Empire State Building Standard or Express
Which ticket should you opt for?
Empire State Building
– Empire State Building tickets
– Opening hours
– Express Pass
– NYC Passes with ESB
– FAQs
– Top Floor (102nd)
– Night Visit
– Sunrise Experience
– Sunset Experience
The Edge
– The Edge Tickets
– Standard or Express Pass
– The Edge Flex Ticket
– Edge Express Ticket
– NYC Passes with Edge
– Opening hours
– Best time to visit
– Edge City Climb
– FAQs
– The Views
– Sunset @ The Edge
– Night Visit
– Restaurants
Summit One Vanderbilt
– Summit One tickets
– Opening hours
– FAQs
– Observation decks
– NYC Passes with Summit
– Night Visit
– Glass Elevator
– Après Restaurant
– How to Reach
One World
– One World Tickets
– Passes with One World
– FAQs
Top of the Rock
– Top of the Rock Tickets
– RockMoMA tickets
– VIP Top of the Rock Pass
– NYC passes with ToTR
– Skylift @ The Rock
– FAQs
Comparisons
– Summit or The Edge
– Summit or One World
– Summit or Empire State
– Summit or TOTR
– Empire State or The Edge
– Empire State or One World
– Empire State or TOTR
– The Edge or One World
Your choice of ticket to the Empire State Building should align with your budget and schedule.
The Standard Admission Ticket provides full access to the observation decks (86th and 102nd floors, if chosen) at a lower cost, making it a great option for visitors who are flexible with waiting, especially during quieter hours or off-peak times.
For those who want to avoid long queues and enjoy a faster, hassle-free experience, the Express Pass offers priority access, perfect for busy weekends or tight schedules. It allows you to skip all lines and head directly to the observation decks.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, the Standard Admission Ticket is ideal. However, if you value time-saving convenience and want to bypass the queues, the Express Pass is well worth the additional cost.
This guide compares Empire State Building Standard or Express tickets, helping you choose the one that best suits your budget, schedule, and preferences.
General Admission Ticket vs Express Pass
The Standard Admission Ticket gives you access to the Empire State Building’s observation decks at a pre-selected time slot.
On the other hand, with the Express Pass, you can walk in at any point during the building’s opening hours, bypassing the queues.
Both tickets grant entry to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, the Art Deco lobby, the interactive galleries, and the multimedia exhibits.
The 102nd Floor is only available with the 86th & 102nd Floor Combo Ticket.
At the Empire State Building, there are three main queues: Ticketing counter queue, security check line, and Elevator line.
With the Standard Admission Ticket, you’ll need to wait in all three lines.
With the Express Pass, you skip all three lines entirely, thanks to priority access. You’ll be escorted directly to the elevator for a quicker ascent to the top.
| Feature | Standard Ticket | Express Pass |
| Inclusions | Access to the 86th-floor deck, galleries, and Art Deco lobby | Same as Standard Ticket, plus priority access to skip lines |
| 102nd floor access | Option for upgrade available with extra cost | Option for upgrade available with extra cost |
| Cost | From $48 per person (prices vary as per season and age group) | From $92 per person (prices vary as per season and age group) |
| Entry Time | Timed entry based on availability | Priority access, available any time during opening hours |
| Queueing | Wait in line for ticketing, security, and the elevator | Skip all lines, direct escort to the elevator |
| Best For | Budget-conscious visitors who don’t mind waiting | Visitors with limited time, families, and those who prefer convenience |
| When to Buy | Value for money, especially during non-peak times | Ideal for peak times and for those wishing to avoid waiting in line |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled time | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit |
| Purchase | Buy This Ticket | Buy This Ticket |
Both tickets come with the Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee, which allows you to rebook or exchange your tickets in case of poor weather or low visibility. You can also exchange your ticket for another NYC attraction if needed.
Comparing the Cost of the Tickets
At the Empire State Building, you get two fantastic options – General Admission for the planners and budget-friendly tourists, and the Express Pass for those who want to skip lines and make the most of every minute.
With General Admission, a trip to the 86th-floor Main Deck starts at just $53 for adults (13 to 61 years), $47 for kids (6 to 12 years), and $51 for seniors (above 61 years).
Want to upgrade to the 102nd floor? It’s still a great deal at $95 for adults, $88 for children, and $93 for seniors.
But if you’re short on time or visiting during peak hours, the Express Pass is your best friend.
For $98, you get direct access to the 86th floor without any waiting. And at $139, you get both decks with fast-track entry, stress-free and smooth. Kids under six can go for free.
Waiting Times
During peak hours, waiting times at the Empire State Building can be long, especially at the ticket counter, security check, and elevators.
During crowded times, these queues can exceed an hour. It is busy around 12 pm on weekdays and around 3 to 4 pm on weekends.
To minimize your wait time, consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays when the attraction is less crowded.
Alternatively, purchasing the Express Pass allows you to skip all the lines, ensuring a faster and more convenient entry to the observation deck.
Access Areas
Both the Standard Admission Ticket and the Express Pass grant access to the same areas within the Empire State Building. These include:
- 86th Floor Observation Deck: The iconic outdoor deck offering stunning 360-degree views of New York City.
- Option to upgrade to the 102nd floor: For those seeking an exclusive experience, the option to upgrade is a great choice.
- Interactive Galleries: Immersive exhibits about the history and architecture of the Empire State Building.
- Art Deco Lobby: The beautifully restored entrance showcases the building’s iconic design.
- Multimedia Experience: Learn more about the building through an audio guide available in multiple languages.
- A complimentary digital souvenir photo: allowing you to capture the moment and take home a lasting memory of your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions when visitors are on the Empire State Building.
Is the Express Pass worth the extra cost compared to the Standard Ticket?
Yes, the Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, including the ticket counter, security check, and elevators, making it a great option for those looking to save time, especially during busy times. It’s ideal if you have limited time or want to avoid long queues.
Can I visit both the 86th and 102nd floors with the Standard Ticket?
Yes, you can visit the 86th floor with this ticket, but you will need to upgrade it to include the 102nd floor in your visit.
Do I need to choose a specific entry time with the Standard Ticket?
Yes, the Standard Ticket requires you to select a specific entry time. Arriving outside your scheduled window may result in delays or denial of entry.
What’s the difference between the timed entry of the Standard Ticket and the flexible entry with the Express Pass?
The Standard Ticket has a fixed entry time that you must adhere to. In contrast, the Express Pass allows you to enter at any time during the operating hours of your selected day, providing greater flexibility.
Can I cancel or change my ticket if my plans change?
With the Standard Ticket, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your entry time. For the Express Pass, the same cancellation policy applies, but it’s always good to check for any additional terms at the time of booking.
What happens if I miss my entry time with the Standard Ticket?
If you miss your scheduled entry time, you may still be able to enter, but you could face longer wait times or need to wait for the next available slot. It’s always best to arrive on time to avoid any delays.
Is the view the same for both ticket types?
Yes, both the Standard Ticket and the Express Pass provide access to the same observation areas, including the 86th-floor and 102nd-floor decks, galleries, and interactive exhibits. The view is the same regardless of which ticket you choose.
