What does it mean when you “skip the lines” at the 9/11 Museum?

Get a guided walking tour of the 9/11 Memorial and its sights, followed by skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum, where you can explore the collections at your own pace.

The entry to the Museum does require a mandatory airport-style security screening at the gate.

How long are the queues at the 9/11 Museum entrance

The 9/11 Museum is one of New York City’s most visited attractions, drawing large crowds daily. During peak season, wait times at the entrance can stretch from 60 to 90 minutes, especially closer to or on the anniversary of the tragedy. Even during the off-season, mornings and early afternoons tend to be more crowded. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the rush. The peak hours especially apply during weekends and public/school holidays.

Peak season: April to September
Peak hours: 11am to 3pm

Know your queue at the 9/11 Museum entrance

Person receiving tickets at a counter in a busy tourist attraction.

Ticketing counter

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

A group of people standing in a queue on an outdoor street.

General admission

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

Visitors entering with skip-the-line tickets.

Skip-the-line queue

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

Security officer using metal detector scanner on male passenger at airport checkpoint.

Security checkpoint

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

How to skip the lines at the 9/11 Museum

People booking tickets online using a laptop and smartphone.

Book tickets online

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

Choose guided tours with skip-the-line entry

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

Ground Zero guided tour group at 9/11 Memorial, New York City, with skip-the-line museum tickets.

Visit during non-peak hours

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 timings

9/11 Museum exhibit with artifacts and displays in New York City.

Avoid days after holidays

The 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.

Visitors at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, viewing the reflecting pools and engraved names.

Avoid school holidays

Local school vacations, especially spring and summer breaks, bring a spike in visitors. Checking the NYC school calendar can help you avoid busier periods.

9/11 Museum entrance with visitors exploring exhibits in New York City.

Avoid free entry days

The 9/11 Museum offers free admission on Monday evenings after 5pm. While tempting, these slots typically see heavy crowds and long lines.

Book 9/11 Museum skip-the-line tickets

Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour & 9/11 Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr. 30 min.

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Combo: Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour + One World Observatory Tickets

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

3 hr. 30 min.

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Check availability

Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial Tour

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

1 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr. 30 min.

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9/11 Memorial & Museum Family Pass

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

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Frequently asked questions about skipping the line at the 9/11 Museum

How much time can I expect to save with skip-the-line tickets?

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.

Are 9/11 Museum skip-the-line tickets available to be purchased the same day?

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.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing tickets?

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.

Why do 9/11 Museum skip-the-line tickets cost more?

Skip-the-line tickets cost more because they include priority access, saving you from long waits.

Are there any restrictions on the number of skip-the-line tickets available per day?

Yes, availability is limited and based on time slot capacity. We recommend booking early, especially during peak season or weekends.

Can I use skip-the-line tickets for multiple entries to the museum on the same day?

No, skip-the-line tickets allow one-time entry only. Once you exit the museum, re-entry is not permitted with the same ticket.