The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, offers breathtaking 360° views of New York City from its indoor observation deck on Level 100.
When planning your visit, you can choose from three ticket options – standard admission, flexible passes, and Express Passes.
This guide breaks down the standard admission ticket and Express Pass, helping you decide which option best fits your schedule and ensuring you make the most of your visit to this iconic New York attraction.
General Admission Ticket vs. Express Pass
The General Admission ticket gives you access to The Edge’s observation deck at a pre-selected time slot, while with an Express Pass, you can walk in at any point within the opening hours.
They grant entry to the indoor observation deck, outdoor sky deck, glass floor, angled glass walls, skyline steps, and eastern point, delivering stunning panoramic views of New York City.
At The Edge, there are three wait lines:
- Ticketing counter queue
- Security check line
- Elevator line
With a standard ticket, you can bypass the ticketing counter and head straight to the security check line, followed by the elevator line.
If you opt for the Express Pass, you can skip all three lines entirely. An escort will guide you straight to the top, making your experience faster and smoother.
| Feature | Standard ticket | Express Pass |
| Inclusions | Access to indoor & outdoor decks, glass floor, angled glass walls, skyline steps, and eastern point | Same as General Admission, plus priority access. |
| Cost | $43 | $96 |
| Entry Time | Timed entry | Priority access with the flexibility to walk in anytime on the date of booking |
| Queueing | You need to queue for security and elevator access | Escorted entry without queue |
| Best For | Visitors on a budget or those who do not mind waiting in line | Visitors who want a hassle-free experience, those short on time, families with young children |
| Perks | *Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee | *Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee |
| When to buy? | For value for money, especially if visiting during non-peak times | Visiting during peak season, and want to avoid queue |
| Cancellation | Possible up until your selected timeslot | 24 hours before your visit |
| Purchase | Buy ticket | Buy ticket |
*Sky Assurance Weather Guarantee offers options if bad weather or visibility impacts your visit, including rebooking or exchanging for another NYC attraction. Know more
Enhance your Edge experience
Cost of the tickets
General admission ticket
A general admission ticket to Edge NYC costs less than half the price of an Express Pass.
Adult tickets for visitors between the ages of 12 and 61 are priced at $49, and children aged 6 to 11 can purchase tickets for $44. Senior tickets for visitors aged 62 and above are available for $47.
Buy This TicketExpress Pass
The Express Pass at Edge NYC, which allows you to skip all the queues, is more than double the price of a Standard entry ticket.
Adult tickets for visitors aged 12 to 61 are priced at $96. Tickets for children between the ages of 6 and 11 cost $90. Seniors aged 62 and over can purchase tickets for $94.
While these prices are higher than the standard admission tickets, the Express Pass grants you priority access, allowing you to bypass the lines at the entrance, security check, and elevators at any time of the day.
Additionally, the Express Pass lets you walk in at any time during the booked day, offering even more flexibility. This is particularly beneficial during peak hours or if you have limited time.
Buy This TicketNote:
- Children under six years old can enter for free.
- Special rates for NYC residents and US military personnel are available directly at the venue.
- An adult must accompany kids under 12.
- These tickets also include a free digital souvenir photo.
Compare The Edge with other NYC observation decks!
New York City boasts five observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of the skyline. You can compare The Edge with other iconic decks like the Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, and One World Observatory to determine which view and atmosphere best suit your visit.
Waiting times
During crowded times at The Edge, wait times at the various queues – at ticket counters, security check, and the elevators – can exceed an hour. To avoid long queues, consider visiting on weekdays, arriving early when the attraction opens, or booking an Express Pass to skip all lines and enjoy faster entry.
Access areas
Standard admission and Express Pass tickets to Edge NYC provide access to the same areas within the attraction.
- Indoor observation deck on Level 100
- Outdoor sky deck
- The glass floor
- Angled glass wall
- The skyline seats
- The eastern point
- Free digital souvenir photo
Note: City Climb is an adrenaline-pumping experience that takes you above The Edge. It requires a separate ticket and is not included with general admission or the Express Pass.
Conclusion: Which Edge ticket is right for you?
When visiting The Edge NYC, your choice of ticket depends on your budget and schedule.
The general admission ticket offers full access at a lower cost, making it ideal for visitors who don’t mind waiting in line, especially during off-peak hours.
For a faster, hassle-free experience, the Express Pass lets you skip all queues, perfect for peak times or tight schedules.
Both tickets include access to the observation deck, glass floor, angled walls, and skyline seats, plus a free digital photo and weather guarantee. If saving money is key, go for general admission. If time is limited, the Express Pass is worth the extra cost.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some frequently asked questions when visitors are on The Edge.
Is the extra cost of the Express Pass justified for the benefits it offers?
Yes, the extra cost of the Express Pass is justified if you want to save time, avoid long queues, and walk in any time of the day. It allows you to skip all three lines (ticketing, security, and elevators) and provides priority access to the observation deck. The convenience and reduced wait times make the higher price worthwhile for many visitors.
Are there any differences in the areas I can access or the features I can experience with each ticket type?
No, there are no differences in the areas or features you can access with the two ticket types. Both the general admission ticket and the Express Pass provide access to the indoor observation deck, outdoor sky deck, glass floor, angled glass walls, skyline seats, and eastern point.
Would the Express Pass be more beneficial during peak periods?
Yes, the Express Pass is especially beneficial during peak periods, weekends, holidays, and busy tourist seasons. It significantly reduces waiting times, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable. If you visit during off-peak hours, the General Admission ticket may suffice.
When should I arrive at The Edge?
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time to ensure smooth access. If you miss your slot, staff will accommodate you if possible, but you may need to wait.
Can I enter anytime with an Express Pass?
Yes, with an Express Pass, you can enter the attraction any time on the chosen day. Check out the Flexi Passes, which also allow you to visit anytime during operating hours.
Still have questions about The Edge NYC? Check out our FAQs that answer all your potential doubts about the attraction.
