NYC: Empire State Building Express Tickets – Skip the Line

The Empire State Building is already a New York icon, but this Express setup turns it into a smoother, more efficient experience. I like the way the ticket routes you through the separate Red Carpet entrance so you spend less time fighting the crowds and more time enjoying the building.

I also love the payoff. From the 86th Floor Observatory you get 360-degree views, and if you upgrade, the 102nd Floor Observatory adds floor-to-ceiling windows and sightlines out to as many as six states. One possible drawback: at quieter times you may feel like you paid a lot for time you would have had anyway, and weather can limit how crisp the skyline looks.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Red Carpet Express Lanes route you past the main lines using a separate entrance at 20 West 34th St.
• Skip the slow part, you still get museum-style exhibits on the way up, plus the building’s big 2-story architectural model.
• Two top options: 86th Floor for classic 360 views, or the 102nd Floor upgrade for floor-to-ceiling windows.
• Photo-friendly viewpoints with telescopes up high and major landmarks visible on clear days.
• Family hits: the King Kong themed moment is a favorite with kids and adults.

Entering the Empire State Building on the Red Carpet Route

This is one of those attractions where the timing matters. Even if you already know the Empire State Building is famous, the real difference here is how quickly you move from street-level to the top. Your Express entry uses the observatory entrance at 20 West 34th St., between 5th and 6th Avenues, and once you’re inside, the route is marked by red carpet flooring.

When you arrive, go in through the Observatory Entrance first, then look for the Express Entry with the red carpet flooring just before the Will Call desk. You’ll scan your barcoded Express ticket at the turnstile and follow the red carpet path. You do need to keep your ticket handy because you’ll scan it four times on the way up.

One practical tip: if you’re the type who hates “mystery lines,” this ticket design helps. You’re not guessing where to stand. You’re following the marked Express path.

Security Check That Can Make or Break Your Timing

No one gets a free pass through security here. You’ll go through airport-style security to access the Observatory, so plan for that part of your visit no matter what ticket type you bought.

To avoid getting stuck, leave anything that could raise flags at your hotel. The guidance is clear: avoid glass items, sports equipment, marking instruments (like paint or markers), and packages or luggage.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also where good behavior matters. Get everyone to wear simple layers and keep hands free. It saves stress when the line moves and security asks for quick checks.

Museum-Style Galleries on the Way Up (And Why They Matter)

This experience is not only a view. You also get a walkthrough of the building’s story as you move toward the elevators. I like this part because it turns a generic “look at the skyline” moment into something with context.

On your route, you’ll see interactive exhibits covering things like:

• the building’s history and engineering
• its sustainability efforts
• pop-culture moments, including King Kong and Elf
• celebrity-related galleries and cinematic fame

You also get access to a 2-story architectural model of the building. If you enjoy seeing how skyscrapers work in real space, this model gives you a mental map before you go up.

A fun detail for families is the King Kong themed content. In multiple experiences, the King Kong video or themed floor moment was a big hit, especially with children. You get the “wow” factor without needing to know anything ahead of time.

And if you like a self-paced layer of info, there’s a downloadable multimedia app with an audio guide in nine languages. It’s there when you want it, and you’re not forced into listening at someone else’s pace.

The 86th Floor Observatory: Classic 360-Degree NYC Views

The standard option brings you to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, where you’ll get the classic 360-degree panorama. The direction of the views is a big reason people love this stop, since on clear days you can see from Central Park out toward the Statue of Liberty and beyond.

The best way to think about this level is as your “main event.” It’s the iconic look you came for, with plenty of time to stop for photos and orientation. One reviewer-style timing note you can use: with Express, you may find the trip up feels fast enough to spend more time viewing instead of waiting. That matters because you don’t want your visit to turn into a waiting room.

Weather is the one real variable here. The 86th floor can feel windy, so wear something warm enough for a breeze. I’d rather you overpack one layer than regret it up there.

Also, this level includes access to the Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby at the end, so your trip doesn’t just end when the views do. More on that next.

Upgrading to the 102nd Floor: Floor-to-Ceiling Windows and Six-State Views

If you’re going to pay extra, the 102nd Floor Observatory is the reason. The upgrade changes the feel of the viewing space. You get floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a bigger sense of being right inside the skyline.

The view claim here is bold but specific: you can get sightlines of up to six states. That means your photos aren’t only about Manhattan. They’re about scale.

A practical detail I really like: the 102nd floor is described as more sheltered, which makes a difference if it’s cold or windy. If you hate the idea of bundling up for gusts, the 102nd upgrade can be the more comfortable way to enjoy the height.

There are also viewing aids mentioned, including telescopes up high for getting closer looks at parts of the city. If your goal is landmark hunting, this is the floor where you’re most likely to slow down and actually study what you’re seeing.

When the weather cooperates, the 102nd can look almost surreal. When it doesn’t, you’ll still get the “being up here” feeling, but visibility may be patchy. Rain nights can turn the city into glimpses between clouds, and those moments can still feel magical. Just don’t expect full crispness if the forecast looks rough.

Using Your Time Well: Photo Stops, Photo Tries, and Getting Your Bearings

You have about 45 minutes for the whole visit, so speed is built into the plan. That’s good news if your NYC schedule is tight, but it means you should decide your priorities early.

Here’s how I would run it:

• Start with the exhibits long enough to get the story points, not so long that you rush your view time.
• Plan for at least a few photo bursts at each observatory.
• Bring something you can wear in wind, even if it’s just a light layer, because the top can feel colder than street level.

A small but useful detail: because your Express ticket involves scanning the barcode several times, keep your ticket easy to grab. You do not want to fumble with it when staff are moving you along.

Also, if you’re the type who likes to point out landmarks, the 360-degree view makes it easier than you’d think. You can get oriented fast and then go back for tighter shots once you know what direction you’re looking.

Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby: The Elegant Finish After the Skyline

After the main observatory time, you still get a strong “finish” moment: access to the Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby. This helps the visit feel like a whole experience instead of a quick elevator trip.

If you like design, the Art Deco style is a nice contrast to the modern skyline views. You’re switching from outside panorama to interior architecture, and that rhythm is part of why the Empire State Building works so well for first-timers.

It’s also a practical decompression moment. You’ll likely feel that “we did it” energy after seeing the top, and the lobby gives you a place to slow down without losing the magic.

Price and Value: Is $92 Worth It for Express Skip the Line?

At $92 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value comes from what you buy with the Express ticket: less time queued, smoother routing, and more time at the viewing levels.

In peak periods, the lines can be long, and the Express lanes can feel like buying back your schedule. Some people even describe it as quick enough to reach the 86th floor in a short window, which is the kind of time savings that lets you do more of New York that day.

But I’ll be honest with the tradeoff. Multiple experiences note that if you go at quieter times, you might not gain as much. In other words, Express is most valuable when you’re visiting during busier hours or you only have a short window in the city.

So use this rule of thumb:

• If you have limited time in Manhattan, pay for Express. It’s about maximizing your day.
• If your schedule is flexible and you’re visiting when it’s calm, you might find the general lines are not as painful.

Also, the upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observatory is where the “extra money” starts to feel like a clear decision. If you’re choosing only one observatory, make it the one that best matches how you want your viewing experience: classic open decks at 86, or the inside-the-sky feel from 102.

Who Should Book This Express Ticket (And Who Might Skip the Upgrade)

This is a great fit if any of these sound like you:

• You want the iconic NYC views but hate losing time in queues.
• You’re bringing kids and want something that’s more than a standing-around viewpoint.
• You care about context, not just scenery, and you’ll use the galleries and model for orientation.
• You want the best viewing option without risking a long wait siphoning energy from the rest of your trip.

The upgrade makes the most sense if you:

• want floor-to-ceiling windows and the six-state sightline idea
• plan to spend time studying the city, using viewing aids like telescopes
• prefer a viewing setup that can feel more comfortable than a windy deck

The only time I’d hesitate is when you know you’re going at a quiet time, and you’re comfortable with a bit of waiting. Then you might spend less by choosing simpler entry rather than relying on Express.

Should You Book Express Empire State Building Tickets?

Yes, if you value your time and want a smoother path to the views. The Express red carpet routing is the key advantage, and the payoff is real once you’re up there, especially with the option to go to the 102nd floor.

If you’re visiting on a busy day, only have a short window, or you’re traveling with kids who don’t want to wait around, this is one of the easiest “worth it” buys in Midtown. If you’re going at a quiet hour and you’d rather spend money elsewhere, you might decide the base experience could be enough.

Either way, wear a layer for the top, keep your barcode ready for scanning, and plan for photos. This is the kind of NYC moment you’ll remember long after the line would have disappeared.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for Express tickets?

Enter through the exclusive Observatory Entrance at 20 West 34th St., between 5th and 6th Avenues.

How long does this experience take?

The duration is 45 minutes.

What do I get with the Express skip-the-line ticket?

You get an Express skip-the-line ticket that includes access to the 86th Floor Observatory, the interactive galleries and a 2-story architectural model, plus the Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby.

Can I upgrade to a higher observatory?

Yes. You can upgrade to access the 102nd Floor depending on the option selected.

How do I use the Express entry once I arrive?

Use the Express Entry with the Red Carpet flooring just before the Will Call Desk, scan your barcoded Express ticket at the turnstile, and follow the Express lanes marked by the red carpet. You will scan your ticket four times on the way to the top.

What should I avoid bringing because of security rules?

You must pass airport-style security. Avoid glass items, sports equipment, marking instruments (paint or markers), and packages or luggage.

Is the attraction wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It is fully ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible, and service dogs and wheelchairs are permitted.

Are children’s tickets discounted or free?

Children under 6 years old have free entry.

What language options are included for the audio guide?

A downloadable multimedia app includes an audio guide in nine languages.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.