Quick overview: How to skip the lines at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT runs on timed entry, but the bottleneck is usually the entry flow: on peak weekends and around sunset, you can face 30–120+ mins in the entry/holding line plus ~15–40 mins for security + elevator staging. In quieter weekday mornings, it’s often closer to 0–20 mins to get in plus ~10–25 mins for security/elevators. The right ticket mainly decides which of those queues you can shorten (and how locked-in your time slot is).

Timed entry tickets (From $44): The baseline “skip the ticket counter” option. You enter at your reserved slot and go straight to the on-site process (screening + elevator queues). Best if you can go early or late; avoid peak midday/sunset if you’re time-poor.
Signature Experience (From $63.15): Includes access SUMMIT One Vanderbilt’s three immersive levels: Air, Levitation, and Clouds. You also get access to Après cafe & eatery with one signature cocktail or mocktail complimentary.
Skip-the-line guided tours (From $162): A faster entry path with a guide, typically using fast-pass/priority lanes where offered. Great if you want context plus smoother logistics; trade-off is a fixed pace and higher cost than standard tickets.
Guided combo tours (From $79): Bundles like “Grand Central/Midtown tour + SUMMIT entry” reduce planning and can time your arrival smartly. Not always true skip-the-line for every queue, so read what’s priority vs standard.
Night entry (From $44): Doesn’t skip security, but can reduce crowd pressure vs midday and delivers the best “city lights + reflections” payoff. Sunset slots are the most congested—build buffer time.

See all your options to skip the queues at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt ↓

How long are the queues at the entrance

Two women exploring the AIR, a multi sensory experince at Summit One Vanderbilt.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of New York’s most popular observation decks, drawing crowds year-round thanks to its immersive art installations and epic skyline views. During peak hours, you can expect wait times of 60 to 90 mins just to get through security at the entrance and the elevators.

Peak season: May to September
Peak hours: 11am to 4pm

A queue breakdown: What to expect

Entry queue

Location: Directly outside the main entrance to SUMMIT
Who is it for? General admission ticket holders
Average wait times: 30–60 mins, especially during weekends and holidays.

Security queue

Location: Inside, post ticket validation
Who is it for? General admission ticket holders
Average wait times: 15–30 mins during busy hours

Elevator queue

Location: After security clearance, leading to the elevator to reach the observation floors
Who is it for? General admission ticket holders
Average wait times: 20–40 mins

Skip-the-line lanes

Location: Look for designated fast-track lanes for skip-the-line ticket holders at the entrance and elevator queues
Who is it for? Skip-the-line or guided tour ticket holders
Average wait times: 10 mins

The fastest way to enter SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Lines at SUMMIT can easily stretch to over an hour during peak times. With the guided tour, you get priority entry through all major queues and an expert-led experience that makes the most of your visit.

Maximize your visit: When & how to skip the lines

Book tickets online

Booking online in advance guarantees your spot and lets you choose time slots that avoid peak traffic. You can even book skip-the-line tickets online that offer access through priority lanes at the entrance and elevators.

Choose guided tours

A guided tour like the 90-min skip-the-line experience ensures you breeze past all queues while enjoying curated insights and stories that make your visit much more special.

Visit during non-peak hours

Earlier morning slots (9am-10:30am) and evenings (4pm-5:30pm) see fewer crowds. Sunset slots sell out fast, so book those at least 2-3 weeks ahead if that’s your plan.

Avoid weekends and holidays

Weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, are your best bet to avoid the biggest crowds. NYC school holidays and public breaks see massive footfall, so you’d do well to avoid visiting then.

Compare your ticket options

Ticket type	Wait times	Queues	Access/route	Best for	Price	Book
On-site ticket	60–120 mins (peak hours)	❌ None	Standard entry after purchasing tickets on arrival	Only suitable if you arrive during very low crowds (not recommended)	Varies	On-site
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt tickets	20–40 mins	✅ Ticket purchase queue	Timed entry to all SUMMIT levels: AIR, LEVITATION skyboxes, and immersive installations	First-timers who want the full SUMMIT experience at the lowest price	From $51.60	Admission ticket
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Signature Experience Tickets	5–15 mins	✅ Ticket purchase queue	Hosted entry with escort to the entrance + access to exclusive areas (like Après lounge perks)	Visitors who want a smoother, more premium arrival with minimal waiting	From $63.15	Signature experience
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10–20 mins	✅ Skip-the-line privileges at all key points: entrance, security, elevators, and Levitation	Guided visit of SUMMIT with commentary and structured flow through the experience	Those who want context, storytelling, and a curated experience	From $149	Guided tour
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt & Secrets of Grand Central Station Tour	10–20 mins (SUMMIT entry)	✅ Ticket purchase queue	Guided tour of Grand Central Terminal followed by timed SUMMIT entry	Architecture and history enthusiasts who want deeper context before visiting SUMMIT	From $77	Combo tour
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Night Experience tickets	20–40 mins	✅ Ticket purchase queue	Evening timed entry with city views after dark	Photographers and those who want a more atmospheric, nightlife-friendly visit	From $51.73	Night ticket