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Empire State Building Tickets - Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets

  • Location
    New York City, New York
  • Duration
    2 hours (approx.)
  • Ports
    New York City, Cape Liberty
  • Tour Code
    2194EMPIRE

Introduction

Until you see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, you haven't really seen it! You'll remember your first visit to the Empire State Building and the amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Manhattan forever.

Your admission ticket takes you to the 86th-floor, at 1,050 feet (320 meters) and the glass-enclosed area is reached by high-speed automatic elevators. From the Observation Deck, you'll be treated to spectacular indoor and outdoor views of Manhattan including Central Park, Times Square, the Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.

Shore Excursion Highlights

  • Skip the long lines with the Express Pass admission ticket
  • Amazing views of Manhattan from the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building
  • 360-degree panoramic views on each side of the building from the outdoor promenade
  • High-powered binoculars
  • Option to tour with audio accompaniment
  • Flexible voucher redemption policy - visit on any day within a year of date originally selected - plan your visit around the weather!

Recent Photos of this Tour

Browse the gallery of recent Empire State Building Tickets - Observatory and Optional Skip the Line Tickets photos submitted by actual, honest-to-goodness travelers on Viator.

The Empire State Building is waiting for you day or night. Come watch the sunset as New York is bathed in warm orange, red and yellow tones, then stick around as the lights come on all over town. Or come later and listen to the live music (weekends only) as the stars and lights twinkle romantically. Whenever you come, enjoy the magic without the wait.

There are 3 lines at the observatory: the security line (required for all visitors), the ticket line and the elevator line. You will be required to join the ticket line to exchange vouchers on arrival.

Skip the Line Admission (Optional Upgrade - available only on peak dates)
Speed past the lines on your way to the tallest point in Manhattan! Your "Express Pass" voucher will enable you to proceed directly to the front of every line, saving valuable time to do all the other things New York is famous for. Don't spend your valuable holiday time waiting in line - there's no faster way to the top!

Express Pass is especially valuable from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from Thanksgiving until New Year's any time of day and all holiday weekends. Other times of year the Express Pass is recommended for planned visits between 11am and 2pm, and one hour before and after sunset. Limited numbers of Express Passes are sold, so maximum wait times are around 7 minutes. Typical wait time is under 1 minute. Specific wait times cannot be guaranteed, only front of line privileges.

Please see below for all ticketing options and inclusions. Voucher can be redeemed within a year of date originally selected - plan your visit around the weather!

Schedule Details

Departure Point

Empire State Building

Departure Time (local time)

8:00am to 2:00am

Last elevators to the top are at 1:15am

Holiday Operating Hours:

  • New Year's Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
  • Thanksgiving Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
  • Thanksgiving Weekend: 8:00am - 2:00am
  • Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 10:00pm
  • Christmas Day: 8:00am - 2:00am
  • December 26 - December 30: 7:00am - 1:00am
  • New Year's Eve: 7:00am - 10:00pm

Operates

Daily

Tour and Pricing Options

Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible – we 100% guarantee it. Your currency is set to USD. Click here to change your currency.

Please note that some options for this shore excursion may not be available, depending on the arrival or departure time of your ship.

Admission Ticket Only
Code: ADON

General admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck

Language options

From USD
$23.00

Admission Ticket & Audio Tour
Code: ADAU

General admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck with audio tour

Language options

From USD
$31.00

Express Pass Admission Ticket
Code: ADMFOL

Skip the Line Admission - Express Privileges for security lines, ticket lines & elevator Lines on 2nd, 80th, and 86th floors of the Empire State Building Observation Deck.

Language options

From USD
$48.00

Express Pass Ticket & Audio
Code: ADMFOLAU

Skip the Line Admission - Express Privileges for security lines, ticket lines & elevator Lines on 2nd, 80th, and 86th floors of the Empire State Building Observation Deck with audio tour.

Language options

From USD
$57.00

Additional Information

Inclusions

  • Admission to Observation Deck
  • Audio tour (if option selected at time of booking)

Exclusions

  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Admission to the 102nd Observatory Deck
  • Audio tour (unless option selected at time of booking)
  • Food and drinks

Additional Information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Vouchers are valid up to a year from travel date selected
  • No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
  • Wheelchair accessible
102nd-floor Observatory:
Admission tickets to the 102nd-floor observatory are sold at the observatory ticket office, on the 2nd floor of the building. Admission costs USD15.00 in addition to regular admission tickets.

Voucher Information

You must present a paper voucher for this tour. We will email a link to access and print your voucher at the Lead Travelers email address. ?

Local Operator Information

Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Recent Reviews from Other Travelers

5 star rating: Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Keith H, September 2010

Long queues took part of the enjoyment away; we went up at around 1.00pm. We were put off going from the 86th floor (that most people pay for) by the extra $15 per person to get to the 102nd. Security was re-assuring.
5 star rating: Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Rebecca C, September 2010

did what is said on the tin, entry up to observatory where you spend as long as you want drinking in the views of NY

See more reviews

From USD
$23.00

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