Empire State Building
New York
Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Tickets (2025)
Updated: September 2025
The Empire State Building remains one of the most visited attractions in New York City. In 2024, the building welcomed more than 4 million visitors, making it the most popular paid observatory in the United States. On peak days, particularly weekends and holidays, more than 15,000 guests pass through its doors. With such numbers, wait times for same-day ticket buyers often reach 60-90 minutes just to purchase tickets and an additional 30-45 minutes for elevators to the observation decks.
For travelers with limited time in New York, these queues can take up nearly half a day. That’s why skip-the-line tickets have become the most reliable way to experience the Empire State Building efficiently. With priority access, you bypass both the ticket counter and elevator lines, going straight to the breathtaking views from the 86th and 102nd floors.
Booking online in advance secures your time slot and avoids the risk of tickets selling out during busy periods like summer, Christmas, and around New Year’s Eve, when the building often runs at capacity.
2025 Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Ticket Options
Express Pass to the 86th Floor
- From: $85 per adult (+$5 booking fee)
- Includes: Skip-the-line entry, fast-track access to the 86th-floor open-air observatory, multilingual audio guide, and immersive museum exhibits on the 2nd floor.
- Perfect for: Visitors short on time who want epic skyline views without the wait.
- Why it stands out: Bypass both ticket and elevator lines, one of the fastest ways to the top!
Express Access to Both the 86th & 102nd Floors
- From: $120 per adult (+$5 booking fee)
- Includes: Everything in the 86th-floor package, plus elevator access to the glass-enclosed 102nd-floor observatory, the highest public view in NYC.
- Best for: Travelers looking for the complete, no-lines Empire State Building experience.
- Local tip: The 102nd floor offers fewer crowds and unbeatable photo ops above the skyline.
Sunrise at the Empire State + Starbucks Reserve® Coffee
- Flat rate: $135 per guest
- Includes: Exclusive pre-opening access to the 86th floor during sunrise, plus a handcrafted Starbucks Reserve® beverage.
- Ideal for: Early birds, photographers, and couples looking for a peaceful NYC moment above the clouds.
- Limited availability: This rare ticket often sells out weeks in advance.
2025 Pricing & Visitor Trends
In 2025, dynamic pricing is fully implemented, meaning ticket costs vary depending on demand, especially for sunset and evening slots, which remain the most popular. The busiest months continue to be June through August and December, when tourism peaks in NYC.
Recent visitor surveys show:
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Average wait times without skip-the-line tickets: 60-90 minutes at midday.
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Elevator waits during peak hours: 30-45 minutes.
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With skip-the-line tickets: entry in under 15 minutes.
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Most crowded times: 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. and sunset hours (6–8 p.m. in summer, 4–6 p.m. in winter).
Booking online in advance is no longer just a convenience, it’s essential to avoid disappointment and lost time.
Why Skip-the-Line Tickets Are Essential in 2025
The Empire State Building is not just a skyscraper, it’s an international symbol of New York. But with its popularity comes long, frustrating waits. Choosing skip-the-line access means:
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Saving 1-2 hours compared to regular ticket holders.
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Guaranteed entry at your reserved time slot.
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Stress-free planning, knowing exactly when you’ll be inside.
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More time for NYC adventures, from Times Square to Central Park, instead of waiting in line.
Opening Hours & Best Time to visit Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is open daily from 10am to 6pm, 365 days a year regardless of the weather. It’s smart to check vision at the top in advance. When it’s a less bright day, wait until visibility gets better. If you want to avoid crowds, go before 10:00 or after 21:00. With the New York CityPass, you may visit the Empire State Building twice. You are able to return the same day in the evening for free. Enjoy the beautiful views of New York both daytime and in the evening. From May to August you can visit the Empire State Building between 22:00 hours and closing time for the second time. From September to April you are welcome between 20.00 and closing time for the second time.
How To get to Empire State Building
Metro
34th Street/Penn Station (lines 1, 2, 3, A, C and E) or 34th St – Avenue of the Americas (lines B, D, F, N, Q and R).
Bus
These Bus lines stop near Empire State Building:M101, M15, M2, SIM1C
Train
The nearest train station to Empire State Building in New York – New Jersey is 34 St-Penn Station. It’s a 1 min walk away.
Empire State Building on Maps
Ticket Price Comparison
What are skip-the-line tickets for Empire State Building?
Skip-the-line tickets for Empire State Building let you bypass the regular ticket queue and enter via a faster, dedicated entrance. Perfect when Empire State Building is busy during weekends or holidays.
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How do skip-the-line tickets work at Empire State Building?
Once you book, you’ll receive an instant confirmation and a digital ticket. Just show it at the entrance of Empire State Building, no need to print. Staff will guide you to the fast-track line.
Are skip-the-line tickets worth it for Empire State Building?
Definitely! Especially if you’re visiting during weekends or high season. Lines for Empire State Building can exceed 1 hour. With skip-the-line access, you can save time and avoid standing in the heat or cold.
Do skip-the-line tickets for Empire State Building guarantee immediate entry?
While skip-the-line tickets let you skip the ticket queue, you may still wait briefly for security or crowd control. Still, it’s much faster than standard entry, especially at popular sites like Empire State Building.
Can I show my Empire State Building ticket on my phone?
Yes, most skip-the-line tickets for Empire State Building are mobile-friendly. Simply show the ticket on your smartphone at the entrance. No printing required unless stated otherwise.
