Skip-the-Line Tickets & Express Pass to Edge NYC

How long are the queues at Edge New York?

Edge is one of New York's most popular attractions, and during peak hours, wait times can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the line. Without a pre-booked ticket, you'll need to queue at the ticketing counter, followed by a security check and elevator lines before beginning your experience.

Peak season: June to August, November & December
Peak hours: 3:30pm to 7pm, weekends and holidays

If you want to skip all the queues and get priority access to the panoramic skyline views of Manhattan, you should consider purchasing the skip-the-line tickets.

Types of queues at Edge NYC

Security check

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 to 30 minutes, can increase during peak times
Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors, Express Pass holders get priority entry

Ticketing counter

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards
Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
Average wait time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, can get longer during peak seasons and weekends
Skip-the-line: Can be bypassed with pre-purchased online tickets

Tourist exploring Edge observation deck in New York

Elevator line

Location: Level 4, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, after the multimedia experience, 2 double-decker elevators
Who it’s for: All visitors
Average wait time: 10 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the time of day or the season
Skip-the-line: Priority access for Express Pass and Sunset VIP Experience Pass holders

How to skip the lines at Edge in New York

Visitors exploring the illuminated hallway at the Edge Observational Deck in NYC.

Get skip-the-line tickets

The fastest way to skip all the lines at Edge NYC is to opt for skip-the-line tickets in advance. You get priority access through the elevators and enter the observation deck directly to begin your experience with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline at a time of your choosing.

If you opt for the Express Pass, you also get priority access through the security lines, but with the Sunset VIP experience, you only get to skip the elevator line.

You enjoy flexible entry with both tickets.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience
Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Book your tickets online

Booking your tickets online will make sure you don’t have to wait in the ticketing lines to get your admission ticket. But, there will be waiting at security and lines to the elevators for Edge.

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets

Couple at the eastern point of the Edge obervation deck

Visit during the early hours

The observatory is famous for its sunset views and it tends to get crowded around sunset. If you want to avoid waiting in line and visit when there are fewer people, then we recommend you visit early. Edge opens at 9am, and it starts getting crowded after 3pm, so any time before that should be ideal, especially during weekdays.

More about Edge timings

Compare your ticket options for Edge NYC

Skyline view from Edge's seats overlooking New York City skyscrapers.

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry & Flexible Entry

Wait time: 1 to 2 hours
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines
Included with your ticket: Timed or flexible entry (based on option selected) to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

Recommended experiences:

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets

The City Climb Experience at Edge observation deck

Edge Express Pass

Wait time: 20 to 30 minutes
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines, security lines, elevator lines
Included with your ticket: Flexible entry to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point, digital souvenir

Recommended experience:

Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Outdoor sky deck of the the Edge observatory

Sunset VIP Experience

Wait time: 30 to 45 minutes
Queues skipped: Ticketing lines, elevator lines
Included with your ticket: Flexible entry to the indoor and outdoor observation decks at Edge NYC, access to the Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point, a complimentary glass of bubbly (for those above 21 years of age)

Recommended experience:

Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

Book skip-the-line tickets to Edge New York

Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

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Check availability

Combo: Edge Observation Deck + Vessel General Admission Tickets

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Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

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Check availability

New York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Combo Deals

Free cancellation

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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Edge Observation Deck: Sunset VIP Experience

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

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Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Edge Observation Deck + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise

Free cancellation

Guided tour

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Hudson Yards Guided Walking Tour with Edge Observation Deck Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

2 hr. 30 min.

Guided tour

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City Climb Skyscraping Experience with Edge Observation Deck Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

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Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Edge Observation Deck + SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

Free cancellation

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Check availability

Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

Flexible duration

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Check availability

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.

Katrina

United States

Apr 2025

5/5

The fact that I could view New York and New Jersey from being so high in the sky. I got to see the Empire State building. It was a gorgeous day with the perfect temperature.

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.

Tomohiro

Japan

Aug 2025

4/5

It was an incredible experience—something truly unique that you couldn’t find anywhere else in the world. I participated with my son, who’s about to start his career and live independently, and we both agree it’s a memory we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. While it wasn’t cheap, it’s worth every penny when you think of it as a story we’ll be telling for a lifetime.

Stephanie

United Kingdom

Jul 2024

5/5

The unreal view from the top and the energy of the staff to make it fun!! They were also supportive and encouraging 😃

Frequently asked questions about Edge NYC skip-the-line tickets

Why should I book skip-the-line tickets for Edge NYC?

Skip-the-line tickets save you time and energy that you would spend waiting in multiple lines at the ticketing counter, security screening, and elevator lines, and give you fast-track entry directly to the observation deck.

What happens if you don’t book skip-the-line tickets?

Wait times during peak hours can go up to 2 hours, especially if you are visiting during the summer months. If you want to visit Edge and you are short on time, or if you want a comfortable and hassle-free experience, skip-the-line tickets can save you a lot of time and make your visit a lot more enjoyable.

How does the flexible entry work with my Express Pass?

Flexible entry allows you to enter at any time during the day of your booking. Other tickets to Edge are typically timed entry experiences.

Do I still need to go through security?

Yes, security screening is mandatory for all visitors, but Express Pass holders can get priority access through the lines.

Can I choose a specific time slot when purchasing tickets?

Both Express Pass holders and the Sunset VIP Experience holders get flexible entry to Edge NYC, allowing you the freedom to visit at the time of your choosing.

Does the Express Pass include other experiences at Edge or in Hudson Yards?

No, the Express Pass only includes priority access to Edge NYC and flexible entry time to the venue. Other experiences like City Climb at Edge and entry to Vessel at Hudson Yards need additional tickets.

Can children of all ages visit Edge New York?

Children aged 5 and under are allowed to enter for free. Simply show their ID upon arrival. You’ll have to purchase a separate pass for kids over the age of 6. Children under 12 cannot participate in certain experiences at Edge such as the City Climb experience.