Eiffel Tower Tickets 2026: Official Site, Ticket Types, Prices & Smart Booking Options
Looking for information on Eiffel Tower tickets?
Official Eiffel Tower tickets are usually the cheapest option when your date, time, level, and access method are available. Prices depend on whether you go by elevator or stairs, whether you stop at the 2nd floor or continue to the summit, and whether you qualify for a reduced rate.
Third-party options through GetYourGuide or Viator usually cost more. They can still make sense if you want guide support, cancellation flexibility where offered, a Seine cruise combo, or a smoother first-time plan.
- The official Eiffel Tower ticket office is the best first stop for the lowest base ticket price.
- The lowest standard adult entrance fee is usually the stairs ticket to the 2nd floor.
- The most expensive standard official ticket is the summit ticket by elevator.
- Children under 4 enter free, but they still need a free ticket.
- Reduced rates require proof, so bring ID or eligibility documents.
- Be careful with “skip-the-line” claims. Security checks and elevator waits can still apply.
If you want the simplest path, start with the official ticket office for base prices, then compare guided, hosted, and combo options below. For many first-time visitors, the best choice is not just the cheapest ticket. It is the ticket that matches your time, energy, group, and Paris plans.
⭐ Start here: the best Eiffel Tower tickets and tours to book first
These are the easiest options to compare if you want tower access, guide support, summit possibilities, a Seine cruise, or a private splurge.
- Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access — straightforward tower access with a summit upgrade option
- Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Summit or 2nd Floor — popular hosted access with useful guide support
- Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise — classic first-timer combo with river views
- Eiffel Tower Stairs Climb to Level 2 & Summit Option — more active, often better-value tower experience
- Eiffel Tower Private Guided Experience & Summit Access — private splurge for couples and families
This guide covers official Eiffel Tower ticket types, entrance fee categories, reduced-rate rules, timed-entry basics, reservations, guided tours, combo tours, and where to buy.
Best Eiffel Tower Tickets and Tours at a Glance
| Experience type | Best for | Typical duration | Booking note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket with optional summit access | Travelers who want the classic tower visit | 1.5–2 hours | Check whether your option includes the summit or only lower levels |
| Dedicated reserved access with guide support | First-timers who want help with logistics | 1.5–2 hours | Usually costs more than official tickets but can simplify check-in |
| Stairs climb to Level 2 with summit option | Active travelers and lower-cost planning | 2 hours | Best if you are comfortable climbing hundreds of steps |
| Eiffel Tower guided tour and Seine cruise | First Paris trip, couples, and short stays | 3 hours | Good way to combine skyline views and river views |
| 1-hour Seine cruise from the Eiffel Tower | Easy add-on before or after the tower | 1 hour | Works well when you already have tower tickets |
| Madame Brasserie lunch | Food-focused visit and special occasions | 1.5 hours | Restaurant access is not the same as full tower or summit access |
| Private guided summit experience | Families, couples, and private pacing | 1–2 hours | Higher price, but more personal support |
🎟️ Ticket Tip: Choose your level carefully. A 2nd-floor ticket and a summit ticket are different products, and summit access may not always be available on the day.
Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Types and Prices in 2026
The official Eiffel Tower ticket office sells several main ticket types. The price depends on three choices: how high you go, how you go up, and whether you qualify for a reduced rate.
Official prices are listed in euros. US$ estimates below are rough traveler-planning conversions only. Exchange rates, fees, availability, and official pricing can change.
| Official ticket type | Adult 25+ | Youth 12–24 | Child 4–11 / disabled rate | What it includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd floor by elevator | €23.50 / about US$25 | €11.80 / about US$13 | €6.00 / about US$7 | Elevator access to the 2nd floor |
| 2nd floor by stairs | €14.80 / about US$16 | €7.40 / about US$8 | €3.80 / about US$4 | Stair access to the 2nd floor |
| Summit by elevator | €36.70 / about US$40 | €18.40 / about US$20 | €9.20 / about US$10 | Elevator access to the summit via two lifts |
| Summit by stairs + elevator | €28.00 / about US$30 | €14.00 / about US$15 | €7.00 / about US$8 | Stairs to the 2nd floor, then elevator to the summit |
| Official guided tour to the 2nd floor | €53.50 / about US$58 | €41.80 / about US$45 | €26.00 / about US$28 | Official guided tour to the 2nd floor, then descent toward the 1st floor by stairs |
The standard ticket choice is usually between the 2nd floor and the summit. The 2nd floor already gives you sweeping Paris views.
The summit is the bucket-list option, but it costs more and can be affected by weather, capacity, or operations.
💵 Budget Tip: The stairs option can be a smart pick if you are able to climb and want a more active, lower-cost Eiffel Tower experience.
What Does Each Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Include?
2nd Floor by Elevator
This is the easiest classic Eiffel Tower ticket. You ride the elevator from the ground to the 2nd floor and get the main panoramic view over Paris.
Choose this if you want the tower experience without paying for the summit. It is also the better pick for families, older travelers, and visitors who do not want to climb stairs.
This ticket does not include the summit. If you want the top, buy a summit ticket from the start.
2nd Floor by Stairs
This is usually the lowest official Eiffel Tower entrance fee for adults. You climb from the ground to the 2nd floor by stairs.
It is a good fit if you are active, traveling on a tighter budget, or want the tower to feel more like an experience than a quick elevator ride.
It is not ideal in bad weather, during extreme heat, or for anyone with knee, heart, breathing, or mobility concerns.
The stairs ticket gives access to the 2nd floor, not the summit. The summit is not reached by public stairs.
Summit by Elevator
This is the highest standard official ticket. You ride one elevator to the 2nd floor, then another elevator to the summit.
Book this if the top is your must-do moment. The summit gives the highest public viewpoint, but it is also the ticket most likely to feel urgent during busy periods.
Summit access can be limited or closed for weather, capacity, safety, or operations. If the summit is the reason for your visit, check the product details carefully before booking.
Summit by Stairs + Elevator
This ticket combines a more active lower climb with summit access. You climb the stairs to the 2nd floor, then take the elevator from the 2nd floor to the summit.
It costs less than the full elevator summit ticket and feels more memorable than riding all the way up. It is best for active travelers who want the summit but do not mind the climb.
Official Guided Tour to the 2nd Floor
The official Eiffel Tower site may also list an official guided tour to the 2nd floor. This is different from a basic admission ticket.
It typically costs more because it includes guide service. It is useful if you want official guide context and a structured visit, but it may not include the summit unless the product specifically says so.
Eiffel Tower Entrance Fee: What Changes the Price?
The Eiffel Tower entrance fee changes based on five main factors.
First, your destination matters. A 2nd-floor ticket costs less than a summit ticket.
Second, your access method matters. Stairs cost less than elevators.
Third, your age category matters. Adults, youth, children, disabled visitors, and children under 4 have different rates.
Fourth, your booking path matters. Official tickets are usually the lowest base price, while third-party tours may cost more because they include a guide, host, cruise, meal, private service, or flexible terms.
Fifth, availability matters. A simple official ticket may be the best deal when it is available, but it may not be available for your exact date, time, or level.
For a deeper cost breakdown, see the Eiffel Tower entrance fee guide.
Official Discount Categories and Eligibility Rules
The Eiffel Tower uses specific official price categories. Do not assume you qualify for a discount without proof.
Adult Rate
The adult rate applies to visitors age 25 and older.
This is the standard full-price ticket category. Most US and Canadian adult travelers will fall into this group unless they qualify under the disabled-rate rules.
Youth Rate
The youth rate applies to visitors ages 12 to 24.
Bring proof of age, such as a passport, national ID card, student card, or other valid document. The Eiffel Tower can request proof, and the reduced rate is not just based on appearance.
Child Rate
The child rate applies to children ages 4 to 11.
Bring proof of age. This is especially useful if your child is close to an age cutoff.
Disabled Rate
The disabled rate applies to eligible visitors with a nominative disability card or equivalent proof.
The disabled rate also applies to one accompanying person per disabled visitor. The accompanying person rule is important: it is not a general group discount.
The disabled-rate price is the same as the child-rate price in the official ticket table.
Children Under 4
Children under 4 enter free.
They still need a free ticket. Do not arrive without including them in the booking or ticket count.
Proof and ID Rules
Reduced rates require proof. Every traveler using a reduced-rate ticket should bring ID and supporting documents.
This includes children. It is easier to carry proof than to argue at the entrance.
👨👩👧 Family Tip: With kids, elevator access is usually easier than stairs. Build in extra time for security, elevators, bathrooms, snacks, and photos.
Validity, Entry Rules and What to Bring
Eiffel Tower tickets are not all-purpose passes. They are tied to the date, time, level, access method, and terms shown on the ticket.
Your Ticket Level Matters
If you buy a 2nd-floor ticket, do not assume you can upgrade to the summit inside the tower. The destination is chosen when you buy.
That matters because summit access is a separate ticket type. If the summit is important, choose a summit ticket from the beginning.
Your Time Slot Matters
Arrive early enough for security checks and group check-in if your product includes a host or guide.
A timed ticket does not mean you can arrive whenever you want. It also does not remove security screening.
Your Access Method Matters
A stairs ticket and an elevator ticket are different products.
If you buy stairs access, expect to climb. If you need elevator access, book the elevator ticket.
Bring ID and Discount Proof
Bring a passport, ID, or relevant proof for every visitor. This is especially important for youth, child, disabled, and under-4 tickets.
Reduced-rate tickets can be checked. If you cannot prove eligibility, you may have problems at entry.
Travel Light
Security checks are part of the Eiffel Tower visit. Large luggage is not allowed, and there is no left luggage facility at the tower.
Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs for blind visitors.
Mobility and Accessibility Rules
Visitors using wheelchairs or crutches should not plan on using stairs or going to the summit. The safer official route for most mobility-limited visitors is elevator access to the 2nd floor.
The summit and stairways have safety and evacuation limits. If accessibility is a key concern, check current official access guidance before you buy.
Eiffel Tower Reservations: Do You Need to Book Ahead?
Yes, for most travelers, booking ahead is the safer choice.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the busiest attractions in Paris. Same-day tickets may be possible at times, but they are less predictable.
Summit times, sunset slots, school holidays, weekends, and summer dates can be especially tight.
The official ticket office is usually the best place to check first for direct base tickets. If your preferred time is gone, compare third-party hosted, guided, or combo options through GetYourGuide and Viator.
⭐ Pro Tip: If official summit tickets are gone for your date, compare hosted third-party options before giving up. They often cost more, but they can simplify timing and group check-in.
For more booking-window advice, see the Eiffel Tower reservations guide.
Official Site vs Third-Party Options: Which Should You Use?
| Booking path | Best for | What to expect | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Eiffel Tower ticket office | Lowest official ticket price when your date and level are available | Timed tickets for the 2nd floor or summit, sold directly by the official ticket office | ticket.toureiffel.paris/ |
| Official Eiffel Tower information site | Checking current hours, closures, rules, access limits, and official price tables | Best source for official visitor rules, exact opening times, and ticket conditions | toureiffel.paris/ |
| Third-party entry or hosted tickets | Travelers who want extra booking flexibility, mobile tickets, or hosted check-in support | Often more expensive than official tickets; may include guide support, flexible cancellation, or reserve-now-pay-later where offered | Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access |
| Third-party guided access | First-time visitors who want context and help navigating the visit | Guide or host may assist with orientation, history, check-in, and group timing; confirm exactly how long the guide stays with you | Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Summit or 2nd Floor |
| Third-party combo tour | Visitors who want the tower plus another Paris experience in one plan | Can simplify a short stay by pairing the tower with a Seine cruise, Louvre, city walk, or broader Paris route | Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise |
| Private third-party tour | Families, couples, and travelers who prefer personal pacing | Higher cost, but more direct attention and simpler coordination for small groups | Eiffel Tower Private Guided Experience & Summit Access |
The official site is the right first stop if you want the lowest base price and do not need extra help.
Third-party options are different. They are not the official Eiffel Tower ticket office.
Their value comes from added services, such as guide support, hosted entry, mobile booking, cancellation terms where offered, cruise add-ons, meals, or private pacing.
Be careful with the phrase “authorized reseller.” The Eiffel Tower’s own guidance warns visitors not to assume a website is official or authorized just because it looks polished or uses urgent ticket language.
For this guide, GetYourGuide and Viator are treated as third-party booking platforms, not official Eiffel Tower sales channels.
Eiffel Tower Ticket Comparison Matrix
| Traveler type | Best ticket path | Why it fits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest-price visitor | Official 2nd floor by stairs | Cheapest standard adult entrance fee | Requires a real climb |
| Classic first-timer | 2nd floor by elevator | Easy, iconic view without the summit price | Does not include the top |
| Bucket-list visitor | Summit by elevator | Highest public viewpoint | Summit can close or sell out |
| Active traveler | Stairs to the 2nd floor, with summit option if wanted | Better value and more memorable | Not ideal in heat, rain, or with mobility limits |
| Family with kids | Elevator to the 2nd floor or hosted entry | Simpler logistics and less fatigue | Bring ID and proof for reduced rates |
| Last-minute traveler | Third-party guided or hosted option | May show alternative availability | Usually costs more than official tickets |
| Couples | Summit, evening slot, Seine cruise combo, or Madame Brasserie | More memorable and occasion-friendly | Restaurant access is not always full tower access |
| Mobility-limited visitor | Elevator to the 2nd floor | Most practical public route | Summit and stairs may not be suitable |
Guided Tours and Combo Tours Worth Considering
A guided or combo tour is not always necessary. If you only want the cheapest ticket, check the official Eiffel Tower ticket office first.
But if this is your first trip to Paris, a third-party tour can make the visit easier. That is especially true if you want a guide, a host, a Seine cruise, a private experience, or a single plan that reduces guesswork.
Best Simple Third-Party Ticket Option
Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access is the strongest fit if you want a tower-focused booking with a summit option.
Read the level carefully before booking. The key detail is whether your ticket includes the 2nd floor only or the summit.
Best Hosted or Guided Access Option
Eiffel Tower Dedicated Reserved Access Summit or 2nd Floor is a practical choice for first-time visitors who want help with timing, entry, and orientation.
This is not the same as the official ticket office. You are paying for a different product, usually with support or guide service built in.
Best Active Option
Eiffel Tower Stairs Climb to Level 2 & Summit Option is the better pick if you want to make the tower feel like a climb, not just a viewpoint.
It can also be a smart value play. Just be honest about your group’s stamina.
Best First-Timer Combo
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise works well if you want one easy Paris plan.
The Eiffel Tower and Seine fit naturally together. You get the vertical city view from the tower, then the river view from below.
⏱️ Quick Win: For a smoother visit, pair a timed Eiffel Tower entry with a flexible Seine cruise. The river docks near the tower, so the combo is easy to fit into one half-day.
Best Viator Backup
Eiffel Tower Tour Reserved Entry Ticket: 2nd Floor and Summit is a useful alternative if you are comparing guided inventory beyond GetYourGuide.
As always, check the included level, meeting point, cancellation terms, guide language, and whether summit access is guaranteed or optional.
Best Private or Splurge Option
Eiffel Tower Private Guided Experience & Summit Access is best for couples, families, and travelers who prefer a quieter pace.
It costs more, but the value is personal attention and simpler coordination.
🍽️ Splurge Tip: A meal at Madame Brasserie works best when you want the Eiffel Tower to be part of the occasion, not just a viewpoint stop.
Where Should You Buy Eiffel Tower Tickets?
1. Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Office
Start with the Official Eiffel Tower ticket office if you want the lowest base price.
This is best for simple 2nd-floor or summit tickets, especially if your preferred date and time are available. It is also the cleanest place to confirm official ticket categories, prices, and terms.
The downside is availability. Popular times can sell out, especially summit access, sunset periods, and peak travel dates.
2. GetYourGuide
Use GetYourGuide when you want more than a bare ticket.
It is strongest for hosted entry, guided access, stairs tours, Seine cruise combos, and mobile-friendly booking. Some products may offer free cancellation or reserve-now-pay-later terms, but those benefits depend on the exact product.
Best examples include Eiffel Tower Entry Ticket with Optional Summit Access and Eiffel Tower Guided Tour and Seine River Cruise.
3. Viator
Use Viator when you want to compare private guides, backup guided inventory, or broader Paris combos.
It is especially useful for travelers who want a more personal experience, such as Eiffel Tower Private Guided Experience & Summit Access.
4. What to Avoid
Avoid vague ticket sites that do not clearly state:
- Whether the ticket is for the 2nd floor or summit.
- Whether access is by stairs or elevator.
- Whether guide service is included.
- Whether the guide stays with you or only meets you for check-in.
- Whether cancellation is free, partial, or not allowed.
- Whether the product is official or third-party.
- Where the meeting point is.
- What happens if the summit closes.
Also be careful with “skip-the-line” language. At the Eiffel Tower, security checks and elevator waits are part of the visit.
“Reserved access” is usually safer wording than “skip the line.”
When Is a Third-Party Eiffel Tower Ticket Worth It?
A third-party ticket or tour is worth considering when convenience matters more than the lowest base price.
Book through GetYourGuide or Viator if:
- Official tickets are gone for your preferred time.
- You want a host or guide.
- You want a Seine cruise bundled with the tower.
- You want an easier plan for kids or older travelers.
- You want a private guide.
- You prefer mobile booking and English-language support.
- You want cancellation flexibility where offered.
- You are booking a special occasion and want less friction.
Stick with the official site if the price is your main concern and your preferred slot is available.
Best Times to Book Eiffel Tower Tickets
Morning is usually the most practical time if you want a calmer visit. You start fresh, avoid some of the afternoon buildup, and still have the rest of the day for museums, neighborhoods, or a Seine cruise.
Sunset is the most romantic time, but it is also one of the most competitive. Book early if you want golden-hour views.
Night visits are wonderful if you care more about atmosphere than long-distance visibility. Paris glows after dark, and the tower lighting adds to the experience.
🌙 Evening Tip: Sunset and early evening are popular for a reason. Book ahead if you want golden-hour views or tower lights without scrambling for last-minute availability.
For more timing advice, see the Eiffel Tower opening hours and best time guide.
Practical Ticket Tips Before You Go
The Eiffel Tower is easy to admire and surprisingly easy to overcomplicate. A few choices make the day smoother.
Book the summit only if you really want it. The 2nd floor is already excellent, and many visitors are happy there.
Choose stairs only if your group is comfortable climbing. It can be a great experience, but it is not the right fit for everyone.
Arrive early enough for security, check-in, and elevators. A timed ticket is not a magic doorway.
Check the meeting point if you book a third-party product. Some tours meet outside the tower, not at the entrance.
Do not bring large luggage. The Eiffel Tower is not a good place to arrive with bags.
🧭 Planning Tip: If you want the simplest first Paris day, combine the Eiffel Tower with a Seine cruise and a gentle walk through the Champ de Mars or Trocadéro area.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower for Your Ticket Time
The Eiffel Tower sits by the Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement. Build in extra time, especially if you are crossing Paris by Metro, taxi, rideshare, or bus.
Useful arrival points include Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. Trocadéro is the classic photo approach, while Bir-Hakeim and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel can be practical for direct access.
🚇 Transit Tip: Bir-Hakeim, Trocadéro, and Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel are the most useful transit points for most visitors. Trocadéro is best for the classic tower approach photo.
For detailed routes, entrances, nearby stops, walking plans, and hotel-location advice, see the Eiffel Tower location and getting there guide.
Where to Stay Near the Eiffel Tower
Staying near the Eiffel Tower can make an early entry or evening visit easier. The tradeoff is that the 7th and western 15th are calmer at night than areas like Saint-Germain, the Marais, or central Right Bank neighborhoods.
Choose a nearby hotel if your Eiffel Tower visit is a trip centerpiece. Choose a more central nightlife or museum base if the tower is only one stop on a packed Paris itinerary.
| Hotel | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel | Closest practical full-service stay | Easy tower access and strong convenience |
| Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel | Familiar hotel brand | Practical for first-time visitors |
| Hôtel La Comtesse | Boutique 7th-arrondissement stay | Stylish base near classic Left Bank streets |
| Résidence Charles Floquet | Apartment-style stays | Useful for families and longer stays |
| Cler Hotel | Rue Cler neighborhood feel | Good for cafés, markets, and walkability |
| Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel | Families and larger-hotel amenities | Better fit if you want more services |
🏨 Stay Tip: For early tower entry or an evening visit, staying in the 7th or western 15th can reduce transit stress. For nightlife and broader sightseeing, Saint-Germain or the Right Bank may be more versatile.
Best Tours in Paris by Traveler Type
Related Eiffel Tower Planning Guides
Use these guides to finish planning the rest of your visit:
- Eiffel Tower tours guide — best if you want a guide, hosted entry, cruise combo, or private option.
- Eiffel Tower entrance fee guide — compare official prices, US$ estimates, and value picks.
- Eiffel Tower reservations guide — booking windows, timed entry, summit availability, and last-minute options.
- Eiffel Tower opening hours and best time guide — morning, sunset, night, and crowd timing.
- Eiffel Tower location and getting there guide — Metro stops, entrances, walking routes, and nearby hotels.
What Should You Do Next?
If you want the lowest official entrance fee, start with the official website.
If you want the simplest first-time visit, compare Eiffel Tower hosted and guided ticket options.
If you want a backup, private guide, or broader Paris combo, compare Viator Eiffel Tower options.
If the price table feels confusing, read the Eiffel Tower entrance fee guide next.
If your dates are tight, go straight to the Eiffel Tower reservations guide before you choose a time.
FAQ
Are Eiffel Tower tickets cheaper on the official site?
Usually, yes. The official ticket office is normally the cheapest place to buy basic Eiffel Tower tickets when your preferred date, time, level, and access method are available.
What is the cheapest Eiffel Tower ticket in 2026?
The lowest standard adult official ticket is the 2nd-floor stairs ticket, currently listed at €14.80, or about US$16. It is best for active travelers who are comfortable climbing.
How much is an Eiffel Tower summit ticket?
The standard adult official summit ticket by elevator is currently €36.70, or about US$40. The stairs-plus-elevator summit ticket is currently €28.00, or about US$30.
Do children under 4 need an Eiffel Tower ticket?
Yes. Children under 4 enter free, but they still need a free ticket.
Who qualifies for Eiffel Tower reduced rates?
Reduced rates apply to youth ages 12–24, children ages 4–11, eligible disabled visitors, and one accompanying person per disabled visitor. Proof may be required, so bring ID or eligibility documents.
Is GetYourGuide official for Eiffel Tower tickets?
No. GetYourGuide is a third-party booking platform, not the official Eiffel Tower ticket office. It can still be useful for guided, hosted, and combo products.
Is Viator official for Eiffel Tower tickets?
No. Viator is a third-party booking platform, not the official Eiffel Tower ticket office. It can be useful for private tours, guided access, and broader Paris combo tours.
Are Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets real?
Be careful with that phrase. At the Eiffel Tower, security checks and elevator waits can still apply, so “reserved access” or “hosted access” is usually more accurate than “skip the line.”