Where is the fastest elevator in New York?

New York is the birthplace of the elevator

• Did you know? New York is where the modern elevator was born. The world’s first passenger elevator opened on March 23, 1857, inside the Haughwout Department Store. You’ve probably heard of its inventor, Elisha Otis—his company still exists today. The Haughwout Building itself still stands at the corner of Broome Street and Broadway in SoHo.
• Elevators have come a long way since then. Head to the Financial District to find New York’s fastest elevators—and the fastest in the United States. They’re in One World Trade Center, the city’s tallest building.

Elevators for everyone

• One World Trade Center has 71 elevators installed by German company ThyssenKrupp, including 5 express elevators that go straight to the One World Observatory on the 100th floor. You can experience them yourself.
• The ride takes less than 45 seconds at a top speed of 609 meters per minute (36.5 km/h or 22.7 mph). The acceleration and braking are smooth, but you’ll definitely feel the difference from a regular elevator. There’s another surprise waiting during the short journey—but we won’t spoil it.
• That said, One World Trade Center’s elevators aren’t the fastest in the world. The fastest elevators are in Taipei 101 in Taiwan. They reach 1,010 meters per minute (60.6 km/h or 37.6 mph).

Explore more in this neighborhood

Make the most of your New York visit by discovering One World Observatory wisely. A guided tour of lower Manhattan covers the historic waterfront, Wall Street’s financial district, and the One World Trade Center area. This small-group tour is an excellent follow-up after visiting the Statue of Liberty.