Getting to the Eiffel Tower — a transport comparison

Three practical options, honestly ranked. Which you pick depends on where you're starting and whether you want the Tower to be a surprise or a landmark you watch approach.

Metro — fastest from most hotels

• Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) — our favourite. The approach walks you down Pont de Bir-Hakeim, which is one of the great Paris walk-ins to the Tower.
• Trocadéro (Lines 6, 9) — classic approach from the esplanade. The 'reveal' as you crest the top of the Palais de Chaillot is a Paris moment.
• École Militaire (Line 8) — closest to the south entrance but you miss the dramatic first-view angle.

RER — if coming from the airport or outer suburbs

RER C stops at Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel. 15 minutes from Austerlitz, 25 from Versailles. Service is less frequent than Metro, so check the schedule.

Walking from central landmarks

• Louvre to Eiffel: 50 minutes along the Seine. One of the great Paris walks.
• Arc de Triomphe to Eiffel: 30 minutes via Avenue Kléber.
• Les Invalides to Eiffel: 20 minutes through the 7th arrondissement.

Taxi / rideshare

Drop-offs are on Avenue Gustave Eiffel (south side). Expect 10–15 minutes from most central addresses outside of peak traffic. From CDG: 45 minutes to an hour, €55–70 flat rate.

Our picks

• First-time visitor: metro to Trocadéro, walk down.
• Photographer: metro to Bir-Hakeim, walk across the bridge.
• Family with stroller: taxi to Avenue Gustave Eiffel, no steps at all.