Empire State Imagine you are standing at the base of the Empire State Building in New York, gazing up at its art deco spire featured in countless films. Your cell phone is in your hands, prepared to purchase tickets, but the high prices stop you in your tracks. Do you really need to pay fifty, sixty, or even eighty dollars for such an excursion?
Not necessarily.
I have visited the Empire State Building too many times to count, having taken visitors from out of town there, and I know precisely how to get cheap tickets to the Empire State Building without compromising on the experience. Getting a discount code does not make it cheaper. Instead, one needs to know the best time, what type of ticket, and where to buy it.
Let me help you cut costs.
The Price Reality Check Empire State
Before we talk about deals, let us get the baseline straight.
| Ticket Type | Approximate Price | What You Get |
| 86th Floor Main Deck | $46 to $50 | The classic NYC view. Open air, 360 degree panorama |
| Sunset Admission (86th Floor) | ~$61 | Same view, premium time. More expensive because everyone wants sunset photos |
| 102nd Floor & 86th Floor | $87 to $94 | Access to the enclosed top deck on the 102nd floor |
| Flex Ticket | Similar to Main Deck | Choose your date and arrive anytime that day |
| AM/PM Experience | Variable | Two visits in one day: once during the day, once at night |
Note: A $5 booking charge is added to most transactions .
The Golden Rule of Saving Empire State
This is probably the one piece of advice that I could give you. Reservations are mandatory for admission. While Empire State tickets can be purchased at the entrance at 12 W 34th Street, the website insists that visitors should purchase their tickets in advance online.
The reasons why online ticket purchases save you money include:
It eliminates the possibility Empire State of selling out of time slots
You avoid waiting in queues for purchasing your tickets
It gives you access to special offers such as “Best Value Ticket” and “Locals Ticket”
Secret trick: You can still purchase your tickets on the same day online one visitor managed to do that and got admitted without any problem. However, you will need to make your booking several days prior for weekdays.
Buy the “Best Value Ticket” for Off Peak Savings
TThe Empire State Building provides a “Best Value Ticket,” which will provide you access to the observation deck of the 86th floor at a cheaper rate.
Inclusions Empire State
Visit to the 86th floor observation deck
Interactive exhibitions located on the 2nd and 80th floor of the building
Opportunity to take photos in the Art Deco lobby
The fine print: The ticket is available only during off-peak periods, including selected afternoon and late-night visits.
To redeem: This is the cheapest way for you to enter the building, provided that you don’t mind visiting during off peak periods.
The Locals Ticket Empire State
And if you live in New York City, there is even a better offer for you. Empire State Building provides a New York City Locals Ticket at 25% discount.
Here are the conditions Empire State
You should reside in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island
Your billing address should have a correct NYC zip code
Discounts are provided for the 86th Floor Observation Deck
It is available Monday through Thursday evenings
However, here is the catch the Empire State discount is available only during the last few slots of the evening. Nevertheless, truth be told, nighttime view from the top of the Empire State Building is simply fabulous.
Use a Sightseeing Pass Empire State
If you are planning to visit multiple New York attractions, a sightseeing pass is your best friend. The Empire State Building is included in several popular passes .
| Pass | How It Works | Savings |
| CityPASS® | Choose 5 NYC attractions, including the Empire State Building | Save up to 42% on combined admission |
| Go City New York Pass | Access to 100+ NYC attractions, including Empire State Building, for a set number of days | Pay one price, visit multiple attractions |
The Empire State Building entry and another Empire State two attractions can be booked via Go City starting at just $39.67 per attraction while the individual price is $46.
Insider tip: Tickets will prove to be of great value if you intend to visit the following attractions: Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Statue of Liberty, and the Museum Empire State of Natural History.
Booking is mandatory: Reserve the slot on the Go City app right after buying the ticket for the Empire State Building.
Use Discounts for Kids, Seniors, and Military
The Empire State Building offers several straightforward discounts :
| Category | Discount |
| Children (6 to 12) | Discounted tickets |
| Children under 6 | Free entry |
| Seniors (62+) | Discounted tickets |
| Active military in uniform | Free admission |
| Groups (20+ people) | Reduced group rates |
Pro tip: If you are traveling with a family, the free entry for kids under 6 is a significant saving.
Arrive Early, Stay Late Empire State
The following method will cost you nothing extra since it requires no special tickets – purchase an ordinary 86th floor ticket and go there early in the morning. You can spend as much time as you want. There are no limits after you get inside the observatory .
The method Empire State
Arrive at the building early in the afternoon (12 to 2 p.m. is preferable because there are few people)
Spend time visiting exhibits and go up to the 86th floor
Stay until sunset and observe Empire State the lights on the city
Enjoy two types of views for the price of one ticket
One tourist shared his experience saying, “Without paying for the evening tour I stayed longer and could enjoy both daytime and evening views”.
Remark: In case you decide to purchase a special AM/PM Experience ticket you will be able to do the same since it provides you with such possibility.
Avoid the 102nd Floor
Here is the observatory for the 102nd floor at $40+. What is true is that the 86th floor has a deck open to the public and gives you a genuine skyline view of New York City minus the glass barrier. The 102nd floor has surrounding walls.
Feedback from visitors: The 86th floor is where the real fun is. Save your money on the 102nd floor add on!
What to Avoid (The Money Traps)
Do not purchase tickets from resale companies. Most tickets are not transferable, and you may overpay or be denied entry at the gate. Purchase your tickets from esbnyc.com or from authorized passes from Go City and CityPASS.
Do not pay the additional charge if you can hold out. Sunset tickets are much more expensive. In case you will visit the place 1 to 2 hours before sunset, you will have enough time to see the sun set for free.
Do not wait too long before purchasing tickets. The spots tend to sell out quickly, especially in summer months and during holidays. In case the Empire State Building is a must-visit site for you, better book your spot in advance.
Quick Reference
| Strategy | Savings | Best For |
| Online booking (Best Value Ticket) | Lowest price for 86th floor | Budget travelers, off-peak hours |
| NYC Locals Ticket | 25% off | NYC residents |
| Sightseeing Pass (CityPASS/Go City) | Up to 42% on multiple attractions | Visitors seeing 3+ NYC sights |
| Children under 6 | Free | Families with young kids |
| Active military | Free | Military personnel |
| Arrive early, stay late | No extra cost for sunset | Everyone who can wait |
| Skip the 102nd floor | Saves $40+ | Budget-conscious travelers |
Sample Budget Itinerary
CityPASS Option:
With CityPASS ($164), you get admission into 5 tourist destinations, including the Empire State Building
Include the Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Statue of Liberty, and the Natural History Museum
Save up to 42% when you purchase individual tickets
The Evening Locals Option (for NYC residents):
7 PM: Empire State Building Locals Tickets (25% discount offered between Monday Thursday evenings)
9 PM: Enjoy walking in Bryant Park and eat some delicious pizza at night
Total cost: Way less than the ticket for peak hours
Conclusion
It is an expensive building. There is no doubt about that. But by using the right strategy, you could save $20, $30, and even more.
Reserve your ticket online. Visit during the off peak times. Get yourself a sightseeing pass if you visit several sights. Also, if you live in New York, make use of that special 25% discount offered to locals.
This view is worth your money. It will not cost you an arm and a leg to see.
Did you find some other way to reduce your costs while getting tickets to the Empire State Building? Let us know about it in the comment section. And if this article helped you with planning your vacation, share it with a friend traveling to New York.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest way to get Empire State Building tickets?
The Best Value Ticket offers entry to the 86th floor at the lowest price. It is available for non-peak time slots . For NYC residents, the Locals Ticket with 25% off is the best deal
Is it cheaper to buy Empire State Building tickets online?
Yes. Online booking is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time slot and avoid long lines . It also gives you access to the Best Value Ticket.
Does CityPASS include the Empire State Building?
Yes. CityPASS allows you to choose 5 NYC attractions, including the Empire State Building, saving up to 42% on bundled admission .
Are there discounts for seniors, kids, or military?
Yes. Children under 6 enter free. Children aged 6 to 12, seniors aged 62+, and active military in uniform receive discounted or free entry .
How much does the Empire State Building 102nd floor cost?
It is about a $40 add on on top of the 86th floor ticket, bringing the total to $87 to $94 .