An object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL element that has (1) high light emission efficiency and high power efficiency, (2) a low light-emission start voltage, (3) a low actual driving voltage, and (4) an especially long lifespan. According to the present invention, provided is an organic electroluminescent element, or organic EL element, having at least an anode, a hole injection layer, a first hole transport layer, a second hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transport layer, and a cathode, in this order, wherein the second hole transport layer contains an arylamine compound represented by the general formula (1) below, and the electron transport layer contains a pyrimidine derivative represented by the general formula (2) below. Note that A in the general formula (2) represents a monovalent group represented by the structural formula (3) below.