When visiting New York City, a City Pass is an excellent way to save both time and money. With so many iconic attractions in the Big Apple, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary, but these passes allow you to explore multiple attractions at a discounted rate, often with the added benefit of skipping long lines. Below, we compare three of the best City Pass options for New York City: the New York CityPASS, New York Pass, and Explorer Pass.
Top Recommendations
New York CityPASS
New York CityPASS is one of the most popular choices for tourists, offering a compact package that covers top NYC landmarks. The CityPASS covers six major attractions, with the option to choose between several alternatives for some attractions.
Price Range
Adults: $138
Children (6-17): $112
Attractions Included
- Empire State Building Observatory
- American Museum of Natural History
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the Guggenheim Museum
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Access
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
Validity and Usage
CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first use, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The pass can be presented at each attraction on your phone or as a printed ticket.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
CityPASS holds strong ratings with users praising its convenience and savings. Travelers especially appreciate the flexibility to choose between similar attractions and the overall cost-effectiveness.
New York Pass
The New York Pass is an all-access option, ideal for those looking to see as much as possible within a fixed timeframe. This pass gives you access to over 100 attractions, offering the most comprehensive coverage for NYC’s top tourist sites.
Price Range
1-Day: $139 (Adult), $109 (Child)
2-Day: $219 (Adult), $169 (Child)
3-Day: $279 (Adult), $209 (Child)
7-Day: $389 (Adult), $259 (Child)
Attractions Included
- Empire State Building Observatory
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Access
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- American Museum of Natural History
- Big Bus Hop-on-Hop-off Tour
- The Met Cloisters
- Rockefeller Center Tour
Validity and Usage
The New York Pass operates on a consecutive day basis, so the clock starts ticking once you activate it. For example, if you opt for the 3-day pass, you have 72 hours from your first use to visit attractions. The pass can be used via an app or printed pass.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The New York Pass receives high ratings for its extensive coverage of attractions. Many users appreciate its flexibility and access to major tourist spots. Some travelers have noted that it may require careful planning to maximize its value.
Explorer Pass
The Explorer Pass offers a more flexible option, where you can pick a set number of attractions (3, 4, 5, 7, or 10) from a list of over 90 options. This is perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience without being tied to a set number of days.
Price Range
3 Attractions: $139 (Adult), $109 (Child)
4 Attractions: $179 (Adult), $139 (Child)
5 Attractions: $219 (Adult), $169 (Child)
7 Attractions: $249 (Adult), $199 (Child)
10 Attractions: $289 (Adult), $229 (Child)
Attractions Included
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry Access
- American Museum of Natural History
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Met
- Rockefeller Center
- One World Observatory
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
- New York Botanical Garden
Validity and Usage
The Explorer Pass is valid for 60 days from the first use, giving visitors ample time to complete their chosen attractions. The pass is delivered digitally and can be used on your phone for ease.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The Explorer Pass has positive feedback for its customizable nature. Travelers like that they can pick and choose their experiences based on time and interests. However, some noted that it may be a bit more expensive than the CityPASS for those who don’t visit many attractions.
Additional Benefits
In addition to free entry to top attractions, many passes offer skip-the-line access, saving you valuable time in high-demand locations like the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial. Guided tours, audio guides, and exclusive offers from local partners may also be included with some passes, providing extra value for those looking for in-depth experiences.
Tips for Maximizing the Value of Your Pass
Plan Your Days: To get the most out of your pass, plan to visit multiple attractions in one day, especially if you opt for a 1- or 2-day pass.
Avoid Peak Hours: Consider visiting popular sites early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and maximize your time.
Prioritize Major Attractions: If you’re on a tight schedule, focus on the most iconic landmarks first, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, before exploring other options.
Conclusion
Each of these three City Passes provides great value, but the right one depends on your travel preferences. If you prefer flexibility and a smaller selection, CityPASS is ideal. For those looking to explore as many attractions as possible, the New York Pass offers the best all-inclusive experience. Meanwhile, the Explorer Pass strikes a balance between flexibility and cost, perfect for visitors with specific attractions in mind. Whichever pass you choose, New York City has no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.
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- What is the Culture of New York City?
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