Empire State Building & Ellis Island Ticket + 24-Hr Bus

KTLY551132
Non-refundable
This ticket cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable

About this tour

This combo ticket packs three of New York's best-known sights into one booking. You get standard admission to the Empire State Building observatory, a ferry out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass to move around the city at your own pace. The bus comes with earbuds for the onboard audio commentary, and your ticket also throws in a bike rental deal: pay for one hour and the second is free.

Highlights

  • 360-degree views over New York City from one of the world's most famous observation decks
  • The Empire State Building's Art Deco design and its lasting spot on the NYC skyline
  • Interactive exhibits on the tower's construction, history, and cultural impact
  • Observation decks on both the 86th and 102nd floors for wide city panoramas
  • The tower's color-changing lights that shift the skyline's look through the year
  • A 1931 Art Deco landmark that reigned as the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years
  • A Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street location that pairs easily with Times Square and Bryant Park

Places You Will Visit

Included / Excluded

  • 24-hour New York City hop-on hop-off bus ticket
  • Standard entrance to the Empire State Building
  • Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Bike rental deal: rent one hour, get a second hour free
  • Earbuds for the onboard audio commentary

Good to Know: Inside the Empire State Building, Getting There, and Hours

Your visit to the Empire State Building is more than just the view from the top. You enter through the restored Art Deco lobby, with its marble walls, geometric detailing, and the well-known ceiling mural of the tower itself. From there, a set of interactive exhibits walks you through how the skyscraper was built and its long run through film and pop culture, using historical photos, models, and multimedia displays, so you get the backstory before you even reach the elevators.

There are two observation decks. The 86th-floor observatory, included with standard admission, sits 1,050 feet (320 meters) up and wraps around in the open air with sweeping sightlines over Manhattan, Central Park, the Hudson River, and the surrounding area. The 102nd-floor observatory is higher still and enclosed behind floor-to-ceiling glass, a quieter space that requires a separate ticket upgrade.

The building stands in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The simplest way in is by subway: take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W train to 34th Street - Herald Square, a short walk from the entrance, and several bus lines stop nearby as well. The Empire State Building is typically open daily, year-round, from 09:00 to 00:00, though hours can change.

Weather in New York

Today 59°F15°C 43°F6°C Rain 0%
Today 62°F16°C 37°F3°C Rain 0%
Tomorrow 66°F19°C 47°F9°C Rain 0%
Mon, Oct 26 69°F21°C 51°F11°C Rain 0%
Tue, Oct 27 63°F17°C 54°F12°C Rain 0%
Wed, Oct 28 57°F14°C 55°F13°C Rain 1%
Thu, Oct 29 63°F17°C 53°F12°C Rain 2%

Local time 5:40 AM, UTC-04:00

Available Days / Times

  • Monday : All day
  • Tuesday : All day
  • Wednesday : All day
  • Thursday : All day
  • Friday : All day
  • Saturday : All day
  • Sunday : All day

Last updated: Oct 23, 2026

From
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Important Information

  • Booking online with timed entry helps you skip the long ticket lines at this very busy attraction
  • Standard tickets cover the open-air 86th-floor deck; the higher 102nd-floor observatory needs a ticket upgrade
  • The 86th floor is open-air with classic photo spots; the 102nd is smaller with floor-to-ceiling glass and a higher view
  • All visitors pass through airport-style security before the elevators
  • Sunset is the busiest slot; early morning or late evening are quieter, and an express pass skips the lines
  • Some tickets add extras like sunrise visits with breakfast, skip-the-line entry, or combos with other NYC attractions
  • No outside food or drink allowed
  • Smoking is prohibited throughout the building
  • Follow all posted signs and instructions from security staff
  • No disruptive behavior is permitted

FAQs

How do I book Empire State Building tickets?
You can book right here on our website for guaranteed entry and the best available deals.
Where is the best place to buy Empire State Building tickets?
Buying online through our site is the easiest route, with verified tickets and the odd exclusive discount.
Can I buy Empire State Building tickets at the entrance?
You can, but booking ahead online is smarter. It saves you the queue and locks in your entry.
What time should I go to the Empire State Building?
Early morning or late evening tend to be the quietest. Sunset has the best light but draws the biggest crowds.
How long does it take to visit the Empire State Building?
Set aside roughly 2 to 3 hours to take in the exhibits and both observation levels without rushing.
Is the Empire State Building worth visiting?
Yes. Between the city-wide views, the Art Deco building itself, and its place in New York history, it's a standout stop.
Are there any discounts available for Empire State Building tickets?
Check our website for current discounts and special offers on tickets.
What is included in the ticket price?
This combo covers standard Empire State Building entry, a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass. Access to the 102nd floor is a separate upgrade.
Is there a security check at the Empire State Building?
Yes. Everyone goes through airport-style security, and all bags are subject to search, before reaching the elevators.
Can I bring a camera to the Empire State Building?
Yes, cameras are welcome. The open-air 86th-floor deck is the best spot for skyline shots.
What can I see from the top of the Empire State Building?
On a clear day the sightlines stretch well past the city, across the Hudson and East rivers and, in good conditions, into neighboring states.
What's the difference between the 86th and 102nd floor decks?
The 86th-floor deck is open-air and gives the classic wraparound view, open late into the night. The 102nd floor sits higher and indoors behind floor-to-ceiling glass, so there's a view from near the top without the wind.
What other sights are near the Empire State Building?
It sits at Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street in Midtown, within walking distance of Times Square, Bryant Park, and the Fifth Avenue shops.

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