The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Paris—right at the top of the Champs-Élysées—with a rooftop terrace that gives you the classic “Paris starburst” panorama of avenues radiating outward. This guide to the Arc de Triomphe is built for real-life planning: updated hours ⏱️, ticket prices 🎟️, best transport routes 🚇, airport connections ✈️, accessibility details ♿, and the biggest mistakes to avoid ⚠️.
Quick essentials (save this) ✅
- Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris
- How you enter safely: via the Passage du Souvenir pedestrian underpass (from Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande-Armée)
- Closest station: Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile (Metro 1/2/6, RER A)
- Rooftop climb: 284 steps (lift available only for visitors who need it)
- Last entry: 45 minutes before closing
- Bonus moment: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is freely accessible, and the flame ceremony is at 6:30 PM daily 🔥
Why the Arc de Triomphe is worth it 📍
You can enjoy the Arc two ways:
- Ground level (free): the monument’s base and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier area are accessible without paying for the rooftop.
- Inside + rooftop (ticketed): a compact museum-style visit inside, then the terrace with 360° views—Eiffel Tower, La Défense, Sacré-Cœur on a clear day, and the Champs-Élysées stretching like a runway. (The terrace is the main event. 📸)
If you’re picking just one “paid Paris viewpoint,” the Arc often feels more “Parisian” than you expect—because you’re looking down the city’s most famous axis and streets rather than just out from a tall tower.
Arc de Triomphe tickets & prices 🎟️💳
Standard ticket (what it includes)
Your ticket gives access to the whole monument + the terrace.
Official price notes (seasonal)
The official site lists seasonal pricing:
- Oct 1 → Mar 31: individual ticket €16
- Apr 1 → Sep 30: individual ticket €22 on many days, with specific reduced-price days noted (the official schedule mentions exceptions)
Because price and conditions can vary by date, the safest workflow is: check your exact day/time in the official ticketing flow (CMN).
Free admission (common categories)
The Arc de Triomphe offers free entry for several groups, including:
- Under 18
- EU citizens aged 18–25 (and certain eligible residents)
- Visitors with disabilities + one companion
- First Sunday on specific months (officially listed months include Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec)
Booking tip ✅
The official site strongly pushes online ticketing; it’s the smoothest way to avoid long lines and handle busy days.
Arc de Triomphe opening hours ⏱️
The official schedule is seasonal:
Apr 1 → Sep 30
- Wed–Mon: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tue: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Oct 1 → Mar 31
- Wed–Mon: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tue: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
Closures & early closures ⚠️
Annual closures/limited access can happen, including:
- May 1 (closed)
- May 8 (closure or limited hours)
- July 14 (morning closure)
- Nov 11 (morning closure)
Plus occasional exceptional closures for official ceremonies or weather.
Pro tip: if your schedule is tight (sunset visit, last day in Paris), check the “closures” notice on the official site the same day.
How to get there 🚇🚌🚶♂️
Metro / RER (best choice) 🚇
Go to Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile:
- Metro lines 1, 2, 6
- RER A
Bus 🚌
Bus lines listed by the official site include 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 + Balabus.
The most important safety rule ⚠️
Do not try to cross the traffic circle.
Use the pedestrian underpass Passage du Souvenir (signed), accessed from the top of the Champs-Élysées or Avenue de la Grande-Armée.
✈️ Airport connections (CDG & Orly) ✈️🚇
From CDG (Charles de Gaulle) → Arc de Triomphe
- Take RER B from CDG toward central Paris (runs roughly 4:50 AM–11:50 PM from CDG 2 TGV).
- Transfer in central Paris to reach Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile (via Metro/RER connections), then walk to the underpass.
Ticket: the “Paris Region ↔ Airports” ticket is €14 (rates applicable as of 01/01/2026).
From Orly (ORY) → Arc de Triomphe
- Take Metro Line 14 from Aéroport d’Orly toward central Paris.
- Connect onward to Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile (Metro/RER).
Ticket: Line 14 airport trips require the Paris Region ↔ Airports ticket (€14).
What to expect inside (and how long you need) 🗺️
Time planning
- Photo stop only (outside): 15–30 min ✅
- Rooftop visit: 60–90 min
- Rooftop + slow photos + inside exhibits: 90–120 min
Stairs vs lift ♿
- 284 steps to the terrace.
- A lift is available only for visitors who need it, and official info notes it can provide access to the museum level and terrace without prior reservation requirements.
Practical tips (security, bags, comfort) ✅⚠️
Security + bags 🎒
- Maximum luggage size: 40 × 40 × 20 cm
- No lockers / left-luggage on site
- Some items are prohibited (selfie poles, tripods, scooters, glass bottles, sharp objects, weapons, flags/banners, etc.).
Strollers & kids 👶
Strollers/pushchairs are not allowed inside, but you can leave them with access control officers and collect them afterward.
Best time for views 📸
- Golden hour / sunset is peak (also peak crowds).
- For fewer people: arrive right at opening or go later in the evening (summer hours help).
Don’t miss this: the flame ceremony 🔥 (free)
The rekindling ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is public and happens every evening at 6:30 PM.
Even if you don’t go up to the terrace, this is a memorable, “real Paris” moment—quiet, respectful, and surprisingly moving.
Common mistakes (save time + nerves) ⚠️✅
- ⚠️ Trying to cross the roundabout on foot → use the underpass (Passage du Souvenir).
- ⚠️ Arriving too late → last entry is 45 minutes before closing.
- ⚠️ Bringing a big suitcase → size limit is strict and there’s no luggage storage.
- ⚠️ Not checking closure notices → official ceremonies/weather can partially or fully close access.
FAQ ❓
Is the Arc de Triomphe free?
The tomb area is freely accessible, and the monument has free-admission categories (age/eligibility + specific free Sundays).
How many steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe?
Official info lists 284 steps to the terrace.
Which metro lines go to Arc de Triomphe?
Metro 1, 2, 6 + RER A to Charles-de-Gaulle–Étoile.
What time is the flame ceremony?
Every evening at 6:30 PM (public).
Conclusion
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the best “effort-to-reward” Paris experiences: easy to reach by Metro 🚇, a fast visit if you’re short on time, and a rooftop view that makes the city’s layout finally click. Book online, arrive early or late, use the underpass (seriously), and if you can, time your visit to watch the 6:30 PM flame ceremony for a powerful free add-on.
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