THE ICON OF PARIS — TO THE TOP
Updated: June 2026 · by dani
Buy your Eiffel Tower tickets online from €99 and skip the line to the summit (3rd floor) at 276 m — the highest viewpoint open to the public over Paris.
Eiffel Tower tickets cost from €99 for skip-the-line summit (3rd floor) access at 276 m. Tickets that only reach the 2nd floor are cheaper, from about €79. The price depends on the floor, whether you take the lift or the stairs, and your time slot. Children get reduced rates and toddlers go free.
Buying Eiffel Tower tickets in advance through Civitatis guarantees your slot — essential for the summit, where timed-entry spots sell out fast in high season. You'll get a timed slot to skip the box-office queues, immediate confirmation and an assistant who guides you to the right entrance pillar and the lift.
Reach the very top of the tower at 276 m — Gustave Eiffel's recreated office, the Champagne bar and the most spectacular panorama of Paris. Access to the summit is by lift only.
A more affordable option at 115 m with the most detailed views of the city's monuments. You can reach this level by lift or on foot via the stairs.
See ticket options →The tower has three levels open to the public, each with its own experience. The 1st floor (57 m) has a glass floor where you can walk "on air", a history exhibition and shops. The 2nd floor (115 m) offers the most detailed close-up views of Paris and is the highest level you can reach on foot. The summit, or 3rd floor (276 m), is the highest point open to visitors — reached only by lift from the 2nd floor — with Gustave Eiffel's recreated office, a Champagne bar and unbeatable panoramic views.
There are two ways up, each with its trade-offs. The lift is the comfortable choice and the only way to reach the summit — ideal with children, older travellers or to save energy. The stairs are 674 steps to the 2nd floor: usually cheaper, with shorter queues, and the climb through the ironwork is an experience in itself. From the 2nd floor you can switch to the lift if you want to continue to the summit. If your goal is the top, choose a lift ticket; if you want to save money, the stairs to the 2nd floor are a great option.
The simplest way by public transport is the metro: the closest station is Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), about an 8-10 minute walk. For the classic panoramic photo before you go up, get off at Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9) and cross the Pont d'Iéna. The RER C stops at Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel, right by the base, and buses 42, 69, 82 and 87 stop nearby.
From the airports: from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) take RER B to Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and change to RER C towards Champ de Mars. From Orly, the Orlybus or Orlyval + RER B then RER C works well. A taxi from either airport takes roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Choose the summit (3rd floor) if it's your first time in Paris or you want the most spectacular views at 276 m and don't mind paying a little more — book ahead, as slots sell out. Choose the 2nd floor if you want a lower price, are travelling with young children, or prefer more detailed views of the monuments below: from here the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine and Sacré-Cœur all stand out clearly. For a complete experience the summit is worth it; if budget is the priority, the 2nd floor still delivers magnificent views.
The Eiffel Tower is busy almost year-round, but a few tricks really work. The best experience is to book a sunset slot and stay until the tower lights up and sparkles (the first 5 minutes of every hour after dark). Avoid the 11:00-16:00 peak; early morning is also quieter. Booking a timed-entry ticket online is the most effective way to skip the box-office queues. Arrive about 30 minutes before your slot for the airport-style security checks at the perimeter, and check the weather — strong wind or fog can temporarily close the summit for safety.
Skip-the-line summit (3rd floor) tickets start from ~€99 (adults). The 2nd floor is cheaper, from about €79. Children get reduced rates. Prices vary by floor, time slot and lift vs stairs.
Closest metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), 8-10 min walk. For the best photo use Trocadéro (Lines 6 & 9). RER C stops at Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel by the base.
Yes — the summit (3rd floor) is at 276 m, the highest level open to the public, reached by lift only from the 2nd floor. Book ahead, slots sell out.
The stairs (674 steps) only reach the 2nd floor and are cheaper with shorter queues. The summit needs the lift. Take the lift to reach the top; take the stairs to save money.
There are airport-style security checks around the perimeter. No dangerous items, glass or large luggage. Arrive ~30 minutes before your slot with your QR voucher.
The Eiffel Tower is the one must-do in Paris, but queues can ruin the experience if you don't book. Going to the summit is worth it at least once in your life; reserving a timed slot is the difference between enjoying the view and losing hours in line.
👍 What we like most
👎 What to know before booking
🎯 Who it's for (and who it isn't)
Yes if it's your first time in Paris or you want the best views. Maybe not if you have a strong fear of heights or want the cheapest option (then choose the 2nd floor).
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