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Eiffel Tower summit tickets go on sale 60 days in advance: second floor or top floor, how to choose without wasting a trip?
First decide whether to go to the second level or the summit: the second level offers closer city views and lower ticket prices; the summit is higher but more crowded with longer queues. Official online tickets go on sale 60 days in advance, the summit sells out first, and sunset slots are the most popular. If you miss out, you can queue at the on-site ticket office for same-day tickets, or buy a skip-the-line ticket for guaranteed entry (more expensive). Source: toureiffel.paris.
The decision, from above
Summit tickets sell out first; the 60-day advance sale window is your booking opportunity
Arriving at the tower empty-handed with same-day summit tickets sold out = long queues or no access to the top
- Anchor
- Eiffel Tower
- First call
- How to go up: second floor or top floor, elevator or stairs (choose your ticket type first)
Time-sensitive · plan around it
The real question about the Eiffel Tower isn't 'whether to go,' but 'how to go up and when to book' — it's blocked by two gates. ① Booking gate: official online tickets typically go on sale about 60 days before your visit date, and summit (top floor) tickets sell out first; so when you see 'only expensive package tickets left' for a date two months away, but this week is wide open, you're seeing the sales calendar, not the tower being full — to reach the summit, book right when your date goes on sale (about 60 days ahead), with sunset slots filling up first. ② Floor gate: there are two paid levels — the second floor (many say the view is better and closer to the city) and the top floor (higher but more crowded, with longer queues); access is by elevator or stairs, with the final segment to the top requiring an elevator, as stairs only go to the second floor (adult prices: second floor stairs about €14.8, second floor elevator about €23.5, stairs to second floor then elevator to summit about €28, full elevator to summit about €36.7). Decide 'second floor or top floor' first, then book the corresponding ticket. ③ Backup if sold out: the official site says if online tickets are sold out, you can still buy same-day immediate entry tickets at the on-site ticket office (but expect queues, and the top floor may not be available), or get a third-party skip-the-line/guided tour ticket to guarantee entry (more expensive). Additionally: high winds or thunderstorms close the top floor, and sunset slots are most in demand. Conclusion: decide between second floor or top floor first, grab summit tickets at the 60-day advance sale window for your visit date, and if sold out, go for the on-site ticket office or skip-the-line tickets — don't show up empty-handed and gamble on the day.
Two gates: booking (about 60 days advance sale, summit sells out first) + floor (second floor vs top floor, elevator/stairs, different prices); if sold out, use on-site ticket office or skip-the-line tickets; high winds close the top floor.
How to go up: second floor or top floor, elevator or stairs (choose your ticket type first)
The official site offers four tower access tickets (adult prices): second floor stairs about €14.8, second floor elevator about €23.5, stairs to second floor then elevator to summit about €28, full elevator to summit about €36.7; the final segment to the top requires an elevator, as stairs only go to the second floor. (toureiffel.paris)
Many people find the second floor offers a better view (closer to the city, landmarks clearer), while the top is higher but more crowded, with longer queues and cramped space — going to the summit isn't a must. (toureiffel.paris)
| Ticket | How you go up | Which level | Best for | Adult price (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd floor · liftlift to 2nd Safest bet Best value for most: the 2nd-floor view is actually closer to the city and clearer on landmarks; the lift is easy and you don't gamble on summit availability | Most people wanting a clear city view without long queues | Lift straight to the 2nd floor; the view hugs the city | ~€23.5 | |
| 2nd floor · stairsstairs to 2nd Cheapest | Fit visitors who want to save | Climb to the 2nd floor; the cheapest option | ~€14.8 | |
| Top · all liftlift to top Stand at the tip | Those set on the very top who can book early | Two lifts to the summit; highest but more cramped, longer queues, sells out first | ~€36.7 | |
| Top · stairs+liftstairs+lift to top Top for less | Those wanting the summit cheaper who can climb to the 2nd floor | Climb to the 2nd floor then lift to the top; cheaper than all-lift | ~€28 |
When to book: online tickets go on sale about 60 days in advance, summit sells out first
Official online tickets usually go on sale about 60 days before your visit, and top-level (summit) tickets sell out first; so if you see 'only expensive package tickets' for a date two months away but plenty of options this week, it's the sales calendar rhythm, not the tower being full. (toureiffel.paris)
| When you book | What's available | Risk | Best for | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book the moment it opens (~60 days ahead)at release Safest If you want the summit or a sunset slot: book the instant your date opens (~60 days ahead) — it's essentially the only reliable window | Those wanting the summit or a sunset slot | The summit and popular slots sell out first; book at release or miss them | Watch the release time | |
| A few days to a week or two outcloser in Pot luck | Those happy with the 2nd floor at any time | The summit is usually gone; you may be left with the 2nd floor or pricey combos | Often 2nd floor only | |
| Same daywalk-up Least certain | Flexible visitors OK with queues or not getting up | Online is usually sold out; you're gambling on the on-site office | Rely on on-site |
What if sold out: buy at the on-site ticket office for immediate entry, or get a skip-the-line/guided tour ticket
Official note: if online tickets are sold out, you can still buy on-site tickets at the tower's ticket office for immediate entry; but expect queues, and top-level tickets may not be available. (toureiffel.paris)
To secure entry without gambling on on-site tickets, buy third-party skip-the-line or official guided summit tickets: pricier, but a more reliable way to get in. (toureiffel.paris)
| Fallback | How it works | Certainty | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party skip-the-line / guided ticketskip-the-line/guided Secures entry Online sold out and afraid of wasting the trip: a skip-the-line/guided ticket turns 'getting in' into a sure thing — worth the premium when time is tight | Those short on time who don't want to come away empty | Costs more, but more reliably locks in entry (some stock is separate from individual tickets) | Pricier | Find skip-the-line / guided tickets → |
| On-site ticket officeon-site office OfficialExpect a queue | Flexible visitors willing to queue | Officially you can still buy same-day tickets on site, but expect a queue and the summit may be unavailable | Official price | |
| Settle for the 2nd floor / view from the parkssettle for less Fallback | Those who just want to see the tower, not set on the summit | The 2nd floor, or the Champ de Mars / Trocadéro, are well worth it too | 2nd-floor ticket / free |
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FAQ
How far in advance should I book Eiffel Tower tickets?
Official online tickets go on sale about 60 days before your visit date; summit (top level) tickets sell out first, and sunset slots are the most popular. It's recommended to book on the day they go on sale, otherwise you may only get expensive packages or have to queue on-site. Source: toureiffel.paris.
Which is better, the second level or the summit of the Eiffel Tower?
The second level offers closer city views with clearer landmarks and lower ticket prices; the summit is higher but more crowded with longer queues and higher prices. If you're with children or someone afraid of heights, choose the second level. Source: toureiffel.paris.
What if Eiffel Tower tickets are sold out?
If official online tickets are sold out, you can still buy immediate visit tickets at the on-site ticket office, but you'll need to queue and the summit may not be available. You can also buy skip-the-line or official guided tour tickets (more expensive) for guaranteed entry. Source: toureiffel.paris.
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