The Empire State Building (ESB) is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, standing tall in Midtown Manhattan for over 88 years.
As a symbol of the city’s architectural innovation and cultural significance, the Empire State Building attracts millions of visitors annually.
The building offers two observation decks — on the 86th and 102nd floors — that provide panoramic views of the New York City skyline, making it a must-see attraction for locals and tourists alike.
Alongside other popular observation decks like Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, The Edge, and Summit One Vanderbilt, the Empire State Building remains one of the top destinations for breathtaking views of the city.
Snapshot
Hours: 9 am to 11 pm
Last entry: 45 mins before closing
Time needed: 1 to 2 hrs
Ticket cost: $47 – $57
Best time: 2 hrs after opening
What’s ahead
Where to buy Empire State Building tickets
You can purchase Empire State Building tickets both online and at the venue, but we recommend buying them online for the added convenience and benefits.
Avoid long queues: By purchasing tickets in advance online, you skip the line at the ticket counter and head straight to security.
Guarantee your preferred time: The Empire State Building can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Booking online ensures that you secure your preferred time slot for your visit.
Better pricing: Online tickets are often cheaper than those purchased at the venue, particularly during peak periods.
How do online tickets work
Once you purchase Empire State Building tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. You can show the e-ticket on your mobile phone when you visit the attraction.
When you book tickets online for ESB, you’re assured of a seamless experience.
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Empire State Building tickets
Ticket prices for the Empire State Building vary depending on the type of experience you choose. Irrespective of the ticket, children below 6 years old get free admission to the attraction.
All ESB tickets come with an audio guide available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish. All visitors also get access to the second-floor immersive exhibits.
Main Deck ticket (86 floor)
The Empire State Building’s main observatory is on the 86th floor. This outdoor deck wraps around the building’s spire, providing 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond.
Every movie and TV show you’ve watched featuring the Empire State Building’s observation decks was filmed right here.
The Standard Ticket gives access to the 86th floor, from where, on clear days, you can see up to six states, offering glimpses of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Besides the main deck, this ticket also gets you access to the second-floor immersive exhibits.
What to expect on 86th floor
Ticket prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): US$47
Child (6 to 12 years): US$41
Senior (62+ years): US$45
Quick Links: Want to skip the lines? Opt for the Express Pass. Or, if you want to visit the 102nd floor, check out the Top Deck ticket.
Top deck ticket (86 & 102 floor)
Empire State Building’s Top Deck on the 102nd floor offers true 360-degree views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides.
From the Top Deck, sixteen stories above the 86th-floor observatory, you see the entire length of Manhattan and all of New York City’s iconic landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park and far beyond.
On a clear day, the visibility is up to 80 miles (129 km) in all directions.
Guests with Top Deck tickets gain entry to the 102-floor observatory through a one-of-a-kind glass elevator.
If you want to skip the lines and reach the top deck faster, we suggest the Express Pass.
What to expect on 102nd floor
Ticket prices
Adult (13 to 61 years): US$86
Child (6 to 12 years): US$80
Senior (62+ years): US$84
Empire State Building’s Express Pass
The Express Pass is the ultimate red carpet experience in which visitors skip all the lines on the way to the Main and Top Decks.
When you book an Express Pass online, you skip these three lines:
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
With the Express Pass, you will visit the 86th Floor and then, go up the Empire State Building’s mast in a Glass Elevator to the recently-renovated 102nd Floor Observation Deck.
Guests with the Express Pass will skip the interactive exhibits on the 2nd Floor on their way to the observation decks.
However, on their way down, they can stop by on the second Floor and check out the exhibits depicting the history of the Empire State Building and New York.
During the non-peak season (October to April), you may need the Express Pass only if you plan to visit during sunset hours.
Important: With the Express Pass, you can choose to visit either the 86th-floor observation deck or both the 86th and 102nd floors, and the price varies accordingly.
Express Pass, 86th floor (6+ years): US$96
Express Pass, 86th & 102nd floor (6+ years): US$135
Enhance your Ebs experience
Empire State Building’s Sunrise experience
Empire State Building’s Sunrise ticket offers an unforgettable glimpse of New York as a new day begins.
This unique experience starts with an early-morning arrival to take in the sunrise from ESB’s Main Deck on the 86th Floor.
All Sunrise ticket holders get a complimentary Starbucks Reserve Microblend Coffee and a specially selected assortment of pastries.
This limited edition experience is offered every Saturday from 1 April onwards, which is why the Sunrise tickets get booked many weeks in advance.
After seeing New York’s skyline during sunrise, visitors get pre-opening access to the Empire State Building’s museum on the 2nd Floor.
*Each guest is limited to one pastry and one cup of coffee.
What to expect during Sunrise Experience
Ticket price: US$139
Buy This TicketDid you know that around 8-10% of all tourists visiting New York—both domestic and international—visit the Empire State Building? As a result, the observatory generates over $100 million in annual ticket sales, cementing its status as a must-see destination in the Big Apple.
Timed tickets
All Empire State Building tickets are timed, meaning that when you purchase your ticket, you must select a specific date and time for your visit. It’s important to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to ensure a smooth entry process.
If you miss your scheduled time slot, rescheduling is possible but subject to availability.
How long does it take?
There is no time limit on how long you can stay at the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, but most visitors spend around 60 to 90 minutes.
Standard or Express tickets – what to buy?
Many visitors wonder whether to choose Standard or Express tickets when visiting the Empire State Building. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Standard ticket | Express ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket name | General admission | Skip-the-line |
| Adult price (13-61 years) | US$47 | US$89 |
| Senior price (62+ years) | US$41 | US$89 |
| Child price (6-12 years) | US$45 | US$89 |
| Kids under 5 | Free | Free |
| Line wait | Security and elevator queues | No queues |
| Lines skipped | Ticket counter only | Ticketing, security, and elevator lines |
| Estimated time saved | ~30 minutes during peak times | Over an hour during peak times |
| Ideal for | General visitors, cost-conscious travelers | Visitors with limited time, families with young children, anyone seeking a quicker visit |
Our recommendation
Express tickets are pricier, so consider them only in these situations:
- You’re visiting during peak season
- You have limited time and want to finish your visit within an hour
- You’re traveling with young children who might get impatient waiting
- You’re willing to pay a bit more for a streamlined, hassle-free experience at the Empire State Building
Sometimes the Empire State Building tickets sell out
Didn’t get Empire State Building tickets for your preferred time and date? You can visit The Edge @ Hudson Yards or the Summit One Vanderbilt – both are equally amazing observation decks.
86 floor or both 86th & 102nd floor – which ticket to buy?
When purchasing tickets for the Empire State Building, it’s essential to decide which observatory you’d like to visit, as the 102nd-floor Top Deck requires a separate ticket. Knowing the difference in advance can help you make the best choice.
The 86th floor, located 1,050 feet (320 meters) above ground, offers an open-air experience with classic views of New York’s skyline and landmarks.
Sixteen stories above, the 102nd-floor Top Deck reaches 1,250 feet (381 meters) and is accessed via a glass elevator.
This enclosed observatory features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a 360-degree indoor view that stretches up to 80 miles on clear days.
Our recommendation
While the 102nd floor offers a slightly higher perspective, the 200-foot (61-meter) difference isn’t significant for most visitors.
Many find the skyline views from both observatories equally stunning. However, in colder months, the indoor comfort of the 102nd-floor observatory makes it a worthwhile upgrade.
Compare The EBS with other NYC observation decks!
New York City boasts five observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of the skyline. You can compare The EBS with other iconic decks like The Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, and TOTR to determine which view and atmosphere best suit your visit.
What are the passes that include ESB?
If you plan to visit multiple attractions in New York City, consider purchasing a city pass that includes entry to the Empire State Building. Some of the most popular options include:
New York CityPASS: Includes access to the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building and four other top attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
New York Pass: Grants entry to the Empire State Building and over 100 other NYC attractions, perfect for visitors planning to explore multiple sites.
Go City Explorer Pass: Allows you to choose from a list of top attractions, including the Empire State Building, and pay for only the number of attractions you want to visit.
These passes can save you both time and money, especially if you’re planning to visit several attractions during your stay.
Frequently asked questions about tickets
Here are some of the most common questions visitors have about Empire State Building tickets:
Should I buy Empire State Building tickets online?
Buying tickets online is highly recommended to avoid queues and secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak times.
Can I upgrade my standard ticket?
If you plan to visit the 102nd-floor observatory, purchasing the combo ticket to access both decks in advance is best. However, if you’d prefer to decide after seeing the 86th-floor observatory, you can easily upgrade your ticket at the venue.
Does the Empire State Building offer free tickets?
While visiting the Empire State, children five years and younger can enter for free – they don’t need to buy tickets. All visitors six years and above require a paid ticket to access the observation deck and its immersive experiences.
Do we need to print online tickets?
Visitors can present their tickets on mobile devices, but printed tickets are also accepted at the Empire State Building’s entrance.
What is ESB’s arrival time?
When you book your ESB tickets, you must select a preferred time and date of visit. You must be at the venue at least five minutes before this time, which will be mentioned on your ticket.
What is the Empire State Building’s late arrival policy?
If you arrive after your ticket time, they’ll try to accommodate you based on capacity, but you may have to wait for a long time. That’s why arriving five minutes before the time mentioned on your ticket is better.
Does the Empire State Building offer discounts for locals?
If you are a resident of an ESRT property, you are entitled to one complimentary ticket to the 86th Floor Observatory. Each ticket requires a separate reservation, but you can use the code provided by ESRT at checkout to receive your free ticket.
What is the Empire State Building’s refund policy?
Empire State Building has a strict non-refundable ticket policy. Once you purchase tickets, you cannot receive a refund regardless of the reason for cancellation or no-show. This policy applies to all ticket types, including adult, child, and discounted tickets.
What is ESB’s rain policy?
Empire State Building is an all-weather experience – so all tickets are final and nonrefundable.