Eiffel Tower: tickets, opening hours and how to skip the line

The Eiffel Tower welcomes visitors almost every day from morning until late at night. The entrance line can easily eat up two hours of your Paris day if you arrive at the wrong time.

We broke down when to go up, which ticket to buy, and how to reach the viewing platforms without long waits. The tower stands on the Champ de Mars, right by the Seine, and is visible from almost anywhere in Paris.

Below you'll find seasonal opening hours, ticket options, and tips that actually save time.

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Opening hours and the best time to visit

💡 In short:

• The tower is open daily from 9:30.
• In the low season it closes at 23:00, in summer it runs until 00:45.
• The last ascent time depends on the season and should be checked for your visit date.
• Opening hours and ticket prices: as of 10/2026, according to the tower's official website.

The tower welcomes visitors year-round, but the schedule shifts by season. In winter the lifts start a bit later, in summer they run until almost 1 a.m., and on holidays there may be separate changes. Approximate intervals are collected in the table below so you can pick a convenient day and time in advance.

All intervals are listed according to the schedule on the tower's official website (10/2026). The schedule changes by season, so check the time for your specific date and don't rely on outdated information.

Early morning and late evening give you the shortest lines. In high season, hundreds of people gather at the entrance by midday, and on weekends the flow doesn't ease up until evening. If your schedule is flexible, choose the first slot after opening or late evening, when organized groups have already left.

After sunset the illumination comes on, and in the evening the tower sparkles with golden lights, which is why many people come back a second time for the show. During the day the light is more even, and photos show the city better, not just the lights.

Eiffel Tower tickets: floors and ascent

The tower has two viewing platforms, the second floor and the summit. You can go up on foot, by lift, or a combination of both. The price depends on the floor and the ascent method.

Adult tickets cost from €14.80 to €36.70 according to the tower's official website rates (as of 10/2026). Children aged 4-11 pay noticeably less, youth aged 12-24 get a discount, and toddlers under 4 go free.

It's more convenient to plan ahead. An independent guide to Eiffel Tower tickets at tickets-eiffeltower.fr helps you sort out the options: according to the site's description, it explains ticket types and directs you to third-party sellers where you complete the booking. You choose a ticket with a fixed entry time at home and don't hunt for an available slot on the day of your visit.

Before paying, check that the ticket specifies the floor, date, and exact entry time. A good seller sends confirmation to your email right away, rather than promising to call back later.

The summit opens a circular panorama of the whole city. From the second floor, however, you get a closer view of the metal framework itself. If a view of Paris is enough for you, the second floor will do, and it's cheaper.

Decide which ticket to choose based on three questions. How much time you have, whether you're willing to walk, and whether you need the view from the very top. Evening slots sell out quickly, so plan your summer trip in advance.

How to avoid the line: practical tips

The line at the tower is split into two stages. First you go through security, then you wait for the lift. In summer both stages take an hour or more if you arrive at a bad time.

• Arrive right after opening or late in the evening.
• Choose a weekday rather than the weekend.
• Take the stairs to the second floor, then continue by lift.
• Bring a small bag, security goes faster that way.
• Arrive early, so you have a buffer before your chosen slot.

Tickets with a fixed entry time solve the main problem: you don't stand at the ticket office, you go straight to the turnstile. Such tickets are also available from tour aggregators, for example on GetYourGuide.

In spring and autumn the line is noticeably shorter than at the height of summer. On rainy days there are fewer people, but visibility is worse, so check the forecast in advance. At the entrance, bags go through a scanner, so bring as little as possible.

The range of slots is wider in the morning and late evening. In the middle of the day only inconvenient windows remain. Book in advance if you're traveling in July or August.

A common tourist mistake is showing up without a ticket hoping for quick entry. In high season the ticket office also has a line, and there may be no available slots for the next few hours. Don't buy a ticket for the last ascent if you want to come down before dark, since the lifts run on a schedule at the end of the day.

Little-known facts about the tower

Gustave Eiffel kept a private apartment at the very top. There he received distinguished guests, including the inventor Thomas Edison.

During World War II the lifts were shut down. The only way up was by stairs.

The tower was originally painted Venetian red. Today's bronze shade has the official name "Eiffel Tower Brown."

The names of 72 French scientists are engraved on the metal beams. Tourists almost never notice them.

In hot weather the metal expands, and the top noticeably leans to one side. Engineers accounted for this margin during construction, so the slight swaying at the top is not dangerous.

These details explain why the tower is worth seeing as more than just a viewing platform. At first many Parisians considered it ugly and demanded it be dismantled. Time judged otherwise, and today it has become a symbol of the city.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to go up the tower?

Allow about two hours for the summit, including security and the lift transfer. If you're only going up to the second floor, about an hour is enough. In high season, add a buffer for the line at the entrance. Evening slots usually go faster than morning ones, while morning is good for relaxed photos.

How much do tickets cost in 2026?

Adult tickets cost from €14.80 to €36.70 (as of 10/2026, the tower's official website). The summit by lift costs €36.70, the stairs and lift combination €28.00. Children aged 4-11 pay less, and youth aged 12-24 get a discount.

Can you climb the tower on foot?

Yes, the stairs go up to the second floor, after which you need the lift. This route is cheaper and often faster, because the line for the stairs is shorter. Climbing on foot takes effort, there are many steps, so wear comfortable shoes.

When does the tower stay open the longest?

In summer the tower closes latest, almost until 1 a.m., while in other seasons the doors close earlier. In the morning the first ascent starts at half past nine. Check the time for your date before your trip.

What if there are no tickets for the time I need?

Look at slots for other hours on the same day or on a nearby date. Some tickets are sold on site, at the tower's ticket offices. Late in the evening and on weekdays, open slots appear more often than on weekends.

In short: what's worth booking

Get your slot in advance: a ticket with a fixed entry time saves you an hour or two at the tower. Morning and late evening are always calmer than daytime hours.

• If you're traveling with children, choose the second floor and the stairs.
• If you want the full experience, book the summit at sunset.
• If time is limited, pick a weekday and the first morning slot.

Check the opening hours for your date and leave a buffer for security. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk up. Then you'll see Paris without rushing or unnecessary stress.