Empire State Building Tickets - Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets

Until you see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, you haven't really seen it! You'll remember your first visit to the Empire State Building and the amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Manhattan forever.

Your admission ticket takes you to the 86th-floor, at 1,050 feet (320 meters) and the glass-enclosed area is reached by high-speed automatic elevators. From the Observation Deck, you'll be treated to spectacular indoor and outdoor views of Manhattan including Central Park, Times Square, the Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.

The Empire State Building is waiting for you day or night. Come watch the sunset as New York is bathed in warm orange, red and yellow tones, then stick around as the lights come on all over town. Or come later and listen to the live music (weekends only) as the stars and lights twinkle romantically. Whenever you come, enjoy the magic without the wait.

There are 3 lines at the observatory: the security line (required for all visitors), the ticket line and the elevator line. You will be required to join the ticket line to exchange vouchers on arrival.

Skip the Line Admission (Optional Upgrade - available only on peak dates)
Speed past the lines on your way to the tallest point in Manhattan! Your "Express Pass" voucher will enable you to proceed directly to the front of every line, saving valuable time to do all the other things New York is famous for. Don't spend your valuable holiday time waiting in line - there's no faster way to the top!

Express Pass is especially valuable from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from Thanksgiving until New Year's any time of day and all holiday weekends. Other times of year the Express Pass is recommended for planned visits between 11am and 2pm, and one hour before and after sunset. Limited numbers of Express Passes are sold, so maximum wait times are around 7 minutes. Typical wait time is under 1 minute. Specific wait times cannot be guaranteed, only front of line privileges.

Please see below for all ticketing options and inclusions. Voucher can be redeemed within a year of date originally selected - plan your visit around the weather!

Schedule details

Empire State Building Observatory

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Departure Time:

8:00am to 2:00am

Last elevators to the top are at 1:15am

Holiday Operating Hours:

• New Year's Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
• Thanksgiving Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
• Thanksgiving Weekend: 8:00am - 2:00am
• Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 10:00pm
• Christmas Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
• December 26 - December 30: 7:00am - 1:00am
• New Year's Eve: 7:00am - 10:00pm

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Empire State Building Observatory

Inclusions:

• Admission to Observation Deck
• Audio tour (if option selected at time of booking)

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)
• Admission to the 102nd Observatory Deck
• Audio tour (unless option selected at time of booking)
• Food and drinks

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Vouchers are valid up to a year from travel date selected
• No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
• Wheelchair accessible

Voucher Info:

You must present a paper voucher for this tour. We will email a link to access and print your voucher at the Lead Travelers email address. What's this?

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.