FRA9 FILE · Museums & heritage
Eiffel Tower: tickets, levels, access and visit
Second floor or summit, lift or 674 steps: official tickets, dated prices, transport, duration and accessibility.
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key points: 2e étage ou sommet · Billets officiels · Métro et RER · Vérifié le 5 septembre 2026
Make the right choice before buying
Choose the experience first, then the time slot. The second floor is high enough to read Paris clearly and avoids the summit lift change. The summit adds the emotion of reaching 276 metres, but takes longer and can close temporarily in strong wind, severe weather or at capacity. Stairs to the second floor provide the best view of the iron structure, cost less and involve 674 steps; they are unsuitable for pushchairs, very young children, reduced-mobility visitors or anyone for whom the effort poses a risk. For a first visit without mobility constraints, allow roughly 1 hour 30 to 2 hours 30 after entry, plus a margin for security and queues.
Official tickets, dated prices and availability
On 5 September 2026, official adult prices were €23.50 for the second floor by lift, €36.70 for the summit by lifts, €14.80 for the second floor by stairs and €28 for stairs to the second floor followed by a summit lift when offered. Youth, child and disabled rates require the stated evidence; under-fours receive a free ticket. Lift e-tickets normally open 60 days ahead and stair tickets 30 days ahead. On-site sales may remain possible, but summit access is not guaranteed. Buy only through ticket.toureiffel.paris: an online sell-out proves neither that the monument is closed nor that an unofficial reseller has valid availability.
Hours, closures and final admission
The Tower publishes a date-by-date calendar. On 5 September 2026 it showed 09:30–23:00 for the first days of September, but this is not a permanent schedule. Final ascent, stair access and evacuation have separate cut-offs. The summit can be suspended while the first and second floors stay open; a weather closure does not automatically turn a second-floor ticket into a summit ticket. Check the official calendar that morning and summit status before leaving. From 29 September 2026, groups of more than nine people including the guide must use the new online process announced by the operator. Keep the confirmation, arrive before the slot and allow for security screening.
Getting there: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro or RER C
The official address is 5 avenue Anatole-France, 75007 Paris. Bir-Hakeim on metro line 6 is the shortest approach to Entrance 1; Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel on RER C is about five minutes away. Trocadéro on line 9 involves a longer walk but gives the strongest head-on view; École Militaire on line 8 crosses Champ-de-Mars. Between September and November 2026, line 6 is suspended on part of its route on certain Sundays and Bir-Hakeim closes, so check RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités on the day. Do not pick a connection only for the photograph: with children or reduced mobility, favour the most direct step-free route.
A 90-minute, two-hour or half-day route
For 90 minutes, enter with a timed ticket, go to the second floor, complete one orientation circuit and stop at the first floor on the way down. With two hours or more, add the summit and accept a lift change and possible queue at the second floor. A coherent half day starts at Trocadéro, crosses Pont d’Iéna, visits the Tower and continues to Musée du quai Branly or Les Invalides; do not insert the Louvre or Versailles between timed bookings. Around sunset, choose a slot that lets the landscape move from daylight to night. The exterior illumination is a separate experience and does not require a second ascent.
Families, accessibility and security
Foldable pushchairs are accepted under the visitor rules, but large luggage is not and there is no left-luggage facility. With a child, agree a meeting point on every floor and do not choose stairs by default. Wheelchair users have level access at the West and North pillars and can use the first floor and lower platform of the second; the summit and stairs are unavailable to reduced-mobility visitors or people using crutches for evacuation reasons. A reduced rate applies with evidence to a disabled visitor and one companion. Travel light and ask staff for facilitated access on arrival at the esplanade.
Food, photography and sensible combinations
The Tower has counters and restaurants, but a restaurant reservation should not be confused with every admission product: read exactly what the package includes. For photographs, Trocadéro gives symmetry, Bir-Hakeim reveals the structure and Champ-de-Mars gives proximity; on the second floor, make a full circuit before hunting individual landmarks. Combine the visit with Quai Branly, a Seine walk, Les Invalides or the Cité de l’architecture in the same area. Avoid three common mistakes: buying an unofficial package without understanding it, arriving with a suitcase, and booking another attraction across Paris immediately after your descent.
Is the Eiffel Tower worth it? Verdict and verification
Yes for a first visit, architecture, a legible view of Paris or a symbolic evening; not necessarily for travellers who strongly dislike heights, screening or crowds. The second floor is often the best compromise because the city remains detailed and the experience is more predictable. The summit earns its premium for emotion and clear weather, not because it guarantees the best photograph. FRA9 last verified this guide on 5 September 2026. Prices, slots, summit access and transport works change: always confirm through the official ticket office and live journey planner on the day. FRA9 explains the decision and sells neither tickets nor priority access.
Frequently asked questions
Second floor or summit: which should I choose?
The second floor gives the most detailed view and a more predictable visit. Choose the summit for the height experience, accepting a second lift and possible weather closure.
How long should I allow?
Allow about 1 hour 30 for the second floor and 2 to 2 hours 30 with the summit after entry, plus a margin for screening and crowds.
Does an online sell-out mean the Tower is full?
Not always. On-site ticketing may offer immediate entry, but summit access is not guaranteed. Do not use an unauthorised reseller.
Is the Eiffel Tower wheelchair accessible?
The first floor and lower platform of the second are accessible by lift. The summit and stairs are unavailable to reduced-mobility visitors for evacuation reasons.
Which station should I use?
Bir-Hakeim is usually the most direct, RER C Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel the closest and Trocadéro best for the view. Check works on the day.
How long should I allow for Eiffel Tower: tickets, levels, access and visit?
Allow at least one hour to read the monument without rushing, or two to three with interiors, collections or nearby sites.
Should I book?
Book when an official ticket or slot is offered and check ceremonies and closures on the day.
Where are the reliable records?
Use the official site and documentary sources listed in this page’s bibliography.
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