Is SkyLift suitable for children?

Yes, SkyLift is open to all ages. However, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Note that there is no special child pricing—the add-on costs the same for children as for adults.

Skylift: The Spectacular Sky Elevator at Top of the Rock in New York

The Skylift is a spectacular elevator that rises 9 meters above the Top of the Rock terrace. Experience a 360° view of New York from the equivalent of the 73rd floor.

Book Top of the Rock Timed Admission with Skylift Option

What is SkyLift?

SkyLift is an attraction that opened on October 1, 2024 at the top of Top of the Rock, one of 5 observation decks in New York. This rotating platform rises 9 meters (30 ft) above the upper terrace of Top of the Rock on the 70th floor, taking you to the equivalent of the 73rd floor—about 274 meters (900 ft) high.
You’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of New York from an impressive open-air glass cabin. You can see the Empire State Building, Midtown, the Financial District, and Times Square. To the north, you’ll spot Central Park, the Upper West Side, and the Upper East Side. Top of the Rock already offers some of the best views in the city, and SkyLift takes you even higher.
The elevator’s design reflects the Art Deco style of Rockefeller Center, combining a glass and metal cabin with a marble-like base. At night, LED lighting makes the elevator glow with 1,000 lights—a striking, distinctly New York touch.
SkyLift marks the latest step in Top of the Rock’s modernization and upgrade, keeping pace with newer observation decks like Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge. In December 2023, Top of the Rock also launched The Beam, another innovative attraction. Plenty of reasons to visit again.

Tourists aboard the SkyLift attraction at Top of the Rock in New York — SkyLift offers a spectacular face-to-face encounter with New York.

How to Book Your SkyLift Tickets

To experience SkyLift, you need a ticket that includes Top of the Rock plus the SkyLift add-on. Book in advance—this attraction is popular with visitors from around the world.
To reserve, use our SkyLift ticket booking module. Select your date, arrival time at Top of the Rock, and number of guests, then complete payment. Your ticket includes entry to Top of the Rock at your chosen date and time, plus one SkyLift experience. Note that you can ride SkyLift only once during your Top of the Rock visit.
Tip: Top of the Rock admission is included in major New York passes, including the New York City Pass, New York Pass, and Explorer Pass New York, but SkyLift is not. Your best option is to skip using your pass for Top of the Rock and instead buy entry to Top of the Rock with the SkyLift add-on.
You’ll receive your Top of the Rock tickets with SkyLift access immediately after payment. Tickets appear as QR codes to scan at the entrance to Top of the Rock and before boarding SkyLift. You can print them or show them on your phone.

How to Experience SkyLift

Check in at the SkyLift counter at the west end of Top of the Rock’s upper terrace.
Present your Top of the Rock ticket with your pre-booked SkyLift add-on.
Board the glass cabin. SkyLift holds a maximum of 13 people and is wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy the show. The elevator rises and the platform stays aloft for 5 minutes.
Collect a photo taken during your experience—it’s complimentary.

Practical Information

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York. The Top of the Rock entrance is on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Hours: Top of the Rock and SkyLift are open daily from 8 am to midnight. Note that the last entry is at 11:10 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does SkyLift last?

The SkyLift experience lasts 5 minutes at the top, not counting boarding and exiting time. That’s 5 minutes of actual time in the air at full height.

Will I see something even if it's crowded?

Yes. The cabin is limited to 13 people maximum, and it rotates slowly so everyone gets a 360-degree view without having to move around. Everyone gets a good look.