Let’s be completely transparent: There are no true “skip-the-line” tickets for the Eiffel Tower.
All visitors — whether they’ve pre-booked online or joined a tour — must pass through mandatory security checks and designated queues. The Eiffel Tower itself does not authorise any STL or fast-track entry lanes beyond what’s already built into their timed ticketing system.
What you can do is plan smart:
These official, authorised options are your best bet to avoid wasting hours in line — and they help maintain a healthy partnership with the Eiffel Tower authorities, whom we work with closely.
During peak season (June to August), the queues for the Eiffel Tower can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes, especially between 10 am and 3 pm when crowds are at their peak. Even in the off-season (November to March), wait times can still reach up to 30 to 45 minutes, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Lines tend to form well before the gates open, especially near the Champ de Mars and Trocadéro Gardens entrances, where crowds gather early to secure the best spots. On particularly busy days, unreserved visitors may have to wait anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Wait times vary depending on the season, time of day, and ticket type — but here’s what you can generally expect:
Most tourists head to the East or North pillars, which are more visible from the park. The South Pillar often has the shortest lines, especially for stair access. If you’ve pre-booked a ticket and don’t need help, this is the quickest way in.
Locals know the Eiffel Tower is open until midnight in summer (last entry 11:45pm). Book the 10pm or later slots — the crowds thin out, the iron glows gold, and you avoid standing in the harsh afternoon sun.
You’ll still queue longer, pay more — and see nothing. Locals check the weather and only opt for the summit when visibility is good. Save time and money by choosing the second floor on cloudy or rainy days.
Few visitors realise this is an option — book a stairs ticket with a summit upgrade. You’ll breeze past the elevator line at the base, enjoy a crowd-free ascent, and only queue briefly for the elevator from 2nd to the summit.
Tourist buses pile in on Mondays, weekends, and school holidays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are sweet spots — fewer kids on field trips and less local footfall. Aim for a morning slot if you're planning photos from Trocadéro.
Most visitors go for the Elevator Tickets with Host to Summit— smooth entry, stunning views, and no guesswork.
“Skip-the-line” is not an official feature at the Eiffel Tower. Timed-entry is the real advantage — it lets you enter during a specific window and avoid open-ticket queues. But you still queue for security and lifts.
A guided tour lets you skip the ticket office queue, but not security or elevator lines — the Eiffel Tower doesn’t allow full skip-the-line access. A guide does help streamline your entry and direct you to less crowded pillars, though.
Hosted entry can speed things up, especially during peak hours. A host leads you to the right pillar and ensures smooth access, but again — no skipping security or elevator queues.
Expect to wait 30 to 90 minutes for tickets during peak season — even longer at sunset. Booking ahead shaves off a significant chunk of that time.
Yes — restaurant guests use a private elevator to the 1st floor. But this doesn’t give access to the summit or 2nd floor unless purchased separately.
No. All summit access must be booked in advance — there’s no way to upgrade a second-floor ticket once you’re there.
Absolutely. Stair queues move faster, especially early in the day. Bonus: it’s cheaper and gives you great mid-way views.
No. All visitors, even with timed tickets, must pass through mandatory security and elevator queues. However, you can skip the ticket office lines by booking online or joining a hosted tour.
Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor
Eiffel Tower Elevator Tickets with Host to Summit or Second Floor
Combo: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise
Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie
