How much money does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower? A Comprehensive Guide for American Travelers

Planning a trip to the City of Lights? The iconic Eiffel Tower is likely at the top of your must-see list. But before you book those tickets, you're probably wondering: How much money does it cost to visit the Eiffel Tower? This article will break down all the ticket prices, what's included, and tips to save money, so you can budget effectively for your Parisian adventure.

Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices: What You Need to Know

The cost of visiting the Eiffel Tower varies depending on a few key factors:

Your age: Children and young adults often receive discounted rates.
Your chosen access level: Do you want to take the stairs or the elevator? Do you want to reach the summit?
When you purchase: Booking in advance is highly recommended and can sometimes influence pricing or availability.

Let's dive into the specifics. Prices are generally presented in Euros (€), but we'll provide approximate USD equivalents for your convenience (note that exchange rates fluctuate). These prices are based on information generally available for standard adult tickets and can change.

Access Options and Corresponding Costs

There are several ways to ascend the Eiffel Tower, each with a different price point:

Option 1: Stairs to the 2nd Floor

This is the most budget-friendly option and a great choice for those who enjoy a good workout and don't mind a bit of a climb. You'll climb approximately 704 steps to reach the second level.

Adults (18-24 years): Approximately €10.70 (around $11.50 USD)
Youth (12-24 years): Approximately €5.35 (around $5.75 USD)
Children (4-11 years): Approximately €2.70 (around $2.90 USD)
Children under 4: Free

What's included: Access to the first and second floors via the stairs. You will not have access to the summit with this ticket.

Option 2: Elevator to the 2nd Floor

If you prefer to save your energy for exploring the city, the elevator is a convenient option. This ticket grants you access to the second floor via the tower's internal elevators.

Adults: Approximately €17.70 (around $19.00 USD)
Youth (12-24 years): Approximately €8.85 (around $9.50 USD)
Children (4-11 years): Approximately €4.45 (around $4.80 USD)
Children under 4: Free

What's included: Access to the first and second floors via elevator. The summit is not included.

Option 3: Elevator to the Summit

This is the quintessential Eiffel Tower experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. This ticket includes elevator access all the way to the top.

Adults: Approximately €28.30 (around $30.50 USD)
Youth (12-24 years): Approximately €14.15 (around $15.25 USD)
Children (4-11 years): Approximately €7.10 (around $7.65 USD)
Children under 4: Free

What's included: Access to the first, second, and summit levels via elevator. This is the most comprehensive ticket.

Option 4: Stairs to the 2nd Floor, then Elevator to the Summit

This is a popular option that combines a bit of physical activity with the ultimate reward of reaching the summit. You'll climb to the second floor and then take an elevator from there to the top.

Adults: Approximately €21.10 (around $22.75 USD)
Youth (12-24 years): Approximately €10.55 (around $11.35 USD)
Children (4-11 years): Approximately €5.30 (around $5.70 USD)
Children under 4: Free

What's included: Access to the first and second floors via stairs, and then elevator access from the second floor to the summit. This ticket also grants access to the first and second floors via elevator if you choose not to take the stairs down.

Important Considerations and Tips for Saving Money

While the ticket prices are fairly standard, there are ways to make your Eiffel Tower visit more affordable and enjoyable:

Book in Advance Online: This is the single most important tip! Tickets, especially for the summit, sell out weeks, if not months, in advance. Purchasing your tickets directly from the official Eiffel Tower website (toureiffel.paris) will secure your spot and often be the most cost-effective way. Avoid third-party resellers who may charge inflated prices.
Consider the Time of Day: While not always a direct pricing factor, visiting during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) can mean shorter queues for security and the elevators, saving you valuable time.
Age Discounts are Real: If you are traveling with young adults or children, be sure to select the correct age category when purchasing tickets.
What's NOT Included: The prices listed above typically do not include access to the Champagne Bar at the summit or any special exhibitions that might be running.
Free Views: You can enjoy stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from various points in Paris without paying an entrance fee, such as the Champ de Mars park, Trocadéro gardens, or from a Seine River cruise.
Beware of Scams: Be wary of unofficial ticket sellers or individuals offering "skip-the-line" access outside the official entrance.

What to Expect When You Visit

Once you've secured your tickets, here's a general idea of what your visit might entail:

Security Checks: Like most major attractions, the Eiffel Tower has strict security measures. Be prepared for bag checks and metal detector scans before you can proceed to the ticket validation or the base of the tower.

Crowds: The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, so expect crowds, especially during peak season (spring and summer) and holidays. Patience is key!

Elevator Lines: Even with pre-booked tickets, there can be lines for the elevators, particularly the ones going to the summit. The stair climbs have their own lines as well, though often shorter for those who opt for them.

The Experience: From the first floor, you'll find shops, restaurants, and exhibits. The second floor offers even more expansive views and is a popular spot for photos. Reaching the summit is the ultimate thrill, with unparalleled vistas of Paris laid out before you. You can see landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to go to the very top of the Eiffel Tower?

To reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower via elevator, the cost for an adult ticket is approximately €28.30 (around $30.50 USD). This is the most comprehensive ticket option and provides the most stunning panoramic views of Paris.

Why are there different prices for the Eiffel Tower?

The Eiffel Tower has different ticket prices to accommodate various access levels and age groups. Visitors can choose to ascend by stairs or elevator, and access can be limited to the second floor or extend to the summit. Discounts are also offered for youth and children to make the experience more accessible to families.

Is it cheaper to take the stairs or the elevator at the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, it is significantly cheaper to take the stairs to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. An adult ticket for the stairs is approximately €10.70 (around $11.50 USD), compared to approximately €17.70 (around $19.00 USD) for the elevator to the same level. However, this option requires climbing over 700 steps.

When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower to avoid crowds and save money?

While ticket prices don't typically fluctuate based on time of day, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, can help you avoid the largest crowds. Booking your tickets well in advance, ideally several months ahead of your visit, is the most crucial step to securing your desired time slot and avoiding potential price increases from unofficial vendors.