How to Reach the Eiffel Tower from Airports and Train Stations in Paris
Visiting the Eiffel Tower?
Explore ticket types, compare access options, and find the best way to experience Paris’s most iconic landmark.
The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) is the most iconic landmark in Paris, and visitors often ask the same question: How do I get there from the airport or train station?
Whether you arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly Airport (ORY), or one of the city’s main stations like Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon, reaching the Eiffel Tower is easy with public transport, taxis, or shuttles. Here’s a simple guide.
Choose Your Eiffel Tower Experience
Once you arrive, it’s time to choose the ticket that fits your visit best.
Summit or 2nd floor? Here’s a quick comparison
Which ticket should you choose?
- Choose Summit to access the highest level of the Eiffel Tower.
- Choose 2nd Floor for a simpler and more relaxed visit.
From Aéroport Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
The main international airport is about 30 km northeast of central Paris.
- By RER + Metro: Take the RER B train from the airport to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. From there, change to RER C towards Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel. The journey takes about 1 hour.
- By Taxi: Official taxis cost around €55–€60 to the Eiffel Tower and usually take 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. (Prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.)
- By Shuttle or Private Transfer: Convenient if you have luggage, though slightly more expensive.
From Aéroport Orly (ORY)
Located south of Paris, Orly is about 18 km from the Eiffel Tower.
- By Train + Metro: Take the Orlyval light rail to Antony station, then connect to RER B towards Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. Switch to RER C for Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel. Total travel time is around 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- By Taxi: Flat-rate fares are generally around €35–€40 to central Paris. Expect a journey of 30–40 minutes by car. (Prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.)
- By Bus: The OrlyBus goes to Denfert-Rochereau, where you can change to the metro and continue to the Eiffel Tower.
From Gare du Nord
One of Paris’s busiest stations, serving Eurostar and northern France.
- By Metro: Take Line 4 to Strasbourg–Saint-Denis, then transfer to Line 9 towards Trocadéro. From there, it’s a short walk to the Eiffel Tower.
- By RER: Take RER B from Gare du Nord to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, then change to RER C for Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel.
- By Taxi: Around €20–€25, with a travel time of approximately 20–30 minutes. (Prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.)
From Gare de Lyon
This station connects to southeastern France, Switzerland, and Italy.
- By RER C: A direct option. Take the RER C towards Champ de Mars - Tour Eiffel. Travel time is about 25 minutes.
- By Metro: Take Line 14 to Invalides, then Line 8 to École Militaire, followed by a short walk.
- By Taxi: Costs around €20–€25, with a journey of 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. (Prices may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.)
Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Buy public transport tickets in advance or use a Navigo card.
- Check train and metro operating times if you arrive late at night.
- Metro connections are simple. When changing lines inside a station, you usually do not need to leave the station or purchase another ticket. Just follow the signs for Correspondance.
- Allow extra time for airport transfers, especially during rush hours.
- Once you arrive at the Eiffel Tower, make sure you already have your Eiffel Tower tickets booked online.
Booking your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance can save time and help you avoid long queues.
Conclusion
Reaching the Eiffel Tower from Paris airports and train stations is simple once you know your options.
From Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airport to Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon, you can choose between RER trains, metro connections, buses, or taxis.
With the right plan, your journey to the Tour Eiffel will be as enjoyable as the visit itself.
To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to book your Eiffel Tower tickets in advance and choose the experience that best fits your time and travel style.
Continue Planning Your Eiffel Tower Visit
Once you've reached the city, these guides take care of the rest.
Getting to the Eiffel Tower
- Not sure which station or exit to use? Start with how to get to the Eiffel Tower.
Choose the Right Ticket
- Deciding between the two main ticket types? See our Summit vs Second Floor ticket guide.
- Comparing prices and what's included? Check official tickets vs hosted experiences.
- Hoping to avoid the queues? Learn whether you can really skip the line at the Eiffel Tower.
Plan Your Visit
- Building your schedule? Find out how long an Eiffel Tower visit takes.
- Not sure what's on each floor? Explore what to do at the Eiffel Tower.
- Booked a summit ticket? Read why you change elevators on the second floor.
- Want a few stories to impress your travel companions? Discover the secrets of the Iron Lady.
Complete Your Paris Day
- Adding world-class art to your day? Reserve your Louvre Museum tickets in advance and avoid the ticket lines.
- Prefer the Impressionists? The Musée d'Orsay sits right on the Seine, an easy pairing with your Eiffel Tower visit.
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Eiffel Tower Tickets for 2nd Floor Entry let you explore the tower’s second level and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Paris.
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With your prepaid Eiffel Tower summit tickets, enjoy stunning views from the top and a relaxing Seine River cruise anytime during your stay in Paris.
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