Express Pass: Daytime Admission to the Empire State Building Observatory

New York City, New York

Express Pass: Daytime Admission to the Empire State Building Observatory

New York City, New York

Overview

Skip the lines and enjoy VIP treatment at the Empire State Building with Express Pass admission. Experience breathtaking, 360-degree views of New York City from the iconic 86th floor, the most famous observatory in the world, plus access to immersive exhibits.

🌆 Enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of New York City from the 86th-floor open-air deck

🚶‍♂️ Skip the lines with Express Pass entry and take the red carpet on the way to the 86th Floor

🎥 Explore interactive exhibits in the newly revamped 10,000-square-foot museum on the 2nd and 80th floors

🏙️ Take in stunning views and take iconic pictures you'll remember for a lifetime

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Year-Round,
Daily 9:35am - 5:00pm

Full description

This VIP experience gives you red carpet treatment as you zoom past the crowds to enjoy breathtaking, 360-degree views from the world’s most iconic building. Soak in the sights from the open-air 86th-floor deck making this experience truly unforgettable.

As you explore, dive into the history and magic of the Empire State Building with immersive exhibits spread across two floors. The building’s recent $165M revamp has brought state-of-the-art air purification systems and a fresh new look to this historic landmark. Perfect for those who want to experience New York City like never before, the Empire State Building offers unmatched views, rich history, and an experience that’s as iconic as the city itself. Don't just visit New York—experience it from the top!

Press Quotes:

New York Times: “…the revamped observatory is likely to become a must-see, even for jaded natives”
New York Post: “If you haven’t been since you were a kid or you took your out-of-town relatives a decade ago, it’s time for another look”
USA Today: “…this has been about making it everything it could possibly be for millions of people per year”
CBS This Morning: “…the Empire State Building is…the center of it all”
Foreign Press: “The stunning view form the highest observatory at New York’s Empire State Building just got even better”

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: All age groups are welcome.
Physical limitations: Visitors must be able to navigate around the observation decks. Elevators are available, and strollers must be folded on observation decks.

Who can you accommodate for?

Children: Free admission for children 0-5.
Individuals with disabilities: The Empire State Building is fully and proudly ADA-compliant.
- It is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms and viewing platforms. Service animals are allowed. There are ramps and lowered viewing walls for easier access.
Languages: All signage, audio, and exhibits are available in nine languages.
Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed (except service animals).

What to expect on the day of the experience?

Duration: Allow at least one hour for your visit.
What’s included:
- Express, Skip the Line access to the 86th floor open-air observation deck
- The immersive and interactive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors
- Free Wi-Fi, interactive audio guide, priority entrance and advance queueing
- On site dining available (price of food is NOT included)
Who will be present: There may be other guests present, as this is a public experience.
Spectators: No spectators are allowed; everyone must have a ticket/reservation.
Photo/ video: Personal photos are encouraged. However, professional camera equipment, including tripods, is not allowed.
Specific rules to follow: No smoking, outside food, or costumes/masks (except PPE) allowed on the premises. Visitors must adhere to all security guidelines.

How to prepare?

Weather dependency: The experience is open rain or shine, 365 days a year, including holidays.
Arrival: Plan to arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. Tickets are only valid for the selected date and time.
- Exit via the historic landmarked Art Deco lobby on Fifth Avenue when leaving.
Parking: Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation as the building is located in the heart of Manhattan.
- Located on 20 West 34th Street, the Empire State Building is at the heart of Manhattan. You won’t even need a map to find it – just look up!
What to wear: Dress appropriately for the weather, especially for the open-air deck on the 86th floor. Heaters are available during colder months.
What to bring:
- Bring your smartphone to scan QR codes for behind-the-scenes information.
- Personal items such as strollers must be folded on observation decks.
- No large packages, luggage, or prohibited items such as weapons, glass items, and sports equipment.
Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Restrooms, including handicap-accessible restrooms, are available. There are no locker storage facilities for personal belongings.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

The Empire State Building is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property. By accepting admission with this ticket, you agree to release The Empire State Building for any loss, injury or damage to you or your property that might occur in the building, even if the loss, injury or damage is caused by neglect or fault of The Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building may refuse admission or expel any person whose conduct is objectionable.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked. No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines, or wait times at the building. The Empire State Building reserves the right to close the Observatory early on very busy days. Tickets are valid for the date selected at time of purchase.