The second floor and summit are two different ticket decisions. Start with your budget, comfort with heights and whether reaching the top is the main reason for your visit. Then choose stairs or lifts; those are access methods, not interchangeable floor upgrades.
The second floor suits a lower-cost visit with city views. Choose a summit ticket if reaching the top matters to you. A second-floor ticket cannot be upgraded to the summit on-site, according to the official ticket guidance.
Official Eiffel Tower ticket prices compared
Adult admission prices checked on 15 September 2026. These are the monument’s published entry prices, not a quote for the guided product linked below. Your date, age category and extras can change the final booking price.
| Ticket route | Highest included level | Adult admission |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs to the second floor | Second floor | EUR 14.80 |
| Lift to the second floor | Second floor | EUR 23.50 |
| Stairs to second floor + lift to summit | Summit | EUR 28.00 |
| Lifts to the summit | Summit | EUR 36.70 |
What do you see from the second floor?
The photograph below was taken from the second floor. Use it to judge whether this perspective is enough for your trip: you can follow the Seine and pick out bridges and rooftops. A higher viewpoint is a different experience, not automatically a better photograph.
Summit access: lifts, stairs and the change of lift
Summit access continues by lift from the second floor. The stairs-and-lift ticket means walking up 674 steps to the second floor, then taking the summit lift. Choose this for the climb itself, not just to save money when your group would find the stairs difficult.
Is the summit worth the extra cost?
At the checked adult rates, summit-by-lift costs EUR 13.20 more than second-floor-by-lift. For two adults, that is EUR 26.40 extra. If reaching the top is a shared priority, budget for it from the start; if you mainly want a city view, keep the second floor on your shortlist.
Do not schedule a tightly timed cruise immediately afterwards. Leave room for security, lift queues, the descent and the walk to your pier. A booked entry time is not a promise that the whole visit finishes at a fixed time.
Compare Eiffel Tower visit optionsBefore booking: floor, mobility and weather
The official site directs visitors with limited mobility away from summit and stair access. Check the second-floor lift option and current accessibility guidance for your needs. Summit access can also be restricted by severe weather or peak conditions.
For a guided product, check where the guide meets you, which floor the guide accompanies you to, and whether summit entry is included. Audio commentary, a live guide and standard admission are different services. The option on your booking confirmation decides what you receive.
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Eiffel Tower: second floor or summit?: common questions
Can I upgrade a second-floor ticket to the summit?
The official ticket advice says there is no on-site upgrade. If the summit is essential, book an option that explicitly includes it before visiting.
Can you walk all the way to the Eiffel Tower summit?
No. The visitor stairs-and-lift route climbs to the second floor, then uses a lift for the summit. Your ticket must include summit access.
Is a guided Eiffel Tower ticket the same price as official entry?
Not necessarily. Guiding and other services can add to the price. Compare the same floor, access method, date and included services before choosing.
Written for planning, with official visitor information linked where relevant. Suggested routes and time allowances are editorial recommendations. Check current entry rules, opening notices and ticket conditions before booking. Read how we prepare and update our guides.
