The Paris Eiffel Tower is a 1,083-foot-long iron tower built in 1899. The tower is made up of three floors, that is open to the public for viewing, and a hidden room and office belonging to the builder Gustave Eiffel.
Climbing this tower by the staircase is possible till the 2nd floor of the tower. However, depending on the fitness level, some visitors find it extremely tiring.
The remarkable elevators, built the same year as the tower, have been a long-lasting blessing for all visitors as they can use the elevators to visit all three floors of the Eiffel Tower.
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, it is essential to know more about the elevator so you can easily access the different floors of the building.
Read further to learn more about the Eiffel Tower elevators and the best timings and their location.
About the Eiffel Tower Lifts
The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The lifts in the Tower were installed in the same year at the time of construction of the Tower.
These elevators have never been replaced since their installation. Hence, they are known to be one of the most brilliant inventions of the 19th century.
The lifts can only be accessed from the East entrance of the Eiffel Tower. There are seven elevators in total.
Visitors who want to purchase tickets must arrive at the counter marked by a yellow flag. Those who have already purchased their tickets in advance online must stand in a queue marked by a green flag, which leads directly to the elevators.
Three lifts on the North, West, and East travel from the ground floor to the first floor and are reserved for visitors.
Two double-cabin electric lifts go from the second to the third floor, known as Summit.
It takes about 2 or 3 minutes for the elevator to go up from the ground floor to the second floor and 5 minutes to get to the Summit from the base of the Tower.
The lift at the South Pillar is reserved for the Eiffel Tower staff, and the other is only for visitors to the Le Jules Verne restaurant.
The elevators functioning in the Eiffel Tower presently are created using the same model as the first elevators built by Gusatve and his fellow engineers. It can accommodate up to 46 passengers in one journey.
NOTE: All visitors must know that they can climb the stairs only to reach the 2nd level of the Tower. To reach Summit, everyone needs elevator access. The Summit (top floor of the Eiffel Tower) is inaccessible by staircase.
History of the Eiffel Tower Elevators
There are seven elevators at present in the Paris Eiffel Tower. When the tower was built in 1889, five elevators were constructed to ensure passengers could reach the different floors of the tower easily.
In today’s society, an elevator is a standard construction in every tall building. In the 19th century, such a perfectly operating elevator was impossible to find. Several alterations have been made to the elevators over the years.
- The Original Hydraulic Elevators
The elevator, constructed in 1889, features a hydraulic base system that could carry 65 passengers to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Five elevators were built to ensure everyone could fit securely in the elevator. These elevators had seating space for all the passengers using them.
A one-of-its-kind Edoux elevator machine was built to transport visitors from the second to the third floor. This lift was replaced in 1983.
- Introduction of the Electric Elevators
Other companies began the construction of new elevators for the Eiffel Tower in the year 1900 for the Universal Exposition in Paris.
The new “Otis” elevator was installed in the North and South pillars of the Tower, which was in use till 1910.
The East and West Pillar’s Roux-Combaluzier elevator, which was in use till 1897, was replaced by the “Fives-Lille” elevator, which is still in use today.
- Modern Lifts
Over the years, continuous repair and maintenance of the Eiffel Tower elevators has been carried out to ensure the safety of all visitors.
In 2008, work began on the lifts at the West pillars to return them to the simple lift model built by Gustave in 1899. This work was completed in the year 2014.
Engineers aim to create a system that operates on sustainability for the lifts in the future.
SETE plans to use the principles of water hydraulic lifts, fuelled by an eco-friendly liquid, to save water and limit the carbon footprint of the Tower.
With a consumption of 300 KW, the lifts will be able to carry up to 110 passengers at a two-meter distance every second in the future.
How do the Eiffel Tower Elevators Work?
The Eiffel Tower elevators showcase Gustave Eiffel’s visionary engineering skills and have helped thousands of people get to the top of the Tower. The mechanism was simple and considered extremely brilliant during the 19th century.
The passenger cabin is lifted by a cab attached to various cables on the pillars. This cabin moves straight upwards because of a stabilization system. It operates with the help of two underground hydraulics and two pistons, which are moving continuously.
Using a smooth pulley system, the cabin is pulled upwards 128 meters from the ground floor to the second floor.
Until 1986, the pistons were moved by using three huge containers weighing 200 tonnes each. This ensured the water was kept below a pressure of 40-60 bars, which helped the elevator move smoothly.
High-pressure oil hydraulic motors have since been introduced, and the containers act as weights to balance out the elevator.
Why Take a Lift to the Summit?
Most tourists visiting the Eiffel Tower have a choice between a staircase or an elevator to ascend the different levels of the Tower.
However, staircases are available only to the 2nd floor of the tower. Everyone needs to take an elevator from the second floor to the Summit.
But if you are having a hard time deciding whether you should take the stairs to the second floor and then the elevator or you should just take the elevator straight to the summit, we suggest the latter one.
Here are some reasons why you should take the lift to the top:
- Climbing the 674 steps to get to the second floor of the Tower can be very tiring and is not suitable for people of all ages. Hence, elevators are preferred.
- You can view the stunning scenery of Paris from the glass walls of the elevator. This is an excellent place for photography.
- Visitors can appreciate the engineering of the Eiffel Tower elevators, which is based on the first engineering model created by Gustave Eiffel.
- The elevators ensure you have a more comfortable experience from start to finish.
- You can get a closer look at the construction of the pillars from the transparent lift walls.
- Visitors can ensure they remain together in a group when using the lift, unlike on the Eiffel Tower steps.
- People traveling long distances to see the Eiffel Tower can conserve their energy by using the elevator.
How to Get to the Eiffel Tower Elevator
The Eiffel Tower is located at the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement on the Champ De Mars. The Seine River flows directly beside the tower. There are several means of transportation you can access to get to the Tower quickly.
Three metro stops are within walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.
| Metro Station Name | Train line | Time (walking) |
|---|---|---|
| Bir Hakeim Station | Line 6 Green | 8 mins |
| Trocadéro Station | Line 9 Yellow | 10 mins |
| École Militaire Station | Line 8 Purple | 14 mins |
The Ecole Militaire Station is closest to the East Entrance, which leads directly to the lines for the lift. The Bir Hakeim Station and Trocadero Station are closest to the South entrance of the Eiffel Tower.
You can also take bus 42, which will drop you off toward the East Pillar.
Visitors traveling by train or RER can take Line C and get down at Champ De Mars, which is an 8-minute walking distance from the South Pillar.
Visitors exploring the Seine River who want to get to the Eiffel Tower can hop off the boat at Batobus stop, a 4-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.
If you are arriving at the Eiffel Tower by car or bicycle, the shortest route is via the Av. De New York.
Please note: The Tower does not have parking spaces available. Hence, you can park at Parking Pullman Tour Eiffel or 443 Avenue Joseph Bouvard, closest to the Tower.
Tickets for the Eiffel Tower by Elevator
The Eiffel Tower is visited by millions of people every year from all over the world. All visitors wanting to ride the elevator to the top can purchase tickets for the Eiffel Tower at the East Entrance. A yellow flag marks the booking counter.
The tower is usually crowded, and lines can be longer during peak hours. We highly recommend you purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets for the elevators online in advance to avoid the rush.
Visitors who purchase tickets online can skip the booking counter line and move directly to a separate line marked by a green flag. This ensures that you can enter the tower on your day of visit and avoid crowds.
You cannot enter the Tower without a specific time slot hence, tourists should adhere to the time slot on their tickets. Booking your elevator tickets online allows you to pick a time slot of your choice, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid long lines.
You do not have to go through the trouble of printing the ticket. You can show it directly from your mobile phone at the elevator.
To ensure you get an authentic Eiffel Tower elevator ticket, we recommend you purchase them from GetYourGuide, Viator, or Tiqets.
Types of Tickets for the Eiffel Tower Elevator
There are several types of tickets available for visiting the Eiffel Tower via elevators. Tourists often get confused about which one to choose.
Hence, we have listed the best Eiffel Tower elevator tickets, which are most popular among tourists for you to choose from.
Some types of tickets available are:
- Get elevator access to the first and second floor of the Eiffel Tower with the Basic Eiffel Tower Elevator ticket for a quick visit!
- Explore all the levels of the Eiffel Tower with the Eiffel Tower Elevator ticket to all floors, and view some of the best sights from the top!
- For a complete guided tour that covers the history and construction techniques of the Eiffel Tower, choose the Elevator ticket with the Tour Guide combo!
- Visitors who want to try French delicacies at the Eiffel Tower must purchase an Elevator ticket with a meal combo!
- Explore all the attractions in Paris sailing on a cruise in the Seine River and the interior of the Eiffel Tower by elevator with the Eiffel Tower Elevator Ticket & Seine River Cruise Combo!
- Basic Eiffel Tower Elevator Ticket
This is the cheapest basic entry ticket to the Eiffel Tower which comes highly recommended by tourists traveling on a budget for a complete experience!
With this standard Eiffel Tower elevator ticket visitors can access the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower by the elevator.
You can choose to add the Eiffel Tower’s Summit while booking the ticket.
The time duration of this ticket is 1.5 hours. You can explore the levels at your own pace and view the breathtaking scenery of Paris from the levels you have picked.
The different attractions of Paris, like the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the vibrant Pompidou Museum, can be seen from a different perspective from high up the tower.
If you choose to visit the Summit, you will be served a glass of champagne that you can enjoy with a great view of the Paris skyline.
Ticket Prices:
Visitor Ticket (4 to 99 years): €70
- Eiffel Tower Elevator Ticket to all Floors
Have a comprehensive tour of the Eiffel Tower for two hours with this elevator ticket that allows visitors access to all three levels of the Tower. This ticket also guarantees priority access to the Summit of the Tower.
You can enjoy a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the City of Paris with an unobstructed view of the gardens below.
You can also conduct a test of how brave you are when walking along the transparent walkway, which is 57 meters above ground level!
We highly recommend this tour for first-time visitors and those who require a wheelchair.
This is an audio guided tour in more than five languages. Take an audio guided tour to one of the Seven Wonders of the World in the comfort of the elevators—all at your own pace!
Ticket Prices:
- Visitor ticket (up to 99 years): €89
- Eiffel Tower Elevator with Tour Guide Ticket Combo
This ticket takes visitors on a guided tour of the second level of the Tower by elevator. You can also choose the option to visit the Summit with a guide while booking the ticket.
The tour is conducted in English. A professional guide will join you on this tour and give you all the information about the history and architectural techniques used to build the Eiffel Tower and its elevators.
This ticket allows you to enjoy a 1-hour Seine River Cruise, no matter which floor you select to visit.
You can see a fantastic view of the major attractions in Paris, which include the Sacré Coeur, the Louvre Museum, and the Arc de Triomphe from the highest point in Paris!
With this guided tour, you have the advantage of seeing unmissable sights from different vantage points that only your guide can point to.
The two-hour guided tour is highly recommended for history buffs and all those interested in the design of the iconic Eiffel Tower!
Ticket Prices (2nd floor + Seine Cruise):
- Visitor ticket (4 to 11 years): €84
- Child ticket (up to 3 years): €84
- Eiffel Tower Elevator with Meal Ticket Combo (Skip-the-line)
The Eiffel Tower elevator tickets with meal combo allow visitors priority access to the first floor along with a fun lunch dining experience at Madame Brasserie, a famous restaurant in the Tower known for its French cuisine.
Dining in the Eiffel Tower is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all tourists. This three-course meal is made with organic and delicately chosen ingredients.
Sip on a glass of crisp champagne while watching the marvelous scenery of Paris and its other attractions from the first floor with this combo ticket.
We highly recommend this experience to all foodies and tourists wanting to dine on the best delicacies from the French cuisine!
You can also choose the dinner option instead of lunch at Madame Brassiere and watch the light show from the garden below after having a delicious meal.
Ticket Prices:
- Visitor ticket (12 to 99 years): €60
- Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €37
- Infant (up to 3 years): Free entry
- Eiffel Tower Elevator & Seine River Cruise Ticket Combo
The Eiffel Tower elevator ticket & Seine River Cruise combo allows visitors to access the topmost summit of the Eiffel Tower, followed by a peaceful cruise along the Seine River.
On this 3-hour tour, you can see the city of Paris from up above and also see the different monuments from the Seine River Cruise.
You can watch the beautiful scenery of Paris with the Eiffel Tower from the boat. If you book a late evening ticket, you can also view the light show at the Tower clearly.
It offers a comprehensive journey around the city of Paris and is highly recommended for first-time visitors and children!
It is also recommended for all visitors who are interested in photography. You can capture the best memorable photos with this ticket in front of many different backgrounds.
Ticket Price:
- Visitor ticket (4 to 99 years): €58
Timings for the Eiffel Tower Elevators
The Eiffel Tower Elevator opening hours start from 9.30 am and close at 11 pm every day.
However, you must note that the elevator opening hours can change based on the different days of the month. It’s best to check the updated opening hours before planning your visit.
The Eiffel Tower Elevator timings vary depending on the day you decide to visit the Tower.
The timings can change on festivals and celebrations like Christmas or New Year. For instance, the elevator closes at 12 pm on Christmas day.
It’s best to reach the Tower before 10.45 pm so you can use the elevator before 11 pm.
Tips to Remember When Taking the Elevator
The elevator journey to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a most enjoyable experience. Here are some things to remember when riding the elevator.
- Arrive early, as you will go through a security check before entering the elevator from the base of the Eiffel Tower.
- Follow the designated queues to avoid causing crowding when boarding the elevator.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in the elevator, as it is easy to lose valuables in a crowd.
- Ensure to keep your phone out to capture the beautiful scenery from the glass walls of the elevator.
- Avoid leaning on the glass of the elevator.
- Arrive early in the morning or late evening to avoid having to enter a crowded elevator.
FAQs for the Eiffel Tower Elevators
Does the Eiffel Tower have an elevator?
Yes, the Eiffel Tower has 7 elevators in total, out of which visitors use three to travel from the ground to the first floor. Two elevators take passengers from the second floor to the summit. One lift is reserved for those visiting the Le Jules Verne restaurants, and the other is for Eiffel Tower staff only.
How much does it cost to ride the elevator on the Eiffel Tower?
Ans. The cost to ride the elevator of the Eiffel Tower is dependent on the type of ticket you purchase. Some prices of different types of tickets are:
Basic Eiffel Tower Elevator ticket: €20
Eiffel Tower elevator ticket to all floors: €89
Eiffel Tower elevator and Tour guide ticket combo: €63
Eiffel Tower elevator and meal ticket combo: €64
Eiffel Tower elevator & Seine River Cruise combo: €62
How long is the lift up the Eiffel Tower?
The lift usually takes two to three minutes to reach the second floor from the base and five minutes if you are going directly to the summit of the Eiffel Tower.
What kind of Elevator is in the Eiffel Tower?
The elevators in the Eiffel Tower are hydraulic elevators that work using a system of pistons and fluid pressure to maintain the balance and smooth movement of the elevator.
Does the elevator go all the way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower?
No. To get to the summit, you must switch elevators from the second level of the Tower.
Do you have to walk up the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower has 647 steps leading to the second floor, which you can access. It is advisable to consider taking the elevator to journey up quickly and comfortably.
What are Eiffel Tower elevator timings?
The Eiffel Tower elevator timings are from 9.30 am to 11.30 pm on all days. There can be changes in timings on festive days and other important occasions.
How many people fit in the Eiffel Tower elevator?
The Eiffel Tower elevator can carry up to 46 passengers in one go.
How hard is it to climb the Eiffel Tower?
There are 647 steps you need to climb to arrive at the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. This takes around 10 to 15 minutes per floor. Ensure that you are healthy and have enough stamina if you opt to climb the staircase. It is not recommended for small children and seniors.
Is it worth going to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, it is worth visiting the second floor of the Tower as you can see many landmarks and even pick out the landmarks in the distance. You can also see the beautiful Seine River from the second floor.