The Eiffel Tower tour duration can vary, but on average, it takes approximately two to three hours to explore it thoroughly.
You should spend around 1.5 hours exploring the first and second floors. Most visitors require at least 2.5 hours to visit the top floor.
This timeframe depends on several factors, including the levels you choose to visit, your mode of ascent (stairs or elevator), and the time of day you decide to go.
Let’s delve into these factors to help you plan your visit more effectively.
Levels of Exploration
The first and most important factor determining your Eiffel Tower tour’s duration is how many levels of the tower you wish to explore.
The Eiffel Tower comprises three floors: the first floor, the second floor, and the Summit (the topmost floor).
Before we delve into the time requirement for each floor, every visitor must first know the Eiffel Tower Climbing Sequence.
You can’t just ascend the Tower’s first floor directly if you use the elevators.
The elevators will take you directly to the second floor, then to the top floor (if selected) for which you need to take another elevator, and then on your way back, you can visit the first floor.
However, If you have the stairs tickets, you can visit the Eiffel Tower in order – from the Esplanade to the first, then the second, and finally, The Summit.
So, if you wish to visit all the levels of the Eiffel Tower, below is a detailed description of how much time you will need for each level:
- First Floor: Accessible by elevator or stairs; visiting this level takes 30-45 minutes by stairs and approximately 1.5 hours by elevator (as the elevator first goes to the Second floor and then decent back to the first floor.).
- Second Floor: You can reach this floor by stairs or elevator. However, with an elevator, it only takes 10-15 minutes in total (can vary depending on the crowd available). Meanwhile, with the staircase, it would take around 30-35 minutes.
- Summit: If you take an elevator directly from the ground level, you will first get to the second floor in 10-15 minutes, and from 2nd floor, it takes another 15 minutes to reach the Summit. Reaching the Summit of the Eiffel Tower from the ground floor via elevator takes 25-30 minutes, which can go up to 1.5 hours depending on the crowd.
Notably, the Tower’s stairs do not lead directly to the Summit, emphasizing the necessity of an elevator ticket if you wish to visit the top floor.
Related: Eiffel Tower Dinner
Mode of Ascent and Descent
The second important factor that decides how much time you need to tour the Eiffel Tower is your ascent mode: Via Elevator or Via Staircase.
The Eiffel Tower elevator connects all the floors of this famous tower, from the esplanade to the top level; however, with stairs, you can only access up to the second floor of the building.
Eiffel Tower elevators are the fastest mode of transportation to all tower levels.
Let’s see how much time you will need if you choose to climb the Eiffel Tower by elevator or by staircase.
By Stairs
From the Esplanade to the Summit, there are 1665 stairs in the Eiffel Tower.
Out of which, you can climb 674, leading only to the Second floor. And the time required to climb these 674 depends on your physical endurance.
However, most visitors cover these steps in 30-35 minutes. Using stairs after the second floor to reach the summit is prohibited.
So, if you plan on visiting the top floor, you must use one of the elevators in the Eiffel Tower.
By Elevator
The elevator is a quicker option. It reduces the entire Eiffel Tower tour time to approximately two hours, offering a more relaxed experience.
There are seven elevators in the Eiffel Tower, but not all of them are accessible to visitors and not all of them lead to the summit.
Read our comprehensive guide on Eiffel Tower Elevators to learn more about elevators.
If you are not sure whether you should use an elevator or staircase to climb the tower, read our article on Eiffel Tower Elevator vs Stairs to help you choose better.
Time of Day
The third most important factor determining the time needed for the Eiffel Tower tour is the time of the day you plan to visit the attraction.
The Eiffel Tower’s opening hours are from 9 in the morning until midnight.
During these operating hours, there are certain periods when large crowds can be expected and other times when fewer people will be encountered.
Understanding these crowd patterns will help you minimize the waiting times at security and elevator lines, eventually helping you complete your Eiffel Tower tour within 2-3 hours.
- Non-Peak Hours (outside 11 am – 5 pm): Expect a shorter tour duration of about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Peak Hours: Visiting during the busiest times can extend your Eiffel Tower tour to at least four hours due to longer waiting times for elevators and crowded viewing platforms.
To time your visit perfectly to the Eiffel Tower so that you can have a less-crowded visiting environment, read our comprehensive article on the Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower.
Related: Eiffel Tower Fireworks
Conclusion
To fully appreciate the Eiffel Tower’s splendor, allocating at least 3 hours for your visit is advisable.
This allows you to savour the views from each floor without feeling rushed. You may also opt for a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower for an informative and insightful visit.
Planning your visit considering the factors mentioned will enhance your Eiffel Tower tour, making every moment at this iconic monument memorable.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a some questions people visiting Eiffel Tower ask.
Is it faster to take the stairs or the elevator at the Eiffel Tower?
The elevator is faster, taking about 2 hours for a full tour, while the stairs can take approximately 3 hours to reach the top and return.
Are there any times when the Eiffel Tower is less crowded?
Visiting outside peak hours (11 am to 5 pm) will result in shorter waiting times and a less crowded experience.
How much time should I allocate for a visit to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower?
If taking the stairs, allocate about 15-20 minutes, and if using the elevator, plan for approximately 1.5 hours.
What is the estimated duration of the visit to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower?
Visiting the second floor takes about 1.5 hours by elevator and around 2.5 hours by stairs.
Does the time of day I visit affect the Eiffel Tower tour duration?
Yes, visiting during non-peak hours can significantly reduce your tour duration, avoiding the longer waiting times experienced during peak hours from 11 am to 5 pm.
How long does it take to climb the stairs to the second floor?
The time it takes can vary depending on your pace and fitness level, but on average, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to climb the stairs to the second floor.
Featured Image: DigitalArtist /pixabay (Canva)
