The length of the ticket line at the Eiffel Tower can vary wildly depending on the season and time of day, but in 2026, it remains a test of patience for those who haven't pre-booked. During the peak summer months or major holidays, you can expect to wait between 30 and 90 minutes just to reach the ticket window. If you arrive at sunset—the most popular time—the wait can easily exceed 2 hours. Once you have your ticket, you must then enter separate queues for security and the elevators, which can add another 30 to 60 minutes to your journey. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to purchase timed-entry e-tickets from the official website 60 days in advance; these allow you to bypass the ticket office line entirely. For those who are physically fit, the stairs ticket line is almost always significantly shorter and cheaper, often having a wait of less than 15 minutes even on busy days, while providing a unique and rewarding climb to the second floor.