Top of the Rock: All-Inclusive Pass & SKYLIFT Platform

The Beam Experience & SKYLIFT: Two Rides Above Manhattan

You get access to three observation decks, The Beam Experience (a 12-foot suspended platform for photos), and SKYLIFT (an open-air platform 30 feet higher with unobstructed 360-degree views). The visit typically runs 45–60 minutes, though you can stay longer. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and children under 5 enter free. Bring layers and stable shoes for the outdoor sections.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Top of the Rock observation decks

• Visit three observation deck levels
• Experience The Beam Experience ride
• Take photos 12 feet above skyline
• Ascend on SKYLIFT open-air platform
• Enjoy highest unobstructed NYC views

The Experience

"Wait, we're actually going to be suspended out there?" That's the question most people ask the moment they step into the Welcome Gallery at Rockefeller Center and see The Beam Experience waiting on the 70th floor. It's a rotating platform that lifts you 12 feet above the observation deck (inspired by that famous 1932 photograph of workers eating lunch on a steel beam high above the city), and yeah, it's exactly as surreal as it sounds. You're standing in the open air, nothing between you and the skyline except the photo op of your life. The whole thing takes maybe five minutes, but it's the kind of five minutes you'll replay in your head for weeks.

After The Beam, most people catch their breath and then head straight to SKYLIFT, the open-air platform that rises another 30 feet from the 70th floor. This is where the unobstructed views actually hit you: no glass, no barriers, just you and Manhattan stretching in every direction. On a clear day you can see all the way to the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River. The platform moves slowly enough that you're not fighting vertigo, but high enough that you feel it. If you're afraid of heights, this is the moment you find out how afraid. If you're not, it's the reason you came.

The All-Inclusive Pass also opens up all three observation deck levels, so you can move between them at your own pace. There's an interactive film experience in the Welcome Gallery that gives you some context about the building and the city, and then you're free to wander. Most people spend 45 to 60 minutes total, though you can stay as long as you want during operating hours. The elevators run to every floor, and the whole place is wheelchair accessible, which matters if you're traveling with someone who needs it. Just know that The Beam Experience itself requires you to be at least 52 inches tall to ride alone, and SKYLIFT needs all kids under 18 to have an adult with them the whole time.

Bring layers (the outdoor decks get windy, especially higher up), and wear shoes with decent grip. No tripods allowed, which catches people off guard, but your phone or camera will work fine. If you're planning to spend time up there, eat before you arrive. There's no outside food or drinks permitted inside. The pass doesn't include a photo package, but they sell prints on site if you want the professional shots.

What’s included

• Your pass includes access to all three observation deck levels at Top of the Rock, entry to the Welcome Gallery with an interactive film experience, The Beam Experience (the suspended 12-foot platform), and SKYLIFT (the open-air platform rising 30 feet above the 70th floor).
• Elevators connect all floors, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available throughout.
• Strollers must be collapsible.
• Service animals are welcome.
• The visit typically lasts 45–60 minutes, though you can stay longer if you wish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Top of the Rock - Observation Deck

Is this one for you?This pass is worth it if you want the full Top of the Rock experience without deciding which attractions to skip. It bundles the three decks, The Beam, and SKYLIFT into one entry, so you're not choosing between them at the ticket counter.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

How tall do I need to be for The Beam Experience?

You must be at least 52 inches (about 132 cm) to ride alone. If you're between 42 and 52 inches, an adult must accompany you.

Can children go on SKYLIFT?

Yes, but all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration of the SKYLIFT experience.

How long does the visit take?

The average visit is 45–60 minutes, but you can stay as long as you want within operating hours.

Is Top of the Rock wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, elevators reach every floor, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are not permitted on The Beam Experience itself.

Can I bring food or drinks inside?

No outside food or beverages are allowed. Eat before you arrive or purchase items on site.

Are there height or weight restrictions for SKYLIFT?

Guests who exceed 300 lbs. (136 kg) will not be able to ride SKYLIFT. There is no height restriction for SKYLIFT itself, but children under 18 must be with an adult.

Can I bring a tripod?

No tripods are allowed. You can use handheld cameras or phones.

Do infants and small children need a ticket?

Children 5 and under are free. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is there a photo package included?

No. Photo prints are available for purchase on site if you want professional shots.

What should I wear?

Wear layers and stable footwear. The outdoor decks are exposed to wind and weather, and you'll be standing on open platforms.