- Location: Under the iconic glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon.
- Access: Visitors with pre-purchased tickets, online reservations, or museum passes can enter here. Walk-up visitors without tickets can also buy them here, but lines may be longer.
- Average wait time: With pre-purchased tickets, it could up to 10-30 minutes and without tickets could take between 30-90 minutes, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons.
- Best for: First-time visitors who want to experience the grandeur of the iconic Louvre Pyramid.
- Considerations: Often the busiest entrance, especially during peak times and holidays.
The 4 Louvre entrances
Pyramid Entrance (Main Entrance)
Carrousel du Louvre Entrance (Underground Entrance)
- Location: Accessible via the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station or through the underground shopping mall (99 Rue de Rivoli).
- Access: Ideal for visitors arriving by Metro or those seeking shelter from weather conditions. You can find shorter lines compared to the Pyramid entrance.
- Average wait time: Generally shorter than the Pyramid entrance, averaging 10–20 minutes.
- Best for: A quieter and faster entry; also convenient for accessing shops and restaurants in the Carrousel du Louvre.
Porte des Lions Entrance
- Location: On the southwest side of the Louvre, near the Seine River.
- Access: Historically reserved for visitors to specific galleries, such as the Islamic Art collection, though its availability may vary.
- Average wait time: Wait times here are minimal, often 5–15 minutes. However, this entrance is not always open, so check in advance.
- Best for: Avoiding crowds; check in advance if it is open during your visit.
- Considerations: This entrance is occasionally closed, so verify availability beforehand.
Richelieu Passage Entrance
- Location: North side of the Cour Napoléon, under the Richelieu wing.
- Access: Reserved for group tours and visitors with memberships like the Amis du Louvre pass.
- Average wait time:Since it is reserved for groups and special pass holders, wait times are typically 5–10 minutes.
- Best for: Group visits or those with special passes, offering expedited entry.
- Considerations: Not open to the general public without specific qualifications.
