Empire State Building Tickets
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Buying your Empire State Building tickets before you go to New York saves you time. The Empire State Building is one of the most famous buildings in New York, and this is because, from the 86th floor, you have an incredible view of the city. If it’s your first time in New York, this should definitely be on your to-do list! You can choose between regular tickets and express tickets. You can also buy a discount pass (see below) for free entrance.
Buy your tickets for the Empire State Building here
Eric's Index
When should I visit the Empire State Building?
You can visit the Empire State Building 365 days a year, rain or shine. It’s open from 09:00 to 00:00, but the last elevator goes up 45 minutes before closing time. When buying your tickets, you’ll need to select your time slot. When visiting, make sure you’re on time and present your voucher. Since everyone selects their time slots, the waiting time will be limited.
What is better than visiting the Empire State Building? Visiting the Empire State Building twice! With discounted day and night tickets, you can visit the 86th-floor observation deck before 19:59 and return for a second time on the same day after 20:00. This allows you to admire the view both by daylight and at night, with all the sparkling lights of the city around you.
Buy the Empire State Building Day and Night Admission Tickets hereDo you have a New York CityPASS? Then, both visits are included in the pass.
If I buy tickets online, can I come when I want?
No. If you buy your tickets online, you can only visit the Empire State Building during your booked time slot. When buying your tickets, enter the date and time you want to visit the Empire State Building. Make sure to show up at your selected time, and present your voucher.
There is also an option to buy an Express Ticket that allows you to skip the line. With this ticket, you’ll have privileges at the ticket and security lines, but it’s more expensive. I would pick this option if you don’t have much time and want quick and easy access to the Empire State Building. It is worth buying the Express Ticket, especially during the busier periods, in April, May, November, December, and Summer.
Buy your Skip the Line Express tickets for the Empire State Building here
Empire State Building’s 102nd Floor
Did you know the Empire State Building has a Top Deck observatory? 102 floors above the streets of Manhattan, there is an exclusive floor from which you can see all of New York at a glance and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Only a few people a day get access to the tip of the Empire State Building, which makes it an exclusive experience.
Buy a ticket including access to the 86th and 102nd floor here
Unique: VIP Sunrise Experience
A unique experience at the Empire State Building is to visit at sunrise. Before the doors are open to the general public, you take the lift up to the observation deck on the 86th floor and see the sunrise up over New York. This special experience is only available for a maximum of 100 people daily and only on specific days. So book well in advance!
Buy your Empire State Building Sunrise tickets here
Can I use a discount pass for the Empire State Building?
Yes. If you buy a New York Pass, an Explorer Pass, a Sightseeing Flex Pass, or a New York CityPASS you can visit the Empire State Building. You don’t need to go on a specific date but do need to reserve a time slot to go up to the tower. On most days, you can book up to a day before. Your pass does need to be valid, of course.
The Empire State Building is great to visit at night, the Top of the Rock a little less as Central Park is not illuminated. If you have a New York CityPASS or the exclusive day and night admission tickets, you can visit the Empire State Building once during the day and come back at night. Single tickets don’t have this option!
What are the Empire State Building Lights?
The Empire State Building has LED floodlights illuminating the building with 16 million colour combinations. The tower’s lights are changed to reflect various events and holidays throughout the year. On a regular day, you’ll see the Empire State Building’s signature white lights. On Independence Day, the tower is red, white, and blue. Because of these lights, each experience of the Empire State Building at night is unique.
Practical Information
- Location: The main entrance is on 34th Street between Fifth and 6th Avenue
- Opening hours: from 09:00 to 00:00
- The last elevator goes up 45 minutes before closing time
Empire State Building admission fees
Find the Empire State Building admission fees (starting from) below.
| Adults | Children (6-12) | Children < 6 | Seniors 62+ | |
| General admission 86th floor | $48 | $42 | free | $46 |
| General admission 86th & 102nd floors | $87 | $80 | free | $84 |
| Skip-the-line - 86th floor | $93 | $93 | free | $93 |
| Skip-the-line - 86th & 102nd floors | $131 | $131 | free | $131 |
| Sunset surcharge | $11 | $11 | $11 | $11 |
- Personally, I don’t recommend buying skip-the-line tickets for the Empire State Building since you will likely have a New York tourist pass, which offers cheaper and potentially quicker entry. You will still need to go through security even with skip-the-line tickets, so the price difference doesn’t compensate for the time saved. To avoid the queues, my tip is to visit the Empire State Building early in the morning.
- To avoid the additional cost of a sunset ticket, you can book an earlier time slot and stay for the sunset. There is no time limit on how long you can stay at the top to enjoy the views.
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