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

New York
Observation Decks
Google Verified Seller

Duration: Varies (15 min to 15 hours)

Free cancellation

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

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Experience New York City’s Empire State Building with Skip-the-Line Express Tickets, taking you directly to the thrilling heights of its 86th Floor Observation Deck without delay. Upon arrival at the main entrance, enjoy priority access through security and ticket validation for a swift ascent via express elevators. Standing over 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan, this open-air deck offers unparalleled views across New York City.

Experience stunning views of New York City's skyline without waiting in long lines by using Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Express Tickets at the 86th Floor Observatory.

With a timed entry slot you choose, explore engaging exhibits on both the 2nd and 80th floors after entering the building.

From over 1,000 feet above ground, enjoy unobstructed panoramic vistas of city landmarks such as Central Park, Times Square, and One World Trade Center at Midtown Manhattan's iconic Empire State Building.

Take advantage of free high-speed Wi-Fi to download a complimentary multimedia app that provides information about surrounding landmarks.

Entry to the Empire State Building with timed tickets

Skip-the-Line Express Tickets for the 86th-floor Floor Observation Deck in New York, United States

Use of high-powered binoculars provided at Midtown Manhattan's landmark

Access to engaging multimedia exhibits on both the 2nd and 80th-floors

Free Wi-Fi available throughout your visit

Downloadable app for an enhanced experience with multimedia features

Skip-the-line entry to the Empire State Building’s 102nd-floor observatory (as per option selected)

VIP access at sunrise on the East Rivers cruise of New York City's skyline (as per option selected)

Individual Costs

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

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

Your Experience at the Empire State Building

Enjoy express access to New York City’s most iconic skyscraper by skipping lines and reaching the 86th Floor Observation Deck of the Empire State Building. Located in Midtown Manhattan, this attraction offers a unique opportunity for visitors.

Getting Started with Your Visit

Your journey begins at the main entrance of the Empire State Building where you receive priority access through security checks and ticket validation. With your skip-the-line privileges secured, proceed directly to the elevators that will take you up to the 86th Floor Observation Deck.

What You Can Expect

The open-air observation deck on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building stands over 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan. It offers an unobstructed 360° view encompassing the city skyline, Hudson and East Rivers, among other vistas.

Features to Enhance Your Visit

  • Skip-the-line entry: Experience a smooth visit with priority access that allows you to bypass regular queues for both entry and elevators, reducing your waiting time significantly.
  • Open-air viewing decks: Stand on one of the world’s most renowned open-air observation platforms, enjoying panoramic views in every direction without obstruction.
  • High-powered binoculars: Access complimentary high-powered binocular viewers stationed at various points around the deck to closely examine city landmarks and beyond.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi: Make use of free, high-speed internet access during your visit. This service enables you to download a multimedia app for an enriched self-guided tour experience.
  • Multimedia app: The downloadable Empire State Building app provides multilingual audio guides that can enhance the depth and understanding of your visit with engaging content.
Children playing on giant gorilla hands at Empire State Building Observatory, New York City.

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

Family posing with construction worker statues at museum exhibit.

Family posing with construction worker statues at museum exhibit.

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

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

What to bring

    You'll need a valid photo ID that matches your booking name for entrance verification purposes.

    What’s not allowed

    • All weapons, including firearms and explosives, are strictly forbidden on the premises.
    • Glass bottles, containers, or marbles cannot be brought onto site.
    • Luggage such as large bags, suitcases, and carry-ons is not permitted inside the building.
    • Consuming outside food is prohibited within the Observatory and on outdoor areas. Eating onsite isn't allowed either.
    • Professional photography equipment like tripods or bulky gear are banned from use here.

    Pets aren't welcome, though trained service animals may accompany you in public spaces.

    Accessibility

    • The landmark is ADA compliant with features such as ramps and accessible viewing areas. Binoculars for accessibility are provided too.
    • You'll find accessible restrooms on the 86th floor.
    • Service dogs have access to all public areas within the building.

    The use of both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs is permitted inside.

    Additional information

    • Make sure you've booked in advance as tickets are only valid for your chosen date and time upon purchase.
    • Kids under six can enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult who has paid admission.

    Please note that refunds aren't issued due to weather conditions, crowds, or long wait times.

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

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

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

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

    Book your visit at least a day in advance during peak times to ensure availability and avoid sold-out sessions.

    Bring a valid photo ID that matches the booking name for quick entry validation.

    To save time, activate any necessary passes on your phone before arriving so you can enter swiftly without delay.

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    Operating hours

    Empire State Building

    Monday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Tuesday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Wednesday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Thursday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Friday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Saturday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    Sunday
    10:00am - 11:30pm • last entry 10:45pm
    • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

    By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

    FAQs

    Weapons of all kinds are strictly forbidden. Additionally, glass bottles, containers, marbles, large bags, suitcases, or carry-on luggage cannot be brought inside.
    Begin your experience at the Empire State Building’s main entrance where you'll enjoy fast-track access to elevators leading directly to the 86th Floor Observation Deck.
    These tickets allow you to skip long lines and access the 86th Floor Observatory for panoramic views over New York City, with priority entry through security.
    With your ticket, you can also explore immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors of the building.
    No personal expenses are covered; the ticket includes timed entry access, observatory admission with skip-the-line privileges, binoculars, exhibits on multiple floors, and free Wi-Fi.
    You will have skip-the-line entry, high-powered binoculars for better viewing, and free Wi-Fi to enhance your experience during your visit.
    Connect to free high-speed Wi-Fi available onsite and download a complimentary multimedia app that provides detailed information on surrounding landmarks.
    You will have open-air, unobstructed 360° views of New York City's skyline and landmarks like Central Park and Times Square from over 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan.
    Make sure you have a valid photo ID that matches your booking name for entrance checks. Remember, outside food is not allowed and eating inside the Observatory is prohibited.
    Yes, you can opt for an upgrade to visit the 102nd floor or enjoy VIP early access to catch the sunrise with Starbucks coffee and pastries included as part of a special package.

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