Visitors to Paris often ask how many steps are in the Eiffel Tower, but the answer depends on which part of the structure you are measuring. The tower has multiple staircases linking different platforms, each with a distinct step count that matters for access, safety, and experience planning.
From ground level to the summit via the intermediate landing, the total number of steps reflects a blend of historical design, modern maintenance, and practical access rules. The following sections break down the counts, routes, and practical details so you can understand exactly what to expect when climbing the Eiffel Tower.
| Route | Starting Point | Ending Point | Approximate Step Count | Elevator Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground to Second Floor | Ground Level | Second Floor Platform | 674 steps | Partial (stairs only) |
| Second Floor to Summit | Second Floor Platform | Top of the Tower | 468 steps | Partial (stairs only) |
| Ground to Summit | Ground Level | Top of the Tower | 1,672 steps | Lifts cover most of the route |
| Maintenance Access | Base | Broadcasting Platforms | Varies, fewer public steps | Limited, staff-only |
Ground to Second Floor Stair Route
Public Access Stops at the Second Floor
The most common climbing route used in official guidance covers the 674 steps from ground level to the second floor. This segment includes the monumental curved legs and the first transition platforms where engineers conduct routine checks. Because this section is open to visitors on foot, the step count is clearly marked for planning pace and accessibility needs.
Second Floor to Summit Climbing Details
Narrower Stairs and Safety Railings
The second segment adds another 468 steps to reach the very top, combining sturdy treads with compact railings designed to handle both tourists and maintenance crews. Although most visitors use elevators from the second floor, this upper stretch remains climbable and is sometimes used by staff for inspections or filming. The total of 1,672 steps from ground to summit reflects the full vertical complexity of the iron lattice design.
Elevator Coverage and Step Reduction
How Lifts Minimize Public Climbing
Elevators handle the majority of the journey, dramatically reducing the number of steps any individual needs to climb. Service lifts and visitor lifts share the load, stopping at key levels so that only short stair segments remain for most guests. Understanding which sections are primarily stair-based helps you choose whether to ascend by foot, by lift, or by a combination of both.
Maintenance and Staff Pathways
Hidden Staircases for Operations
Behind the visitor areas, dedicated maintenance staircases allow technicians and staff to reach mechanical rooms and broadcasting platforms without using public routes. These paths may involve additional intermediate landings and are not included in public step counts. Their existence underscores how operational needs shape the internal geometry of the tower.
Key Takeaways for Visitors
- Ground to second floor: 674 steps
- Second floor to summit: 468 steps
- Total ground to summit: 1,672 steps
- Elevators reduce the need to climb all steps
- Separate maintenance routes are not included in public counts
FAQ
Reader questions
How many steps are in the Eiffel Tower if I climb all the way to the top?
Climbing from ground level to the summit involves 1,672 steps in total, combining the 674 steps to the second floor and the 468 steps from the second floor to the top.
Can I climb the Eiffel Tower stairs with limited mobility?
Elevators cover most of the route, so visitors with limited mobility can reach the second floor or the summit without climbing the full staircase distance.
Are the step counts the same on both the east and west pillar paths?
The staircases are distributed across the multiple legs of the tower, and the step counts are balanced so that each primary visitor route totals the same number of steps.
Do maintenance workers use the same stairs as tourists?
No, staff often use separate service staircases that are not open to the public and therefore do not appear in visitor step counts.