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 three 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)
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 "Additional Information" for all ticketing options and inclusions.

Schedule details

Departure Point:

Empire State Building

Departure Time:

• 8:00am to 2:00am

Last elevators to the top are at 1:15am

Holiday Operating Hours:

• January 1: 11:00am - 2:00am
• December 24: 8:00am - 8:00pm
• December 25: 11:00am - 2:00am
• December 31: 8:00am - 8:00pm

Pricing information

Click the link below for a price quote on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Admission to Observation Deck
• Audio tour (if option selected at time of booking)
• Express Pass Privileges for Security Lines, Ticket Lines, and Elevator Lines on 2nd, 80th, and 86th Floors (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)
• Express Pass Privileges for Security Lines, Ticket Lines, and Elevator Lines on 2nd, 80th, and 86th Floors (unless option selected at time of booking)
• Food and drinks

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
• Wheelchair accessible

102nd-floor Observatory:
Admission tickets to the 102nd-floor observatory are sold at the observatory ticket office, on the 2nd floor of the building. Admission costs USD15.00 in addition to regular admission tickets.

Ticketing Options:
There are four (4) different ticket options available for you to purchase:
Admission Only - General Admission
Admission and Audio Tour - General Admission plus Audio Tour
Express Pass - Front of Line Admission - Skip the Lines
Express Pass and Audio Tour - Front of Line Admission - Skip the Lines plus Audio Tour

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.