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- Eiffel Tower
- Trocadero Gardens
- Summit
- History
- Architecture
- Inside
- Light Show
- View from the Eiffel
- Second Floor
- First Floor
- Christmas
- Plan Your Visit
- Guided Tours
- Timings
- Directions
- Entrances
- Restaurants
- Facts
- Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
- Dinner at the Eiffel Tower
- The Eiffel & Seine experience
- Things to do near Eiffel
- Breakfast at the Eiffel Tower
- How to get to the top
- Disneyland® Paris Tickets
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Contents
Which Eiffel Tower entrance to choose to skip the long queues?
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.
Save up to 90 minutes at the Eiffel Tower!
Skip the long ticket lines by pre-booking your entry and using the fastest entrance to the summit. Secure your spot in advance and spend more time enjoying the views—not waiting in queues.
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
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€88.20
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.
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.