Best-price guarantee*
Eligible lower-price claims are handled by the booking provider through its price-matching policy. See conditions ↓
The quick answer
Go for the skyline. Stay for the story.
Our pick for a first visit: start with the 86th-floor ticket. It combines the outdoor observation deck with the museum experience. Add the 102nd floor when the enclosed higher viewpoint is worth the extra cost to your group.
A good match if…
You want to visit a New York landmark, explore its story and spend time looking across Manhattan from an outdoor deck.
Compare another deck if…
Your main photo goal is to include the Empire State Building itself in the skyline. See our Top of the Rock guide before deciding.
Two questions decide your ticket: which view do you want, and how much do you value priority access?
What you are booking
One landmark. Two ways to see above it.
The museum galleries are part of admission, rather than a separate museum ticket to add at checkout. The 86th floor offers the classic open-air experience; the 102nd floor is an enclosed, climate-controlled upgrade.
Express access and 102nd-floor access are different benefits. Check that the ticket names every feature you want.
Your priorities, your ticket
Which Empire State Building ticket fits?
This tool matches your preferences to a ticket category. It does not check inventory or predict queues.
Your starting point
Compare the reference rates ↓Make the difference visible
Empire State Building ticket prices.
| Ticket category | Official from | What changes? |
|---|---|---|
| 86th floor | US$46 | Outdoor deck + museum admission |
| 86th + 102nd floor | US$81 | Adds the enclosed higher viewpoint |
| Express · 86th | US$87 | Priority access, without the 102nd floor |
| Express · 86th + 102nd | US$122 | Both viewing floors + Express access |
Official starting rates checked 28 October 2026, not live booking provider quotes. Your date, visitor category, package and checkout charges can change the final total. Confirm all inclusions with your seller.
Making a last-minute plan?
Going today? How to book Empire State Building tickets.
To book Empire State Building tickets for today, open the seller’s calendar, select today’s date in New York, choose an available entry time and ticket category, then complete checkout. Availability and today’s final price must be confirmed by the seller.
- Check before paying: today’s operating hours, last entry, weather and visibility.
- Choose your experience: 86th floor, 86th + 102nd, or an Express option. Check ages and inclusions.
- Select an available time: leave enough time to reach the entrance and follow your booking’s arrival instructions.
- Review the total and terms: compare the final charge, currency, cancellation and rescheduling conditions.
- Save your mobile ticket: keep your confirmation accessible and head to the observation entrance at 20 West 34th Street.
Check today’s official ticketsCompare today on booking provider ↗
These links open booking pages; they do not preselect a date. Same-day ticket-office purchases are also offered, subject to availability. This guide has no live ticket inventory, crowd counter or traffic feed. The price table above contains reference starting rates, not a quote for today.
Plan your visit
Opening times & arrival.
- Ticket validity
- 1 day
- When to arrive
- Running a little late? Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you
Select your visit date to see the available times. Use the time on your ticket when arranging transport and other bookings.
See today’s times →Saturday, Sunday & holidays
Empire State Building weekend rush: plan your slot first.
The operator recommends booking early for weekends, holidays and sunset visits. If you are going this weekend, choose an available slot before building the rest of your day around it.
Want a calmer visit?
The operator suggests considering noon to 2 p.m. for fewer crowds. Treat this as general guidance: season, events and your date can change demand. No time slot guarantees a quiet deck.
Want the sunset?
Check sunset for your date, compare the available entry times and read the seller’s arrival instructions. Do not assume a last-minute sunset slot will remain available.
Our planning advice: allow flexibility for travel, screening, elevators and your own pace. Express may suit you if its named priority benefits justify the extra cost; it does not guarantee zero waiting.
We do not have measured weekend queue times. Check availability and operating updates for your actual visit date.
Getting through Midtown
Traffic around the Empire State Building.
For a same-day or weekend visit, check your route just before leaving. Road closures, events and subway service changes can affect your journey; this page does not show current congestion.
| Travel choice | How to plan |
|---|---|
| Subway + a short walk | Consider 34th Street–Herald Square or 34th Street–Penn Station. Check the MTA’s planned service changes, especially at weekends, and confirm your route before departure. |
| Taxi or rideshare | Our advice: check a current route estimate and leave a buffer. Do not assume a vehicle can stop directly at the observation entrance. |
| Driving | Check parking arrangements separately and consult NYC DOT’s weekly traffic advisory for planned closures. Leave time to walk from your parking location. |
| Already in Midtown | Compare walking with a vehicle journey using your current location. Use the observation entrance at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. |
Travel time depends on your starting point and conditions. Follow your booking’s arrival instructions rather than relying on a fixed travel-time estimate.
The group cost check
What does that upgrade cost all of you?
Replace these reference rates with equivalent quotes for your dates. For mixed child/adult groups, calculate each category separately.
86th group totalAt your entered rate
Compared group totalAt your entered rate
Difference for your groupBefore unentered charges
An estimate, not a booking quote. A custom compared rate remains yours until you change the ticket category or reset.
Spend on what matters
How can I get a discount on the Empire State Building?
Compare the final total for the same date, ages and viewing floors. Check official bundles and eligible rates, then compare a sightseeing pass only against attractions you actually plan to visit. We have not verified a working public coupon code.
| Way to save | What to check before buying |
|---|---|
| Family bundle or official offer | Check the official Deals & Local Tickets section. Compare its exact group composition and total with individual tickets. |
| Child or senior rate | Child rates cover ages 6–12; under-six admission is free. Senior rates start at 62. Confirm eligibility and any proof required. |
| CityPASS or New York Pass | Both are listed by the attraction. Compare included floors, reservation rules, validity and the other activities you will use. |
| Group booking | For 20 or more visitors, ask the official group-sales team about reduced rates before buying individually. |
| Skip an unwanted upgrade | Our budget suggestion: keep the 86th-floor option in your comparison. Express and the 102nd floor add different benefits; pay for the ones you value. |
Visiting from abroad? Check the eligibility.
The NYC locals offer requires an eligible city ZIP code matching the purchasing card’s billing address. An overseas tourist should not assume a hotel address qualifies. For military or other restricted offers, confirm your specific eligibility directly.
A pass’s headline saving describes a bundle, not a guaranteed discount on this single activity. Count booking charges and any currency-conversion costs when comparing checkout totals. Offer details reviewed 28 October 2026.
Compare your actual ticket quotes in the calculator ↑Arriving from another country
What international visitors should know before visiting the Empire State Building.
A practical checklist for booking from abroad and arriving in Midtown.
| Before you go | What to do |
|---|---|
| Use New York local time | Our planning advice: enter your slot in your calendar using the America/New_York time zone. Recheck it after landing; do not read it as your home-country time. |
| Reserve your entry | Book your selected date and time. If using a sightseeing pass, follow that pass’s reservation steps; buying a pass is not the same as reserving your ESB slot. |
| Understand your currency total | This guide quotes US dollars. The operator lists major credit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal and Alipay. Check the seller’s checkout currency and ask your card provider about overseas charges. |
| Keep confirmation accessible | Our suggestion: download the seller’s required ticket or voucher and arrival instructions before leaving your hotel. Keep your booking reference handy. |
| Check identification instructions | The operator may request identity proof for an online order. Follow your seller’s instructions and confirm acceptable documents in advance; this guide does not establish a universal passport requirement. |
| Use the observation entrance | Go to 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Save the entrance directions rather than relying only on the building’s Fifth Avenue address. |
| Plan around hotel checkout | Leave large luggage elsewhere. There are no visitor lockers. Review the items policy before coming straight from an airport or station. |
| Check language support | If you need translated interpretation or a guided visit in a specific language, ask the seller what your exact product includes before paying. Do not assume every ticket includes a live guide. |
| Leave flexibility for weather | Check visibility, the forecast and seasonal operating hours. Review change and refund terms before booking; avoid making your only possible visit a tight connection before a flight. |
Our travel-planning suggestions are separate from operator rules. For a specific access, medical or dietary need, contact the attraction before your visit.
An itinerary with breathing room
Let your entry time anchor the day.
Use this editorial plan as a sequence, rather than a promise about exact queue times.
BEFORE YOUR SLOT
Eat, leave luggage and find the right door.
Finish food and drinks beforehand. Use 20 West 34th Street and follow the arrival instructions in your confirmation.
ARRIVAL & MUSEUM
Give the building’s story some time.
Allow for screening and exhibits. If booking Express, make a deliberate choice to include the museum galleries.
THE VIEW
Explore the 86th floor at your pace.
Walk around, take photographs and pause between viewpoints. Visit the 102nd floor if it is included in your ticket.
AFTERWARDS
Keep your next stop flexible.
Plan a meal nearby or an unhurried Midtown walk. Leave a buffer before another prepaid timed activity.
Comfort before the camera
What to wear to the Empire State Building.
Practical suggestions for an outdoor deck and an indoor museum, not a claimed dress code. Check the forecast for your visit.
| Conditions | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Warm & sunny | Breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. |
| Cool or windy | Layers with a wind-resistant outer layer; secure loose accessories. |
| Cold weather | A warm coat, gloves and a secure hat for outdoor viewing. |
| Wet forecast | A practical weatherproof outer layer; check visibility and operating updates before leaving. |
The enclosed 102nd floor offers a different environment, but an upgrade cannot guarantee clear views through clouds.
Pack light
What to bring—and leave behind.
- Have ready: your booking confirmation, a charged phone and the arrival instructions.
- Keep essentials minimal: check the official policy for your particular bag or camera setup.
- Leave outside: outside food and drinks, bottles and glass, large luggage, and professional camera stands.
- Arrange storage elsewhere: there are no visitor lockers.
This is a summary, not the full security list. Check the operator’s prohibited items; ask ahead about medical necessities or exceptional equipment.
Food & drinks
Make food a stop before or after.
Empire State Building dining is on the lower floors. Options listed by the operator include State Grill and Bar, Tacombi and Starbucks Reserve. There is no rooftop restaurant on the observation floors.
Our planning tip
Choose a meal before entry or after your visit. Check each restaurant’s opening hours separately and budget for food unless your selected package explicitly includes it. Do not pack outside snacks or drinks for the deck.
Rain & visibility
Check the view, not only the rain icon.
The building opens in rainy weather, but clouds can affect visibility. Check the operator’s current updates and your reservation’s change terms before travelling.
Our advice: if a long-distance view is the main reason you are booking, keep the rest of your day flexible. Indoor galleries give you something to explore; they do not make poor visibility a guaranteed refund case.
Family & access
Plan for everyone in your group.
The operator provides wheelchair access through the observation floors, accessible bathrooms and lowered viewing areas on the 86th floor. Strollers must be folded in observation areas. Contact the attraction for specific assistance needs.
Under-six admission is free and child rates apply at ages 6–12. Check how each child should be included in your reservation rather than assuming they can be omitted.
Getting there
The observation entrance is on 34th Street.
Head to 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Herald Square and Penn Station are nearby subway options. Check service changes and accessible routes for your journey.
Open entrance location in Maps ↗How to get there
Getting to Empire State Building.
Find the attraction area on the map, then use your confirmation for the correct entrance. Check local public transport, taxi drop-off and parking before leaving.
Meeting point / entrance: Use the entrance, meeting point or pickup address attached to your selected option.
Running a little late? Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you
Arrival details checked 2026-11-14.
Find the attraction area on the map →Compare your buying options
Onsite vs online ticket prices.
Use the detailed ticket comparison below for the guide’s checked prices, then select your date for a current online total. Compare the box-office price for the same date and ticket type.
Resident and local offers
Use local, resident or other concessions only where the ticket’s eligibility rules explicitly cover your party. Check accepted identification and eligible dates.
Make the day fit
Let your entry time anchor the day.
Start with your confirmed entry time, then work backwards through check-in and travel. Leave room afterwards for food, the return journey and any separately booked experience.
- Running a little late? Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you
- For date or time changes please visit https://www.esbnyc.com/visit/manage-booking or our ticketing office and we'll do our best to assist
- Free entry for children under 6 years old
- All guests must pass through security to access the Observatory. Please avoid glass items, sports equipment, marking instruments (paint/markers), and any packages/luggage
Plan with a group
One plan. Everyone included.
- Use the same date, language and start time for the whole party.
- Enter every child’s age and check access or mobility needs.
- Check whether the quote is per person or for the group.
- Agree where to meet if anyone arrives separately.
What to wear
Dress for Empire State Building.
Comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the venue or activity. Check any dress, safety or equipment requirements before leaving.
Pack for the plan
What to bring—and leave behind.
Bring: Booking confirmation, a charged phone, required identification and any clothing or equipment specified for your option.
Leave behind / check first: Luggage or large bags; Glass objects
Travel & traffic
Traffic around New York City.
Check a live route before leaving, including the final walk from the station, parking or drop-off. Weekend events, roadworks and busy attraction areas can change the journey.
Keep the operator’s late-arrival rules in mind. Check traffic on your route before leaving.
Before you decide
Check the view.
Explore the photographs and captions, then check which viewing area, route or stops your ticket includes. Country-inspiration images show the destination; see your ticket for the included stops.
View the photographs ↓Best price for your Empire State Building ticket
Guaranteed best price for Empire State Building tickets? Check the price-match conditions.
GetYourGuide, the booking provider for Empire State Building, offers price matching for qualifying public offers. The lower-priced Empire State Building ticket must still be bookable with the same supplier, date, city, party and inclusions. Member-only, corporate, group and other non-public promotions are excluded. Submit evidence to GetYourGuide; approved differences may be refunded or issued as a voucher.
GetYourGuide reviews each Empire State Building claim against its price-match conditions.
Read the price-match and payment terms for Empire State Building tickets →Policy checked 14 November 2026. The cancellation and payment conditions of your Empire State Building ticket still apply.
Questions before you book
Empire State Building FAQs.
Search tickets, rain, clothes, food, bags or access.
36 questions
Which Empire State Building ticket should I buy?
Choose 86th floor for the classic outdoor deck; add 102nd for an enclosed higher viewpoint. Express is a separate access upgrade.
How much are Empire State Building tickets?
Official starting rates reviewed on 28 October 2026: 86th US$46; 86th + 102nd US$81; Express 86th US$87; Express both US$122. Confirm your final checkout total.
Is the Empire State Building 102nd floor upgrade worth it?
Our recommendation: pay extra if the higher enclosed viewpoint matters to you. Compare the group cost first; the 86th floor already provides an outdoor skyline experience.
Does the Empire State Building ticket include the museum?
Museum galleries are included with admission. Express visitors can choose to explore them rather than taking the faster route straight upstairs.
Does Empire State Building Express remove every wait?
Do not interpret Express as a promise of zero waiting. Read the access benefits and arrival instructions for the exact product you select.
What happens if it rains at the Empire State Building?
The attraction opens in rain; visibility can suffer. Check operating updates and your booking’s change conditions before travelling.
What should I wear to the Empire State Building?
Our comfort advice: walking shoes and layers. Add a warm coat, gloves and a secure hat in cold weather; use breathable clothes and sun protection in summer.
Can I bring food or drinks into the Empire State Building?
Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Ask the operator in advance about essential medical or dietary needs.
Is there food inside the Empire State Building?
Dining is on the lower floors, including State Grill and Bar, Tacombi and Starbucks Reserve. There is no rooftop restaurant; check restaurant hours separately.
What can I bring to the Empire State Building?
Bring your confirmation and essentials. Outside food, bottles, glass, large luggage and professional camera stands are among prohibited items. Check the full operator list.
Does the Empire State Building store bags or suitcases?
There are no lockers. Leave large luggage elsewhere before arriving.
Can I bring a camera or tripod to the Empire State Building?
Tripods and other professional camera equipment are prohibited. For specialist photography, get the operator’s approval before bringing equipment.
Can I bring a stroller to the Empire State Building?
Strollers are permitted but must be folded in observation areas.
Is the Empire State Building wheelchair accessible?
The operator provides wheelchair access through the observation floors, ramps, accessible restrooms and lowered viewing areas on the 86th floor.
Do children need Empire State Building tickets?
Under-six admission is free; child rates apply at ages 6–12. Include your children when checking reservation requirements.
How long should I spend at the Empire State Building?
For a relaxed plan, allow around two hours plus travel, with flexibility for queues, museum browsing and photos. Avoid a tight connection to another timed booking.
What are the Empire State Building opening hours?
Hours vary by season. Check the official schedule for your date and distinguish last entry from closing time.
Where is the Empire State Building observation deck entrance?
Use 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Check current subway service before travelling to Herald Square or Penn Station.
Can I cancel my Empire State Building ticket?
Direct official tickets are non-refundable; reservation changes are available through Manage My Booking. Reseller conditions can differ: read your selected ticket terms.
Is there a verified Empire State Building discount code?
We have not verified an active code for this guide. Compare final totals for identical dates, ages, floors and access benefits before calling an offer a saving.
How can I get a discount on the Empire State Building?
Compare official family bundles, eligible age rates and sightseeing passes against the final cost of the activities you will actually use. No public coupon code has been verified here.
Can foreign tourists use the Empire State Building NYC locals discount?
The locals offer requires an eligible NYC ZIP code matching the purchasing card’s billing address. Do not assume a hotel address qualifies.
Is a sightseeing pass cheaper for the Empire State Building?
It depends on your itinerary. Compare the pass total with individual tickets for attractions you will use, including floor access, reservation rules and charges.
What should international visitors know before visiting the Empire State Building?
Use New York local time, reserve entry, check payment currency and identity instructions, save your confirmation and arrange luggage storage elsewhere.
Do international visitors need a passport at the Empire State Building?
The operator may request proof of identity for an online order. Check your seller’s document instructions before travelling; we have not established a universal passport requirement.
Can I pay for Empire State Building tickets with an international card?
The operator accepts major credit cards and lists Apple Pay, PayPal and Alipay. Confirm your card’s overseas permissions and any charges with your provider.
Do I need a reservation for the Empire State Building with a sightseeing pass?
Follow the reservation process for your particular pass. Do not treat pass purchase alone as a confirmed Empire State Building time slot.
Is a foreign-language guide included with the Empire State Building ticket?
Do not assume a live guide is included. Ask the seller which languages and interpretation features are available with your exact ticket.
How do I book Empire State Building tickets for today?
Open the official or seller booking calendar, select today’s date in New York, choose an available slot and ticket, review the final price and terms, and save your confirmation. Same-day entry is subject to availability.
What are today’s Empire State Building ticket prices?
The price table shows reference starting rates. For today’s exact price, select today’s date, time, visitor ages and ticket category in the seller’s checkout. This guide does not display live prices.
Can I buy Empire State Building tickets at the door today?
The operator offers same-day purchases at its ticket office, subject to availability. Check online first to see available entry times rather than assuming immediate admission.
Is the Empire State Building busy at weekends?
The operator recommends booking early for weekends, holidays and sunset. It suggests noon to 2 p.m. for fewer crowds, but demand varies and a quiet visit is not guaranteed. We do not have live queue data.
How should I plan for traffic around the Empire State Building?
Check your route before leaving, consult MTA service changes and NYC DOT road advisories, and leave flexibility before your entry slot. This page does not provide live congestion or a guaranteed journey time.
What are the peak hours at the Empire State Building?
The operator identifies the first two hours after opening and the hour immediately after sunset as typical peak periods, and suggests noon to 2 p.m. for fewer crowds. Patterns vary; this guide does not measure live or day-specific crowds.
Does Empire State Building offer one free child ticket?
Enter each child’s age at checkout to see their price. Any extra free-child offer must be included in the ticket you choose. Check the current child age bands and offer conditions before booking; age-based free entry is different from a promotional free ticket.
How will I receive my Empire State Building ticket?
Check your email and booking account after payment. Follow the confirmation instructions for mobile tickets, any voucher exchange and required reservations.
Sources & editorial notes
- Official booking guide: same-day purchases and weekends
- Official guidance on when to visit
- MTA service changes
- NYC DOT weekly traffic advisory
Reviewed 28 October 2026. This is an independent planning guide, not a firsthand visit report. Recommendations and calculator outputs are editorial; operator policies and prices can change.
- Official ticket categories & starting prices
- Official FAQs: admission, museum, weather, items & booking changes
- Official hours, observation entrance & directions
- Official NYC locals offer: billing-address eligibility
- Official CityPASS information
- Official ticket policies: identity verification
- Official accessibility & safety
- Official dining options
- booking provider activity listing
Photos: Empire State Building, used in this private prototype. Confirm image licensing before a public launch. No active discount code has been verified. Booking links currently lead to the provider listing; seller checkout controls availability and terms.