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Observation Decks

Empire State Building Express Tickets: Skip the Line Entry

Aerial view of the Empire State Building in New York City skyline.
Couple viewing NYC skyline from Empire State Building exhibit.
People posing on King Kong's hand inside the Empire State Building, NYC.
Tourists viewing New York City skyline from Empire State Building observation deck.

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4.3/5

(72)

Robert Michael Nippe

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
Robert Glen Davis

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 all lines and feel like a VIP as you enjoy red-carpet treatment to the 86th Floor Observatory with Express Entry.

    • Take in the best views in NYC with 360° panoramic sights of the Manhattan skyline, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, and use powerful viewfinders for an even closer look.

    • Capture unmissable photo opportunities from the city’s most iconic observation deck, ranked the #1 top attraction in New York City.

    • Make your visit interactive and immersive by scanning QR codes to unlock exclusive stories while enjoying free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

    • Discover an icon as you learn about the Empire State Building’s Art Deco design, construction marvels, and enduring pop culture legacy through engaging exhibits.

    • Upgrade your experience with the exclusive Sunrise Experience, complete with Starbucks Reserve coffee and pastries, or ascend to the 102nd Floor Observatory for unmatched floor-to-ceiling views across six states.

    • Skip-the-line ticket to the 86th-floor observatory deck

    • Red carpet lane access

    • High-power binoculars

    • Art Deco lobby access

    • QR codes at the venue to see behind the scenes at the Observatory

    • Free Wi-Fi

    • Skip-the-line ticket to the 102nd-floor observatory deck (as per option selected)

    • VIP sunrise experience: 86th-Floor with Starbucks Reserve (as per option selected)

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

  • 4.3
    72 ratings

    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.

    44
    14
    9
    0
    5
    Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Robert Glen Davis

    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 Pados

    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 Pereira

    Rosita

    Aug 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Fantastic experience! Well worth it!
    jonathan prewett

    Jonathan

    Aug 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Speedy access , helpful staff.
    Simone Mueller

    Simone

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
  • A red carpet entrance to New York City’s number-one top attraction

    Step into the Empire State Building, ranked the #1 top attraction in New York City, with VIP Skip the Line Tickets that make you feel like a star. From the moment you arrive, a dedicated priority lane and red carpet set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Skip the crowds, fast-track your way through, and let the excitement build as the elevator whisks you toward the sky.

    At 1,050 feet above Manhattan, the 86th-Floor Observatory unveils the most famous 360° panoramic views in the city. Spot Central Park, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty, while high-powered viewfinders bring every landmark into focus.

    Elevate your experience even higher

    For the ultimate bucket-list moment, upgrade your ticket to include the 102nd Floor Observatory. A panoramic glass elevator carries you to the top of the building, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal jaw-dropping views stretching up to six states on a clear day.

    Every ticket also includes access to the Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby and the immersive second-floor exhibits, where you’ll explore the tower’s daring construction and its starring role in movies, music, and global culture. With free Wi-Fi throughout, you can capture and share your iconic moments instantly.

  • Empire State Building

    Monday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Thursday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Friday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Saturday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Sunday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
  • What's not allowed

    • Keep in mind tripods, large packages, suitcases, outside food, glass items, and professional cameras are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

    Accessibility

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

    • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

    • Accessible toilets are available at the venue.

    • 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

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