What does it mean when you “skip the lines” at the Empire State Building?

Skip waiting in multiple long queues after you enter, and follow the marked lanes on the red-carpet-style flooring directing you to the 86th-floor observatory deck.

You will be required to pass through the mandatory airport-style security screening at the very beginning.

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is one of NYC’s busiest paid attractions, with around 4 million visitors a year. In peak months, the combined entry process (ticket check, photos, security, elevators) typically takes 45–60 minutes, and can stretch to 90+ minutes around sunset and holidays. Even with advance tickets, you still queue for airport-style security and elevator dispatch.

• Timed entry tickets (From $44): Book a fixed timeslot online for the 86th floor (or 86th + 102nd). You skip the walk-up ticket-purchase line and join the security queue directly. Best value option; popular sunset and holiday slots can sell out several days ahead.

• Express / skip-the-line tickets (From $85): Use priority lanes at ticket check and elevators, cutting entrance waits from around 45–60 minutes to roughly 10–20 minutes in busy periods. You still pass through security like everyone else. Capacity is limited per timeslot, so these often go first for sunset and Christmas weeks.

• Sunrise / limited-capacity sessions (From $150): Pre-opening Sunrise Experience on the 86th floor with Starbucks coffee and pastries. Numbers are tightly capped, so lines are minimal and deck crowds very low. Only on select mornings; highly weather dependent and among the first tickets to sell out.

• Combos and city passes including ESB (From $90+): Multi-attraction passes and skyline combos bundle timed ESB entry with cruises or other decks. Most include standard, not express, access; some add a same-day night visit. Best suited to itineraries hitting several major NYC sights in 2–3 days.

See all your options to skip the queues at Empire State Building ↓

Types of queues at the Empire State Building

Security check

Location: Main entrance of the building, 20 West 34th Street, Manhattan
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 to 30 minutes
Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors

Ticketing counter

Location: 2nd floor of the Empire State Building, multiple ticket kiosks available
Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
Average wait time: 10 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

Otis elevators at Empire State Building exhibit in New York City.

Elevator line

Location: 2nd floor of the Empire State Building, 4 elevators
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 to 20 minutes
Skip-the-line: Priority access with Red Carpet lane for skip-the-line ticket holders

Plan your visit to the Empire State Building >

Compare Empire State Building ticket options

Ticket type	Queues	Access/inclusions	Best for	Cancellation	Price	Book
Standard timed entry	Skips ticket-line only (timed entry); Does not skip elevator lines	Timed entry to the Empire State Building; Access to 86th-floor observatory ;Access to high-powered binoculars; Access to 2nd and 80th floor immersive exhibits; Free Wi-Fi; Downloadable multimedia app	First-time visitors who want the classic ESB experience at the best price	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	From $43.99	Observation Decks Tickets
Skip-the-line	Skips ticket line; Skips elevator line; Fast-track to the 86th floor	Timed entry; Skip-the-line access to 86th-floor observatory; Access to high-powered binoculars; Access to 2nd and 80th-floor immersive exhibits; Free Wi-Fi; Downloadable multimedia app	Those who want the fastest entry and minimal waiting, especially during peak hours	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	From $84.99	Skip-the-Line Express Tickets
VIP	Pre-opening access (minimal/no lines)	Early-morning VIP access; Sunrise viewing from the 86th-floor observatory; Starbucks Reserve Empire State Building Microblend Coffee; A selection of artisanal Princi® pastries by Starbucks Reserve®	Photographers, couples, and anyone wanting an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime start to the day	Free cancellation up to 24 hours	From $134.98	VIP Sunrise Experience

How to actually skip the lines at the Empire State Building

Book skip-the-line tickets

Booking Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets allows you to access the attraction on priority without worrying about standing in long queues for hours. Get priority access and save time and energy, which you can use to explore the building at your own pace.

Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Tickets

Book tickets online

Booking online tickets to the Empire State Building is a convenient option. You get to skip waiting in lines at the ticketing counter, but you still have to wait in the security line and the elevator line to the observatory.

Empire State Building General Admission Tickets

Visit early

The best way to avoid crowds is to visit the Empire State Building either during its opening hours or just before closing time. This allows you to spend more time at the attraction and make the most of your visit.

Empire State Building timings

Hear what our guests have to say

Loved by 47 million+

Henrry

United States

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

A unique moment is incredible, the service and accessibility are very good, and security is very good. You can take photos and get the best photos of New York.

Domllermut

United States

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

It's a truly remarkable experience. We enjoyed the view and were fascinated by the skyline. I liked hiw we were not rushed at any time. We were able to enjoy the view on thr outside and the amenities in the inside of the tower.

Julie

Canada

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

I was impressionned by big whales!! I love dinosaures and éléphants!! Thank you very much 🙂🙂

Mauro

Italy

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

+1 more

Beautiful museum, lots of people and it was worth going. Very fascinating the size of the works but also the size of the museum itself that you visit on 4 floors.

Judith

United States

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

An essential stop when you're in New York. Not just for the stunning vistas but to uncover the fascinating history that lies behind such incredible marvel.

Jerry

United States

Dec 2025

5/5

‌

Great experience! Everyone must see! The personal was helpful and friendly. The transportation was very convenient and easy to understand.

Yunhao

United States

Jan 2026

5/5

‌

Visiting the Empire State Building was absolutely worth it. I purchased the Express ticket and it made a huge difference—everything felt smooth and efficient, from entry and security to getting up the elevators. I didn’t have to spend a long time waiting in lines, which let me enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or tired.

Kory

Dec 2025

5/5

‌

We visited during Christmas time. Enjoyed the holiday themed displays with the decorations and the Rockettes memorabilia. Great view of the city buildings at night with their Christmas colors. Highly recommend!

Frequently asked questions about Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets

What is included in the skip-the-line ticket?

The ticket provides fast access to the 86th-floor observatory deck, red carpet lane access, Art Deco lobby access, high-power binoculars, audio guides, and free Wi-Fi. For an additional upgrade, you can also access the observatory deck on the 102nd floor.

How does the skip-the-line ticket differ from regular tickets?

Skip-the-line tickets grant you priority access, reducing wait time significantly compared to regular tickets, which may require standing in lines. This ticket lets you bypass most queues (except the airport-style security screening which is mandatory for everyone) and head straight to the observatory.

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

No, a guided tour is not included in your Empire State Building skip-the-line ticket. However, you get access to an audio guide available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French and Mandarin.

Can I cancel or reschedule my tickets?

No, the skip-the-line tickets to Empire State Building cannot be canceled or rescheduled once booked.

What are the waiting times without skip-the-line tickets?

Without skip-the-line tickets, you can expect average waiting times of 45 minutes to 1 hour at the Empire State Building. During peak periods, such as weekends and summer months, these wait times can even exceed an hour.

Can I access the Empire State Building at any time with my skip-the-line ticket?

No, all your skip-the-line tickets are timed and you must visit the Empire State Building during the selected time slot mentioned on your ticket.