What you see and how long it takes
The Empire State Building Observatory is an indoor viewing platform on the 86th floor of the building at 350 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. On a clear day you can see up to 80 miles in every direction — the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Hudson River, and the outer boroughs. The visit itself takes about one to three hours depending on how long you spend looking around and whether you buy a ticket that includes the 102nd floor as well.
The 86th floor is an open-air deck that wraps around the building. The 102nd floor is smaller, enclosed, and higher up. Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes on the 86th floor and 15 to 20 minutes on the 102nd if they have a ticket for both. You can also buy a ticket for just the 86th floor, which costs less.
The building itself is a historic landmark completed in 1931. It was the world's tallest building for 40 years. The observatory has been open to the public since the building opened and remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in New York City.
Key Takeaways
- The 86th-floor observatory is an open-air deck with views in all directions, and the 102nd floor is a smaller enclosed deck higher up.
- You can buy a ticket for the 86th floor alone or a ticket that includes both floors, with the two-floor ticket costing more.
- Tickets are sold at the building's ticket booth on the ground floor, and you can also buy them online before you visit.
- The wait time to go up varies by season and time of day — weekday mornings are usually faster than weekend afternoons.
- You will go through a security screening similar to airport security before you board the elevator.
Ticket types and what each one includes
The observatory sells two main ticket types. The 86th Floor ticket gets you to the open-air deck on the 86th floor only. The Express to 102nd ticket includes both the 86th and 102nd floors and costs more. Some vendors also sell a Sunrise ticket or Sunset ticket, which are timed tickets for specific hours and sometimes cost less than a regular daytime ticket.
All tickets include the elevator ride up and down and access to the observation decks. None of them include food, drinks, or merchandise. The building has a small café on the 86th floor where you can buy bottled water, coffee, and snacks at higher-than-street prices.
Children under 6 do not need a ticket. Children 6 and older need a full ticket at the same price as adults — there is no separate child rate. Seniors and people with disabilities may receive a discount, but you will need to show proof at the ticket booth.
Where to buy tickets and current prices
You can buy tickets at the ticket booth on the ground floor of the building at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets. The booth is open from early morning until late evening, though hours vary by season. You can also buy tickets online through the official Empire State Building website before you visit, which sometimes lets you skip the ground-floor line.
Prices vary depending on the ticket type and when you buy. An 86th Floor ticket typically costs between $27 and $39 depending on whether you buy it in advance or at the door. An Express to 102nd ticket typically costs between $47 and $72. Sunrise and Sunset tickets may cost less or more depending on the time of year. Prices change seasonally and occasionally without notice, so check the official website for the current rate before you go.
Some third-party websites and tour companies sell Empire State Building tickets, but they often charge a markup on top of the official price. Buying directly at the building or through the official website usually costs less.
How to get there and where to park
The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The nearest subway stations are 34th Street–Herald Square (served by the A, C, and E lines) and 33rd Street (served by the N, Q, R, and W lines). Both stations are a two- to three-minute walk from the building.
If you drive, there are several parking garages within a few blocks, including the garage at 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue and the garage at 34th Street and Madison Avenue. Parking in Midtown Manhattan is expensive — expect to pay $15 to $35 per hour or $25 to $50 for the day depending on the garage and time of day. Street parking is difficult to find and has strict time limits.
Most visitors take the subway because it is faster and cheaper than driving and parking. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are also available, though traffic in Midtown can make the ride slow during rush hours.
Wait times and the best times to visit
The wait time to buy a ticket and ride the elevator up varies widely depending on the day and time. On a typical weekday morning between 9 and 11 a.m., the wait is usually 15 to 30 minutes. On a weekend afternoon or during peak tourist season (summer and the week between Christmas and New Year), the wait can be 60 to 90 minutes or longer.
Weekday mornings are generally faster than weekend afternoons. Early morning (right when the building opens) and late evening (after 6 p.m.) tend to have shorter waits than midday. Rainy days also have fewer visitors, so the wait is usually shorter, though the views will be limited.
Buying a ticket online in advance does not may provide you skip the line — you still have to go through security screening and wait for an available elevator. However, some online tickets are timed tickets that let you enter during a specific hour, which can reduce your wait time.
What to bring and what the security process is like
You will go through a security screening before you board the elevator, similar to airport security. Bring a valid photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You do not need a ticket printed on paper — a digital ticket on your phone is fine.
You cannot bring weapons, explosives, or large bags. Small bags like backpacks and purses are allowed, but they will be screened. You can bring a camera and take photographs on the observation decks. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. You can bring a water bottle, but outside food and drinks are not allowed on the decks.
The security line moves fairly quickly — most people get through in 10 to 15 minutes. Once you are through security, you will wait for an available elevator. The elevators are fast but can only hold so many people at once, so if it is busy you may wait 10 to 20 minutes for your turn.
Weather and visibility on the observation decks
The 86th floor is open to the air, so you will be outside in whatever weather is happening. On a clear day the views are excellent. On a cloudy day you can see the nearby buildings and streets but not the distant landmarks. On a rainy or foggy day the visibility is very limited.
The building does not refund tickets if the weather is bad when you visit, so plan your trip for a day when the forecast calls for clear skies. You can check the visibility forecast on the Empire State Building website before you go — it shows whether the view is expected to be clear, hazy, or poor.
The 102nd floor is enclosed, so you are protected from rain and wind, but the windows can fog up or get wet on humid or rainy days. The 86th floor has no protection from weather, so bring a jacket if it is cool or windy, and avoid visiting during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my young child to the observatory?
Yes. Children under 6 do not need a ticket. Children 6 and older need a full-price ticket. There are no age restrictions — children of any age can visit. The 86th floor is open to the air with railings, so keep a close eye on young children near the edge.
How long does the whole visit take from start to finish?
Plan for one to three hours total. This includes waiting in the security line (10 to 20 minutes), waiting for an elevator (10 to 20 minutes), riding up (about 1 minute), and spending time on the decks (30 to 90 minutes depending on how long you want to stay). On a busy day the wait times can be longer.
What if I buy a ticket online but can't make it that day?
Most online tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Check the terms when you buy. Some tickets may be exchangeable for a different date if you contact the building before your visit date, but this varies by ticket type.
Is there food or water available on the observation decks?
There is a small café on the 86th floor that sells bottled water, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. Prices are higher than street prices — expect to pay $5 to $8 for a bottle of water. You cannot bring outside food onto the decks, but you can eat in the café area.
Can I visit both the 86th and 102nd floors if I only bought an 86th Floor ticket?
No. You need an Express to 102nd ticket to visit the 102nd floor. If you buy only an 86th Floor ticket, you can spend as much time as you want on the 86th floor but cannot go higher. You cannot upgrade your ticket after you have already gone up.