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 >

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 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 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.

Hear what our guests have to say

Loved by 35 million+

Peter

United States

Aug 2025

5/5

+1 more

I arrived early moved quickly passed the line and was up the elevator quickly and was able to start enjoying the view. I was able to get some beautiful photos I recommend everybody buy their tickets ahead of time. It's quick it's easy and it's safe.

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.

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.

Patty

Jan 2018

5/5

I took my son and his friends for the tour. We pre-booked the tickets so we knew where to go and shared the details with the parents of the kids prior to the visit. It was an enriching experience and they learnt about why New York is the greatest city in the world.

Jan

Jan 2018

5/5

We didn’t go through the instructions clearly and ended up at the memorial first. We called up the customer service and they directed us to the Cathedral where the tour starts. They were helpful and we didn’t have to wait for help or lose our ticket money!

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.