The 95-year-old Empire State Building (ESB) is the most famous building in the world.
It is 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall and offers breathtaking views of the New York City skyline from its observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.
The observation deck gets four million visitors annually, making it the most popular attraction in the whole of the USA.
This article covers everything you need to know before booking Empire State Building tickets.
Top Tickets
# Standard Empire State Building tickets to 86th floor
# Standard deck tickets to 86th and 102nd floor
# Express ticket to 86 & 102 floorsIt’s highly recommended to book your Empire State Building tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
Key takeaways
It’s best to buy tickets online to skip long ticket counter lines. If you want to skip the security and elevator lines, opt for the Express ticket.
You can visit the Main Deck on the 86th floor or opt for both the Main Deck and the Top Deck on the 102nd floor. However, some visitors who have experienced both levels feel that the difference is minimal, making the higher-priced 102nd-floor ticket less worthwhile.
If you have already seen a city from above during the daytime, we suggest a night-time visit to the Empire State Building.
Tourists looking to enhance their experience often choose the Empire State Building Sunrise Experience or pair their visit to the ESB, with a visit to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
What’s ahead
Where to book tickets & how do they work
You can purchase the Empire State Building tickets online or directly at the attraction.
However, buying tickets online is often more affordable and helps you skip the long queues at the ticket counters.
Booking your tickets early secures your preferred time slot and helps you avoid last-minute disappointment.
Immediately after purchase, you will get the ticket in your email. There’s no need for a printout.
Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the gate on the day of your visit and walk into the attraction.
Empire State Building tickets
You will see three lines queued up when you visit the Empire State Building.
Line 1: The queue at the ticketing counter
Line 2: The queue at the security check
Line 3: The line in front of the elevators
The Standard ticket helps you skip the first line, and the Express ticket helps you skip all the three lines.
Empire State Building ticket prices
The cost of Empire State Building tickets depends on three factors: the time and date of your visit, as well as the observation decks you choose.
For visitors aged 13 to 61 years, tickets to the 86th-floor observation deck range from $47 to $60. If you want to visit both the 86th and 102nd floors, ticket prices range from $88 to $96.
For a faster experience, Express tickets are available, starting at $97 for the 86th floor and $138 for access to both the 86th and 102nd floors.
| Ticket Type | Cost |
| Standard ticket (86th floor) | Adult: $47 – $60 Child: $41 – $54 Seniors: $45 – $58 |
| Standard ticket (86th & 102nd floor) | Adult: $88 – $96 Child: $82 – $90 Seniors: $86 – $94 |
| Express ticket (86th floor) | All: $97 – $109 |
| Express ticket (86th & 102nd floor) | All: $138 – $147 |
*Adults are visitors aged 13 to 61, children are aged 6 to 12, and seniors are 62+ years.
**Infants below six years enter for free
Standard ticket to 86th floor
This Empire State Building ticket is the most popular and cheapest way to see the fascinating sights of New York from the world-famous observation deck.
If you are short on time or a budget, this is the perfect ticket.
Here are the inclusions:
- Flexible Entry – Visit at your preferred time
- 86th-Floor Observation Deck – Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views from the open-air deck.
- Immersive Exhibits – Step into history with interactive exhibits on the second floor
- Audio Guide App – Download a multilingual audio guide available in English and eight other languages.
- Free High-Speed WiFi – Stay connected
Ticket prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): $47 to $60
Child (6 to 12 years): $41 to $54
Senior (62+ years): $45 to $58
Infant (under 6 years): Free
Standard ticket to 86th & 102nd floor
You will enjoy the unmatched 360° panorama views from the 86th-floor open-air deck.
Then, you will go even higher to the 102nd-floor top deck for a spacious, relaxed experience with visibility up to 80 miles (129 kms) on clear days.
This premium experience is perfect for first-time visitors, photographers, couples, and families seeking the ultimate ESB experience.
The 102nd floor offers an intimate and unforgettable setting, making it ideal for special moments.
Here are the inclusions:
- 86th-Floor Observation Deck – the open-air deck.
- 102nd-Floor Observation Deck – the indoor skyline experience.
- 2nd-Floor Immersive Exhibits – discover the tower’s history.
- Audio Guide – available in English and eight other languages.
Ticket prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): $88 to $96
Child (6 to 12 years): $82 to $90
Senior (62+ years): $86 to $94
Infant (under 6 years): Free
Empire State Building Express ticket
The Empire State Building’s Express ticket helps skip all lines and is the best choice for visitors who don’t want to wait in the queues.
This is ideal for visitors who are short on time and for those for whom money is not a constraint. It can help you save up to an hour in waiting time.
Seniors and families with kids often go for Express tickets.
Express tickets are available only for the 86th floor or for both the Main Deck and Top Deck.
This Express ticket is family-friendly because kids five years and under can accompany their parents for free.
Express ticket prices
86th-floor Express ticket: $97 to $109
86th & 102nd floor Express ticket: $138 to $147
Empire State Building Sunrise ticket
With the Empire State Building’s Sunrise ticket, you can watch the sunrise over New York from the best place possible – the 86th-floor observatory.
The time for this tour varies, depending on the sunrise timing. Access to the observatory is provided 30 minutes before sunrise.
This premium tour has a limited capacity of 40 visitors per day.
The ticket also provides access to the second-floor immersive exhibits.
Sunrise ticket price: $138
Buy This TicketCombo Empire State Building tickets
Combo tickets are a great way to get discounts.
Since the Empire State Building has many of the city’s top attractions nearby, combo tickets are popular with tourists.
You can buy ESB tickets in combination with tickets for the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory, or the American Museum of Natural History.
Combo tickets are ideal for large families, groups, or those on a budget holiday and can help you visit all major attractions by booking just once!
Avail discounts of up to 10% when booking these combo tickets.
| Combo tickets | Cost |
| Empire State Building + SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | $93 – $103 |
| Statue of Liberty + Empire State Building | $76 – $86 |
| MoMA + Empire State Building | $79 – $90 |
Free entry to the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building doesn’t offer free entry. However, throughout the year, kids five years and below and Military personnel in uniform can enter for free.
If you are on a budget holiday and don’t want to visit the observatory, you can visit the Empire State’s lobby for free.
Empire State Building with Explorer Pass
Visitors can enter the building for free if they have bought the New York Explorer Pass.
The Explorer Pass lets you skip the queue at the Empire State’s ticketing counter and go straight to the 86th-floor observatory for free.
The discount pass helps you save up to 43% on the most popular New York City attractions.
Besides ESB, you can also explore 2-10 top attractions of the city.
Visitors can also buy New York Sightseeing Day Pass to get free entry to the Empire State Building.
You can customize your sightseeing itinerary and choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, or 10-day pass to suit your schedule.
Enjoy free entry to One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, and Statue of Liberty – plus many more – and enjoy unlimited access to CitySightseeing hop-on hop-off buses for the duration of your pass.
Opening hours
During the peak season of April to September, the Empire State Building opens at 8 am or 9 am and closes at 12 or 1 am.
During the lean season, the observation deck opens at 10 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
The elevator’s last trip to the observatory is 45 minutes before closure.
The Main Deck and Top Deck are open for tourists 365 days of the year, irrespective of the weather.
Best time to visit the Empire State Building
Sunset is the best time to be in the Empire State Building because it offers a breathtaking transition from day to night.
As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a stunning blend of orange, pink, and purple hues, and you see a magical backdrop over the New York City skyline.
If you stay longer, you’ll see the city of New York transform into a dazzling sea of lights.
The next best time to be on New York’s best observation deck is two hours after it opens for the day. The first two hours are really crowded.
How long does the Empire State Building take
To explore the Empire State Building’s Main Deck on the 86th floor, visitors usually take 60 minutes.
If you’re also visiting the top deck on the 102nd floor, you need an additional 30 minutes.
There is no limit on the Empire State Building tickets – once inside, you can stay on for as long as you want.
If you haven’t bought your tickets in advance, it takes 45 to 60 minutes more in the ticketing line.
Empire State Building at night
The Empire State Building closes as early as 9 pm during the off-season and as late as 1 am during peak season.
The last elevator to the top departs 45 minutes before closing,
Since it is open till late at night, many tourists visit it after dark, which is a breathtaking experience.
- You can spot many famous illuminated skyscrapers (including Wall Street)
- The Hudson River looks breathtaking, reflecting the city lights and the lit-up ferries across it.
- You can also spot the Statue of Liberty holding her torch, gleaming above the New York harbor.
- You can enjoy the city view from the Empire State Building at night. You can also stargaze as you get a close view of the night sky. It is like watching into two different galaxies, one above you and one that is below.
- The Empire State Building lights are magnificent as it holds thousands of programmable LED lights that change colors on holidays and special observances.
- The Empire State Building photos will be a perfect add-on to your collection of cherished memories, as you have the ethereal snapshot of the night sky and the city lights. So, if you love taking photographs, don’t miss out!
- Most nights, a live saxophonist takes requests. So it can be a romantic getaway.
- You get your personal space as the crowds are non-existent.
Empire State Building 86th floor vs 102 floor
Whether you must visit the 102nd floor or the 86th floor is enough depends on your preferences.
The 86th-floor observation deck is 320 meters (1,050 feet) high and offers a classic open-air experience with 360° views of New York.
The 102nd floor, at 381 meters (1,250 feet), is 61 meters (200 feet) higher, but many visitors find that this small difference doesn’t drastically change the view of the NYC skyline.
Since the 102nd floor is fully enclosed, it’s a great upgrade during winter when the 86th floor can be very cold.
However, if the weather is pleasant, the 86th floor alone is more than enough for an incredible experience.
Recommended Reading: Empire State Building’s Observation decks
Recommended Reading: What’s inside the Empire State Building
FAQs about the Empire State Building
Here are some questions tourists ask before visiting the Empire State Building.
What happens if I miss my Empire State Building time slot?
If you miss your time slot, the staff will do their best to accommodate you. However, arriving within your scheduled time is recommended to ensure a smooth entry.
Can I get a replacement for my Empire State Building ticket if lost?
Lost, stolen, or destroyed tickets are not replaceable.
What is the Empire State Building’s rain policy?
The Empire State Building in New York City is open every day, including rainy days. There are no refunds for reasons such as weather conditions, length of lines, wait times at the building or any other reason.
How early should I arrive at the Empire State Building?
You should arrive at the Empire State Building at the exact time for which you have bought the tickets. There is no need to arrive early. If you arrive early, you may be asked to return at your scheduled time.
Can I cancel or refund my Empire State Building ticket?
No, the Empire State Building tickets are non-refundable.
Are there any restrictions for visiting the Empire State Building observation deck?
Yes, large bags and backpacks are not allowed. Certain items, such as tripods and selfie sticks, are prohibited.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Empire State Building observation deck?
There is no specific dress code for visiting the observation deck. However, if you’re visiting the open-air deck, wearing layers for comfort is best, especially in chilly weather. Wearing comfortable footwear is recommended since you’ll be standing while exploring both decks.
Can I bring food and drinks to the observation deck?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the ESB observation deck. However, you can purchase snacks and beverages at the café and Starbucks Reserve on the 86th floor.
Does the Empire State Building have a gift shop?
Yes, visitors can stop by the gift shop on the 2nd and 80th floors.
How long does it take to reach the top of the Empire State Building by elevator?
It takes about a minute to reach the 86th-floor observation deck by elevator.
What is the Empire State Building used for?
The Empire State Building was officially built to host corporate business offices. Today, the building is used mainly for offices and as a tourist destination.
How many elevators are there in the Empire State Building?
There are 73 elevators in the Empire State Building, including service elevators.
Who owns the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is owned by the Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT), a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) focusing on New York City properties.
How to reach the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is situated on the west side of Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, between 33rd and 34th Streets.
Empire State Building Address – 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA Get directions
Empire State Building’s entrance
Till late 2018, both the visitors to the observatories and the building’s tenants would use the entrance on 350 Fifth Avenue, which was an inconvenience for all.
Now, tourists going up the observatories must enter the Empire State Building through the 20 West 34th Street entrance.
The new entrance provides visitors to the Empire State Building’s world-famous Observatories with a better and more seamless entry.
By Bus
The W 34 St & 5 Av is located right across the street from the Empire State Building and can be reached by several buses, including QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17, BxM7, and BxM18.
By train
Take a train to 34th Street – Herald Square Station or Penn Station.
Walk to the building’s entrance at 20 West 34th Street.
By Subway
Subway lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E will take you to Penn Station and walk to the building’s entrance in 5 minutes.
By Car
If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!
Choose between parking options around the attraction.
My children and my friend’s son wanted to see the top of the Empire State Building, so we decided to go for it! It was an amazing experience. One of the managers, Kevin, helped resolve an issue when we first arrived. He was extremely helpful, professional, and went above and beyond. I highly recommend visiting the Empire State Building. It was our first time, and definitely worth the trip!
It’s amazing at night with an excellent outdoor viewing platform. All the buildings are lit up, making for phenomenal photos. The sunset is beautiful, but it costs a bit more to visit at that time. You need to pre-book a timed ticket, which you can get on-site all day. There’s no need to line up since your timed entry is guaranteed.
Thank you. It will be my first visit to New York City.
Empire State building has been on my list for 20 years.