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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: 29 April 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 €14.20 to €35.30, but they are often sold out months in advance. Buying through partners is justified when there are no spots on the official website or you need flexible cancellation.

Official site →

Entrance tip

The entrance queue at the South Pillar (Pilier Sud) for those going on foot via the stairs usually moves faster than the queues for the lifts.

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.

Discounts and free entry

Children under 4 enter for free. Reduced rates apply for youth (12–24 years) and children (4–11 years) upon presentation of ID.

Frequently asked questions

  • What to choose: 2nd floor or the summit?

    The 2nd floor is suitable for a shorter and simpler visit with a good panorama. The summit is worth taking if it's your first visit to Paris and you want the most complete overview of the city.

  • Is the stairs to the 2nd floor a good option?

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

  • When is the best time to book a ticket?

    A visit requires planning: convenient slots and lifts sell out quickly. It's better not to leave the purchase until the last moment, especially if you need the summit.

  • Do I need a guided tour?

    A guide makes sense if you want not just the view, but an explanation of the tower's history and what is visible from the observation levels. For an independent short visit, a regular ticket is sufficient.

  • Is it worth taking the combo with a Seine cruise?

    The combo is convenient if you want to combine the Eiffel Tower climb with a river trip. If time is short, it's better to choose a separate ticket for the tower.

← Read the full Eiffel Tower guide

Our pickEiffel Tower Ticket: Lift to the Summitfrom €35