd levels all affect duration.

Types of Eiffel Tower Tickets Explained

Standard Timed-Entry Ticket

• Reserved time slot
• Lift or stairs access depending on ticket
• Best value for most visitors

Guided Tour Tickets

• Includes structured explanation
• Often easier to secure during busy periods
• Higher price

Guided tours still require security checks but may streamline the entry process by handling logistics for you.

Combination Tickets

Some packages combine Eiffel Tower access with a Seine cruise or city tour or even combine everything with a Paris Citycard.

• Convenient planning
• Check that tower access includes a timed slot

Which Eiffel Tower Ticket Is Best for You?

Ticket type	Best for	Main benefit	Things to consider
Summit lift	First-time visitors	Highest views	Sells out fastest
Second floor lift	Most travellers	Good balance of time and views	No summit access
Stairs	Budget travellers	Lower cost	Physically demanding
Guided tour	Short stays	Less planning stress	Higher cost

Where Is the Eiffel Tower Entrance?

The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ de Mars, near the Seine.

• Multiple security checkpoints surround the base
• Arrive early to navigate the perimeter calmly
• Follow signage for your ticket type

What to Expect on Arrival

1. Arrive 15–30 minutes before your slot.
2. Go through mandatory security screening.
3. Scan your ticket.
4. Proceed to lifts or stairs.

Common Mistakes That Cause Long Waits

• arriving without a reserved time slot
• booking midday during peak season
• assuming “skip-the-line” means skipping security
• underestimating how long summit visits take

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Eiffel Tower tickets on site?

Sometimes, but waits can exceed two hours and summit tickets often sell out.

Is there a real skip-the-line ticket?

No. All visitors must pass security. Timed entry avoids the ticket queue, not the security check.

Is the summit worth it?

Yes for first-time visitors, especially on clear days. The second floor is a good alternative if summit tickets are unavailable.

Final Advice

The Eiffel Tower rewards planning. Book your ticket in advance, choose your time carefully, and understand that security is unavoidable. Timed entry is the only reliable way to avoid the longest queues and enjoy the experience without stress.

Other Paris Tickets Worth Booking

• Louvre tickets – ideal to plan alongside Eiffel Tower
• Seine canal cruise tickets – perfect for sunset views
• Arc de Triomphe tickets – panoramic city views