What happens if you don’t book skip-the-line tickets?

Wait times during peak hours can go up to 2 hours, especially if you are visiting during the summer months. If you want to visit Edge and you are short on time, or if you want a comfortable and hassle-free experience, skip-the-line tickets can save you a lot of time and make your visit a lot more enjoyable.

How does the flexible entry work with my Express Pass?

Flexible entry allows you to enter at any time during the day of your booking. Other tickets to Edge are typically timed entry experiences.

Do I still need to go through security?

Yes, security screening is mandatory for all visitors, but Express Pass holders can get priority access through the lines.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing tickets?

Both <experience tgid="26778" type="Popup" title="Express Pass" id="Ul9fYyfq" /> holders and the <experience tgid="35683" type="Popup" title="Sunset VIP Experience" id="Ghw1QUbu" /> holders get flexible entry to Edge NYC, allowing you the freedom to visit at the time of your choosing.

Does the Express Pass include other experiences at Edge or in Hudson Yards?

No, the Express Pass only includes priority access to Edge NYC and flexible entry time to the venue. Other experiences like <experience tgid="24664" type="Popup" title="City Climb" id="aG0UBOmQ" /> at Edge and entry to <experience tgid="30975" type="Popup" title="Vessel" id="x7iDzyYZ" /> at Hudson Yards need additional tickets.

Can children of all ages visit Edge New York?

Children aged 5 and under are allowed to enter for free. Simply show their ID upon arrival. You’ll have to purchase a separate pass for kids over the age of 6. Children under 12 cannot participate in certain experiences at Edge such as the <experience tgid="24664" type="Popup" title="City Climb experience" id="3AOQxyBh" />.

Skip-the-Line Tickets & Express Pass to Edge NYC

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Tickets

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Skip all lines for priority access and get straight to the iconic New York skyline.

Everything you get: Enjoy timed entry to Edge NYC, giving you access to the Level 100 indoor observation deck and the outdoor sky deck, featuring angled glass walls, a Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and the Eastern Point. Benefit from flexible arrival windows and priority entry for a smoother experience.
Why choose this: This ticket is perfect for those who want guaranteed access to Edge without long waits, offering an easy, stress-free way to enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Manhattan.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

‌

Tickets

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

Get priority access to watch the sunset from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Everything you get: Enjoy flexible arrival and priority elevator access on your visit day. Ascend more than 1,100 feet above the ground to the indoor observation deck on level 100 for 360° panoramic views. Step onto The Glass Floor, lean on Angled Glass Walls, relax in The Skyline Seats, sip on some bubbly, and stand at The Eastern Point for unobstructed sunset views, all part of the premium VIP sunset experience, which also includes the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee.
Why choose this: Celebrate golden hour in elevated style with minimal wait times, exclusive access, and lofty vantage points, perfect for an unforgettable NYC evening.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

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What does “skip-the-line” mean when you visit Edge New York?

With your skip-the-line tickets, you get to skip the elevator line and get fast-track entry to the observation deck. You also get to bypass the lines at the ticketing counter. The Express Pass allows you to get priority access through the security lines as well, reducing your wait time significantly.

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at Edge NYC

Edge’s sunset slots draw some of the heaviest observation-deck crowds in NYC. In peak months, expect roughly 30–60 minutes in the ticket/check-in line plus 20–30 minutes for security and elevators at sunset, with some visits stretching close to 2 hours door-to-deck; weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are usually closer to 15–30 minutes total.

• Timed online tickets (From $40): The basic way to dodge on-site ticket machines and the slowest line. You pre-book a specific slot, go straight to Edge check-in and security, then join the elevator queue. Best value if you can stick to a time.

• Express / skip-the-line tickets (From $100): Priority access that bypasses the main ticket counter and moves you into much shorter security and elevator lines. Typically cuts waits to about 20–30 minutes even at busy times. Limited daily capacity and higher prices, so they sell out on peak dates.

• Flex / anytime entry tickets: Lets you arrive at any time during operating hours on your chosen day, avoiding the stress of missing a fixed slot. You still clear normal security and elevator lines, so this is about schedule freedom rather than a big queue shortcut.

• Combos with other attractions: Bundles pairing Edge with decks like SUMMIT or ESB, or with Statue of Liberty and museums. Most include timed or priority-style entry to Edge plus separate dated access to the other sight, and can save 5–10% versus booking everything alone.

• City passes including Edge: Multi-attraction passes where Edge counts as one of several included entries. These usually require making a separate time reservation for Edge; they do not automatically skip security but can be good value if you plan 3–5 major paid sights.

See all your options to skip the queues at Edge NYC ↓

How long are the queues at Edge New York?

Edge is one of New York's most popular attractions, and during peak hours, wait times can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the line. Without a pre-booked ticket, you'll need to queue at the ticketing counter, followed by a security check and elevator lines before beginning your experience.

Peak season: June to August, November & December
Peak hours: 3:30pm to 7pm, weekends and holidays

If you want to skip all the queues and get priority access to the panoramic skyline views of Manhattan, you should consider purchasing the skip-the-line tickets.

Types of queues at Edge NYC

Security check

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 to 30 minutes, can increase during peak times
Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors, Express Pass holders get priority entry

Ticketing counter

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
Average wait time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, can get longer during peak seasons and weekends
Skip-the-line: Can be bypassed with pre-purchased online tickets

Elevator line

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, after the multimedia experience, 2 double-decker elevators
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the time of day or the season
Skip-the-line: Priority access for Express Pass and Sunset VIP Experience Pass holders

How to skip the lines at Edge in New York

Get skip-the-line tickets

The fastest way to skip all the lines at Edge NYC is to opt for skip-the-line tickets in advance. You get priority access through the elevators and enter the observation deck directly to begin your experience with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline at a time of your choosing.

If you opt for the Express Pass, you also get priority access through the security lines, but with the Sunset VIP experience, you only get to skip the elevator line.

You enjoy flexible entry with both tickets.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience
Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Book your tickets online

Booking your tickets online will make sure you don’t have to wait in the ticketing lines to get your admission ticket. But, there will be waiting at security and lines to the elevators for Edge.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets

Visit during the early hours

The observatory is famous for its sunset views and it tends to get crowded around sunset. If you want to avoid waiting in line and visit when there are fewer people, then we recommend you visit early. Edge opens at 9am, and it starts getting crowded after 3pm, so any time before that should be ideal, especially during weekdays.

More about Edge timings

Compare your ticket options for Edge NYC

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry & Flexible Entry

Wait time: 1 to 2 hours
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines
Included with your ticket: Timed or flexible entry (based on option selected) to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets

Edge Express Pass

Wait time: 20 to 30 minutes
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines, security lines, elevator lines
Included with your ticket: Flexible entry to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point, digital souvenir

Recommended experience:

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Sunset VIP Experience

Wait time: 30 to 45 minutes
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines, elevator lines
Included with your ticket: Flexible entry to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point, a complimentary glass of bubbly (for those above 21 years of age)

Recommended experience:

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

Frequently asked questions about Edge NYC skip-the-line tickets

Skip-the-line tickets save you time and energy that you would spend waiting in multiple lines at the ticketing counter, security screening, and elevator lines, and give you fast-track entry directly to the observation deck.

Get skip-the-line tickets

If you opt for the Express Pass, you also get priority access through the security lines, but with the Sunset VIP experience, you only get to skip the elevator line.

You enjoy flexible entry with both tickets.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience
Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

‌

Tickets

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Skip all lines for priority access and get straight to the iconic New York skyline.

Everything you get: Enjoy timed entry to Edge NYC, giving you access to the Level 100 indoor observation deck and the outdoor sky deck, featuring angled glass walls, a Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and the Eastern Point. Benefit from flexible arrival windows and priority entry for a smoother experience.
Why choose this: This ticket is perfect for those who want guaranteed access to Edge without long waits, offering an easy, stress-free way to enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Manhattan.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Skip all lines for priority access and get straight to the iconic New York skyline.

Everything you get: Enjoy timed entry to Edge NYC, giving you access to the Level 100 indoor observation deck and the outdoor sky deck, featuring angled glass walls, a Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and the Eastern Point. Benefit from flexible arrival windows and priority entry for a smoother experience.
Why choose this: This ticket is perfect for those who want guaranteed access to Edge without long waits, offering an easy, stress-free way to enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Manhattan.

Inclusions #

Entry to Edge Observatory Deck anytime within operating hours
Priority access to the venue
Priority elevator access
Access to:
- Indoor observation deck on Level 100
- Outdoor sky deck with angled walls
- Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

What’s not allowed

Outside food and beverages are prohibited inside Edge, with the exception of water in clear plastic bottles.
Large bags and suitcases are not permitted, and the venue does not offer storage or locker facilities for personal belongings.

Accessibility

Edge is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with elevators and ramps throughout the space.
Service animals are welcome, though pets are not permitted inside the venue.

Additional information

Please note that indoor access at Edge NYC will be partially limited in April and May due to renovation work. A brand-new immersive experience is expected to open in June 2026.
Guests aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.
If weather conditions impact visibility on the day of your visit, the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee offers three options: enjoy same-day entry with a 20% discount at the Edge bar, reschedule your visit, or exchange your ticket for another indoor NYC attraction and receive 50% off your next Edge visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Tickets

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

Get priority access to watch the sunset from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Everything you get: Enjoy flexible arrival and priority elevator access on your visit day. Ascend more than 1,100 feet above the ground to the indoor observation deck on level 100 for 360° panoramic views. Step onto The Glass Floor, lean on Angled Glass Walls, relax in The Skyline Seats, sip on some bubbly, and stand at The Eastern Point for unobstructed sunset views, all part of the premium VIP sunset experience, which also includes the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee.
Why choose this: Celebrate golden hour in elevated style with minimal wait times, exclusive access, and lofty vantage points, perfect for an unforgettable NYC evening.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

Get priority access to watch the sunset from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Everything you get: Enjoy flexible arrival and priority elevator access on your visit day. Ascend more than 1,100 feet above the ground to the indoor observation deck on level 100 for 360° panoramic views. Step onto The Glass Floor, lean on Angled Glass Walls, relax in The Skyline Seats, sip on some bubbly, and stand at The Eastern Point for unobstructed sunset views, all part of the premium VIP sunset experience, which also includes the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee.
Why choose this: Celebrate golden hour in elevated style with minimal wait times, exclusive access, and lofty vantage points, perfect for an unforgettable NYC evening.

Inclusions #

Access to the Edge Observation Deck
360° New York views from the indoor observation deck on Level 100
Access to The Glass Floor, Angled Glass Walls, The Skyline Seats, and The Eastern Point
Flexible arrival on the selected day
Priority lanes and elevator access
A glass of bubbly

Exclusions #

Guided tour

What to bring

Guests aged 21 and above should have a valid government-issued ID on hand.

What’s not allowed

Oversized bags, suitcases, and any outside food or drinks, other than bottled water, cannot be brought inside.

Accessibility

The venue offers elevator and ramp access to support visitors with mobility needs.

Additional information

Due to ongoing renovations, access to indoor areas at Edge NYC will be limited in April and May. A new immersive experience will debut in June 2026.
You can time your arrival flexibly, making it easier to visit during sunset if that’s your goal.
Smaller bags, such as purses and daypacks, may be inspected upon entry.
There are no lockers or storage options available on-site, so pack light.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their visit.
Kids under 5 can enter for free but must remain under adult supervision.
If weather affects visibility, the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee lets you reschedule or visit the same day and receive 20% off at the Edge bar.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip all lines for priority access and get straight to the iconic New York skyline.

Everything you get: Enjoy timed entry to Edge NYC, giving you access to the Level 100 indoor observation deck and the outdoor sky deck, featuring angled glass walls, a Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and the Eastern Point. Benefit from flexible arrival windows and priority entry for a smoother experience.
Why choose this: This ticket is perfect for those who want guaranteed access to Edge without long waits, offering an easy, stress-free way to enjoy breathtaking 360° views of Manhattan.

Inclusions #

Entry to Edge Observatory Deck anytime within operating hours
Priority access to the venue
Priority elevator access
Access to:
- Indoor observation deck on Level 100
- Outdoor sky deck with angled walls
- Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

What’s not allowed

Outside food and beverages are prohibited inside Edge, with the exception of water in clear plastic bottles.
Large bags and suitcases are not permitted, and the venue does not offer storage or locker facilities for personal belongings.

Accessibility

Edge is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with elevators and ramps throughout the space.
Service animals are welcome, though pets are not permitted inside the venue.

Additional information

Please note that indoor access at Edge NYC will be partially limited in April and May due to renovation work. A brand-new immersive experience is expected to open in June 2026.
Guests aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.
If weather conditions impact visibility on the day of your visit, the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee offers three options: enjoy same-day entry with a 20% discount at the Edge bar, reschedule your visit, or exchange your ticket for another indoor NYC attraction and receive 50% off your next Edge visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Get priority access to watch the sunset from the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Everything you get: Enjoy flexible arrival and priority elevator access on your visit day. Ascend more than 1,100 feet above the ground to the indoor observation deck on level 100 for 360° panoramic views. Step onto The Glass Floor, lean on Angled Glass Walls, relax in The Skyline Seats, sip on some bubbly, and stand at The Eastern Point for unobstructed sunset views, all part of the premium VIP sunset experience, which also includes the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee.
Why choose this: Celebrate golden hour in elevated style with minimal wait times, exclusive access, and lofty vantage points, perfect for an unforgettable NYC evening.

Inclusions #

Access to the Edge Observation Deck
360° New York views from the indoor observation deck on Level 100
Access to The Glass Floor, Angled Glass Walls, The Skyline Seats, and The Eastern Point
Flexible arrival on the selected day
Priority lanes and elevator access
A glass of bubbly

Exclusions #

Guided tour

What to bring

Guests aged 21 and above should have a valid government-issued ID on hand.

What’s not allowed

Oversized bags, suitcases, and any outside food or drinks, other than bottled water, cannot be brought inside.

Accessibility

The venue offers elevator and ramp access to support visitors with mobility needs.

Additional information

Due to ongoing renovations, access to indoor areas at Edge NYC will be limited in April and May. A new immersive experience will debut in June 2026.
You can time your arrival flexibly, making it easier to visit during sunset if that’s your goal.
Smaller bags, such as purses and daypacks, may be inspected upon entry.
There are no lockers or storage options available on-site, so pack light.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout their visit.
Kids under 5 can enter for free but must remain under adult supervision.
If weather affects visibility, the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee lets you reschedule or visit the same day and receive 20% off at the Edge bar.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Skip-the-line tickets to Edge NYC

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

What does “skip-the-line” mean when you visit Edge New York?

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at Edge NYC

How long are the queues at Edge New York?