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How to skip the line at the 9/11 Museum | Expert tips

What does it mean when you “skip the lines” at the 9/11 Museum?

Get a guided walking tour of the 9/11 Memorial and its sights, followed by skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum, where you can explore the collections at your own pace.

The entry to the Museum does require a mandatory airport-style security screening at the gate.

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Museum is one of NYC’s busiest sites. On peak days, ticket-counter and general-admission queues can each run 20–40 minutes and stretch up to 60–90 minutes around midday, plus another 15–30 minutes (up to ~60) at the security checkpoint. Skip-the-line options mainly shorten ticket and entry queues, not security, but used well they can save around 45–60 minutes and make timing your day much easier.

  • Timed online museum tickets (From $24–36): Book a specific slot on the official site and skip the on-site ticket counter, going straight to the general admission line and security. Easiest option if you just want the museum without extras.
  • Skip-the-line museum tickets (From $36–45): Pay a small premium for a priority lane that bypasses the regular entry queue and takes you straight to the security checkpoint, cutting door waits to roughly 10–15 minutes in busy months while still clearing screening.****
  • Guided memorial + museum tours with priority entry (From $70–90): Join a small-group Ground Zero and memorial tour, then use group skip-the-line access into the museum. Your guide handles ticketing and timing, reducing the risk of mis-booked slots and making the experience more structured.
  • Free Admission Monday timed tickets (From $0): Monday evening tickets released at 7am are great for budgets but not for queues; they often sell out fast and lines plus security waits are usually at their longest in this window.

​See all your options to skip the queues at 9/11 Memorial & Museum ↓

How long are the queues at the 9/11 Museum entrance

The 9/11 Museum is one of New York City’s most visited attractions, drawing large crowds daily. During peak season, wait times at the entrance can stretch from 60 to 90 minutes, especially closer to or on the anniversary of the tragedy. Even during the off-season, mornings and early afternoons tend to be more crowded. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the rush. The peak hours especially apply during weekends and public/school holidays.

  • Peak season: April to September
  • Peak hours: 11am to 3pm

Know your queue at the 9/11 Museum entrance

Ticketing counter

This queue is for visitors who do not have pre-purchased tickets and are looking to book them on-site.

Location: Left of the main entrance
Who is it for? Visitors purchasing tickets on-site
Average wait times: Up to 90 minutes during busy periods; 20-40 minutes during non-peak hours

General admission

If you have booked standard tickets to the museum, this is the right queue for you.

Location: Next to the ticketing counter towards the left of the entrance
Who is it for? Visitors with general admission tickets
Average wait times: Up to 90 minutes during busy periods; 20-40 minutes during non-peak hours

Skip-the-line queue

For skip-the-line ticket holders, this is your entry point. With extremely short wait times, you can make your way inside in no time.

Location: Designated entrance lane next to the general admission line
Who is it for? Skip-the-line ticket holders
Average wait times: Typically 10-15 minutes, faster during non-peak hours; under 10 minutes during non-peak hours

Security checkpoint

Every visitor must undergo a mandatory security check before entering the museum. For skip the line ticket holders, you can make your way directly to the security line.

Location: Right outside the museum’s main entrance
Who is it for? All visitors, including those with tickets
Average wait times: 30-60 minutes during peak hours; around 15-30 minutes during non-peak hours

Avoid long queues!

Your best bet to avoid long waiting times, especially during peak hours and holidays is to get skip-the-line tickets. Save yourself the hassle of spending up to 60 minutes in line and head right in in just 5-10 minutes.

​Skip the lines now

How to skip the lines at the 9/11 Museum

Book tickets online

Purchasing tickets online and in advance is one of the easiest ways to skip long ticketing queues. Online tickets, including skip-the-line options, will give you faster access by allowing you to bypass the general admission line.

Recommended experiences:

​9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets

Choose guided tours with skip-the-line entry

Opting for a guided tour not only enhances your visit with expert insights but also helps avoid long queues, as guides often manage ticketing and entry formalities on your behalf.

Recommended experiences:

​Combo: Ground Zero Guided Tour + 9/11 Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Visit during non-peak hours

For shorter wait times, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside the 11am to 3pm peak window. Early evening visits are also generally quieter, especially on weekdays.

9/11 Museum timings

Avoid days after holidays

The day after major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas often draws heavy crowds. Plan your visit a few days before or after to steer clear of the post-holiday rush.

Avoid school holidays

Local school vacations, especially spring and summer breaks, bring a spike in visitors. Checking the NYC school calendar can help you avoid busier periods.

Avoid free entry days

The 9/11 Museum offers free admission on Monday evenings after 5pm. While tempting, these slots typically see heavy crowds and long lines.

Compare your 9/11 Memorial & Museum ticket options

Ticket typeWait time benefitsInclusionsBest forCancellationPriceBook

Standard museum ticket

Skip ticket-line if you reserve; typical museum entry wait only

9/11 Museum timed-entry ticket; Access to the Museum's current exhibitions; Access to 9/11 Memorial, Survivor Tree, and Memorial Glade; Free Wi-Fi; 9/11 Memorial & Museum $2 service fee

Visitors who want a self-paced, contemplative visit to the museum and memorial without needing a guided tour

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $36

9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets

Guided tour

Skip admission line for memorial (no museum entry)

Guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial; Local English-speaking tour guide; Access to The Oculus, FDNY 10 House, Trinity Church, 9/11 Memorial Pools, The Survivor Tree, One World Trade Center

If you want a quick, reflective memorial-site visit (outside) without entering the museum

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $35.10

Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour

Guided tour + skip-the-line museum entry

Priority entrance to museum, plus guided tour

Skip-the-line tickets to the 9/11 Museum; Guided tour of Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial; English-speaking local guide

Best when you want a deeper understanding of 9/11 history and prefer a guide to add context and personal stories

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $71.10

Guided Tour + Skip-the-Line

Family pass

Skip ticket-line for pre-booked slot

Family Pass tickets to the 9/11 Museum for 2 adults and 2 children

Best for families travelling together for a more economical way to explore

No free cancellation

From $25

Family Pass
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Frequently asked questions about 9/11 Museum skip-the-line tickets

With skip-the-line tickets, you can save up to 45-60 minutes compared to those waiting in the general admission queue, especially during peak visiting hours.

More reads

Memorial Glade

Plan your visit

Timings