This queue is for visitors who do not have pre-purchased tickets and are looking to book them on-site.
Location: Left of the main entrance
Who is it for? Visitors purchasing tickets on-site
Average wait times: Up to 90 minutes during busy periods; 20-40 minutes during non-peak hours
If you have booked standard tickets to the museum, this is the right queue for you.
Location: Next to the ticketing counter towards the left of the entrance
Who is it for? Visitors with general admission tickets
Average wait times: Up to 90 minutes during busy periods; 20-40 minutes during non-peak hours
For skip-the-line ticket holders, this is your entry point. With extremely short wait times, you can make your way inside in no time.
Location: Designated entrance lane next to the general admission line
Who is it for? Skip-the-line ticket holders
Average wait times: Typically 10-15 minutes, faster during non-peak hours; under 10 minutes during non-peak hours
Every visitor must undergo a mandatory security check before entering the museum. For skip the line ticket holders, you can make your way directly to the security line.
Location: Right outside the museum’s main entrance
Who is it for? All visitors, including those with tickets
Average wait times: 30-60 minutes during peak hours; around 15-30 minutes during non-peak hours
Purchasing tickets online and in advance is one of the easiest ways to skip long ticketing queues. Online tickets, including skip-the-line options, will give you faster access by allowing you to bypass the general admission line.
Recommended experiences:
9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets
Opting for a guided tour not only enhances your visit with expert insights but also helps avoid long queues, as guides often manage ticketing and entry formalities on your behalf.
Recommended experiences:
Combo: Ground Zero Guided Tour + 9/11 Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets
For shorter wait times, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside the 11am to 3pm peak window. Early evening visits are also generally quieter, especially on weekdays.
9/11 Museum timingsThe day after major holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas often draws heavy crowds. Plan your visit a few days before or after to steer clear of the post-holiday rush.
Local school vacations, especially spring and summer breaks, bring a spike in visitors. Checking the NYC school calendar can help you avoid busier periods.
The 9/11 Museum offers free admission on Monday evenings after 5pm. While tempting, these slots typically see heavy crowds and long lines.
With skip-the-line tickets, you can save up to 45-60 minutes compared to those waiting in the general admission queue, especially during peak visiting hours.
Yes, you can purchase skip-the-line tickets online on the same day, depending on availability. However, buying in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Yes, both standard and skip-the-line tickets allow you to select a specific time slot when booking, helping you better plan your visit around other activities.
Skip-the-line tickets cost more because they include priority access, saving you from long waits.
Yes, availability is limited and based on time slot capacity. We recommend booking early, especially during peak season or weekends.
No, skip-the-line tickets allow one-time entry only. Once you exit the museum, re-entry is not permitted with the same ticket.