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Empire State Building skip-the-line tickets

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.

How long are the queues at the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is one of the most popular tourist attractions in NYC, drawing an average of 4 million visitors per year.

Peak hours (mid to late afternoon), weekends, and especially during the summer, visitors can end up waiting for an average of an hour or more before they access the elevator line to the observatory.

Types of queues at the Empire State Building

security check with passengers in line, X-ray machine, and security personnel.

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

contactless tickets

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 >

The fastest way to reach the top

Avoid waiting in multiple lines, and save your energy to take in the Manhattan skyline views from an iconic NYC landmark.

How to actually skip the lines at the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Skip the Line Tickets.

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

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

Empire State Building Skip the Line 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 35 million+

Jungho

South Korea

Aug 2025

5/5

+2 more

I loved it all of moment. Especially edge was really fantastic. We saw whole city above the tower. I'd like to recommend this great experience.

Jameisa

Jul 2025

5/5

It was an amazing view from the edge and the glass floor. From entry to exit I had a great time. Would definitely recommend to others.

Charlene

United States

Aug 2025

5/5

The staff where very helpful, the view was awesome and information was useful. I had a wonderful experience and will definitely recommend friends and family to visit!☺️

Eliza

United States

Aug 2025

5/5

Me and my son we had a great experience in NY. Our Travel Path was Kevin Home Alone 2 places. Buying tickets was easy pizzy. We had a great time in New York and we build unforgettable memories.

Massimiliano

Mar 2025

5/5

+2 more

wonderful view of the city with all its lights from a unique point of view compared to other skyscrapers avoided the queue thanks to the tickets purchased in advance

Jai

India

Feb 2024

5/5

ticketing experice was great, you may like bucket activties which require prior bookings .also, you should clear the message to do booking for each pass, (like 2 bookings for 2 pass) rest .. all experice was great.

Kim

Jan 2018

5/5

We went on the 9/11 Tribute tour right after lunch and then caught the last ferry to the Ellis Island. And then ended the day at the Empire State Observatory Deck to watch the sun set on the greatest city on the planet.

Chelsea

Jan 2018

5/5

Loved the trip. Booking for this was super easy and we just had to show the tickets on our phone at all the venues. Very convenient.

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.

More reads

Empire State Building Skip the Line Tickets.

Timings

Empire State Building Skip the Line Tickets.

Inside the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Skip the Line Tickets.

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