One World Observatory Entrances
One World Observatory has two entrances: The Vessey Street entrance and the Oculus Entrance.
The primary entrance lies on Vessery Street between Washington Street and West Streets.
Visitors can also enter One World Observatory through the Oculus in the World Trade Center.
The Vessey Street/West Street Entrance.
The main entrance to One World Observatory is the dedicated entrance to the Observatory at One World Trade Center, 117 West Street, New York. Get Directions.
It is also known as the Vesey Street Entrance to One World Observatory, located on the West Plaza alongside West Street.
On West Street, this entrance is at the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center site, bordered by Vesey Street to the North, therefore being called so by some people.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
This One World Observatory entrance has an accessible pick-up/drop-off location along West Street north of Vesey Street.
The Secondary Entrance through the Oculus
Apart from the Main Entrance to the One World Observatory, that is, the Vesey Street Entrance to the One World Observatory, there is a secondary one through the Oculus.
This secondary entrance is from inside the building through the World Trade Center Oculus.
The Oculus can be directly accessed through the World Trade Center PATH Station, Fulton Transit Center, and trains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, E, J, Z, R, and W.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Which One World Observatory Entrance Should You Choose?
It is highly recommended to choose the main One World Observatory entrance as it is a dedicated entrance to the observatory.
The Vesey Street entrance to One World Observatory is conveniently located and is ideal for all visitors, including those with limited mobility and those with online tickets.
It is also known as the Box Office entrance as this is where visitors can find the Box Office to purchase the Observatory tickets.
The West Street One World Observatory entrance provides a seamless experience as you can directly access the observation deck after enjoying your Sky Pod elevator ride.
The World Trade Center Oculus entrance is ideal for visitors accessing the building directly via the World Trade Center PATH Station, Fulton Transit Center, and trains.
However, for most guests, the One World Observatory on West Street would be a better choice by all means.
Average Wait Times at the One World Observatory Entrances
The wait time at the One World Observatory ranges from ten to 45 minutes.
The average wait times at the One World Observatory entrances depend on several factors, including the date and time of your visit.
Guests visiting the observatory during the day typically do not have to wait at the entrance at all but may need to wait for five to ten minutes for their turn at the elevator.
During the night, the wait times are also lower but may go up to 60 minutes or more on really busy days.
Visitors may have to wait around 30 to 45 minutes when visiting after the dark, especially around the elevator, but the ride is quick as it takes less than a minute.
FAQs About One World Observatory Entrances
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How do I enter the One World Observatory?
You can enter the One World Observatory either through the Vessey/West Street Entrance or the Oculus Entrance at One World Trade Center.
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How many One World Observatory entrances are there?
There are two entrances to One World Observatory.
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How long is the wait at the One World Observatory entrance?
The wait time at the entrances ranges from 10 minutes to 45 minutes.
This time can increase to one to 1.5 hours during the peak tourist months. -
Is the One World Observatory entrance accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Both West Street and Oculus entrances are accessible to visitors with disabilities.
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How to get to the One World Observatory entrance?
The best way to get to the West Entrance is through subway lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z, E, R, and W. You can also take a cab directly to this entrance.
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Which One World Observatory entrance do I use if I have an online ticket?
Head to the West Street or Vessy Street Entrance if you have already purchased the One World Observatory ticket.
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Which One World Observatory entrance do I take if I don’t have tickets?
Visitors without tickets should go to the Oculus entrances.
You can find a box office there to purchase tickets. -
How do you avoid lines at the One World Observatory entrance?
To avoid lines at the One World Observatory entrance, purchase the skip-the-line tickets.
Choose the skip-all-the-line ticket if you wish to escape lines throughout your One World Observatory experience. -
What are the timings of the One World Observatory entrance?
The One World Observatory entrance is open from 9 am to 10 pm.
Featured Image: Stock photos by Vecteezy