How long are the queues at the entrance

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is one of New York’s most popular observation decks, drawing crowds year-round thanks to its immersive art installations and epic skyline views. During peak hours, you can expect wait times of 60 to 90 mins just to get through security at the entrance and the elevators.

Peak season: May to September
Peak hours: 11am to 4pm

A queue breakdown: What to expect

Entry queue

Location: Directly outside the main entrance to SUMMIT

Who is it for? General admission ticket holders

Average wait times: 30–60 mins, especially during weekends and holidays.

Security queue

Location: Inside, post ticket validation

Who is it for? General admission ticket holders

Average wait times: 15–30 mins during busy hours

Elevator queue

Location: After security clearance, leading to the elevator to reach the observation floors

Who is it for? General admission ticket holders

Average wait times: 20–40 mins

Skip-the-line lanes

Location: Look for designated fast-track lanes for skip-the-line ticket holders at the entrance and elevator queues

Who is it for? Skip-the-line or guided tour ticket holders

Average wait times: 10 mins

Maximize your visit: When & how to skip the lines

Book tickets online

Booking online in advance guarantees your spot and lets you choose time slots that avoid peak traffic. You can even book skip-the-line tickets online that offer access through priority lanes at the entrance and elevators.

Choose guided tours

A guided tour like the 90-min skip-the-line experience ensures you breeze past all queues while enjoying curated insights and stories that make your visit much more special.

Visit during non-peak hours

Earlier morning slots (9am-10:30am) and evenings (4pm-5:30pm) see fewer crowds. Sunset slots sell out fast, so book those at least 2-3 weeks ahead if that’s your plan.

Avoid weekends and holidays

Weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday, are your best bet to avoid the biggest crowds. NYC school holidays and public breaks see massive footfall, so you’d do well to avoid visiting then.

Frequently asked questions about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt skip-the-line tickets

How much time can I expect to save with skip-the-line tickets?

You can save anywhere from 45 mins to over an hour by skipping the entrance, security, and elevator queues, especially during weekends and holidays.

Are skip-the-line tickets available to be purchased the same day?

Same-day availability is possible but not guaranteed. These tickets are limited and often sell out in advance, particularly for sunset time slots. We suggest you book your tickets online beforehand to make sure you get skip-the-line tickets.

Why do these tickets cost more?

Your Skip-the-line tickets offer a faster, more curated experience. You’re paying for priority access and a guided tour that adds depth and context to your visit while saving you hours of waiting in queues.

Can I choose a specific time slot when booking tickets?

Yes, time slots are available when booking your skip-the-line ticket online. Make sure to arrive 15 mins early to meet your guide.

Is there a specific entrance for skip-the-line ticket holders?

Yes, these skip-the-line tickets allow you to use priority lanes at the entrance of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, security, elevators, and the Levitation skyboxes.

Can I enter multiple times on the same day with these tickets?

No, skip-the-line tickets are valid for a one-time entry only and cannot be reused.

Do skip-the-line tickets include access to Levitation and the outdoor terrace?

Absolutely. You’ll enjoy full access to all three floors, including Levitation skyboxes, immersive exhibits, and the open-air terrace.

Are audio guides available with the tickets?

While skip-the-line guided tours include a live tour guide, this experience does not include audio guides.