Skip the Line Tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met in New York is known for its extensive collection of art in multiple forms, ranging from paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, spanning several eras. Enjoy guided tours of the museum’s highlights and fast-track entry with your skip-the-line tickets.

Here’s how:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $52 ): Skip the ticket line and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the highlights at The Met.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $79): Skip the entry line and enjoy a 3-hour expert-led guided tour of the key works at The Met.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access (From $48): Plan your visit to The Met with skip-the-line access and a 30-minute-long pre-orientation tour of the best ways to navigate the museum.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour (From $866 for the group): Small-group private tour led by an expert, with skip-the-line access and a personalized experience allowing you to curate your visit to The Met with ease.

See all your options in detail below ↓

Types of queues at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ticketing counter

Location: Main entrance on Fifth Avenue
Who it’s for: Visitors buying tickets on the spot
Average wait time: 5 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

Security screening

Location: Main entrance on Fifth Avenue
Who it’s for: Mandatory for all visitors
Average wait time: 5 to 15 minutes
Skip-the-line: Mandatory for all visitors

Plan your visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art >

All your options to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Book skip-the-line tickets

Book your admission tickets online and avoid waiting in long lines at the ticketing counter, along with the flexibility to choose the type of guided tour you want to join.

Recommended experiences:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Book a VIP tour

Visit the museum without crowds and enjoy skip-the-line entry with your tour tickets. Your private VIP tour eliminates the hassle of waiting in any lines and viewing the artworks with crowds.

Recommended experience:

Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour

Visit during off-peak season/hours

Visiting during the weekdays or as soon as the museum opens can eliminate waiting for long periods of time at the ticketing counter, but The Met can remain crowded on most days during the summer months and around holidays.

Learn more about The Met’s timings here

Compare your ticket options

Ticket type	Wait times	Queues skipped	Inclusions	Tickets
On-site Tickets	Can lead up to 1 hour during peak seasons	None	Vary based on ticket type	On-site
Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 2-hr-long guided tour	From $52
Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 3-hr-long guided tour	From $79
Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 30-min-long guided tour to help plan your museum visit	From $48
Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour	10 mins	Ticket purchase lines	Skip-the-line admission with a 2.5-hr-long guided tour in a small-group setting with VIP private and personalized access to the museum	From $866

Frequently asked questions about The Metropolitan Museum of Art skip-the-line tickets

Do skip-the-ticket-line tickets let me avoid all lines at The Met?

Skip-the-ticket-line tickets allow you to bypass the main ticket purchase counters. However, all visitors must still go through mandatory security screening, which cannot be skipped and may involve a short wait during peak hours.

Where exactly do I enter with a skip-the-line ticket?

You’ll enter through the main Fifth Avenue entrance and proceed directly to the security check. After screening, show your digital or printed ticket to museum staff for fast admission.

How much time does a skip-the-ticket-line ticket really save?

On busy days (weekends, holidays, and summer months), these tickets can save anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, especially during late morning and early afternoon rush periods.

Is there timed entry for skip-the-line tickets?

Yes, most skip-the-line tickets come with a timed entry slot, which helps manage crowd flow. Arriving within your selected window ensures smoother entry.

Does my skip-the-line ticket include a guided tour?

Yes. Skip-the-line tickets typically include guided tours, allowing you to enter efficiently so the tour can start on time.

Will I still go through security with a guided tour group?

Yes. All guided tour participants must pass through security screening, but groups are often processed together, which can be quicker than general admission during busy hours.

Are guided tours with skip-the-line entry better for first-time visitors?

Absolutely. The Met is vast, and guided tours focus on key highlights, helping first-time visitors avoid feeling overwhelmed while providing context you won’t get from self-guided visits.

Can I explore the museum on my own after my tour ends?

Yes. After the guided portion, you’re free to explore The Met at your own pace for the rest of the day.

Are skip-the-line tickets worth it on quieter weekdays?

On weekday mornings or during off-season months, lines are usually shorter. Skip-the-line tickets are most valuable on weekends, holidays, and during special exhibitions.

Is there a best time of day to use skip-the-line access?

Late mornings (10:30am to 2:30pm) are the busiest. Using skip-the-line tickets during this window offers the biggest time savings.

Do skip-the-line tickets work for families and groups?

Yes. Families and groups benefit significantly, as long ticket lines can be especially tiring for children and larger parties.

Discover the best works of art that the Met has to offer in a seamless way with a guided tour & skip-the-line access.

Everything you get: Skip the lines & dive straight into 5,000 years of art history on this highlights tour. With an English-speaking professional by your side, you will explore some of the world-famous masterpieces, including the Temple of Dendur & Van Gogh’s Starry Night, while gaining insider insights along the way.
Why choose this: Save time with skip-the-line entry and enjoy an expert-led journey through The Met’s most celebrated collections, including Monet's Water Lilies.

Tip: Just a short walk from the Met, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) houses modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.
Some galleries or artworks on the tour itinerary might be unavailable on the day of your visit due to unforeseen closures or loan arrangements.
For visitors using wheelchairs, the museum offers a more accessible entrance located to the left of the main entrance (ground level). Please inform the staff there that you're meeting a tour group in the main lobby.

Guided intro plus skip-the-line access for an efficient and enriching Met Museum visit

Everything you get: Enjoy a curated 30-minute guided intro with an expert, skip-the-line museum access, insider tips for navigating 5,000 years of art, and recommendations for current exhibitions and must-see highlights—all for a seamless, flexible experience at your own pace.
Why choose this: Save time, skip the stress, and enjoy meaningful insights that elevate your experience. With expert tips, a flexible schedule, and a smooth start, this is the smart, efficient way to explore a world-class collection—your time and curiosity deserve no less.

Personalize your Met experience with a private tour guided by an expert.

Skip the lines and enjoy priority access to the Met, making the most of your time with a dedicated guide.
Get an expert-led deep dive into iconic pieces such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, the Temple of Dendur, and Rembrandt’s masterpieces.
Your tour can be customized to suit your interests and you can ask all the questions you want, making it an engaging and informative experience.
Perfect for art enthusiasts, history lovers, and families seeking a tailored museum experience filled with fascinating insights.
Discover the museum’s vast collection spanning 5,000 years, including works from Ancient Egypt, the European Masters, and modern American art.

Inclusions

Private museum tour
Skip ticket and entry queues
Expert tour guide exclusively for you
All entrance fees

Exclusions

Parking

Food or drink
Hotel-transfers
Gratuities

Discover the best works of art that the Met has to offer in a seamless way with a guided tour & skip-the-line access.

Everything you get: Skip the lines & dive straight into 5,000 years of art history on this highlights tour. With an English-speaking professional by your side, you will explore some of the world-famous masterpieces, including the Temple of Dendur & Van Gogh’s Starry Night, while gaining insider insights along the way.
Why choose this: Save time with skip-the-line entry and enjoy an expert-led journey through The Met’s most celebrated collections, including Monet's Water Lilies.

Guided intro plus skip-the-line access for an efficient and enriching Met Museum visit

Everything you get: Enjoy a curated 30-minute guided intro with an expert, skip-the-line museum access, insider tips for navigating 5,000 years of art, and recommendations for current exhibitions and must-see highlights—all for a seamless, flexible experience at your own pace.
Why choose this: Save time, skip the stress, and enjoy meaningful insights that elevate your experience. With expert tips, a flexible schedule, and a smooth start, this is the smart, efficient way to explore a world-class collection—your time and curiosity deserve no less.

Personalize your Met experience with a private tour guided by an expert.

Skip the lines and enjoy priority access to the Met, making the most of your time with a dedicated guide.
Get an expert-led deep dive into iconic pieces such as Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, the Temple of Dendur, and Rembrandt’s masterpieces.
Your tour can be customized to suit your interests and you can ask all the questions you want, making it an engaging and informative experience.
Perfect for art enthusiasts, history lovers, and families seeking a tailored museum experience filled with fascinating insights.
Discover the museum’s vast collection spanning 5,000 years, including works from Ancient Egypt, the European Masters, and modern American art.

Skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

TL;DR – How to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Book skip-the-line tickets to The Metropolitan Museum of Art

What does skip-the-line really mean for The Metropolitan Museum of Art

How long are the queues at The Metropolitan Museum of Art?

Types of queues at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ticketing counter

Security screening

All your options to skip the lines at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Book skip-the-line tickets

Book a VIP tour

Visit during off-peak season/hours

Compare your ticket options

Frequently asked questions about The Metropolitan Museum of Art skip-the-line tickets

More reads

Plan your visit

Collections

Paintings

Metropolitan Museum of Art Highlights Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Extended Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Pre-Orientation Tour with Skip-the-Line Access

Metropolitan Museum of Art Private VIP Tour