Eiffel Tower stairs vs lifts – Which one you should take?

Eiffel Tower is a quintessential Paris experience; one that no one wants to miss on. But hey, brace yourself for a crowd! Grabbing those lift tickets isn't as easy as pie. Whether you opt for the stairs or the elevator, be ready for some wait time. But trust me, the view from the top? Totally worth it!

Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Eiffel Tower Elevators - Which is the better option?

Most visitors opt for the Eiffel Tower Elevator Tickets as it guarantees a comfortable climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. However, long ticket lines could spell trouble as you may have to wait over 3 hours to access the lift. Meanwhile, the queue for the stairs is considerably smaller, with a minimal waiting time of just 30 minutes.

But, how many steps are in the eiffel tower? 1665 steps. Yes, it takes climbing 1665 steps to reach from the esplanade up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Expect an average climb time of 30-45 minutes.

Skip the line and ascend the Eiffel Tower at your own pace

Climbing the Eiffel Tower steps should be your go-to option if you want to skip the line at the Eiffel Tower. Though it seems like a daunting task, you’ll have complete freedom over your ascend, something that the lift does not offer. You can even take occasional breaks and enjoy the Parisian skyline from different heights. The only downside to choosing the Eiffel Tower stairs is that you will have to climb over 700 steps to reach the second level.

You can buy Eiffel Tower stair tickets on the day of your visit or book the tickets online seven days in advance. Buying tickets online is recommended as it will help to bypass the ticket waiting line.

Cheaper access to the Eiffel Tower Floors via stairs

With Eiffel Tower elevator prices ranging from €18.10 - €28.30, ascending the Iron Lady via the lifts is a rather expensive option. Coupled with the never-ending ticket queues and long waiting lines, Eiffel Tower lifts can set you back in both money and time.

Climbing the stairs is the cheapest way to ascend the monument, with Eiffel Tower stair tickets prized below €4 (depends on your package). As most visitors choose the elevators, the waiting time for climbing the stairs is generally less than 30 minutes.

Important information

1. You will have to climb 328 steps to the first floor and 674 steps to the second floor.
2. The Eiffel Tower has 1,665 steps from the esplanade up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. However, the stairway from the second floor to the summit is not open to the public.

Eiffel Tower guided climbs via stairs

Eiffel Tower Guided Climbs is your best option while visiting the Eiffel Tower as they help you make the most for your time and money. Guided tours often include a light, authentic French breakfast complete with a croissant, and a local host or guide who knows the layout of the Eiffel Tower in and out.

The guide will keep you informed about the history of the Eiffel Tower as you climb the monument. Once on the second floor (depends on your package), the guide will also navigate you to the summit lift (optional).

Skip the line Eiffel Tower stair tickets and prices

Eiffel Tower stairs are a safe bet to skip the line and get direct access to the first and second floors. At a price of only €4, the stairs usually see no rush and can be accessed in less than 30 minutes of buying the ticket. However, only fit visitors are allowed to use the stairs, while those with lower mobility like senior citizens are directed to use the lifts.

Skip the line Eiffel Tower stair tickets are available in different variations: first-floor access, first and second-floor access with an optional summit lift ticket.

Eiffel Tower lifts - Skip the line tickets and summit access

There are three Eiffel Tower elevator access packages: elevator access to first and second floor, elevator access to first and second floor and summit. You can also choose to make your way up to the second floor via stairs and take a lift to the summit.

Skip the line Eiffel Tower stair tickets are available in different variations: first-floor access, first and second-floor access with an optional summit lift ticket.

If you have a lunch or dinner experience booked at the two Eiffel Tower restaurants, you can skip the line and get to the respective floor via a private elevator.

Prices

The prices of Eiffel Tower tickets vary depending on your access levels. Elevator access to the first and second floor will cost you around €44. You will have an optional Seine river cruise too. Elevator access to all the floors along with a guided tour, including the summit will cost you €69. However, the elevator access to the summit from the second floor will cost you only €44.

Eiffel Tower: Visiting tips

• Eiffel Tower Ticket queues can get uncomfortably long, with 90-minute waiting times.
• It is always better to book your tickets online to avoid long lines and get direct access to the Eiffel Tower.
• Opening hours of the Eiffel Tower are your go-to choice if you’re looking to beat the crowd. The waiting times are significantly lesser.
• To save yourself the trouble of waiting in line for tickets, book your stair/lift tickets online.

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