Observation Decks

Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Express Tickets

Name: Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Express Tickets
Start: 2025-11-29T11:15:00
End: 2025-11-29T23:00:00
Location: Empire State Building

Empire State Building Christmas display with Rockettes sign and city view.

Tourists using a viewfinder to enjoy the cityscape from the Empire State Building, New York.

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

People posing on King Kong's hand inside the Empire State Building, NYC.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

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

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4.3/5

(75)

Robert

May 2025

Verified booking

4/5

We chose to buy the skip the line tickets which was definately worth it. We did not have to queue at all The weather was not great that day but we still managed to take loads of photo's. The staff werre all friendly. The lifts were very fast. We choose to go to the 86th floor and 102th floor , Both were will worth it

Twila

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Incredible - above and beyond kindness. My daughter left her phone in the 80th floor restroom and noticed after we got to the top. Not only did they help us find it, they delivered it to her so we could continue enjoying the views.

Robert

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The entire experience was excellent start to finish. Your sstaff is excellent!! The attendant on the top floor 103 was particularly kind and helpful

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)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.3
75 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
46
15
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5
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Twila
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Incredible - above and beyond kindness. My daughter left her phone in the 80th floor restroom and noticed after we got to the top. Not only did they help us find it, they delivered it to her so we could continue enjoying the views.
Moira
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
staff very friendly , museum was interesting .
Robert
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The entire experience was excellent start to finish. Your sstaff is excellent!! The attendant on the top floor 103 was particularly kind and helpful
Gay
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Empire State Bldg is a great experience and bring able to skip the lines made it even better
Rosita
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Fantastic experience! Well worth it!

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.

Empire State Building

Monday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Thursday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Friday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Saturday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Sunday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm

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

For all guests booking for Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th, 2025), please note that special entry instructions will be included in your confirmation email.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at your scheduled time. Late arrivals may need to wait for the next available slot, subject to availability.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Ticket redemption point

Show your ticket at the Empire State Building.

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States.

Get directions to the redemption point