Overview For Eiffel Tower Lifts

Known as one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, the Eiffel Tower attracts thousands of tourists every day. It is located alongside the bank of the Seine River and is more than 300 metres tall with over five hundred stairs within. To reach the top floor of Eiffel Tower you can either opt for the lift or enjoy a brisk climb. The lift has existed since the late 1890s and can take tourists to the first, second, and the top of the tower from the base. The lift of Eiffel tower is known to be a marvel in the field of technology as it was considered a rare feat to scale such a height in the 1800s. Currently, there are three Eiffel tower lifts that transport you from the base to the first floor, and two lifts that take them to the top. Additionally, there is a dedicated lift that provides access to the restaurant on the tower's first floor. If you are planning your visit to the Eiffel tower, we recommend purchasing Skip the line Tickets of Eiffel Tower as it is convenient and a timesaver. However, if you plan on taking the stairs, you will be able to admire the architecture at your own pace.


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History Of Eiffel Tower Lifts

  • Inauguration: The Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle (World's Fair) in Paris. At the time, it had two hydraulic lifts that carried visitors to the first and second levels.
  • 1899 Renovation: In 1899, the original hydraulic lifts were replaced with electric lifts, improving efficiency and reliability.
  • Third-Level Access: The topmost level of the Eiffel Tower was initially only accessible by stairs. In 1900, a separate electric lift was installed to take visitors to the third level, making it fully accessible to the public.
  • Modernization: Over the years, the lifts have undergone various upgrades and modernizations to meet safety standards and accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
  • Glass Pavilion Lifts: In 1983, the original lift cars were replaced with glass pavilion lifts, offering panoramic views during the ascent.
  • South Pillar Lift: In 1986, a new lift was added on the south pillar of the tower, providing easier access to the first and second levels.
  • North Pillar Lift: In 1989, to mark the tower's centenary, another lift was added on the north pillar, further improving accessibility.
  • Ongoing Improvements: The Eiffel Tower continues to update and maintain its lifts, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the millions of visitors who come to admire this iconic landmark each year.

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Mechanism Of Eiffel Tower Lifts


Mechanism of Eiffel Tower Lifts
  • Cable-Driven System: The lifts utilize a cable-driven system to move vertically. Strong steel cables are attached to the elevator carriages and looped around pulleys and counterweights.
  • Hydraulic Piston System: Some of the lifts use a hydraulic piston system to control the movement. Pressurized fluid in pistons generates the lifting force required to move the elevator up and down.
  • Geared Traction System: The lifts are equipped with geared traction machines, which allow precise control over the elevator's movement. These machines use gears to provide the necessary power for lifting and lowering the elevator cars.
  • Multiple Elevators: The Eiffel Tower has several elevators that run simultaneously to accommodate a large number of visitors efficiently.
  • Safety Measures: The lifts are equipped with safety features such as emergency brakes and backup power systems to ensure passenger safety and prevent accidents.
  • Regular Maintenance: The lifts undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections to keep them in optimal working condition and ensure the safety of passengers.


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What to Choose: Lift or Stairs

We recommend that you choose the Eiffel tower lift as it's the most convenient way to get to the top. You also have the option to walk by climbing five hundred steps to get to the top, but it may involve a lot of effort, which is eventually worth it in the end. The lift of the Eiffel tower is more than a century old and as you travel in them, you will be able to admire the intricate ironwork used to build the tower. The journey to top itself is an experience because as you scale up the tower, you will be able to see things at the bottom becoming smaller. This is nothing less than an exhilarating experience. However, in case you are planning to cut down on the budget but do not want to compromise on the views, you can still take the stairs as the price of climbing the stairs is relatively cheaper.


Moreover, the queue and the waiting time at the stairs are less when compared to the lines at the lift, thereby giving you faster access to the tower and to the different floors in it. Although we recommend you to take the lift to get to the top of the Eiffel tower, you can also take the stairs if you wanna. Either way, you can check out multiple floors and the views from them by taking both ways. However, be prepared for an intense workout and a lot of huffing as you ascend and descend the fleet of stairs. Either way, we recommend heading to the top for some of the best views of the city.


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Guide For Using Eiffel Tower Lifts


Guide For Using Eiffel Tower Lifts
  • Ticket Purchase: Obtain the appropriate ticket that includes elevator access to the desired level. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for convenience.
  • Queue Management: During peak times, expect long queues. Arriving early or using the stairs to the lower levels can help reduce waiting time.
  • Elevator Access: The elevators are located at the East and West pillars of the tower. Follow the signs to find the entrance to the elevator queue.
  • Level Selection: Choose which level you want to visit - the second level or the summit. Note that the summit is only accessible by an elevator from the second level.
  • Security Check: Before boarding the elevators, undergo a standard security check, which includes bag inspection and metal detector screening.
  • Elevator Ride: Enjoy a smooth and scenic elevator ride as you ascend the tower. The glass walls provide stunning views of Paris during the ascent.
  • Second Level Experience: If you disembark at the second level, explore the restaurants, gift shops, and panoramic viewpoints.
  • Summit Ascent: If you wish to reach the top, transfer to another elevator from the second level to the Eiffel Tower summit elevator.
  • Summit View: At the top, savour breathtaking views of Paris from the highest point of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Descending: When you're ready to leave, take the elevator back down to the ground level, or if you're feeling adventurous, use the stairs to descend from the second level.


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Eiffel Tower Lift

Eiffel Tower Lift

The Eiffel Tower lift, an engineering marvel, offers visitors a breathtaking ascent to one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Comprising two distinct elevator systems, it provides convenient access to the tower's three levels. The original hydraulic lifts, a testament to late-19th-century innovation, transport passengers gracefully to the first and second levels. These historic elevators provide a sense of nostalgia, surrounded by ornate ironwork. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, the glass-walled Otis elevator, added in 1983, whisks visitors up to the third level, offering panoramic views of Paris. This high-speed lift imparts a sense of floating among the city's rooftops, making it an integral part of the Eiffel Tower experience, combining history with modernity in a vertical journey of wonder.

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FAQs For Eiffel Tower Lift


How many elevators are there in the Eiffel Tower and what is the capacity?

    The Eiffel Tower has a total of five elevators, including one hydraulic elevator that serves the lower levels. The four lifts of Eiffel tower are electric and serve all the way up to the third floor. Each elevator has a capacity of up to 50 people, and they are among the fastest elevators in the world, traveling at a speed of 2.5 meters per second.

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