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, allowing you to bypass queues and ascend directly to its iconic 86th Floor Observation Deck. Begin your journey at the main entrance for priority access through security and ticket validation. Soar over 1,000 feet above Midtown Manhattan from this thrilling vantage point.

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)

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

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.

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

  • 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.

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.

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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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