The queue for the Eiffel Tower is notoriously long, and without a pre-booked ticket, you can expect to wait anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours during the peak summer season. The wait is divided into two parts: the security line at the entrance to the gardens and the ticket office line. Even with a "timed entry" ticket purchased weeks in advance, you should still expect to wait about 30 to 45 minutes to clear security and reach the elevators. On average, the wait is shortest in the early morning (before 9:30 AM) or late in the evening (after 9:00 PM). If you are physically fit, the "Stairs" line is often much shorter than the elevator line, usually taking only 20 to 40 minutes to clear. To avoid the worst of the crowds, it is vital to book your tickets on the official website the moment they are released (usually 60 days in advance). If tickets are sold out, joining a guided tour is the only other way to bypass the massive ticket lines, though you will still be subject to the mandatory security screenings.