Essential Ticket + Empire State Building

Discover unforgettable views of New York City from above and below with our Essential 1-Day Tour + Empire State Building ticket. Hop on our Big Bus Tour to explore the sights of Manhattan, then hop off to head up to the Empire State Building's main observatory deck on the 86th floor, offering 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens and beyond.
Discover unforgettable views of New York City from above and below with our Essential 1-Day Tour + Empire State Building ticket. Hop on our Big Bus Tour to explore the sights of Manhattan, then hop off to head up to the Empire State Building's main observatory deck on the 86th floor, offering 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens and beyond.
  • Adult
    From US$100.00
  • Child 3–12 years
    From US$90.00
Safe & secure payments
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • Diners Clubs
  • UnionPay
  • Maestro
  • JCB
Downtown Loop
Downtown Loop
Get to the beating heart of NYC on our Downtown Loop (Red Route) You'll be right in the midst of it as you travel through iconic areas like Times Square, 5th Avenue, Broadway and Wall Street. Look up to see the city's famous skyscrapers, and enjoy fantastic views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from the Westside Highway.

Routes

  • Downtown Loop (Red)

    With pre-recorded commentary.

    • Operates 9:00am-45:00pm
    • Frequency: 15 min
    See full timetable
  • Uptown Loop (Blue)

    With pre-recorded commentary.

    • Operates 10:00am- 4:00pm
    • Frequency: 30 mins
    See full timetable
Check Service Updates
View the routes
How does it work?
Select your ticket
Select your ticket
Buy online and download your e-tickets
Buy online and download your e-tickets
Show your tickets to start the tour
Show your tickets to start the tour
FAQs
Do I need to choose a date for my tour?
Yes – when you book, you will need to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with us for more than one day, your ticket must be used across consecutive days, and the date you select at time of booking should be the first day of your tour. Some tours also require you to select a time of travel, to secure your seat. If your ticket has extra inclusions, you may also need to book dates and times for these inclusions after your purchase is complete via our Booking Portal. For more information, please see the instructions on your booking confirmation email.
Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?
You can purchase tickets either on this website, on the bus, from a trusted retailer such as your hotel concierge, or from one of our on-street staff members. Please note that for hygiene reasons we encourage you to pay with card when possible so that all parties can avoid the handling of cash.
Is the commentary available in my language?
All buses feature an entertaining and informative pre-recorded commentary in the following languages:

- English
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
What time do tours start and how often do the buses run?
Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on tour start times and frequency.
Where can I start the tour?
You can hop on at any Big Bus stop. To find the stop closest to you, please click here.
Tell me about Big Bus Tours New York
Welcome to Big Bus Tours New York! We're proud to offer exciting sightseeing tours of the Big Apple on our open-top double-decker buses, giving you the opportunity to discover all the city's famous landmarks with ease and comfort. During our tours, you'll be entertained by our pre-recorded on-board commentary, available in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Italian via complimentary headphones. Feel free to hop on and hop off the bus from any of our stops to visit the landmarks and attractions that capture your interest, or get comfortable and stay on board for the entire tour - the choice is yours! There are 2 tour routes available: the Uptown Loop (Blue Route) and Downtown loop (Red Route) tours.

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