‌

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.

Empire State Building view from New York City street with yellow taxis and skyscrapers.

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 43 million+

Thais

Brazil

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

‌

‌

+2 more

Easy how we can book and enjoy the experiences! No lines and fast access in both! The museum and the view are both amazing!

Martin

United States

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

‌

‌

Hi i just wanna share my experience visiting the 2 sites that most people going in NY with this app it gives me more option and good deal. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO OTHERS TOO

Edili

United States

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

‌

Enjoy more than anything the beautiful view of all of New York and see how the sunset made everything look like In a movie, but what made it more memorable It was the company of my friends above all.

Nakul

United States

Sep 2025

5/5

‌

By far the best observation decks. Summit One has some out of the world experience which can't be missed while Edge provides best view of the city from Top.

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.

Pamela

Sep 2018

5/5

The pass is valid for f 30 days from activation, so we could space out our sightseeing experience comfortably with the extended validity.

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.

Empire State Building Tower Lights

New York Tickets

Scan code

Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

Company details

Cancellation policy

We Accept

VISA

MASTERCARD

AMEX

PAYPAL

MAESTROCARD

APPLEPAY

GPAY

DISCOVER

DINERS

IDEAL

FPX

© 2014-2025 Headout Inc, 82 Nassau St #60351 New York, NY 10038

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.