Where exactly do I enter with a skip-the-line ticket?

You’ll enter through the main Fifth Avenue entrance and proceed directly to the security check. After screening, show your digital or printed ticket to museum staff for fast admission.

How much time does a skip-the-ticket-line ticket really save?

On busy days (weekends, holidays, and summer months), these tickets can save anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, especially during late morning and early afternoon rush periods.

Is there timed entry for skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, most skip-the-line tickets come with a timed entry slot, which helps manage crowd flow. Arriving within your selected window ensures smoother entry.

Does my skip-the-line ticket include a guided tour?

Yes. Skip-the-line tickets typically include guided tours, allowing you to enter efficiently so the tour can start on time.

Will I still go through security with a guided tour group?

Yes. All guided tour participants must pass through security screening, but groups are often processed together, which can be quicker than general admission during busy hours.

Are guided tours with skip-the-line entry better for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. The Met is vast, and guided tours focus on key highlights, helping first-time visitors avoid feeling overwhelmed while providing context you won’t get from self-guided visits.

Can I explore the museum on my own after my tour ends?

Yes. After the guided portion, you’re free to explore The Met at your own pace for the rest of the day.

Are skip-the-line tickets worth it on quieter weekdays?

On weekday mornings or during off-season months, lines are usually shorter. Skip-the-line tickets are most valuable on weekends, holidays, and during special exhibitions.

Is there a best time of day to use skip-the-line access?

Late mornings (10:30am to 2:30pm) are the busiest. Using skip-the-line tickets during this window offers the biggest time savings.

Do skip-the-line tickets work for families and groups?

Yes. Families and groups benefit significantly, as long ticket lines can be especially tiring for children and larger parties.

Skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met in New York is known for its extensive collection of art in multiple forms, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, spanning several eras. Enjoy guided tours of the museum’s highlights and fast-track entry with your skip-the-line tickets.

Here’s how:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $52 ): Skip the ticket line and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the highlights at The Met.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $79): Skip the entry line and enjoy a 3-hour expert-led guided tour of the key works at The Met.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $48): Plan your visit to The Met with skip-the-line access and a 30-minute-long pre-orientation tour of the best ways to navigate the museum.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour (From $866 for the group): Small-group private tour led by an expert, with skip-the-line access and a personalized experience allowing you to curate your visit to The Met with ease.

See all your options in detail below ↓

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Book skip-the-line tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Skip waiting in the ticket lines and enjoy fast-track entry to view the museum’s works that explore the evolution of art over 5,000 years through its collections.

Pro tip: Book an extended tour for a deep dive into the museum’s collections, or a private VIP tour for a more intimate and curated experience.

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Guided Tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Ancient Egyptian Galleries
Temple of Dendur
Greek and Roman Galleries
Vincent van Gogh (Paintings)
Picasso and Degas (Paintings)
Claude Monet (Water Lilies)
John Singer Sargent (Madame X)

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Explore at your pace

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Guided Tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Uncover 5,000 years of art with a broader and richer extended guided tour of the museum.

Everything you get: Go on a 3-hour extended tour of the Met with an art historian, exploring masterpieces by Van Gogh & Picasso, hidden gems, and lesser-known collections. Enjoy deeper insights, more galleries, rich storytelling, and visit the rooftop garden with stunning Central Park views.
Why choose this: Take more time appreciating the art on an extended tour, gaining comprehensive insights from your professional guide and exclusive rooftop access.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

3 hrs

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Guided Tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Guests under the age of 2 years are not allowed on this experience.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
The galleries and artworks included in the tour may vary based on gallery closures and artwork loans.
The 2 hours listed for the experience includes 30-minute guided pre-orientation followed by self-guided audio exploration of the museum. Set aside 90 minutes for your museum visit and stay back longer if you want to continue your exploration.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hrs

Audio guide

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Private Tours

Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour

Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.
Flash photography and tripods are not allowed inside the venue.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

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Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hrs 30 mins

Guided tour

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Tickets

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

See the world’s most renowned modern and contemporary artworks.

Everything you get: Access to one of the world’s most influential modern art museums, with more than 200,000 works. See iconic pieces by celebrated artists including Frida Kahlo, & Andy Warhol, while enjoying audio guides available in 9 languages. You can also visit MoMA PS1 with your ticket.
Why choose this: MoMA offers one of the most comprehensive collections of modern and contemporary art in the world, including globally recognized masterpieces like Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. These are works you won’t find together anywhere else.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour + New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.

You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Downtown Loop (Red Route)

First bus: 9am from stop #1 (M&M’s World)
Last bus: 5pm from stop #1 (M&M’s World)
Frequency: Every 10 to 15 mins
Popular Stops: Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Chinatown

Uptown Loop (Blue Route)

First bus: 10am from stop #13 (Hope Sculpture)
Last bus: 4pm from stop #13 (Hope Sculpture)
Frequency: Every 60 mins
Popular Stops: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park Zoo, Columbus Circle

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Explore at your pace

Guided tour

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Museum of Modern Art + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise

Soak in world-class art at MoMA and then unwind on a relaxing harbor cruise on a day that’s both cultural and scenic without any planning hassle.

Everything you get at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Wander through galleries filled with iconic works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and many more artists who shaped modern creativity. Your ticket also includes access to MoMA PS1, where innovative contemporary exhibitions spotlight emerging and experimental voices.
Everything you get on the 90-min Downtown Sightseeing Cruise: Set sail along the Hudson and East Rivers for front-row views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, the Manhattan skyline, and more. With live narration and plenty of photo-friendly angles, it’s an easygoing way to see New York from the water.
Why choose this combo: This pairing gives you the best of New York from two perspectives, world-famous art indoors and unforgettable skyline views outdoors, while saving you time, effort, and money with one simple ticket.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 5%): Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) + Empire State Building 86th-Floor Tickets

What's not allowed

MoMA

Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside, so pack accordingly.
Scooters, skateboards, rolling bags, and anything larger than 11×17×5 inches can’t be brought into the museum.

Accessibility

MoMA

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is also wheelchair and pram/stroller friendly.
Guide dogs are welcome throughout the venue.
You’ll find accessible restrooms available onsite.

Additional information

MoMA

Facilities include a cloakroom, any bag bigger than 11×17×5 inches will need to be checked here.
Expect a quick security check for all bags.
Children aged 16 and under can enter for free, which is a great bonus for families.
Feeling hungry? You’ll find a few spots inside where you can grab a bite.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 10%): Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets + The Banksy Museum Ticket

Pair two completely different worlds of modern fine art and bold, provocative street art for a culturally rich experience.

Everything you get at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): Step into one of the world’s most influential modern art museums, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and many more groundbreaking artists. Your ticket also includes access to MoMA PS1, where cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions push creative boundaries even further.
Everything you get at The Banksy Museum: Dive into the world of the elusive street artist Banksy through an immersive collection of over 160 pieces and recreations of his most iconic works. From political stencils to large-scale installations, the museum offers a vivid look at his impact on global street art and social commentary.
Why choose this combo: This two-museum combo gives you the full spectrum of modern creativity in one go, from MoMA’s world-defining masterpieces to the Banksy Museum’s raw, provocative street art.

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Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Combos

Combo (Save 10%): Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets + Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Big Bus New York City HOHO Check out the route map & boarding points here. Start your tour at any stop, and hop on and off as you wish throughout your ticket duration. Schedule - Downtown Loop (Red route)

First bus: 9am (Stop #1: M&M’s World)
Last bus: 5pm (Stop #1: M&M’s World)
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Popular stops include Brooklyn Bridge, SoHo, Times Square (East), Empire State Building, and World Trade Center.

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Check availability

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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What does skip-the-line really mean for The Metropolitan Museum of Art

With your skip-the-line tickets, you can enjoy both fast-track entry into the museum by skipping the lines at the ticketing counter and also the chance to explore the museum with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Curate your visit with multiple tour options to choose from, and enjoy exploring the museum’s vast collection of works spanning millennia and numbering over 2 million.

How long are the queues at The Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Waiting times can exceed an hour, sometimes crossing 2 hours during the summer months, holiday season, and weekends, so you can skip waiting in the long lines at popular attractions with your skip-the-line ticket.

Peak season: June to August, December
Peak hours: 11am to 3pm, 6pm onward (extended hour days)

Types of queues at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ticketing counter

Location: Main entrance on Fifth Avenue
Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
Average wait time: 5 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

Security screening

Location: Main entrance on Fifth Avenue
Who it’s for: Mandatory for all visitors
Average wait time: 5 to 15 minutes
Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors

Plan your visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art >

Enjoy VIP access to the museum’s artworks

Your small-group VIP tour (max group size 8) gives you a deep dive into the museum’s collection, along with a crowd-free experience. Enjoy learning about the works at The Met with your expert art historian guide, and personalize your tour to get deeper insight into exhibits of your choice.

Guests engaging with a guide at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

All your options to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Book skip-the-line tickets

Book your admission tickets online and avoid waiting in long lines at the ticketing counter, along with the flexibility to choose the type of guided tour you want to join.

Recommended experiences:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Book a VIP tour

Visit the museum without crowds and enjoy skip-the-line entry with your tour tickets. Your private VIP tour eliminates the hassle of waiting in any lines and viewing the artworks with crowds.

Recommended experience:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour

Visit during off-peak season/hours

Visiting during the weekdays or as soon as the museum opens can eliminate waiting for long periods of time at the ticketing counter, but The Met can remain crowded on most days during the summer months and around holidays.

Learn more about The Met’s timings here

Compare your ticket options

Ticket type	Wait times	Queues skipped	Inclusions	Tickets
On-site Tickets	Can lead up to 1 hour during peak seasons	None	Vary based on ticket type	On-site
Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 2-hr-long guided tour	From $52
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 3-hr-long guided tour	From $79
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 30-min-long guided tour to help plan your museum visit	From $48
Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 2.5-hr-long guided tour in a small-group setting with VIP private and personalized access to the museum	From $866

Frequently asked questions about The Metropolitan Museum of Art skip-the-line tickets

Skip-the-ticket-line tickets allow you to bypass the main ticket purchase counters. However, all visitors must still go through mandatory security screening, which cannot be skipped and may involve a short wait during peak hours.

Skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Book skip-the-line tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

Combo (Save 5%): Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour + New York City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Combo (Save 5%): Museum of Modern Art + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise