Affiliate note: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through them, The Finer Route may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We also link to official sources so you can check the details yourself.
Going up the Eiffel Tower is on almost every first-time Paris list, and the queues show it. The secret is choosing the right ticket and booking a time slot in advance. Here is how the ticket options work in 2026, including a new rule for the stairs.
Quick answer
For most people: a timed lift ticket to the summit, booked online. On a budget or short of time: stairs to the second floor, which now also need an advance reservation. Go early in the morning or around sunset, and leave big bags at the hotel.
The four ticket options
| Ticket | How you go up | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Lift to 2nd floor | Elevator | The best close-up views of Paris landmarks |
| Lift to summit | Elevator, then a second elevator to the top | The full experience |
| Stairs to 2nd floor | 674 steps | Fit visitors, shorter queues, lowest cost |
| Stairs + lift to summit | Stairs to 2nd floor, then the summit lift | Active travelers who still want the top |
New for 2026: from September 29, 2026, stairs tickets require an advance reservation, and groups of more than nine people must book online through the professional platform.
Where to buy
The official website, toureiffel.paris, sells timed tickets at face value, and they are the cheapest option. Popular slots, especially summit lift tickets in summer and around sunset, sell out early.
If your time is sold out, Tiqets and guided tour operators hold their own allocations. You pay more than face value, but you can often still get a summit slot, sometimes with a host or guide who explains the tower's history.
Opening hours
The tower is typically open from 9:30 to 23:00, with last ascents around 22:45, though hours vary through the year and on special dates. Access to the summit can be restricted in bad weather or at peak times. Always check the official calendar for your date.
Tips for the best visit
- Timing: book the first slot of the morning for the shortest queues, or about an hour before sunset to see Paris by day and by night.
- Security: everyone goes through bag checks. Large luggage and pets are not allowed, and there is no left-luggage service.
- Accessibility: the summit and stairways are not suitable for people with limited mobility.
- Children: children under 4 go free but still need a ticket; reduced rates apply for ages 4 to 24 with proof of age.
- Best photos: the classic view of the tower is from Trocadéro across the river, especially at night when it sparkles on the hour.
- Getting there: metro to Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro, or RER C to Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel.
Plan the rest of your Paris trip
Add a day at the Palace of Versailles, compare ways into town in our airport transfers guide, and read about the new EU entry rules before you fly.
FAQ
Should I take the lift or the stairs?
The stairs go only to the second floor (674 steps from the ground) and usually have shorter queues; you can then take the lift to the summit. The lift is easier for most visitors and the only option for the top. From September 29, 2026, stairs tickets also need an advance reservation.
Is the summit worth it?
On a clear day, yes: it is the highest public viewpoint in Paris. The second floor actually gives better views of the city's landmarks because you are closer to them. The summit can close in bad weather or at peak times.
What time is best to visit?
Early in the morning for the shortest queues, or about an hour before sunset to see Paris in daylight and lit up. The tower sparkles for five minutes on the hour after dark.
Can I bring a suitcase?
No. Large luggage is not allowed and there is no left-luggage service, so drop bags at your hotel first.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Finer Route earns a commission from some of the services linked in this article, at no extra cost to you. Rules, opening hours and dates change, so confirm the details with the official source before you travel.
