NYC City Pass FAQ 2026

A New York City tourist pass is a prepaid attraction bundle that gives you discounted access to multiple NYC sights under a single purchase. Rather than buying individual tickets at each attraction, a city pass lets you pay once and visit several experiences at a combined cost typically 30–40% less than the individual total.

The three main NYC tourist passes are the New York CityPASS, the Go City Explorer Pass, and the Go City Attraction Pass. Each works differently and suits a different type of traveler.

There is no single “best” pass — it depends entirely on your trip. The CityPASS is best for first-time visitors who want a simple, pre-selected bundle of iconic sights. The Explorer Pass is best for travelers who want to build their own attraction list from a menu of 25+ options. The Attraction Pass is best for high-energy visitors who plan to do 3–4+ paid attractions per day over multiple consecutive days.

For a full side-by-side comparison, see our NYC CityPASS vs Go City guide.

Yes — for most visitors who plan to see three or more paid attractions, a city pass will save money compared to buying individual tickets. The CityPASS saves approximately 40% on its bundled attractions; the Go City passes save 30–40% depending on which attractions you choose and how many you visit.

The passes are also convenient — no queuing for tickets at each venue, and the digital format means everything is on your phone. The key is choosing the right pass for your travel style and making sure you visit enough attractions to use the pass’s full value.

All three passes are primarily sold online and delivered digitally. While some physical purchase points exist in the city, buying online in advance is strongly recommended. Purchasing early gives you time to book timed-entry slots for popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, which can be fully booked weeks in advance during peak season.

No — none of the three main NYC passes include the subway, buses, or taxis. You’ll need a separate MetroCard or tap-to-pay (OMNY) for getting around the city. The Go City Attraction Pass does include some transport experiences like the NYC Ferry hop-on hop-off service, but not the main transit network.

The NYC CityPASS gives you six pre-selected attractions (with minor choices in two slots) in a fixed bundle. The Go City Explorer Pass lets you choose 3, 5, 6, or 7 attractions from a list of 25+. The CityPASS is simpler and better for first-timers; the Explorer Pass gives more control and suits those who want to customise their itinerary. Both save a similar percentage off individual prices.

The Explorer Pass gives you a set number of attraction credits (3, 5, 6, or 7) to use over 30 days from activation. The Attraction Pass gives you unlimited access to 100+ attractions over a set number of consecutive days (2–10). The Explorer Pass is better for moderate travelers who want a longer, more relaxed window. The Attraction Pass is better for intensive sightseers who want to maximise every day.

The NYC CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days starting from the date you first use it at an attraction. Once you activate it, the nine-day window begins regardless of how many attractions you’ve visited. The pass does not extend if you visit fewer than six attractions.

The Explorer Pass has two validity windows: you have 60 days from purchase to activate the pass (start using it), and then 30 days from your first use to redeem all your attraction credits. This generous window makes the Explorer Pass well suited to extended trips or those who plan ahead well in advance.

Choose a day count that matches the number of full sightseeing days in your trip. If you’re in New York for five days but plan to arrive late on day one and leave midday on day five, a 3-day pass would cover your three full sightseeing days. Remember that days are consecutive calendar days — not 24-hour periods — so don’t activate the pass on a travel day or rest day.

Refund policies vary by purchase platform and are subject to the provider’s terms and conditions. Generally speaking, unused passes can sometimes be refunded before activation, but not once the pass has been activated. Always check the refund policy when purchasing.

Yes — for some attractions, advance reservations are mandatory even with a city pass. The following NYC attractions require timed-entry bookings:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island — book as early as possible; morning slots fill up weeks ahead
• Empire State Building — timed entry required; book well in advance for peak season
• One World Observatory — timed entry required; book in advance for busy periods

Most other attractions on the pass lists are walk-in, but it’s always worth checking the attraction’s own website to confirm.

After purchasing your pass, you’ll receive confirmation with instructions. For the CityPASS, timed slots are usually booked through each attraction’s own website using your pass number. For Go City passes, timed slots are typically booked through links in the Go City app. Always check the specific instructions for each attraction that requires a reservation.

Yes — all three passes are fully digital and accessible via smartphone. The CityPASS is delivered as a QR code by email. Go City passes live in the Go City app. Simply present your QR code at each attraction entrance. No physical ticket is needed.

No — each pass is tied to a single individual and cannot be shared. You must purchase a separate pass for each member of your group. Child pricing is available for ages 3–12 on all three passes.

For the CityPASS, contact CityPASS customer support — your pass is linked to your purchase and can usually be recovered. For Go City passes, log into your Go City account on a new device and your pass will be accessible again from your account history.

Yes — the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferry is included in the NYC CityPASS, the Go City Explorer Pass, and the Go City Attraction Pass. This covers ferry transport and grounds access to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Pedestal access and crown access require separately purchased upgrade tickets, even with a pass.

Yes — the Empire State Building 86th-floor observatory is a fixed inclusion in the NYC CityPASS. It is also available on both Go City passes. Note that the 102nd-floor Top Deck requires a paid upgrade not covered by any tourist pass.

Yes — the Metropolitan Museum of Art is included in all three main NYC passes: the CityPASS, the Go City Explorer Pass, and the Go City Attraction Pass. Your pass covers general admission. Special ticketed exhibitions may require an additional charge.

Central Park itself is free to enter and does not require a ticket or tourist pass. However, some paid experiences within or near Central Park — such as guided bike tours and carriage rides — are included in the Go City Explorer Pass and Attraction Pass.

No — none of the main NYC tourist passes include Broadway show tickets. Broadway tickets are sold separately. However, the TKTS booth in Times Square and online platforms offer discounted same-day and advance tickets for many shows.

Helicopter tours over Manhattan are included in the Go City Explorer Pass and the Go City Attraction Pass. They are not included in the NYC CityPASS. Helicopter tours are weather-dependent and subject to availability.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best combination of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and clear skies for observation deck visits. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season — attractions are packed and time slots sell out faster, but the energy of the city is at its peak. Winter (November–February) is quieter and often cheaper, though outdoor and weather-dependent experiences are less enjoyable.

Two to three major attractions per day is a comfortable pace for most visitors. Trying to fit in four or five per day is possible but exhausting — you’ll spend more time in transit and less time actually enjoying each experience. For the Go City Attraction Pass to offer its best value, aim for three to four attractions per day including some shorter experiences like cruises or tours.

Book the Statue of Liberty ferry as your first act after purchasing — it’s the most in-demand reservation in the entire NYC attraction landscape. Then secure the Empire State Building and One World Observatory time slots if they’re on your itinerary. With those booked, build the rest of your days around them.

Most major attractions covered by NYC tourist passes are accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, American Museum of Natural History, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and 9/11 Memorial Museum all have full accessibility provisions including lifts, ramps, and accessible entrances. The Statue of Liberty has limited accessibility on Liberty Island — the grounds are accessible, but the statue interior is not fully accessible to all visitors. Always check with each attraction directly for the most current accessibility information.