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How to Skip the Line at the Empire State Building

By the BeatTheCrowd team · Updated 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answer

Book online on the official site, which is cheaper than buying on the spot, and go first thing in the morning or late at night (the deck is open until late). On a quiet weekday morning the standard ticket is fine. On busy afternoons and around sunset, the Express ticket can save 45-60 minutes.

At a glance

86th floor: From about $44-60 per adult, depending on date
86th + 102nd floors: From about $79-96
Express (skips the lines): From about $89 for the 86th floor
Sunrise: About $137, very limited numbers

How long are the lines at the Empire State Building?

Even with a ticket, there are several lines: security, then the museum route on the second floor, then the lifts up to the 80th floor and on to the 86th. At sunset on a summer weekend, those queues together can take well over an hour. At opening or late at night, you'll often walk straight through.

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Before you book, check how busy the Empire State Building is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for holidays, school breaks and weather.

Check today’s crowds at Empire State Building →

Which ticket to book

Ticket	Price (approx.)	Best for
86th floor (main deck)	From $44-60	Most visitors. The open-air deck with the classic views
86th + 102nd floors	From $79-96	Higher, enclosed views with floor-to-ceiling windows
Express	From about $89 (86th), more for both floors	Afternoons, sunset and busy days
Sunrise experience	About $137	Very small groups. Book well ahead

Prices vary by date and there's a small booking fee per order. Children under 6 go free. Booking on the official site is usually the best price.

Best (and worst) times to go

At opening: the shortest lines of the day and crisp morning views.

Late evening: the deck stays open late, and after about 10 pm the crowds drop away and the city lights are spectacular.

Worst: mid-afternoon to sunset, especially on weekends and holidays.

Weather: low cloud can hide everything. Check the forecast (or a live cam) before you go.

🔑 The free skip-the-line hack

Our hourly forecast for the Empire State Building shows how busy each hour is expected to be on your date.

Check today’s crowds at Empire State Building →

Insider tips that actually save time

Use the 34th Street entrance for the observatory (20 West 34th Street), not Fifth Avenue.

Don't rush the 2nd-floor museum if lines are short. But if the building is busy, you can move through it quickly.

Travel light. Bags go through security, and large bags slow you down.

Compare views: the Empire State Building is the classic view, while Top of the Rock and SUMMIT show the Empire State in the skyline.

FAQs

How much is the Empire State Building?

From about $44-60 for the 86th floor and about $79-96 with the 102nd floor, depending on the date.

Is the Empire State Building Express pass worth it?

On busy afternoons and at sunset, yes: it can save 45-60 minutes. On quiet mornings, usually not.

What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?

At opening or late in the evening. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.

Where is the entrance to the Empire State Building observatory?

20 West 34th Street.

Sources

How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 20 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.

Getting there	Subway to 34 St - Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), a 2-minute walk.
Hours	From morning until late at night. Check the official site for today's last elevator.
How long to allow	About 1-2 hours, depending on lines.