The Eiffel Tower has three entrances— East, West, and South— each marked with different colored flags, and security screenings are mandatory, but choosing the right entrance can save you up to 90 minutes of waiting time.

This guide explains which entrance is best for you: whether you want to take the stairs, skip the line, or find the fastest way to the summit.

How to reach the Eiffel Tower entrances?

By metro: Closest station: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), Trocadéro (Line 9) – 10 min walk.
By RER: Champs de Mars - Tour Eiffel (RER C) – 7 min walk.
By bus: Lines 42, 82, Tour Eiffel stop within 5–10 min walk.
By bike (Vélib): Closest docking stations Octave Gérard (1 min), Avenue Rapp (2 min).
By boat (Batobus): Stop at Tour Eiffel – 6 min walk.

Need more details? Check out our detailed directions guide!

Entrances

Entrance	Access	Where is it?	Flag colour	Best for	Cons	Wait time	Facilities
South Pillar (Pillar 1)	Stairs to 2nd Floor + Elevator to Summit	Facing Champ de Mars	🔵 Blue	Budget-conscious visitors, fitness enthusiasts, accessing the stairs	674 steps - tough climb	Without ticket: 1–2 hours With ticket: 15–30 mins	Restrooms, ticket counter, security check
East Pillar (Pillar 2)	Elevator to 2nd Floor + Summit	Closest to Quai Branly	🟢 Green	Visitors with advance tickets, accessing the elevators	Slightly more expensive	Without ticket: 1–1.5 hours With ticket: 15–30 mins	Ticket counter, security check
West Pillar (Pillar 3)	Elevator to 2nd Floor + Summit	Facing the Seine River, near Trocadéro	🟡 Yellow	Visitors buying tickets on-site	Longer queues for ticket buyers	Without ticket: 1–1.5 hours With ticket: 15–30 mins	Ticket counter, security check, disability access

Book your Eiffel Tower tickets

Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor

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1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

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Eiffel Tower Elevator Tickets with Host to Summit or Second Floor

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Combo: Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator with Seine River Cruise

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1 hr. 30 min. - 2 hr.

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Combo (Save 2%): Aquarium de Paris Tickets + Eiffel Tower Guided Tour to Summit

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Queues at the Eiffel Tower pillars

The Eiffel Tower has separate lines for different ticket types. Knowing which line to join will make your visit more comfortable.

Queue 1 (Blue flag)

Entrance: South pillar

This line is for people who want to climb the stairs to the second floor or take the stairs to the second floor and then an elevator to the top. If you haven't bought a ticket yet, you can buy one at the ticket office marked with a blue flag.

Queue 2 (Green flag)

Entrance: East and West pillars

This line is for visitors who have purchased tickets to use the elevator to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower. From here, you can directly enter the tower's leg.

Queue 3 (Yellow flag)

Entrance: East and West pillars

Those who want to purchase tickets for the elevator should join the queue marked with a yellow flag. This queue leads to the ticket office.

Disabled access

Visitors with disabilities can access the Eiffel Tower's second floor via the West Pillar entrance, where dedicated staff can assist them with a quicker entry process. Ticket purchases can be made at the Information Point using credit/debit cards or at the ticket office, which accepts both cash and card payments.

Additionally, the Information Point and other ticket counters are equipped with hearing loops for visitors with hearing aids.

Note: Although the Eiffel Tower has made efforts to accommodate visitors with disabilities, the tower's summit is not accessible to those with limited mobility.

How to reduce waiting time at the Eiffel Tower entrances?

Buy your tickets online in advance. This simple step can save you up to 90 minutes of waiting in line!
Arrive early or late for the shortest wait times. Get there before 10am or after 8pm for a 10-30 minute wait. If you arrive midday, be prepared to wait 1-2 hours, and during peak times, it can stretch to 2-3 hours. Visit later and enjoy the light show while you wait!
Choose the East or West entrances if you already have a ticket. These are much quicker than the South entrance, where wait times are often 30-60% longer.
Avoid weekends and holidays if possible. These are the busiest times, and even with on-site tickets, you might be stuck waiting 2-3 hours to get in.
Factor in security checks. Every visitor must go through security, which adds another 15-20 minutes to your entry time.

Want to skip the line? Pre-book your Eiffel Tower ticket now and use the fastest entrance

Frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower entrances

Which entrance has the shortest wait times?

The East and West entrances generally have the shortest queues, but only if you already have a ticket. The South entrance tends to be the busiest.

Which entrance should I use if I want to take the stairs?

If you plan to climb the Eiffel Tower by stairs, you’ll need to enter through the South entrance, as it’s the only access point for stairway entry.

Do I need to buy tickets before arriving?

No, you can buy tickets on-site, but purchasing in advance reduces wait times by up to 90 minutes and gives you access to priority entry lanes.

Are security checks mandatory at all entrances?

Yes, security checks are required for all visitors and take a minimum of 15-20 minutes, regardless of the entrance you choose.

Which entrance is best for families or seniors?

The West entrance is the most family- and senior-friendly since it has disability-friendly access and generally shorter queues than the South entrance.

Does my ticket allow me to re-enter the Eiffel Tower?

No, all tickets are single-entry only, meaning once you leave, you cannot return without purchasing a new ticket.

How can I avoid long lines at the Eiffel Tower?

The best way is to book your ticket in advance! Online reservations let you skip the long ticket purchase lines and head straight to security, saving you valuable time.

What’s the quickest way to get to the Eiffel Tower’s summit?

Taking the elevator via the East or West entrance is the fastest way. Booking tickets online helps you bypass long ticket queues, making your visit even smoother.

Do Eiffel Tower tickets help me avoid long queues?

Yes! Booking online lets you skip the on-site ticket line, which can save you up to 90 minutes on busy days. You’ll only need to go through the security check before heading up.