One World Observatory
At the height of 1268 feet (386 meters), One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Every year, more than 2.5 million tourists board a high-speed elevator to reach One World Observatory on the 100th floor, and enjoy stunning views of the New York skyline.
The Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of New York City’s landmarks, surrounding waterways, and the famous skyline.
Why online tickets are better
When you buy One World Observatory tickets online, you save money, time, and energy.
Standing in long queues in warm, humid summers or snowy winters is a bummer.
Online tickets also tend to be cheaper than the tickets available at the venue.
Plus, there is always a chance of One World Observatory tickets for your preferred time slot not being available at the ticket counter.
The observatory gets crowded during peak seasons, so buying in advance helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
How online tickets work
When you book your One World Observatory admission tickets online, you get them in your email immediately.
On the day of your visit, show the email you received at the entrance and walk in – no need to take printouts.
These online One World Observatory tickets help you skip the line at the ticket counters, and get to the elevators right away.
Make sure you arrive 15 minutes before the time mentioned on your tickets.
Types of One World Observatory tickets
Both tourists and locals can select from three types of One World Observatory tickets – regular Skip The Line tickets, Skip All the Lines tickets, and Flexible time & date tickets.
Since the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is next door, there are a few interesting ticket combinations as well.
Regular Skip The Line tickets
One World’s Skip The Line ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to get into the attraction.
This online ticket lets you skip the long queue at the attraction’s ticket counters.
During peak season and times, this ticket can save you a waiting time of up to 90 minutes.
Enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire New York, standing on the 100th floor of Freedom Tower.
Soar high to the top (in reality)!
This ticket includes
- Admission to the Observatory
- Arrival using the Sky Pod multi- media elevators
- Access to levels 100, 101 and 102
- Access to eateries, including ONE Cafe, ONE Mix and ONE Dine
- Sky Portal and City Pulse
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): $47
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): $40
Seniors ticket (65+ years): $45
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free entry
Skip All the Lines tickets
One World’s Skip All The Line tickets are also known as the Priority Access Tickets.
Skip All the Line One World Observatory tickets are great for the peak summer months, which see the highest footfall at One World’s observation deck.
With this VIP ticket for the tallest Observatory in the Western hemisphere, you skip the ticket counter lines, the security check lines, the queue at the elevator to go up, and the elevator queues to come down.
Whether you start your tour early in the morning or late afternoon, one thing is sure- you will reach the observation deck in no time.
If you plan to visit the One World Observation deck during the sunset, these priority access tickets make sense throughout the year.
Lastly, buy these tickets only if you are ready to shell out a few extra dollars.
This ticket includes
- Priority admission and exit from One World Observatory
- Priority access to Skypod elevators
- One World Explorer- Virtual (Augmented Reality) guided iPad tour
- Sky Portal and City Pulse
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): $58
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): $51
Seniors ticket (65+ years): $56
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free entry
All-inclusive Flex Package tickets
If you want to arrive anytime (on a fixed date), skip all queues and glide straightaway to the 1776-foot tower with panoramic views opt for All-inclusive flex One World Observatory tickets.
As evident from the name, this ticket is an all-inclusive pass that offers flexible entry.
We recommend this ticket if you have other attractions planned for the day and are unsure when you will reach One World.
You can also redeem up to $15 credit on food, drinks, and souvenirs within the One World Trade Center.
This ticket includes
- Priority entrance and exit to Observatory
- Priority access to Skypod elevators
- One World Explorer- Digital Guided tour
- Flexible arrival time
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): $69
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): $62
Seniors ticket (65+ years): $66
Child ticket (up to 4 years): Free entry
One World Observatory + Ground Zero tour
Since the One World Observatory and 9/11 museum and memorial are within the same complex, most tourists visit all of them on the same day.
When you book this tour, you get One World Observatory tickets and Ground Zero tickets.
First, you will explore the Ground Zero memorial and dedicate a few moments to pay your respect to the innocent victims of the 9/11 attack.
The tour around Ground Zero will be led by a local.
You’ll see a 16-acre memorial, the site of the former Twin towers and World Trade Center Complex.
Finally, the guide directs you to One World Observatory, which you explore on your own.
These are also known as 911 Museum and One World Observatory tickets.
The meeting point for this tour is right in front of St. Paul’s Chapel.
You can show your ticket on the smartphone – no need to take printouts.
Since you will visit three attractions, you should know their opening hours.
One World Observatory’s hours are from 9 am to 9 pm.
The 9/11 Memorial opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm, while the 9/11 Museum operates from 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on all Tuesdays.
This ticket includes
- Ground Zero 90-minutes guided walking tour
- Quick entry to One World Observatory
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (13+ years): $79
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): $75
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free entry
Observatory + Ground Zero + 9/11 Museum
On this tour, a local guide takes you to all the World Trade Center attractions.
You get to hear the first-hand experience of individuals with their own stories and memories to share about the 9/11 tragic attack.
Your meeting point is St. Paul’s Chapel.
Next, you’ll visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Reflecting Absence Memorial.
You can explore the 9/11 Museum for two hours before you meet up with your group.
The tour ends with the fantastic elevator exploration of the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower.
And then you get to see fascinating views of the New York skyline.
This ticket includes
- Timed access and a self-guided visit to One World Observatory
- Introduction & two hours of self-guided 9/11 museum exploration
- Exclusive times skip-the-line access to the 9/11 museum
- Guided 9/11 memorial at Ground Zero exploration
Ticket prices
Adult ticket (13+ years): $109
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): $104
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free entry
One World Observatory tickets discount
The regular Skip The Line One World Observatory tickets, which are the cheapest way to enter One World, cost $47 for adults aged 13 to 64 years.
Kids aged 6 to 12 years get a $7 discount on the full ticket price, while senior citizens get a $2 reduction.
On all One World Observatory tickets, there’s a 100% discount for kids aged five years and below.
However, you must pick up a free ticket for the younger kids from the guest service desk near the security at the lower level.
Pick your comfiest pair of shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking. Check out our tips for visiting the One World Observatory for a better experience.
What to expect at One World’s Observation Deck
How long does One World Observatory take?
Tickets to the One World Observatory are timed.
However, there is no standard limit on how long you can stay inside the observation deck.
During the peak summer months, you will need around two hours to explore One World Observatory, and rest of the year, you only need an hour.
During crowded times – summer, school holidays, festivals, etc. – you need an hour extra because there are long queues at the ticketing counter, the security check, the elevator lines, and the queue at the lifts to get down.
However, you can still save time on crowded days.
If you book the cheaper and most popular Standard One World Observatory tickets, you can skip the line at the ticket counter.
If you book the costlier VIP Priority Access ticket, you can skip all the lines and finish exploring One World Observatory in an hour.
Additionally, you can set aside two hours for the 9/11 museum and one hour for the memorial.
Once you’ve explored the Observatory and 9/11 museum and memorial, you should visit the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and Brooklyn Bridge.
All these places are close to the One World Trade Center and are a must-visit when you are in the city.
Best time to visit One World Observatory
The best time to visit One World Observatory is from 8 am to 10 am.
If you have already bought your One World Observatory tickets online, a morning visit can help you dodge long queues at ticket counters, security checks, observation decks, and elevators.
Another good thing about the morning visit is that you can see many popular monuments and photograph them well in the daylight.
Some of the popular monuments and attractions you can see and click from the Observatory are –
- Downtown Manhattan Skyline
- Manhattan Bridge
- East River
- Hudson River
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
Sunset is another great time for visiting One World Observatory.
You will witness the beautiful moment when the last sun rays slowly fade over the city.
Imagine a breathtaking play of blue, orange, and pink lights.
Not to forget the equally magical skyline at this hour.
Be at the attraction’s entrance at least an hour before the sunset to experience this visual treat from the One World’s observation decks.
It will allow you sufficient time to reach the top of the World Trade Center.
Once you have explored the Observatory, we suggest you dine at the ONE Dine restaurant.
I loved the 360’ views. You can see all the landmarks from the One World Observatory. The breathtaking presentation in the elevators and the Prosecco at the bar were worth a sit-down. Take it all in and enjoy.
Sarah T, TripAdvisor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can you stay in the One World Observatory?
One world observatory tickets do not have a time limit; Once inside, guests can stay on for as long as they want.
What is the best way to see One World Observatory?
To save time, buy your tickets online in advance and enjoy the best experience of One World Observatory.
The best hours to visit One World Observatory is during early opening hours and sunset.
It is well connected by public transportation like bus and subway.
The nearest bus stop and railway station are 5 minutes away.
The best way to see One World Observatory is to get your tickets online in advance to skip all lines and hassle.
When is the One World Observatory open?
One World Observatory’s opening hours are from 9 am to 9 pm every day.
The 9/11 Memorial opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm and the 9/11 Museum welcomes visitors from 10 am to 5 pm.
It is closed on all Tuesdays.
Is One World Observatory worth it?
Ideally located in Lower Manhattan, One World Observatory offers some of the best views of major attractions and the iconic NYC skyline.
You can enjoy the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building and more from the observation decks.
The Sky Pod elevators, the See Forever Theatre, the City Pulse and the Sky Portal offer an immersive experience to all visitors.
Hence, visiting the One World Observatory is totally worth it!
How much time do I need to visit the observatory?
If you are in a rush, you can complete your visit in 45 to 60 minutes.
However, to see the fascinating New York views and explore all the exhibits, you need 90 minutes to two hours.
If you haven’t bought your tickets in advance, you may spend up to 3 hours in line during peak season.
How to purchase tickets?
Visitors can buy One-world observatory tickets at the gates; however it can be very time-consuming because you may have to wait in long queues.
You can purchase your tickets online to save time and have the best experience.
What are the types of tickets available for the One World Observatory?
There are different types of tickets available:
– Regular skip the line
– Skip all the lines
– All-inclusive flex package tickets
– One world observatory + ground zero tours
– One world observatory + ground zero + 9/11 museum tours
You can also use the New York Explorer Pass to visit the One World Observatory.
What are timed tickets? How do timed tickets work?
Timed tickets reserve your admission for the time and date printed on the ticket.
You must arrive at the specified time and date to enter the observatory.
Is my ticket good for a return visit to One World Observatory?
All current ticket packages are only valid for one-time admission.
You cannot re-enter the Observatory after visiting once.
What can you see from the One World observatory?
One World Observatory provides one of the best 360-degree views of Manhattan, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and New York Harbor.
Besides getting a view of New York City, you can also ride the sky pod, visit the See Forever theatre, city pulse, and many more exhibits.
Do I need a ticket to the observatory to visit the restaurant?
Yes, only guests holding tickets to the observatory can dine on the 101st floor.
If you want to visit the restaurant, then purchase the One World Observatory ticket before your visit.
Can we reserve tables at the restaurant at one world observatory?
Yes, you can reserve your table at One World observatory restaurant and bars.
They offer multiple packages to choose from based on your preferences and requirements.
These include All-inclusive dining package, premium lunch, Little bite and sweet treat experience, Happy Hour Bar Bites.
Also, remember that you will need a One World Observatory Ticket to enter the restaurant.
Can I visit one world observatory with a New York Explorer Pass?
Yes, you can visit the one world observatory with a New York Explorer Pass.
The pass is a great money saver, because you pay only 45% of what you would have spent on the attraction tickets.
These New York discount passes are valid for 60 days.
What if I arrive later than my entry time?
Late arrivals are accommodated based on the crowd and capacity of the observatory.
You will have to wait until you get a free slot, which could be time-consuming.
So visiting during your scheduled time is advisable.
Are tripods or other professional equipment allowed?
No, tripods, lights, professional cameras, recording devices, or megaphones are not permitted.
We suggest you read through the list of prohibited items before your visit.
What if there is zero visibility on the day I plan to visit?
New York experiences unpredictable weather conditions.
However, visibility is not affected on most days.
In case of zero visibility, the tour agency will issue a voucher for each unused ticket.
These vouchers would allow re-entry on a suitable date and time within 14 days.