Aerial view of the Empire State Building in New York City skyline.
Children playing on giant gorilla hands at Empire State Building Observatory, New York City.
Family posing with construction worker statues at museum exhibit.
Empire State Building Art Deco lobby with golden ceiling and mural.
Couple enjoying New York City skyline view from Empire State Building Observatory.
Visitor using binoculars on Empire State Building's 86th floor observatory.
Visitor taking a selfie on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, New York City.

Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Express Tickets

New York
Observation Decks
Google Verified Seller
Duration

Duration: 2 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Skip the long lines and fast-track your way to the 86th Floor Observatory for breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.

Pick a time a slot of your choice to enter the building; access immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.

Enjoy open-air unobstructed panoramic vistas of city landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and One World Trade Center from above 1,000 feet.

Connect to the free high-speed Wi-Fi to download the complimentary multimedia app for information on surrounding landmarks.

Upgrade to combine a visit to the 102nd floor or enjoy VIP early access to catch the sunrise, with a cup of Starbucks and a side of pastry.

Timed entry to the Empire State Building

Skip-the-line access to 86th-floor observatory

Access to high-powered binoculars

Access to 2nd and 80th-floor immersive exhibits

Free Wi-Fi

Downloadable multimedia app

Skip-the-line access to 102nd-floor observatory (as per option selected)

VIP access at sunrise (as per option selected)

Your experience image 1

Aerial view of the Empire State Building in New York City skyline.

Skip the lines and soar straight to the top of New York City’s most iconic skyscraper with express access to the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observation Deck.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the Empire State Building’s main entrance, where you’ll enjoy priority access through security and ticket validation. With skip-the-line privileges, head directly to the elevators that will take you up to the 86th Floor Observation Deck.

What to expect

Empire State Building 86th Floor Observation Deck

Standing over 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck offers unobstructed 360° views of the city skyline, the Hudson and East Rivers, and beyond.

Features

  • Skip-the-line entry: Enjoy a stress-free experience with priority access, skipping regular entry and elevator lines thus minimizing waiting time.

  • Open-air viewing decks: Experience the city from one of the world’s most famous open-air observation points, surrounded by unobstructed views in every direction.

  • High-powered binoculars: Use free-to-access high-powered binocular viewers located on the deck to get a closer look at city landmarks.

  • High-speed Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your visit; use it download the multimedia app for a self-guided visit.

  • Multimedia app: Enhance your experience with the free downloadable Empire State Building app, offering multilingual audio guides.

Your experience image 2

Children playing on giant gorilla hands at Empire State Building Observatory, New York City.

Your experience image 3

Family posing with construction worker statues at museum exhibit.

Know before you go image 1

Empire State Building Art Deco lobby with golden ceiling and mural.

What to bring

  • Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be checked at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

  • Weapons of any kind, including firearms and explosives, are strictly prohibited.

  • Glass bottles, containers, and marbles are not permitted anywhere on-site.

  • Large bags, suitcases, and carry-on luggage cannot be brought into the building.

  • Outside food is not allowed, and eating is prohibited inside the Observatory and on the outdoor deck.

  • Professional photography gear, tripods, and large equipment are not permitted.

  • Pets are not allowed; only trained service animals may enter.

Accessibility

  • The building is fully ADA compliant, offering ramps, lowered viewing areas, and accessible binoculars.

  • Accessible restrooms are available on the 86th floor.

  • Service dogs are welcome throughout all public areas.

  • Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs may be used inside the landmark.

Additional information

  • Reservations are required, and tickets are valid only for the date and time you select at purchase.

  • Children under six may enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

  • The attraction does not issue refunds due to weather, crowds, or wait times.

Know before you go image 2

Couple enjoying New York City skyline view from Empire State Building Observatory.

Know before you go image 3

Visitor using binoculars on Empire State Building's 86th floor observatory.

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