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One World Observatory skip-the-line tickets

Quick overview: How to skip the lines at One World Observatory

On busy days, you can face 15–30 minutes just to buy tickets (45–60 minutes in peak season), plus another 15–60 minutes at security and 10–45 minutes at the elevators. In total, waits of 30–60 minutes are common, and up to 90+ minutes per queue at summer midday or sunset. Buying in advance always skips the ticket counter, while true “skip-the-line” products give priority at security and elevators too.

• Direct timed-entry tickets – “Skip the box office” (From $44–49): Book a specific time slot online, bypass the ticketing counter, and go straight to the regular security and elevator queues. Good value if you visit early, late, or outside peak months.

• Priority “skip-all-lines” timed tickets (From $54–59): Includes fast-track lanes at ticket check, security, and elevators, cutting total waits to around 20–30 minutes in most conditions. Best for midday or sunset visits when standard lines can reach 45–60 minutes per queue.

• Flexible “skip-all-lines” tickets (From $64–69): All priority-lane benefits plus flexible arrival on your chosen day, plus a small food/gift voucher. Ideal if you’re juggling ferries, museum slots, or uncertain weather and don’t want to stress about an exact time.

• Combos and city passes (From ~$77–85+): Bundles with the 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty, Edge, or multi-attraction passes typically skip only the ticket counter at OWO; you still use regular or, in some cases, expedited security lines, so treat them as value plays rather than pure queue-busters.

​See all your options to skip the queues at One World Observatory ↓

How long are the queues at One World Observatory?

The total waiting time in lines at One World Observatory can range from 30 to 60 minutes on average, but during peak hours, you might end up waiting for 45 to 60 minutes in each queue.

  • Peak season: June to August
  • Peak hours: 12pm to sunset

Types of queues at One World Observatory

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

Security screening

  • Location: Main entrance of the building, on the West Plaza, at 117 West Street, New York
  • Who it’s for: All visitors
  • Average wait time: 15 to 60 minutes
  • Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors, priority access available with Deluxe and All-Inclusive skip-the-line tickets
Self-service ticket kiosks in a modern facility.

Ticketing counter

  • Location: Inside the main Observatory entrance, multiple ticket kiosks available
  • Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
  • Average wait time: 15 to 30 minutes during off-season, 45 minutes to 1 hour during peak seasons and weekends
  • Skip-the-line: Can be bypassed with pre-purchased standard tickets
One World Observatory elevator ride with city skyline views, New York City.

Elevator line

  • Location: Inside the main entrance lobby, 5 SkyPod elevators
  • Who it’s for: All visitors 
  • Average wait time: 10 to 15 minutes during off-season, 45 minutes to 1 hour during peak seasons
  • Skip-the-line: Priority access available with Deluxe and All-Inclusive skip-the-line tickets

​Plan your visit to One World Observatory >

Get fast-track access & skip waiting in long lines

Get a complimentary voucher, priority access through multiple waiting lines, and proceed directly to the Observatory with your All Inclusive Pass.

One World Trade Center and surrounding skyscrapers in New York City.
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How to skip the lines at One World Observatory

Tourists enjoying the panoramic city view from One World Observatory with Deluxe Skip-All-Lines Ticket in New York

Book skip-the-line tickets

Opt for the skip-the-line tickets when purchasing your admission to the One World Observatory. This option guarantees priority access, allowing you to bypass the ticketing lines and proceed directly to the security screening and elevator. Based on the skip-the-line ticket option selected, you can also get fast-track entry through the security screening and elevator lines.

Recommended experiences:

  • One World Observatory All-Inclusive Ticket: Skip-All-Lines with $15 Voucher
  • One World Observatory Deluxe Ticket: Skip-All-Lines with $5 Voucher
  • One World Observatory VIP Tour
One World Observatory Skip the Line Tickets

Book tickets online

Save time and avoid on-site ticketing queues by booking your ​One World Observatory admission tickets online. This is a convenient method to book your entry tickets in advance, ensuring a smooth entry upon arrival at the attraction. You get to skip the waiting line at the ticketing counter, but you will still be required to wait at the security screening and elevator lines.

Recommended experience:

  • One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office
Guests viewing New York skyline from One World Observatory

Visit early

Arriving early in the day (around 9am) or later in the evening (after 6pm) can help you beat the crowds and minimize waiting times. You can also avoid waiting in long lines by visiting during weekdays or during the off-season months, and increase your chances of enjoying a quicker entry to One World Observatory.

One World Observatory timings

Compare your One World Observatory ticket options

One World Observatory Skip the Line Tickets

One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office

  • Wait time: 1 hour 
  • Queues skipped: Ticketing queue at the kiosk
  • Included with your ticket: Timed entry to One World Observatory, access to SkyPod elevators, Horizon Grid, and See Forever® Theater

Recommended experience:

  • One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box-Office
One World Observatory view of New York City skyline with iconic skyscrapers.

One World Observatory VIP Tour

  • Wait time: 20 minutes
  • Queues skipped: Ticketing queue, priority entry in the security line, elevator line, entry and exit
  • Included with your ticket: Escort to the One World Observatory with your timed entry ticket, VIP tour around the observatory, $15 for food, beverage, or retail

Recommended experiences:

  • One World Observatory VIP Tour
Couple enjoying New York skyline view from One World Observatory with deluxe skip-all-lines ticket.

One World Observatory Deluxe Ticket

  • Wait time: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Queues skipped: Ticketing queue, priority access through the security and elevator lines 
  • Included with your ticket: Access to SkyPod elevators, Horizon Grid, and See Forever® Theater, One World Explorer guide, $5 voucher, with fast-track timed entry to skip all lines

Recommended experiences:

  • One World Observatory Deluxe Ticket: Skip-All-Lines with $5 Voucher
One World Observatory view of New York City skyline with iconic skyscrapers.

One World Observatory All-Inclusive Ticket

  • Wait time: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Queues skipped: Ticketing queue, priority access through the security and elevator lines 
  • Included with your ticket: Flexible entry option with fast-track access through all lines, access to SkyPod elevators, Horizon Grid, and See Forever® Theater, One World Explorer guide, $15 voucher

Recommended experiences:

  • One World Observatory All-Inclusive Ticket: Skip-All-Lines with $15 Voucher

Note: All One World Observatory tickets include the option of choosing a timeslot. The Skip-the-line is the only ticket that allows you to bypass all lines and head straight to the observatory.

Frequently asked questions about One World Observatory skip-the-line tickets

Why should I book skip-the-line tickets to One World Observatory?

Skip-the-line tickets allow you to get priority entry through the security lines and elevator lines, and you get to bypass the queues at the ticketing counter. It can save you over 1 hour in waiting time.

What happens if I don’t book a skip-the-line ticket?

You can skip the lines at the ticketing kiosks with your standard admission tickets, but you will still have to wait at the elevator line and security screening line, which can prolong your wait time by an hour, especially if you are visiting during the summer.

Do I still need to go through security screening with my skip-the-line ticket?

Yes, the security screening is mandatory, but the skip-the-line ticket gives you fast-track entry in the lines, thereby reducing the wait time significantly.

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

No, the ticket is a single admission entry ticket and can be used only once.

Are all skip-the-line tickets timed entry tickets?

No, the All-Inclusive ticket to One World Observatory has a flexible entry option, but the other skip-the-line tickets are all timed entry.

Are the One World Observatory skip-the-line tickets worth it?

Yes, One World Observatory skip-the-line tickets are worth considering, especially if you value convenience and wish to make the most of your time at the One World Observatory. They offer a more streamlined experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the views and exhibits.

Do the One World Observatory skip the line tickets include a guided tour?

No, your One World Observatory skip-the-line tickets do not include a guided tour.

What is the difference between the VIP tour and the All-Inclusive tour of One World Observatory?

The All-Inclusive tour is a self-guided tour with flexible entry and gives you access to all the exhibits at One World Observatory. The VIP tour includes timed entry tickets with escorted entry and exit, along with a 1-hour tour across the observatory.

Which entrance is the best for One World Observatory skip the line ticket holders?

The One World Observatory skip-the-line ticket holders should use the entrance at the West Plaza and enter through the priority access line.

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One World Observatory Skip the Line Tickets

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One World Observatory Skip the Line Tickets

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One World Observatory Skip the Line Tickets

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