Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets take you to the highest public observation level of Paris’s most famous landmark, 276 metres above the city. In 2026, the official adult elevator ticket costs €36.70, while hosted tours and combination experiences cost more. Summit spaces sell quickly, so compare live availability and book the correct top-floor option early.
Quick recommendation
For most first-time visitors, choose a timed summit experience by elevator with a host or guide. It removes the need to compete for an on-site ticket, provides clear meeting instructions, and adds useful context. Confirm that the booking explicitly says “summit” or “top floor”—second-floor access is not the same thing.
Eiffel Tower summit tickets at a glance
The summit is the Eiffel Tower’s highest visitor level. A summit ticket normally takes you by elevator from the ground to the second floor, where you change to a smaller elevator for the final ascent. The official tower also sells a lower-cost stairs-plus-elevator ticket: you climb to the second floor and then use the summit elevator.
Every visitor must pass through security. Even with reserved entry, you may wait at security, the ground-floor lift, or the second-floor summit lift. Treat phrases such as “reserved access” or “dedicated entrance” as product-specific benefits, not a promise that every line disappears.
2026 official ticket prices
The following are direct prices published by the official Eiffel Tower website at the time of this update. They are useful reference prices, but GetYourGuide activities may include hosting, guiding, cruises, or flexible booking terms and therefore have different prices.
| Official ticket type | Adult 25+ | Age 12–24 | Age 4–11 | Disabled rate* | Under 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator to summit | €36.70 | €18.40 | €9.20 | €9.20 | Free ticket |
| Stairs to second floor + elevator to summit | €28.00 | €14.00 | €7.00 | €7.00 | Free ticket |
| Elevator to second floor only | €23.50 | €11.80 | €6.00 | €6.00 | Free ticket |
| Stairs to second floor only | €14.80 | €7.40 | €3.80 | €3.80 | Free ticket |
*Reduced rates require valid proof. The tower states that eligible disabled admission can extend to one accompanying person. The summit itself is not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, on crutches, or with mobility limitations that make evacuation by stairs unsafe; elevator access is available up to the second floor.
Prices and operating conditions may change, so verify the final amount during checkout.
Compare the best Eiffel Tower summit ticket options
There is no single best ticket for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, mobility, preferred level of guidance, and how much certainty you need.
| Option | Typical access | Best for | Main advantage | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official elevator summit ticket | Elevators to second floor and summit | Independent, budget-conscious visitors | Lowest direct summit price | Often sells out; official tickets are normally non-changeable and non-refundable |
| Hosted summit access | Host assists with meeting and entry; visit may become self-guided | First-time visitors wanting clearer logistics | Easier arrival process | Host service varies; security and lift waits remain |
| Guided Eiffel Tower summit tour | Guided visit, usually through second floor, with summit option | History lovers and first-time Paris visitors | Commentary and orientation | Higher cost; guide may not always accompany the group at the summit |
| Stairs climb + summit elevator | Stairs to level two, lift to summit | Active travellers and value seekers | More immersive and usually cheaper | 600-plus steps to level two; not suitable for everyone |
| Summit + Seine cruise combination | Tower access plus a river cruise | Short stays and couples | Two classic Paris experiences in one booking | Cruise may depart separately and at a flexible time |
1. Official elevator tickets: best for independent travellers
Buy this option when you want the simplest admission and are comfortable navigating the monument without a guide. Your journey uses one elevator to reach the second floor and a separate elevator to reach the summit. You may explore the first and second floors during your descent.
Official elevator tickets are generally released online up to 60 days before a visit. Popular sunset, weekend, and school-holiday slots can disappear quickly. When online tickets show as sold out, same-day tickets may still be sold at the monument, but summit sales can pause when the top reaches capacity. This fallback carries a real risk, so it is not ideal for a tightly planned Paris itinerary.
2. Hosted summit access: best for easier logistics
A hosted activity is useful when official inventory is unavailable or you want someone to explain the entry process. You usually meet a representative at a nearby agency, square, or street—not automatically beneath the tower—and walk to the entrance together.
Read the activity page carefully. “Hosted access” does not necessarily mean a fully guided Eiffel Tower summit tour. The host may help you enter, offer an introduction, and then leave you to explore independently. This can be the sweet spot for travellers who want support without a long historical tour.
3. Guided summit tours: best for context and storytelling
A good guide turns the iron structure into a story: the 1889 World’s Fair, Gustave Eiffel’s engineering, early criticism of the tower, and the landmarks visible across Paris. Guided products normally include either summit access or second-floor access as selectable options. Choose the summit variant before paying.
Some tours finish their guided portion on the second floor and allow guests to visit the summit independently. That is not necessarily a disadvantage—the top is compact and often crowded—but it should match your expectations.
4. Stairs plus summit elevator: best for active visitors
This ticket lets you climb to the second floor through the structure, then transfer to the summit elevator. The official tower advises allowing roughly 15–20 minutes of climbing per floor for less athletic visitors, before sightseeing stops. In practice, photos, rest breaks, security, and the summit queue make the experience considerably longer.
Choose it for the sense of achievement and unusual close-up views of the tower’s engineering. Avoid it if anyone in your group has knee, heart, balance, or stamina concerns.
5. Summit and Seine cruise: best for a memorable half-day
Combination products can save planning time and work particularly well around sunset. Visit the summit while visibility is good, descend as Paris lights begin to glow, and then see the illuminated riverfront from the Seine.
Check whether the cruise has a fixed departure or an open-use voucher. Also check the pier location, last sailing, audio-guide languages, and how long you have to use the cruise ticket. “Combination” does not always mean the two activities happen back-to-back with transportation between them.
What is normally included and excluded?
Inclusions differ between suppliers, so the product page and voucher always take priority over a general guide.
Common inclusions
- Admission to the Eiffel Tower level selected at checkout
- Elevator access when the product specifies “by lift” or “elevator”
- A host, escort, or live guide when stated
- Guided commentary in the selected language
- Access to the first and second floors with a summit ticket
- A Seine cruise voucher, audio guide, or other add-on when explicitly listed
Common exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport to the meeting point
- Food, champagne, and restaurant reservations unless named
- Gratuities
- Immediate entry through every security and elevator line
- Summit access when only “second floor” has been selected
- Compensation for poor visibility or ordinary weather changes
Before booking tickets for the Eiffel Tower summit, expand every “includes,” “not suitable for,” and “important information” section. Confirm the language, floor, ascent method, meeting time, and cancellation deadline. Take a screenshot of the final selection for easy reference.
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Meeting point and transportation information
The Eiffel Tower’s official address is Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris. However, third-party experiences frequently start away from the monument. Your meeting point might be an agency, Place de Sydney, Rue de la Manutention, or another nearby location. Use the precise map pin and instructions on your voucher.
Arrive at the stated meeting point—not merely at the tower—at least 15 minutes early, or earlier if the activity requires it. Late arrival is commonly treated as a no-show because timed groups cannot always wait.
Easiest public transport options
- RER C: Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel, approximately 5 minutes on foot.
- Metro line 6: Bir-Hakeim, approximately 11 minutes on foot.
- Metro line 8: École Militaire, approximately 16 minutes on foot.
- Metro line 9: Trocadéro, approximately 22 minutes on foot, with an excellent approach view.
- Bus: Lines 30, 42, 69, 82, and 86 stop within roughly a ten-minute walk.
Trocadéro is attractive for photographs but not the closest station. Bir-Hakeim or the RER C station is usually more practical. Allow extra time for navigating, photographs, security perimeter entry, and finding your host.
Cancellation considerations before booking
Cancellation terms deserve as much attention as price. Official Eiffel Tower tickets are normally non-cancellable, non-exchangeable, non-modifiable, and non-refundable after purchase. Exceptional closures may be handled differently, but do not assume a refund simply because your personal plans change.
Some GetYourGuide experiences advertise free cancellation up to a specific deadline, and some offer reserve-now-pay-later. Other activities are non-refundable. The exact policy belongs to the individual product and date, so read it during checkout and again in the confirmation email.
If your flight schedule is uncertain, a clearly labelled refundable activity may be worth paying more for. If your Paris dates are fixed and the official slot is available, a direct ticket can be better value.
Accessibility and suitability
The first and second floors can be reached by elevator and are designed to welcome many visitors with disabilities. Priority access is available at ticket desks and pillars, and accessible ticket desks are located at the West and North pillars. Visitors should speak with reception staff on arrival when assistance is needed.
The summit is not accessible to wheelchair users, people on crutches, or visitors whose reduced mobility could make emergency evacuation unsafe. This is a safety restriction caused by the summit’s configuration, not merely a missing elevator. For these visitors, the second floor remains an excellent alternative with broad Paris views.
Also consider the following:
- Fear of heights: The elevators and summit can feel exposed, although protective barriers surround the viewing areas.
- Claustrophobia: Lift cabins can be busy. A stairs ascent may help on the lower levels, but the summit still requires an elevator.
- Young children: Children are welcome, but supervise them closely and plan for queues. Under-fours still require a free ticket.
- Pregnancy or medical conditions: Choose elevator access and seek personal medical advice where necessary.
- Strollers: Check the current activity rules and be prepared to fold a stroller in crowded areas.
- Large baggage: Do not bring it. The tower has no cloakroom or left-luggage facility.
Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower summit
The best time depends on what you value: shorter queues, clear photos, sunset, or city lights.
Early morning: best for lighter crowds
The official tower identifies roughly 9:00–11:00 a.m. as a generally quieter period. Morning light can be soft, temperatures are often more comfortable in summer, and you retain flexibility if weather disrupts the summit later. Choose the first practical time slot and arrive rested.
Late evening: best for atmosphere
Evening slots after about 8:00 p.m. are also often quieter than the middle of the day. Paris looks beautiful after dark, and the illuminated streets create a completely different summit experience. The trade-off is reduced detail in distant views and a potentially late finish.
Sunset: best for photographs, but hardest to book
Sunset lets you see Paris in daylight, golden hour, and twilight during one visit. It is also one of the highest-demand periods. Search the sunset time for your exact date and book a slot approximately 60–90 minutes beforehand, allowing for security and elevator delays. There is no guarantee you will reach the top at the exact moment the sun sets.
Midday: best for itinerary convenience
The period from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. tends to be busier. Still, midday can make sense in winter, when daylight is limited, or when your museum and restaurant reservations dictate the schedule.
Weather matters more than the clock. The summit can close temporarily because of severe weather, high winds, technical issues, or crowd capacity. A second-floor visit can still be worthwhile when the top is unavailable.
How long does an Eiffel Tower summit tour take?
Plan two to three hours for a comfortable summit visit. A hosted or guided product may list a duration of 1.5–3 hours, but the total time depends on security, elevator queues, group pace, and how long you spend on each floor.
A realistic schedule is:
- 15–30 minutes to find the meeting point and check in
- 20–60 minutes for walking, security, and initial access during busy periods
- 20–40 minutes on the second floor or guided introduction
- Additional waiting for the summit elevator
- 20–40 minutes at the summit
- 30–60 minutes for the second and first floors while descending
Do not book a fixed lunch, cruise, train, or museum entry immediately afterward. Leave at least an hour of buffer beyond the advertised finish if the next reservation matters.
What you will see from the top
At 276 metres, the summit provides a broad view over the city rather than the close architectural detail seen from the second floor. On a clear day, look for the Seine, Trocadéro, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, Les Invalides, Montparnasse Tower, the Louvre area, and La Défense.
The summit also contains Gustave Eiffel’s reconstructed private office scene and a champagne bar, subject to operating conditions. The space is narrower than many visitors expect. Take a full circuit, enjoy the outdoor and sheltered viewing areas, and then spend time on the second floor, where landmarks are often easier to identify and photograph.
Important mistakes to avoid
Buying second-floor access by accident
Many listings offer a choice between level two and the summit. A low displayed starting price may correspond to the cheaper second-floor option. Verify that “summit,” “top,” or “top floor” remains selected on the final payment screen.
Assuming “skip the line” means zero waiting
All visitors face security, and summit visitors change elevators on the second floor. Reserved or dedicated access may reduce one part of the process, but it cannot eliminate operational queues.
Going to the tower instead of the meeting point
Third-party hosts often distribute tickets or begin the tour nearby. If you wait beneath the tower when your voucher names an agency or square, the group may depart without you.
Arriving with large luggage or prohibited objects
There is no left-luggage office. Weapons, blades, dangerous substances, glass bottles, cans, and other risky items are prohibited under visitor rules. Do not bring a suitcase or assume confiscated property will be stored for collection.
Booking a tight connection afterward
Elevator congestion and summit-capacity controls can lengthen a visit. Keep the following hour flexible.
Ignoring weather and seasonal closures
The summit may close for weather, safety, maintenance, or technical reasons. In 2026, the annual maintenance closure ran from January 5 through February 6. Always check current notices for your date rather than applying that exact schedule to a future year.
Choosing the stairs only to save money
The stairs option is rewarding, but it requires hundreds of steps before the summit lift. Select it because your group wants the climb and is physically prepared—not because it is merely cheaper.
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Step-by-step booking checklist
- Choose your date and estimate your preferred time using the local sunset time if relevant.
- Decide between independent admission, hosted access, a guided tour, stairs plus summit, or a cruise combination.
- Confirm that the selected variant explicitly includes the summit.
- Check whether ascent is by elevator or stairs to level two.
- Review the exact meeting point and required arrival time.
- Read the cancellation deadline and weather/closure terms.
- Select the correct age categories and carry proof for reduced rates.
- Confirm the tour language and whether the guide reaches the summit.
- Save the mobile voucher offline and bring identification if requested.
- Recheck operational notices and transport conditions on the morning of your visit.
Frequently asked questions about Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets
How much are Eiffel Tower Summit Tickets in 2026?
At the time of writing, the official elevator-to-summit price is €36.70 for adults aged 25 and over, €18.40 for ages 12–24, €9.20 for children aged 4–11, and free for children under four with a ticket. Guided and hosted products cost more because they include additional services. Verify live prices before purchase.
Are tickets for the Eiffel Tower summit worth it?
Yes, particularly for a first visit, a special occasion, or anyone who wants the experience of reaching the monument’s highest public level. The second floor often gives sharper landmark views and costs less, so travellers with limited time, mobility restrictions, or poor weather may prefer it.
Does a summit ticket include the first and second floors?
Yes. A summit ticket takes you through the second floor, and you can normally explore the lower public floors during your visit. Follow staff directions and confirm any temporary circulation rules on the day.
Can I buy Eiffel summit tickets on the day?
The tower sells same-day tickets for immediate use at its ticket offices, subject to availability and operating capacity. Summit sales may pause when the top is full. For a fixed itinerary, advance booking is safer.
How far in advance should I book?
Official elevator tickets are generally made available up to 60 days ahead. Book as soon as your date is firm for weekends, summer, holidays, and sunset. If direct inventory is gone, compare legitimate hosted or guided options with clearly stated inclusions.
Do Eiffel Tower top floor tickets skip all lines?
No. No ticket removes mandatory security checks or all elevator waits. Some products offer reserved, dedicated, or hosted entry that can make part of the process smoother. Read the exact wording and avoid any seller promising instant access through every queue.
What happens if the summit closes?
The top can close because of weather, technical conditions, maintenance, or crowd capacity. The outcome—second-floor access, rescheduling, partial refund, or another remedy—depends on the operator and circumstances. Check the specific product terms rather than assuming a standard result.
Can wheelchair users visit the summit?
No. For evacuation-safety reasons, the official tower does not permit wheelchair users, visitors on crutches, or certain visitors with reduced mobility to go to the summit. Elevator access to the second floor is available and offers an excellent panoramic experience.
Is an Eiffel Tower summit tour better during the day or at night?
Daytime is better for identifying distant landmarks; night is better for atmosphere and illuminated streets. Sunset offers both, but tickets are competitive and the timing of queues is unpredictable. Early morning and later evening are generally quieter than midday.
How long can I stay at the Eiffel Tower?
Visits are usually self-paced after entry, subject to closing times and staff instructions. Most summit visitors spend two to three hours across all levels. Guided activity durations may describe only the organised portion, so check whether you can remain afterward.
Is the summit elevator included in a stairs ticket?
Only when the ticket explicitly says stairs to the second floor plus elevator to the summit. A standard stairs-to-second-floor ticket does not include the top. Read the selected product name carefully.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a wind-resistant layer. The summit can feel cooler and windier than street level even in pleasant weather. For a stairs ticket, choose footwear suitable for a long metal-stair climb.
Final verdict: which ticket should you book?
For most first-time visitors, a hosted or guided elevator experience with confirmed summit access offers the best balance of convenience and meaning. Independent travellers should buy the official elevator ticket early for the lowest direct price. Active visitors may prefer the stairs-to-second-floor plus summit-elevator option, while couples and short-stay travellers can turn the visit into a fuller occasion with a Seine cruise combination.
Whatever you choose, inspect the final variant carefully. The words “second floor” and “summit” are not interchangeable, and a cheap starting price may not include the top. Confirm the meeting point, cancellation policy, ascent method, and live availability before paying.
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