How to Skip the Line at Top of the Rock
Book a timed ticket online on the official Rockefeller Center site to skip the box office. For sunset, book about 90 minutes before sunset, at least a week ahead in summer and longer around Thanksgiving and the tree lighting. For the smallest crowds, go at the 8 am opening.
- General admission
- From about $46 adults, more for sunset slots (up to about $73)
- Add-ons
- Skylift and The Beam, from about $73 combined
- Booking
- Timed entry. Sunset slots sell out
- Book ahead
- A week for summer sunsets, longer over the holidays
- Best time
- 8 am opening, or 90 minutes before sunset
- Busiest
- Sunset, 11 am to 3 pm, Thanksgiving to New Year
- Under 6s
- Free
How long are the lines at Top of the Rock?
Entry is by timed ticket, so with a booking you'll mostly just wait for security and the lift, typically 15-30 minutes at busy times. The real problem is sunset: those slots cost more and sell out, especially in summer and from Thanksgiving to New Year, when the Rockefeller Center tree draws huge crowds.
Before you book your slot, check how busy Top of the Rock is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for US holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Top of The Rock →