What is a tourist pass in New York?

When planning your trip to New York, you’ll quickly come across the term “pass”. Since June 2025, there are 4 different passes available: the New York City Pass, the New York Pass, the Explorer Pass, and the Pass C3. Here’s a quick overview of what these passes are all about.

What is a New York sightseeing pass?

• A pass is a package you book in advance that gives you access to multiple attractions, landmarks, and museums across New York at a discounted rate. It costs less than buying individual tickets at regular prices. With a pass, you always save money.
• A bit of history: the first New York pass was created in 1996. It’s the New York City Pass, which remains the best-selling pass in New York today. This pass includes entry to 5 attractions at nearly 40% off the regular price. For more information about this pass, visit the New York City Pass page.

Why are there different passes?

• New York doesn’t have just one pass—there are several. These passes are created by private companies that negotiate agreements with New York attractions, landmarks, and museums. These companies compete with each other.
• To stand out, each pass differentiates itself by including specific attractions or operating differently.
• The New York City Pass includes 5 fixed attractions, with some choice between certain options.
• The New York Pass lets you choose how many days you want to use the pass, with access to all included attractions during that period.
• The Explorer Pass works differently. You decide how many attractions you want to visit and choose freely from the list of included attractions as you go.
• Finally, the Pass C3 gives you access to 3 attractions chosen from 11 options.
• Choose based on what you want to see and how you plan to spend your time. To find the pass that best fits your needs, read my article on how to compare New York passes.

How do you use a pass?

• Once you’ve booked your pass, it’s very straightforward: simply go to the attractions, landmarks, and museums included in your pass and present it. You’ll be asked to either show your purchase confirmation (print the voucher you receive by email right after buying the pass) or display the pass directly on your phone if it’s a digital pass. That’s it! If you’ve lost your confirmation email or made a mistake with your details, don’t worry: when you book through our CNEWYORK site, we receive a copy of your pass and can help you out.
• With a pass, you don’t pay anything extra at the entrance. The pass IS your ticket.
• You don’t need to reserve visits either. Just show up at the entrance with your pass. Note that passes like the New York City Pass and the New York Pass offer skip-the-line access at certain attractions. Head straight to the entrance marked with the pass logo or labeled “fast track”.