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Ticket comparison

Eiffel Tower: which ticket to pick

The main choice is how high and how comfortably you want to go: stairs are cheaper and more active, the lift is easier, and the summit gives the fullest view. If you want context or an extra Seine experience, a guided tour or combo ticket makes more sense.

Prices verified: 20 June 2026High season

Our recommendation

If this is your first time in Paris and you want the fullest panorama, choose the lift ticket to the summit. For a more budget-friendly and active visit, take the stairs to the 2nd floor; if you want context for what you are seeing, choose the guided tour.

Official price and partners

Official tickets cost from €14.80 to €36.70, but they often sell out months in advance. Buying through partners makes sense when the official site has no availability or you need flexible cancellation.

Official site →

Entrance tip

If you already have a ticket, use the East or West pillar entrances for faster security checks. The South pillar is mandatory for stairs and usually has a shorter ticket queue than the elevators.

Compare options

Eiffel Tower Ticket: Stairs to the 2nd Floor

Tiqets
from €14Mobile ticket

Best for: Budget climb

  • Stairs access
  • Lift access
  • Summit
  • Guide
  • Seine cruise
  • Skip-the-line
Book via Tiqets

Eiffel Tower Ticket: Lift to the 2nd Floor

Viator
from €23Reserve now, pay later

Best for: Comfortable visit

  • Stairs access
  • Lift access
  • Summit
  • Guide
  • Seine cruise
  • Skip-the-line
Book via Viator

Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower

Civitatis
from €44Free cancellation

Best for: History and context

  • Stairs access
  • Lift access
  • Summit
  • Guide
  • Seine cruise
  • Skip-the-line
Book via Civitatis

Combo: Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise

Headout
from €58Best price

Best for: Tower and Seine

  • Stairs access
  • Lift access
  • Summit
  • Guide
  • Seine cruise
  • Skip-the-line
Book via Headout

Choose by your situation

Short visit
Lift to the 2nd floor
Full experience
Lift to the summit
With kids or no desire to climb stairs
Lift to the 2nd floor or lift to the summit
History and context wanted
Guided tour
Avoiding separate bookings
Eiffel Tower and Seine cruise combo
Budget over comfort
Stairs to the 2nd floor

What is often not included

  • A 2nd-floor ticket is not the same as a summit ticket: if you want the highest viewpoint, choose a summit option.
  • A stairs ticket involves a physical climb; it is not ideal if comfort, pace, or low effort matter.
  • The most convenient time slots and lift tickets sell out quickly, so late booking may leave only less convenient options.
  • A Seine cruise combo is useful only if you actually want both activities; otherwise you are paying for a longer program.
  • A guided tour adds context, but usually means following the group’s schedule and pace.
  • There is no true 'skip-the-line' at the Eiffel Tower. Priority tickets only bypass the purchasing queue; everyone must wait in the mandatory security and elevator lines.
  • Even with a summit ticket, you must wait in a second queue on the 2nd floor to catch the final elevator to the top, which can take 20-45 minutes during peak times.

Discounts and free entry

Children under 4 enter for free but still require a zero-euro ticket for headcount. Youth (12–24) and children (4–11) receive reduced rates upon presentation of a valid ID.

Frequently asked questions

  • Что выбрать: 2-й этаж или вершину?

    The 2nd floor is suitable for a shorter, simpler visit with a great panorama. The summit is worth it if it is your first time in Paris and you want the most complete view of the city.

  • Лестница до 2-го этажа — хороший вариант?

    Yes, if you are ready for an active climb and want a more budget-friendly option. If comfort is important, it is better to choose a lift ticket.

  • Когда лучше бронировать билет?

    The visit requires planning: convenient slots and lift tickets sell out quickly. It is best not to leave the purchase to the last minute, especially if you want to visit the summit.

  • Нужна ли экскурсия с гидом?

    A guide makes sense if you want not only the view but also an explanation of the tower's history and the landmarks visible from the observation decks. A standard ticket is enough for a short, independent visit.

  • Стоит ли брать комбо с круизом по Сене?

    A combo is convenient if you want to combine the Eiffel Tower climb with a river cruise. If you are short on time, it is better to choose a separate ticket for the tower.

← Read the full Eiffel Tower guide

Our pickEiffel Tower Ticket: Lift to the Summitfrom €35