The difference between the New York CityPASS and the New York Pass
There are a range of New York discount passes that you can purchase before you go on holiday. The most popular passes are the New York CityPASS, the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass. On this page, I will tell you more about the difference between the New York CityPASS and New York Pass. You can visit top attractions with both of these passes. But which pass is right for you?
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New York CityPASS vs. New York Pass
First of all, I recommend that you consider how long you will be in New York and how long you wish to spend visiting attractions (and not, for example, Cycling in Central Park). This will determine which pass is best for you. The New York CityPASS is easy to use and valid for nine days from the time of its first use. In contrast, the New York Pass is available for one, two, three, four, five, seven or ten calendar days from the time of its first use. In addition, with both passes, there are no extra costs involved at the attractions. You just buy the pass and that is enough.
Visiting Top Attractions
Both passes are a lot cheaper than buying separate tickets for each of the attractions. If you visit the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock and also take a boat tour using the New York CityPASS, you will save a lot on the regular rates for these attractions. With the New York Pass you can do so many things that if you plan wisely, you can save a lot as well. For example, you can take the Hop-on Hop-off bus, do a guided bike tour and visit Madame Tussauds. One of the great advantages of both the New York CityPASS and the New York Pass is that you can skip the queues and save a lot of time.
If you are in New York for only one or two days then the New York CityPASS is for you. With this pass, you can visit 6 top attractions including the Top of the Rock, Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Museum. On the other hand, the New York Pass is only profitable if you are in New York for more than three days. Also, if you are planning to see, do and visit a lot, you can visit as many as 100 attractions so are guaranteed to have a busy schedule!
The New York CityPASS and the New York Pass both include entrance to the famous sights and attractions of New York: the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock, the Statue of Liberty and museums such as the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History. The New York Pass also includes entrance to some of the lesser-known attractions such as the New York Hall of Science, the Staten Island Botanical Garden and the Fraunces Tavern.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket
If you are planning to take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour whilst in New York, then you should consider the New York Pass. With this pass, you receive a 1-day Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket for Big Bus. This ticket allows you to tour the Uptown and Downtown loops for one day.
Which discount pass is the best option?
As for pricing, considering the possibility of visiting 6 attractions in 2 days, the New York CityPASS is cheaper. But the two passes shouldn’t be compared as they each offer something different.
In summary:
| New York CityPASS | New York Pass |
| Valid for 9 days | Valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days |
| US$132 | US$134 – $358 27% discount! |
| 6 attractions | 100+ attractions |
| Collect in New York | Mobile or physical New York Pass |
| Extra discount coupon | A lot of deals at restaurants and cafés |
| Paper guide with info on attractions | App or paper guide with info on all attractions |
Buy your New York CityPASS here
