Empire State Building Cost in New York (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangeEmpire State Building observation deck tickets in New York are usually sold online via the official site, with prices varying by deck, age category and timed entry. I can confidently point to the official booking source and published opening-hours guidance, but where exact live ticket prices are not fixed in my available verified sources, I have provided clearly labelled estimated ranges based on typical current market pricing for this attraction category in New York.
Overview
The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s best-known paid attractions, with timed-entry tickets for its observatories rather than open walk-up admission. Visitors typically choose between the 86th Floor Observatory, which is the standard main deck experience, and combination or premium tickets that include the 102nd Floor top deck. Prices usually vary by age band, date and time slot, and they can move during peak tourist periods such as school holidays, summer weekends and sunset hours. Booking online in advance is normally the simplest way to secure a preferred entry time and avoid disappointment on busy days. The official operator sells tickets directly through the Empire State Building website, which is the best source for live availability, current admission categories and any promotional or bundled options. The attraction is generally open daily, with hours that can extend late into the evening, making it popular both for daytime skyline views and night-time city panoramas. For budget planning, most travellers should expect standard admission to fall somewhere in the mid-range for a major New York observation deck, with premium or top-deck access costing more. Because New York attraction pricing is dynamic and can change without much notice, checking the official booking page before travel is especially important.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 86th Floor Observatory adult ticket(per ticket) Estimated range based on typical current pricing for standard timed-entry admission to major New York observation decks and commonly seen public pricing for the Empire State Building. | ~$40 – $55 | Estimated range |
| Child ticket(per ticket) Estimated range based on usual child discounts relative to adult admission at major New York observatories. | ~$34 – $45 | Estimated range |
| 86th + 102nd Floor combined ticket(per ticket) Estimated range based on typical upsell pricing for top-deck access at the Empire State Building and comparable premium observatory products in New York. | ~$70 – $95 | Estimated range |
| Express or premium-style ticket(per ticket) Estimated range based on typical fast-track or premium observation deck pricing in New York, where queue-skipping products command a substantial surcharge. | ~$95 – $140 | Estimated range |
Opening Hours
The official Empire State Building website states the observatory is open daily, but operating hours vary by date; visitors should check the official schedule before booking.
Access & Getting There
Timed-entry booking is recommended. The official site is the most reliable place to check live availability and entry times.
What’s Typically Included
- Observation deck entry for the booked ticket type
- Timed admission window
- Access to observatory exhibits or deck areas included in the selected ticket
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Many visitors allow around 1 to 2 hours, though actual time depends on queues, security and whether premium access is purchased.
How Fees Work
Pricing is typically per person, with separate tiers by age and ticket type.
Factors Affecting Price
- Which observatory level you choose, especially whether 102nd Floor access is included
- Time and date of visit, with sunset, weekends and holidays often in highest demand
- Age category and whether you choose standard timed entry or premium/express access
Local Context
In New York, major attractions commonly use timed-entry online booking and dynamic pricing. Sales taxes or booking fees may be incorporated differently depending on the checkout flow, so the final payable amount can be slightly higher than the headline base fare. Tipping is not relevant for standard admission tickets.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
Prices are quoted in US dollars (USD); international card users should also allow for possible foreign transaction or exchange-rate charges.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Empire State Building - Official website · official
Official operator identity, official booking source, observatory product categories and visitor planning information.
- Empire State Building - Tickets · official
Official ticket purchase page and current admission options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official booking source for Empire State Building tickets?+
The official booking source is the Empire State Building website. It is the best place to check live ticket categories, current prices and timed-entry availability.
How much do Empire State Building tickets usually cost?+
Standard admission is typically in the rough range of about USD 40 to USD 55 for adults, while premium or higher-deck options can be notably more. Exact prices can move by date, demand and ticket type.
Are Empire State Building ticket prices fixed?+
Not always. Prices can vary by admission type and sometimes by date or time slot, so the final amount may differ from a general estimate.
Is the 102nd Floor included in a standard ticket?+
Usually not. The 102nd Floor is commonly sold as part of a higher-priced combined or upgraded ticket.
What are the opening hours?+
The observatory is generally open daily, but the official operator notes that hours vary by date. Check the official website before travelling for the current day’s opening and closing times.
Should I book in advance?+
Yes. Advance booking is advisable, especially for sunset visits, weekends and peak tourist seasons, because popular time slots can fill up.
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