Empire State Building Skip-the-Line Tickets: How Entry Really Works

Última actualización: January 26, 2026

The Empire State Building is one of the most visited attractions in Nueva York. Lines are common, security is mandatory, and ticket types are often misunderstood. This guide explains exactly what skip-the-line tickets mean here, what you actually skip, how entry works step by step, and which ticket is worth booking.

What skip-the-line means at the Empire State Building

Skip-the-line tickets at the Empire State Building allow you to bypass the general ticket purchase line and, depending on the ticket, some interior queues. They do no allow you to skip security screening.

• ✔️ Skip the standard ticket line
• ✔️ Faster access to elevators (priority tickets only)
• ❌ Security screening is never skipped

All visitors must pass airport-style security checks.

¿Realmente necesita entradas sin cola?

In most cases, yes.

• Peak season (April–December): Muy recomendable
• Weekends and evenings: Muy ocupado
• Sunset time slots: Always crowded
• Early weekday mornings: A veces manejable sin prioridad

If you visit during popular hours, skip-the-line tickets can save 45–90 minutes.

Cómo funciona la entrada paso a paso

1. Arrive at the main entrance on Fifth Avenue
2. Control de seguridad
3. Escaneado o compra de entradas
4. Elevator queue
5. Observatory access

Express tickets use a separate, significantly faster elevator line.

¿Cuánto dura una visita?

• Main observatory visit: 60-90 minutos
• Visitas al atardecer: 90-120 minutos
• Exhibits only: Around 30 minutes

Opciones de entradas explicadas

• Entrada general: Standard entry, longest waits
• Billete sin cola: Skip ticket line, standard elevator
• Express ticket: Skip ticket and elevator lines
• Sunset ticket: Timed sunset entry, premium price
• Billetes combinados: Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as MoMA, Observatorio Un Mundo, o el Estatua de la Libertad

Comparación de billetes

Tipo de billete	Saltar la cola del billete	Skip elevator line	Entrada temporizada
Entrada general	No	No	Sí
Saltar la línea	Sí	No	Sí
Express	Sí	Sí	Sí

Tiempos de espera habituales

• General admission: 60–120 minutes
• Skip-the-line: 30–60 minutes
• Express ticket: 10–20 minutes

Errores comunes que hay que evitar

• Assuming skip-the-line skips security
• Llegar tarde a una franja horaria de entrada
• Booking sunset tickets without planning for crowds
• Expecting elevator priority with standard tickets

FAQ

¿Puedo saltarme el control de seguridad con cualquier billete?

No. Security screening is mandatory for everyone.

Is the Express ticket worth it?

Yes, especially during peak hours or if you have limited time.

¿Se agotan las entradas?

Yes. Sunset and evening slots often sell out days in advance.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code applies, but security restrictions are enforced.

Consejo final

If you want predictable timing and minimal waiting, skip-the-line tickets are the safest choice. For maximum time savings, the Express ticket is the only option that significantly reduces elevator queues. Plan carefully if visiting at sunset, and always factor in security checks.