Empire State Building
Address, Facts and Information
The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions in New York City, both for the tour and history of the building as well as the spectacular views of New York City it offers from the Observation Deck. Our Empire State Building facts include NYC Insider tips and the best ways to tour this world famous icon, whether you are short on time or budget.
NYC Insider Tip - The Lines are LONG
If saving time is your priority, purchase the Express Pass directly from the ESB website. If budget is your priority, and are prepared to spend 2 or more hours in line, then choose a
New York City Pass.
Best time to go to save time is before 11am, but to get the best views, get there two hours before sunset to see both day and night views. Just want a great view without a long line and want to SEE the ESB? Try Top of the Rock.
Empire State Building Address
350 5th Ave, 33rd/34th Streets
New York, NY 10118-3304
(212) 630-0339
On the West Side of 5th Avenue.
The main entrance to the Empire State Building is on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. All Visitors must use this entrance and there is often a wait just to get in the building.
The Empire State Building Observatory is open from 8:00am to 2:00am 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15am.
Empire State Building Tour Facts
The ESB offers two Observatories, the 86th floor and the 102nd Floor.
86th Floor Observatory (indoor and outdoor)
1,050 feet (320 meters), reached by high speed, automatic elevators, has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building. High powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost. The 86th floor observatory is handicap accessible.
102nd Floor Observatory (indoor only)
Tickets are only sold upon arrival at the Empire State Building at a cost of $15.00 in addition to regular admission tickets.
Empire State Building Tour Tickets
Tickets purchased directly from the Empire State Building website cost:
Regular - $20 Adult, $14 ages 6-12, under 5 free. Go early to avoid lines.
Express Pass - $45 all ages.
You may purchase and print tickets in advance at the ESB website. While admission prices at the building do not change, there can be VERY long purchase ticket lines, so do your best to buy them in advance. Tickets purchased in advance do not need a specific reservation date or time, are non-refundable and are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase. No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines, or wait times at the building.
Admission Prices
ESB Express Pass (all ages) |
$45.00 |
ESB Observatory and SkyRide Combo Package
Adult: $47 | Child: $22 | Senior: $39
Empire State Building Discount Passes |
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CityPASS |
NY Explorer Pass |
New York Pass |
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What is an Empire State Building Express Pass?
There are 3 lines to get in to the Empire State Building:
- Security line, mandatory for all
- Ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets from the ESB site, either regular or Express
- Elevators to the observatory.
Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines.
New York City Passes all include the $20 admission cost, but none offer the same "skip the line" privileges as an Express Ticket purchased directly from the ESB. You still may have to wait on the ticket line to get your "voucher," and they do not get you priority at the elevator line. Read the details on each New York City pass to understand what options and upgrades are available to you for additional costs.
East View from ESB at Night
Video Tour
Empire State Building Tour and Info
There are several ways to get access to an Empire State Building tour.
There are 3 lines to get in: 1) security line, mandatory for all, 2) ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets from the ESB site, either regular or Express, and 3) elevators to the observatory. Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines.
Ticket Method |
---Cost |
Included |
Online at |
Regular - $20 Adult, $14 ages 6-12, under 12 free. Go early to avoid the lines, Express Pass ($45 all ages). Tickets can be purchased and printed at the ESB website. |
- See website for Skyride Combo Package |
Included |
- 86th Floor |
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Empire State Building Included in $79 ticket price |
- 86th Floor |
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Choose the ESB |
- 86th Floor |
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Included with $86 cost for 3 days Hop On Hop Off |
- 86th Floor |
Empire State Building Discount Passes |
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CityPASS |
NY Explorer Pass |
New York Pass |
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Empire State Building Info
The ESB is open 365 days a year.
8:00am to 2:00am 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15am.
ESB Customer Service Hours:
8:30am to 5:00pm EST Monday - Friday (Closed holidays & weekends)
350 5th Ave, 33rd/34th Streets on the West Side of 5th Avenue.
- The main entrance is on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. All Visitors must use this entrance. During busy times there may be a wait so please be patient.
- Handicap Entrance - 34th St., the entrance between Bank of America and Starbucks.
Note: The 34th Street Handicap Entrance is only open Monday - Friday until 6pm. Please use the Main Entrance for all other times. - Everyone will be directed to use the Main or Handicap Entrances if you try to enter the building from any other entrance.
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Also See: Broadway Shows, Top of the Rock, Madame Tussauds
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