Empire State Building Tickets

As one of New York City’s most popular attractions, the Empire State Building Observatory is best experienced with tickets booked in advance, especially if you want to secure entry at your preferred time.

Choose from a range of ticket options designed to suit different interests, budgets, and travel styles. Whether you’re looking for a standard self-guided visit, an upgraded VIP experience, a combined sightseeing package, or a broader New York City pass, there’s an Empire State Building ticket option to match your plans.

Empire State Building observation deck tickets offer access to two main decks. Choose between the 86th-floor open-air observation deck and the 102nd-floor indoor gallery for different perspectives of Manhattan.

Every entry ticket also includes access to the museum on the second floor, which offers interactive exhibits about the building’s history.

Key benefits:

• Skip the ticket purchase line with advance mobile vouchers
• Access the top of the Empire State Building for skyline views
• Enjoy the flexibility of digital tickets downloaded right to your mobile device

Best for: Independent travelers and first-time visitors who want to see the skyline at their own pace.

Premium ticket options, such as the Empire State Building All Access Tour or Sunrise at Empire State, offer a more exclusive visit.

These tickets often include a professional guide and access to the Green Room, a space usually reserved for celebrities.

Key benefits:

• Save time by bypassing the lines to head straight inside
• Learn about the construction and history with a dedicated guide
• Enjoy VIP perks like access to exclusive spaces

Best for: Travelers celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting a crowd-free tour.

Some Empire State Building tickets include a guided walking tour of Midtown Manhattan, the High Line, or other landmark routes before your visit.

These packages typically end with timed entry to the building, giving you a broader understanding of New York City’s architecture, skyline, and urban development. They can also make it easier to explore some of Manhattan’s busiest areas with the guidance of a local expert.

Key benefits:

• Learn about the building’s history and how it shaped New York’s skyline
• Enjoy a guided walk through busy Manhattan streets
• Reach the Empire State Building with no extra planning

Best for: History fans and visitors looking to combine several famous sights in one half-day tour.

Bundle your New York Empire State Building tickets with other top attractions like the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, or One World Observatory.

You can also choose all-in-one passes like the CityPASS, which cover multiple sites with one digital ticket.

Key Benefits:

• Save on Empire State Building cheap tickets by bundling multiple attractions
• Use one digital ticket for entry to several major attractions
• Simplify your sightseeing with one easy purchase

Best for: Visitors spending several days in the city who want to see as much as possible on a budget.

The 86th floor is home to the world-famous open-air observatory. Here, you can use high-power binoculars and enjoy 360˚ views over Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.

Why it’s a must-see: This deck has appeared in countless classic films and gives you a bird's-eye view of the city.

Ticket access: Included in all standard Empire State Building observatory tickets.

The 102nd floor features an indoor gallery with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, located 1,250 feet above the city.

On clear days, you can see as far as 80 miles, with views stretching across five states and the Atlantic Ocean.

Why it’s a must-see: Get a sky-high view with some of the most far-reaching, unobstructed views available anywhere in Manhattan.

Ticket access: Access to this deck is not included with basic 86th-floor tickets. Upgrade to a premium ticket to visit.

The 2nd Floor features museum-quality exhibits that bring the Empire State Building’s story to life. Highlights include the famous “King Kong” exhibit, the “Construction” display, and “The Site in the 1920s,” which shows what the area looked like before the skyscraper was built.

Why it’s a must-see: These galleries add family-friendly and historical context to your trip, making the Empire State ticket price more valuable than a simple observation deck visit.

Ticket access: Included with all Empire State Building tickets.

The Empire State Building is typically open from 9:00 am to 12:00 am, with last entry 1 hour before closing.

However, hours can vary by season, so you should check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule before going.

Sunset is usually the busiest time of day and often sells out, so book tickets several weeks in advance to secure your preferred time.

Address: 20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

By Subway:

• Take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34 St - Herald Sq Station
• Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E trains to 34 St - Penn Station

Both stations are a short walk from the entrance.

Entrance: Enter the building through the dedicated visitor entrance located on 34th Street.

The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant. Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome, and ramps and elevators give all visitors full access to the observatories and museum exhibits.

Service dogs are also permitted throughout the building.

• Security: All visitors must go through airport-style security screening before entry
• Prohibited Items: Glass bottles, tripods, professional cameras, or large luggage are not allowed
• Strollers: Strollers are welcome, but they must be folded before entering elevators and observation areas

Yes, tickets for the Empire State Building are required for entry. All visitors must buy a timed entry ticket before arriving.

Empire State Building ticket prices vary by age, deck access, and time.

Standard entry for the main observation deck on the 86th floor starts around $47 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Tickets for access to the 102nd floor are an additional cost.

You can use standard Empire State Building tickets to skip the ticket window by booking online. If you want to skip all lines, including security and elevators, buy an Express Pass.

Yes, you can buy Empire State Building tickets at the entrance. However, slots may be sold out, and ticket prices are often higher on-site, so booking online is recommended.

The 102nd floor offers higher, indoor, floor-to-ceiling views up to 80 miles out, compared to the open-air 86th-floor deck. Both are impressive, but the 102nd-floor upgrade gives an extra sense of height and exclusivity.

The best time to visit the Empire State Building is early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer crowds. Sunset is popular for photos, but it is also the busiest time to visit, so be sure to book ahead.

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours visiting the observatories and seeing the exhibits.

Most third-party platforms like Tiqets allow cancellation or changes up to 24 hours before your visit, but always check the cancellation policy before booking.

No, mobile tickets on your smartphone are accepted. Just show your digital voucher at the entrance.

All tickets include access to the 2nd-floor museum exhibits and the 86th-floor observatory. The 102nd floor requires an additional upgrade.