Which New York passes include Top of the Rock?

Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in New York City, offering stunning 360-degree views from the top of Rockefeller Center. From its open-air rooftop, you can see the Empire State Building, Central Park, and even the Statue of Liberty on a clear day.

If you’re planning to visit, purchasing a New York discount pass can help you save money and streamline your entry. But which passes actually include Top of the Rock?

This guide breaks down the four most popular NYC passes, explaining whether they cover Top of the Rock, how to use them, and key things to know before purchasing.

Which passes include Top of the Rock?

✅ Go City New York Explorer Pass – Yes, included. Choose 3, 5, 6, or more attractions and save up to 43%. No reservations needed.

✅ New York Sightseeing Flex Pass – Yes, included. Select 2 to 12 attractions from 100+ options. No reservations needed.

✅ Go City The New York Pass – Yes, included. Visit as many attractions as you like within 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days. No reservations needed.

✅ New York CityPASS – Yes, Top of the Rock is included in the list of attractions you can select from.

Go City New York Explorer Pass, New York Sightseeing Flex Pass and Go City The New York Pass include free entry to The Edge, while New York CityPASS doesn’t. In none of the instances, reservations are needed.

Now, let’s explore all the passes in detail.

Go City New York Explorer Pass

The Go City New York Explorer Pass lets you choose 3, 5, 6, or more attractions from a list of 90+ options across NYC.

This includes popular attractions and experiences such as:

Complete list of 90+ attractions

There’s no need to pick your attractions before you purchase. Just choose attractions as you go.

Buying this New York pass helps save up to 43% compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

How to use Explorer Pass for Top of the Rock

1. Go to the Go City Reservation Portal to book your visit.
2. Enter your order number and the email address used for booking.
3. Ensure your pass is valid on the day of your visit.
4. Book your entry up to 10 days in advance.

Things to know

• Pass is valid for two years from purchase and 60 days from first use.
• Digital pass—no need for a printed ticket.
• Only some of the attractions require reservations via the Go City app.
• No refunds or rescheduling once purchased.

Cost: Starts from $119

New York Sightseeing Flex Pass

The New York Sightseeing Flex Pass lets you choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, or 12 attractions from a list of 100+ options, saving up to 65% on entry fees.

Popular tourist attractions include:

Full list of 100+ attractions

How to use Sightseeing Flex Pass for Top of the Rock

1. No advance booking required—just arrive at the venue when you want to visit.
2. Go to the entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (look for the red carpet).
3. Head to the Box Office on the concourse level.
4. Use the dedicated pass line to present your pass.
5. Receive the next available timed-ticket and enjoy your visit!

Things to know

• Pass is valid for two years from purchase and 60 days from first use.
• Most attractions do not require reservations, but some do.
• No refunds or rescheduling once purchased.

Cost: Starts from $85

Go City The New York Pass

The Go City The New York Pass lets you visit as many attractions as you want within 3, 4, or 5 consecutive days.

It provides access to 100+ attractions, including:

List of all attractions

How to use Go City pass for Top of the Rock

1. Go to the Go City Reservation Portal to book your visit.
2. Enter your order number and the email address used for booking.
3. Ensure your pass is valid on the day of your visit.
4. Select your preferred time slot for entry.
5. Book up to 10 days in advance of your visit.

Things to know

• Go City The New York Pass is valid for two years from purchase.
• Once activated, it is valid for the chosen number of consecutive days.
• Refunds available if canceled by 11:59 PM the day before your visit.

Cost: Starts from $274 (for a 3-day pass)

New York CityPASS

The New York CityPASS offers up to 43% savings on admission to five top NYC attractions.

It includes the Empire State Building Observatory and the American Museum of Natural History, plus your choice of three additional attractions from the list below.

How to use NYC CityPASS for Top of the Rock

1. Reservations are recommended for a smoother experience, but not mandatory.
2. Receive your reservation barcode for your selected time.
3. On the day of your visit, present your barcode at the red carpet entrance on West 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues.
4. You can also walk in without reservation – just that you will get the next available entry time.

Things to know

• Valid for nine consecutive days from first use.
• Some attractions require advance reservations.
• Unused passes can be refunded up to 365 days after purchase.
• No refunds or rescheduling once activated.

Cost: Starts from $214

How to visit Top of the Rock without a pass

If you don’t have a New York discount pass, you can still explore Top of the Rock by purchasing one of these ticket options:

1. General Admission Ticket – The most popular option, providing access to both the indoor and outdoor observation decks (Cost: $43)
2. VIP Ticket – Skip the lines and enjoy exclusive perks, including priority access, The Beam experience, a guided tour, and a photo package. (Cost: $174)
3. RockMoMA Ticket – A combo ticket that includes entry to both Top of the Rock and the Museum of Modern Art. (Cost: $63)