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Which Eiffel Tower entrance to choose to skip the long queues?

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Quick guide | Which entrance should you choose?

➜ Choose the East entrance if you want elevators: Best for visitors with lift-access tickets heading to the second floor or summit.

➜ Choose the West entrance if you want another elevator access point: Also serves elevator visitors and can be useful if queues appear shorter on this side.

➜ Choose the South entrance if you're taking the stairs: Head here for stair-access tickets to the first and second floors.

➜ Choose the entrance shown on your ticket if you have reserved access: Follow the pillar or meeting-point instructions on your booking to avoid joining the wrong queue.

Tour guide showing visitors the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor during Paris city tour.
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.

Save up to 90 minutes at the Eiffel Tower!

The Eiffel Tower entrances, explained 

The East, West, and South Pillars all have entrances. Choosing the right one might seem confusing, but it's actually quite simple.

Entrances

EntranceAccessWhere is it?Flag colourBest forConsWait timeFacilities

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

How to reach the Eiffel Tower entrances?

Tootbus tour passing Place de la Concorde in Paris, with passengers enjoying city views.
  • 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!

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

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.

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