If you buy tix in advance at the Empire State Building do you still have a long wait to go up?

Question

Probably sounds like a dumb question but it's been well over a decade since I've been (plus I was a kid then) so I really don't remember. We don't have much time in NYC and would like to go up, but since we have kids I don't want to bother if it's going to be a really long wait even after getting the tickets. Plus I will be pretty mad if I buy in advance and then still don't have time to actually go up!!

We will be going in late April, Fri-Sun and would prefer to go in the early evening if that helps.

Answer 1

Yes, you will have to wait.

The suggestion to go on the "Sky Ride" movie will cut the time you have to wait, but it does cost more.

OR -- If you live in NYC or the surrounding area put out the call to friends and relatives and see if you know anyone who works in the building.

Also -- going at sundown is spectacular, but plan to be there in line (if the the options noted above are not an option) at least two hours in advance.

Answer 2

Yes. I went last May and went up twice. The first time, I did not have tickets in advance, and the second time I did. Either way, you will wait and be corralled around so they can try to sell you the audio tours and other stuff you dont want (like the lame picture they make of you by a picture of the building.) The other lookout is the Rockefeller Center observation deck. I've never been there so I dont know how long the wait is, but I'd be willing to bet it's is shorter.

Answer 3

You can buy a VIP ticket and the wait is guarenteed to be less than 20 minutes. I think it just went up to $45 (plus an extra $15 if you want to go up to the very very top, but anyone that wants to go there has to pay $15 more)

Answer 4

A small hint to avoid waiting in line is to go on the NY Skyride. My friend and I did that back in Janurary, and we avoided a two hour line. They take you through a side entrance and thats where you go through security.

Answer 5

yes