✅ Eiffel Tower Tickets in May: Why You Must Book 60 Days in Advance

If you’re planning a family trip to Paris in late May and want to reach the summit of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll need to prepare well in advance. The Eiffel Tower now enters high‑attendance season in May, meaning summit tickets sell out within minutes of becoming available.

The official Eiffel Tower booking system releases elevator tickets (including summit access) exactly 60 days before your visit date. Because demand is extremely high in May, popular time slots often disappear instantly.

✅ When Eiffel Tower Tickets Go on Sale

Lift Tickets (Including Summit Access)

• Released 60 days before the visit date

• Go live at midnight (00:00) Paris time, not at 8:30 AM

Stairs‑Based Tickets (Including Stairs + Lift to Summit)

These tickets include stairs to the second floor and, for the upgraded option, elevator access from the second floor to the summit.

• Released 14 days before the visit date

This is the best backup option if 60‑day elevator tickets are already sold out.

Same‑Day On‑Site Tickets

If online tickets are unavailable:

• You may purchase tickets at the Eiffel Tower on the day of your visit, subject to availability.

• Summit access is not guaranteed, as it may be suspended once capacity is reached.

Expect VERY LONG lines, especially in May for same day tickets.

✅ Official Eiffel Tower Ticket Prices (2026)

(All prices from the official Eiffel Tower rate list.)

Elevator to Second Floor

• Adult (25+): €23.50

• Youth (12–24): €11.80

• Child (4–11): €6.00

• Disabled: €6.00

• Under 4: Free
  

Elevator to Summit

• Adult (25+): €36.70

• Youth: €18.40

• Child: €9.20

• Disabled: €9.20

• Under 4: Free

Stairs to Second Floor

• Adult: €14.80

• Youth: €7.40

• Child: €3.80

• Under 4: Free
  

Stairs to Second Floor + Elevator to Summit

• Adult: €28.00

• Youth: €14.00

• Child: €7.00

• Under 4: Free
  

• Released 14 days before your visit
  

✅ How to Successfully Secure Summit Tickets in May

✅ 1. Log on exactly 60 days before your visit

Be online at 00:00 Paris time and refresh the booking page.

✅ 2. Use the 14‑day release for stairs‑based tickets

Stairs + lift tickets are a strong alternative when elevator tickets sell out.

✅ 3. Try same‑day purchase only if you’re flexible

This can work, but summit availability is never guaranteed and expect VERY LONG lines.

✅ Where to Buy Official Eiffel Tower Tickets

Official ticket office:

https://ticket.toureiffel.paris/en

✅ Conclusion

If you're visiting Paris in May to September, securing Eiffel Tower summit access requires perfect timing. Because high season now effectively starts in May, summit elevator tickets released 60 days prior sell out almost instantly. Fortunately, the stairs + lift tickets released 14 days before provide a valuable second chance.

By planning ahead and monitoring release times closely, you can greatly improve your chances of experiencing one of the most iconic views in the world.