Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator- Which is Better?
The different levels of the Eiffel Tower offer a great scenic view of the city of Paris, but to explore these different levels, you need to choose between an elevator or stairs.
The elevators and staircase of the Eiffel Tower offer entirely different views and allow you to reach the top at different paces.
Visitors planning to go up the Eiffel Tower must first sort out the dilemma of picking between the elevator and staircase to the top!
Read further to discover which can take more passengers to the top, their timings, and much more.
Don’t forget to check out our favorite option among the two!
Should you take the Eiffel Tower Elevator or Stairs to the Top? Our recommendation!
We recommend taking the Eiffel Tower elevator for a convenient and comprehensive experience, allowing access to the Summit, which isn’t possible by stairs.
However, consider using the stairs during peak tourism season to avoid long elevator lines.
A Quick Overview: Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
| Eiffel Tower Elevators | Eiffel Tower Staircase |
|---|---|
| Number of Elevators: 7 | Number of Staircases: 1 |
| Timings: 9.30 am to 11 pm | Timings: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm |
| Access: All levels, including Summit | Access: First and Second floors |
| Location: North, West, and East pillars. South pillar elevator reserved for Jules Verne. | Location: South pillar |
| Capacity: 46 people | Capacity: Depends on crowd |
| Ascension time: 10 to 15 minutes to Summit | Ascension time: 30 minutes to second level. |
| Ticket price: €20 | Ticket price: €39 |
| Buy this ticket | Buy this ticket |
How many Lifts and Staircases are Available?
The Eiffel Tower has seven hydraulic elevators in total.
Three elevators are accessible from the base of the tower, at the north, west, and east pillars, which lead to the first and second floors.
To go to the Summit, you have to switch elevators at the second level, from where two elevators go to the Summit.
One elevator from the base is only for staff, and the other is for members of Jules Verne Restaurant.
The Eiffel Tower has four staircases, one of each on every pillar, but only the staircase at the South pillar is open to the public up to the tower’s second level.
When we compare the number of elevators and staircases, the Elevator is the obvious winner, as only one staircase is open to the public!
Ticket prices- Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
Priced at €42 per person, Staircase tickets grant you access to the tower’s second floor and provide excellent value for your visit.
If you wish to reach the summit, an elevator ride is necessary.
By upgrading your staircase ticket, you can add elevator access for a total of €62, allowing you to explore the tower’s top floor.
On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of a lift from the beginning, the Elevator access ticket prices are €70 to reach the second level and €85 to ascend all the way to the summit.
Comparing the prices, the staircase tickets undoubtedly offer a more cost-effective choice.
Timings- Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Lift
The Eiffel Tower’s elevators open daily at 9.30 am and the last elevator goes up at 11 pm.
On the other hand, the stairs open at 9.30 am and close at 5.30 pm.
It’s important to note that during the festive season, the opening and closing times may be extended, so it’s advisable to check the official website before making any ticket reservations.
In terms of availability, the elevators have the advantage as they remain open longer than the stairs, making them the preferred choice for many visitors.
Which Restaurants and Floors Can I Access? Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
Visitors using the Eiffel Tower elevators can access the Summit of the Eiffel Tower.
They must switch elevators at the second level to go to the Summit since no lift goes directly up to the Summit of the Eiffel Tower.
The Eiffel Tower stairs, on the other hand, will only take you up to the second level of the Tower.
You cannot access the staircase that goes up to the Summit as it is closed to the public.
Hence, visitors using the staircase will miss out on having a great experience at the Champagne Bar at the Eiffel Tower Summit.
When we compare the accessibility of levels of the Eiffel Tower- the elevators are a clear winner, as you can visit the entire tower!
Passenger Carrying Capacity & Crowds- Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
The Eiffel Tower elevator can carry up to 46 people on one trip to the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
The number of people that can climb the staircase varies depending on the crowd.
When we compare the passenger carrying capacity of the staircase and elevator- the elevator wins, since there are many more elevators in number, and it reaches faster to the top.
The elevators are much more crowded than the staircase during peak tourism season, as many people want to visit the Summit, so you can consider taking the staircase on such days.
The View- Eiffel Tower stairs vs elevator
The Eiffel Tower elevators and staircase offer unique perspectives of the city but provide different experiences.
The elevators of the Eiffel Tower have glass-paneled windows that allow you to observe the city as you slowly ascend.
You can spot landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Louvre Museum from here.
The elevator that takes you from the second level to the Summit provides an exclusive view of the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
It also offers a clear and expansive view of the entire city from a higher vantage point than the staircase.
On the other hand, the Eiffel Tower staircase allows you to ascend at your own pace.
This gives you ample time to stop and take in the breathtaking views of the city from the top.
It’s also a great option for photography, as you can capture different heights and angles while climbing to the second level.
In terms of views, the Eiffel Tower elevator offers a superior experience as it brings you to a higher point of the Paris cityscape.
How long does it take to Ascend? Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
The Eiffel Tower has elevators and a staircase leading to the tower’s various floors.
The elevators take around 2-3 minutes to reach the first and second levels, while it takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the Summit.
The staircase can take around 30-45 minutes to reach the second level due to crowds.
Please note that the staircase only takes you up to the second floor; if you want to visit the summit as well, you must take an elevator from the second floor to reach the top level.
So, taking the elevator to the summit after 35 minutes of climbing to the second floor increases your ascend time compared to the direct elevator access.
The elevators are faster and more numerous, making them a quicker option.
During peak tourism season, the staircase may have shorter lines as most visitors choose the elevators.
Things to consider when choosing between the Eiffel Tower Stairs and Elevator
Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing between the two:
- Checking the weather for the day is extremely important when purchasing tickets so they don’t go to waste. The Eiffel Tower stairs might be closed during the winter, as it becomes slippery and dangerous.
- If you want to travel together with your big group, consider elevator tickets so you can all be together.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes if you plan to climb the staircase of the Eiffel Tower.
- Visitors traveling with young children must buy elevator tickets for a comfortable visit.
- Photographers would love the staircases, as you have enough time to stop and do a photoshoot. This is not possible in the full elevators.
FAQs for Eiffel Tower Stairs vs Elevator
How many steps are there to climb without an elevator in the Eiffel Tower?
You will have to climb 674 steps to get to the second level of the Eiffel Tower without using the elevator.
How hard is it to climb the Eiffel Tower?
It is relatively easy to climb the staircase of the Eiffel Tower. You will need to climb 674 steps in total, 327 to the first level and another 347 to get to the second level of the Tower.
Does the elevator go all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No elevator goes directly to the top from the Esplanade at the base of the Eiffel Tower. You must switch elevators from the second level to get to the Summit.
How many stairs to get to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower?
You would need to climb 327 steps to get to the first level of the Eiffel Tower. The elevator is much faster and takes you to the first or second level in two to three minutes. This is not considering the waiting time.
Can I take the staircase to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No, you cannot take the staircase to the Summit of the Eiffel Tower, as it is closed to the public. The highest floor you can climb is to the second level.
How many people can travel one way up on the Eiffel Tower elevator?
Each elevator can carry up to 46 people in one go to the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
Which Eiffel Tower restaurant has an elevator reserved for its visitors?
The Jules Verne Restaurant on the second level of the Eiffel Tower has an elevator specifically reserved for visitors coming to the restaurant. All you have to do is show your seat reservation in advance online at the security checkpoints.
How much does it cost to take the elevator to the Eiffel Tower?
It costs €20 to purchase an Eiffel Tower elevator ticket to the second level of the Tower. You can also add a visit to the Summit on this ticket for €30.
How long is the Eiffel Tower elevator ride?
The elevators take about 2 to 3 minutes to get to the second level of the Eiffel Tower from the base. It takes another five minutes to get to the Summit from the second level. These timings exclude the waiting time for the lifts.
What will I miss out on in the Eiffel Tower if I don’t purchase elevator tickets?
You will miss out on the best view of Paris, which can only be seen at the Summit, accessible only by elevator. You cannot visit the Champagne Bar or see the mini-Eiffel Tower replica at the top without an elevator ticket either.
Which Eiffel Tower ticket for ascending to the top should I purchase when visiting at night?
If you plan to visit the Eiffel Tower after sunset you must purchase an elevator ticket to the top. This is necessary because the staircase closes at 5.30 pm every day.
Featured Image: Sete.toureiffel.paris, Indiatimes.com