Ahh, Paris. This romantic city is packed with twinkling lights, an abundance of delicious food, crisp wine, and, of course, the magnificent Eiffel Tower.
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, there is little doubt the city’s most well-known landmark is on your list of things to see. No, we’re not talking about the Louvre Museum, but rather the picturesque Eiffel Tower. For any visitor to Paris, getting a skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket is a no-brainer, but why is this the case?
With nearly seven million visitors heading to this landmark, the last thing you want to do is wait in a queue at the Eiffel Tower ticket offices. So, if you don’t want to waste half your day standing in a line, we’ve provided a full breakdown of how to get your Eiffel Tower Summit priority access.
Below, we break down your different options for skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tours and tickets and offer a side-by-side comparison to help you save time.
Highlights:
- Save time by skipping the notorious lines at the ticket office
- Amazing views of Paris both day and night
- Spectacular light show in the evenings
- Perhaps the most iconic building on Earth
- Visit the museum on the first floor
Know before you book:
- It can get crowded during peak times
- The first and second levels are wheelchair accessible, but the summit is not
- Tickets will be booked for specific time slots
Built between 1887 and 1889, the Eiffel Tower is probably the most widely recognized monument in the world. For well over a century, the wrought-iron beast has dominated the Parisian skyline, towering elegantly above the city streets.
The tower was named after the engineer and entrepreneur who erected it: Gustave Eiffel. Standing at 1,082 ft (330 m) tall, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world at the time of its construction and maintained that title for 41 years. Today, it is still the tallest structure in Paris, France.
Grabbing some Eiffel Tower tickets that skip the line is a fundamental part of any tourist trip to the City of Light. It’s not just an important piece of French history; climbing the tower affords visitors the best possible views of Paris.
Travelers Tip: A popular choice is to combine a trip up the Eiffel Tower with a cruise on the River Seine.
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Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tickets Prices 2024
Eiffel Tower prices vary depending on the experience you wish to have. If you’re looking for Eiffel Tower ticket prices in US Dollars, we’ve included those too.
- Basic Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets start at €32 ($35 USD) for access to the first and second floors.
- If you want access to the summit, your most affordable skip-the-line option will cost roughly €60 ($65 USD).
- Guided tours with a dinner or Seine River cruise range from around €80 ($87 USD) and go up to €307 ($336 USD) depending on the options.
Check the price list below for the most up-to-date offers on skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets and tours.
Eiffel Tower Opening Times
You’ll be pleased to know that the Eiffel Tower is open 365 days a year. So you’ll be able to ascend it no matter when you visit Paris. The daily opening times vary slightly throughout the year. However, here are the general Eiffel Tower opening hours.
- Site Entrance Schedule: 9:15 am to 10:45 pm
- Monument Closing Time: 11:45 pm
- Startcaise Times: 9:30 am to 10:45 pm
- Elevator Times: 9:30 am to 11:00 pm
Note: The ascent by elevator for each day is an hour before closing, while the final ascent via the staircase is two hours before closing.
Best Time to Go on an Eiffel Tower Summit Tour
Generally speaking, the Eiffel Tower is busiest from late morning to late afternoon. If you’d prefer a quieter visit, we suggest visiting between 9 am and 11 am or between 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Visiting when the tower is quieter can save you time and make the experience more peaceful.
While the Eiffel Tower priority entrance tickets compared below allow you to skip the line at the ticket office, the fast-track security checks can still be busy during the tower’s peak hours.
Another consideration is whether you should visit the Eiffel Tower at night or during the day. After dark, the city lights glow and sparkle, and the tower itself performs a light display for 10 minutes on the hour, every hour.
During the day, however, you’ll have a better view of Paris from the tower. Some visitors even choose to do both.
PS: Check out the best time to visit Paris, which we’ve also covered in detail.
Should I Buy Eiffel Tower Tickets in Advance?
It is generally advised to buy tickets ahead of your visit to the Eiffel Tower. Tickets are available upon arrival, but buying them on the day will require you to wait in long lines at the ticket office. Getting priority tickets to the Eiffel Tower also ensures access during a specific time slot, which is ideal for busy itineraries.
When you buy skip-the-line Eiffel Tower tickets online, you make the most of your time in Paris and get to spend more time in the sky atop the tower.
Cheap Eiffel Tower Tickets and Tour Options
There are several options for you to pick from, so making the right choice isn’t always easy. Some give you access to only the first and second floors, while others offer access to all floors, including the summit.
Whether you want to explore the tower during the day at your own pace or pair it with other top activities like a Paris food tour, we’ve got you covered. These in-depth comparisons are sure to help you make the right choice.
Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Summit With Host
This is the most basic but one of the best ticket options for you to pick from. You can purchase your tickets online for a set date and time, helping you avoid the ticket office and plan ahead.
This ticket also provides you with a host who will guide you to the ticket-scan entrance. They’ll accompany you up the scenic elevator ride to the first and second floors and the Summit if you choose that in your tour package.
Riding the lift up the tower is an experience in itself. It travels up the building within one of the four legs, offering interesting views of the surrounding structure and passing fellow visitors climbing the stairs.
Top Tip: Once at the second floor or Summit, look out for some iconic Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame and the top museums in the city.
- Eiffel Tower tickets (skip-the-line)
- Entry ticket to the fist and second floors of the Eiffel Tower
- Optional access to the Summit
- A live tour guide
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Ticket in Paris With Seine River Cruise
This ticket includes access to the top level of the Eiffel Tower and allows you to skip the ticket office lines. You will also have access to all tower levels, including the Summit.
Enjoy skip-the-line access to the tower, where you can spend as long as you like exploring the different levels at your leisure. This ticket allows you to use the elevator, and your tour operator will help you identify all the magical landmarks throughout Paris.
To end off an already unforgettable experience, you’ll be able to admire the Eiffel Tower from the Seine River on a one-hour cruise. This is a fantastic addition to any experience and one of the best ways to enjoy Paris.
- Access to the tower without having to wait in the ticket office lines
- Access to all levels of the Eiffel Tower
- Practical guidance from a friendly host
- 1-hour Seine River cruise
- Transportation
- Food and drinks
Tickets for an Eiffel Tower Dining Experience
If you seek the finer things in life, then this dining experience on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower is another thing to tick off your bucket list. This ticket grants you priority access to the first floor from the ground level.
Here, you’ll dine at Madame Brasserie, an eclectic restaurant serving only the finest French cuisine at the dizzying heights of the first floor. You’ll only have access to the first floor with this ticket, but why would you want to go anywhere else when digging into a romantic four-course meal?
There are other subtle additions, like the vast array of drinks on offer and the digital Mystery Game which you can play while waiting for your food. Simply put, there’s no better place to enjoy a Parisian dinner than at the Madame Brasserie.
Top Tip: If you’re looking for an alternative dining experience, have a look at these Paris dinner cruises.
- Elevator ticket to the first floor
- Three or four-course menu, depending on the option picked
- Includes wine, champagne, or coffee if the option is selected
- Elevator access to the other floors
- Souvenir photos
Specification: Best Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Tickets + Summit Prices 2024
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Maureen_O –
Madi was wonderful! She was very informative and had a great sense of humor. I’m would highly recommend!
Beth_M –
First time in Paris, first day, first landmark and with all that pressure (😅) Toby did a great job pointing out landmarks, sharing the Tower’s history and leading us thru security and lines. Tickets and check in was easy and pleasant. Would recommend!
Beth_M –
First time in Paris, first day, first landmark and with all that pressure (😅) Toby did a great job pointing out landmarks, sharing the Tower’s history and leading us thru security and lines. Tickets and check in was easy and pleasant. Would recommend!