Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets

What does it mean when you “skip the lines” at the Empire State Building?

Skip waiting in multiple long queues after you enter, and follow the marked lanes on the red-carpet-style flooring directing you to the 86th-floor observatory deck.

You will be required to pass through the mandatory airport-style security screening at the very beginning.

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of NYC’s busiest paid attractions, with around 4 million visitors a year. In peak months, the combined entry process (ticket check, photos, security, elevators) typically takes 45–60 minutes, and can stretch to 90+ minutes around sunset and holidays. Even with advance tickets, you still queue for airport-style security and elevator dispatch.

• Timed entry tickets (From $44): Book a fixed timeslot online for the 86th floor (or 86th + 102nd). You skip the walk-up ticket-purchase line and join the security queue directly. Best value option; popular sunset and holiday slots can sell out several days ahead.

• Express / skip-the-line tickets (From $85): Use priority lanes at ticket check and elevators, cutting entrance waits from around 45–60 minutes to roughly 10–20 minutes in busy periods. You still pass through security like everyone else. Capacity is limited per timeslot, so these often go first for sunset and Christmas weeks.

• Sunrise / limited-capacity sessions (From $150): Pre-opening Sunrise Experience on the 86th floor with Starbucks coffee and pastries. Numbers are tightly capped, so lines are minimal and deck crowds very low. Only on select mornings; highly weather dependent and among the first tickets to sell out.

• Combos and city passes including ESB (From $90+): Multi-attraction passes and skyline combos bundle timed ESB entry with cruises or other decks. Most include standard, not express, access; some add a same-day night visit. Best suited to itineraries hitting several major NYC sights in 2–3 days.

See all your options to skip the queues at Empire State Building ↓

How long are the queues at the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC, drawing an average of 4 million visitors per year.

Peak hours (mid to late afternoon), weekends, and especially during the summer, visitors can end up waiting for an average of an hour or more before they access the elevator line to the observatory.

Types of queues at the Empire State Building

Security check

  • Location: Main entrance of the building, 20 West 34th Street, Manhattan
  • Who it’s for: All visitors
  • Average wait time: 10 to 30 minutes
  • Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors

Ticketing counter

  • Location: 2nd floor of the Empire State Building, multiple ticket kiosks available
  • Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
  • Average wait time: 10 to 15 minutes during off-season, 45 minutes to 1 hour during peak seasons and weekends
  • Skip-the-line: Can be bypassed with pre-purchased online tickets

Elevator line

  • Location: 2nd floor of the Empire State Building, 4 elevators
  • Who it’s for: All visitors 
  • Average wait time: 10 to 20 minutes
  • Skip-the-line: Priority access with Red Carpet lane for skip-the-line ticket holders
The fastest way to reach the top

Avoid waiting in multiple lines, and save your energy to take in the Manhattan skyline views from an iconic NYC landmark.

Empire State Building view from New York City street with yellow taxis and skyscrapers.

Compare Empire State Building ticket options

Ticket typeQueuesAccess/inclusionsBest forCancellationPriceBook

Standard timed entry

Skips ticket-line only (timed entry); Does not skip elevator lines

Timed entry to the Empire State Building; Access to 86th-floor observatory ;Access to high-powered binoculars; Access to 2nd and 80th floor immersive exhibits; Free Wi-Fi; Downloadable multimedia app

First-time visitors who want the classic ESB experience at the best price

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $43.99

Observation Decks Tickets

Skip-the-line

Skips ticket line; Skips elevator line; Fast-track to the 86th floor

Timed entry; Skip-the-line access to 86th-floor observatory; Access to high-powered binoculars; Access to 2nd and 80th-floor immersive exhibits; Free Wi-Fi; Downloadable multimedia app

Those who want the fastest entry and minimal waiting, especially during peak hours

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $84.99

Skip-the-Line Express Tickets

VIP

Pre-opening access (minimal/no lines)

Early-morning VIP access; Sunrise viewing from the 86th-floor observatory; Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend Coffee; A selection of artisanal Princi® pastries by Starbucks Reserve®

Photographers, couples, and anyone wanting an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime start to the day

Free cancellation up to 24 hours

From $134.98

VIP Sunrise Experience

How to actually skip the lines at the Empire State Building

Book skip-the-line tickets

Booking Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets allows you to access the attraction on priority without worrying about standing in long queues for hours. Get priority access and save time and energy, which you can use to explore the building at your own pace.

Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Tickets

Book tickets online

Booking online tickets to the Empire State Building is a convenient option. You get to skip waiting in lines at the ticketing counter, but you still have to wait in the security line and the elevator line to the observatory.

Empire State Building General Admission Tickets

Visit early

The best way to avoid crowds is to visit the Empire State Building either during its opening hours or just before closing time. This allows you to spend more time at the attraction and make the most of your visit.

Empire State Building timings

Hear what our guests have to say

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Jarvis Tebao
US

Jarvis

United States
Jan 2026

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My kids loved their first trip to NYC and to make it even sweeter their first time to a museum! An incredible experience!
marina paoliello
BR

Marina

Brazil
Jan 2026

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The experience was incredible, perfect for curious children and for a trip full of learning. Buying tickets through the app is quick and easy.
Jennifer Wolfe
US

Jennifer

United States
Jan 2026

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The ferry ride and self guided tours of the SOL and Ellis Island were fun. Disappointed that the ticket did not include the pedestal. I thought when I read before booking included the pedestal. The Edge was great yet windy and cold.
Richard Martinez
US

Richard

United States
Jan 2026

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Edge NYC was unforgettable: stunning views, thrilling glass floor, smooth entry, and a skyline moment I'll never forget.
Valerie Kuzmar
CO

Valerie

Colombia
Jan 2026

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It was wonderful from the moment I walked in, the logistics were fantastic. Everything was very well organized; you get on the elevator and it has sounds that make you feel like you're floating up to the 92nd floor in an instant. The view of NYC is spectacular! And playing with the balloons is simply amazing. I would definitely do it a thousand times over! Guaranteed fun!
Helen McMulkin
GB

Helen

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

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Booking was easy did from England Communication , emails from head out very good Summit one was amazing Very organised , Amazing views , great photo opportunities . We had a very Bright clear day . Empire state at night was magical it was quiet , clear views , the art deco building and history fab , staff dressed in 1920's Uniforms Would definitely recommend head out to book with and do both experiences Thanks
Thomas T Domitrovich
US

Thomas

United States
Jan 2026

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+1 more

Elevators operated perfectly. Employees were friendly and informative, especially on the top. Listening to the Empire State Building employee on the 102 floor talk about the area around us was so interesting. He knew his stuff, very good! I could have stayed and listened for hours. The building was super clean, love that. Worth every dollar, we had a wonderful time
Judith M  Tirado
US

Judith

United States
Jan 2026

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An essential stop when you're in New York. Not just for the stunning vistas but to uncover the fascinating history that lies behind such incredible marvel.

Frequently asked questions about Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets

The ticket provides fast access to the 86th-floor observatory deck, red carpet lane access, Art Deco lobby access, high-power binoculars, audio guides, and free Wi-Fi. For an additional upgrade, you can also access the observatory deck on the 102nd floor.

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Timings

Inside the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Tower Lights