Visiting the Eiffel Tower is one of the highlights of any trip to Paris. However, between long queues, sold-out tickets, and ticket resale scams, many visitors end up disappointed from the very first day. The good news is that all of this can be avoided. You simply need to book online, through the right website, at the right time. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Why Booking Your Tickets Online Is Essential
The Eiffel Tower welcomes millions of visitors every year. Demand far exceeds the site’s capacity, especially during the peak season from May through September. Without an online reservation, you risk waiting in line for several hours only to discover at the ticket office that every time slot has already sold out.
Booking online allows you to select a specific date and time slot, guaranteeing your access to the monument. It is the only reliable way to plan your visit without unpleasant surprises.
The Only Official Website to Use
There is one golden rule: buy your tickets only from the official Eiffel Tower website. The website address is toureiffel.paris. It is operated by the Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the only organization authorized to sell official admission tickets.
Be cautious of the many third-party websites that appear in search engine results. Some offer tickets at inflated prices, others advertise time slots that do not actually exist, and some even collect your payment details without ever sending valid tickets. If the website does not end with toureiffel.paris, do not use it.
Different Types of Tickets Available
Before starting your reservation, it helps to understand the available options:
- Elevator access: the most popular option, ideal for families, visitors with reduced mobility, or anyone wishing to reach the summit without the physical effort of climbing stairs.
- Stair access: a more affordable option allowing visitors to climb on foot to the second floor. The summit is only accessible by elevator from there.
- Summit access: included with certain elevator tickets or available as an upgrade, providing access to the third floor at an elevation of 276 meters (906 feet).
- Skip-the-line tickets or guided tours: available through selected authorized partners and sometimes including a guide or additional services.
Ticket prices vary according to age (adult, child, or youth) and the type of access selected. Children under four years old are admitted free of charge.
Step by Step: How to Book Your Tickets
Here is the booking process in detail:
- Visit toureiffel.paris and navigate to the “Tickets & Prices” section.
- Select your visit date. The calendar displays real-time availability. Dates shown in red or grey are fully booked.
- Choose a time slot. Time slots are generally available in 30-minute to one-hour intervals. Select the one that best fits your itinerary.
- Select your type of access (stairs or elevator) and the level you wish to visit (second floor or summit).
- Enter the number of visitors, specifying the appropriate age categories to receive the correct ticket prices.
- Add your tickets to the cart and complete your payment by credit card. The website uses a secure payment system.
- Receive your confirmation by email. It contains a PDF ticket with a QR code that must be presented at the entrance.
It is strongly recommended to book at least two to three weeks in advance outside the peak season, and ideally one month or more ahead during the summer. Morning and weekday time slots generally sell out more slowly than weekend evening visits.
On the Day of Your Visit: What You Need to Know
On the day of your visit, make sure you have access to your ticket, either digitally on your smartphone or as a printed copy. The queues reserved for online ticket holders are separate from the traditional ticket office lines, saving you a significant amount of time.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot. If you arrive too early, you may be asked to wait. If you arrive after your scheduled time has ended, your ticket may no longer be accepted.
Be sure to check the weather forecast as well. In cases of strong winds or thunderstorms, access to the summit may be closed for safety reasons, even if you hold a valid ticket. In such cases, a refund or rescheduled visit may be offered.
What Happens If You Arrive Without a Ticket
This is where many travelers encounter disappointment. Here is the reality:
- On-site ticket offices are frequently sold out, especially during peak season. It is common to find that the next available tickets are for the following day—or even several days later.
- Queues without reservations are extremely long. Depending on the time of year, waiting two to three hours—or even longer—is not unusual, with absolutely no guarantee of being admitted.
- Unofficial ticket resellers operate around the monument and often offer tickets at excessive prices. Some even sell counterfeit tickets. Always refuse these offers.
- Your sightseeing schedule is disrupted. A day that was meant to include Montmartre or the Musée d’Orsay can quickly be consumed by unnecessary waiting.
There is no miracle solution once you arrive without a reservation. The best alternative is usually to return the following day after booking online the evening before through the official website—provided time slots are still available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your booking goes smoothly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Booking through a third-party website while believing you are purchasing official tickets.
- Confusing elevator tickets with stair-access tickets during the booking process.
- Forgetting to check your spam folder for the confirmation email.
- Arriving at the wrong entrance. The Eiffel Tower has several entry points, so make sure you use the one indicated on your ticket.
- Failing to prepare a backup in case your phone battery dies. Always keep a printed copy or a screenshot of your ticket.
Conclusion
Buying your Eiffel Tower tickets online is not simply one option among many—it is the key to a successful visit. By booking through the official website, carefully selecting your preferred time slot, and keeping your ticket readily accessible, you avoid the vast majority of problems encountered by unprepared visitors. Spend just five minutes making your reservation before your trip, and enjoy one of the world’s most iconic landmarks with complete peace of mind.