SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Tickets, Tips & Our Honest Review

What Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an observation deck in the skyscraper One Vanderbilt, located right next to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.

At a height of around 335 meters, the platform offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the skyline of New York City.

SUMMIT One also has two cool, modern highlights. First, the mirrored rooms of the art installation “Air and Affinity” by Kenzo Digital, which create an endless reflection of the city, and second, “Levitation” — glass balconies that hover above the streets of Manhattan.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets: Admission & Prices

Still figuring out which SUMMIT One Vanderbilt ticket is right for you? Here’s our ticket breakdown and answers to the most important questions:

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Your SUMMIT One Ticket?

The best way to get your ticket for the SUMMIT One observation deck is to buy it online in advance.

Buy SUMMIT tickets through the official ticket shop

Buy SUMMIT tickets through GetYourGuide

Why? Because you’ll get the most flexibility and can plan your New York sightseeing stress-free.

Tickets booked in advance are sometimes cheaper than tickets purchased on-site, and locking in a timeslot helps you figure out which of the top New York attractions you can still fit in that day.

The official ticket shop does not offer refunds after cancellation. GetYourGuide, on the other hand, allows cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit with a full refund.

Which SUMMIT One Tickets Are Available Where?

The official SUMMIT One ticket shop carries all tickets available for the observation deck.

GetYourGuide offers the Standard Ticket (our recommendation), the Signature Ticket (admission + drink), the Premium Tour with skip-the-line access, and the VIP Tour with skip-the-line access.

On-site, the full selection of SUMMIT One tickets is generally available as well. However, the selection may vary from day to day and by season depending on demand.

What SUMMIT One Tickets Are Available and How Much Do They Cost?

You’ll find all regular tickets for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York, prices, and links to the ticket shop in these tables:

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets through the Official Provider

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets through Third-Party Providers

Are There Discounted SUMMIT One Tickets?

Discounted admission to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck is available only for residents of New York City and Long Island. There are currently no discounts for tourists.

However, children under 5 get in free.

How Far in Advance Should You Buy Your SUMMIT One Ticket?

Both the official provider and GetYourGuide often still have tickets available for the SUMMIT One platform the day before your visit. That said, availability depends on the season.

Our tip: Book a few weeks ahead so you can plan and reserve your other activities early too — like a helicopter flight over New York.

Can You Visit SUMMIT One on a Whim?

Yes, you can buy a ticket for SUMMIT One in New York on the spot and head straight up to the platform.

Just be aware you may run into longer wait times and possibly higher ticket prices due to high demand. Booking online in advance is the safer bet.

Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Included in a New York Tourist Pass?

No, unfortunately SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is not currently included in any New York Tourist Pass.

Still interested in a New York pass? Read more here:

Our Ticket Recommendation for SUMMIT One: SUMMIT Experience Standard Ticket

For your visit to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt platform in New York, we recommend the SUMMIT Experience Standard Ticket. It’s the most affordable option and gives you full access to all observation decks, the various installation rooms, and photo spots.

The Standard Ticket includes:

• Access to the SUMMIT One observation deck at 335 meters
• 360° panoramic views of New York City
• Access to the Air & Affinity art installations
• Access to the “Levitation” glass balconies

The price for the Standard Ticket is:

• Adults (13+ years): approx. $43
• Children (6–12 years): approx. $37
• Children under 5: free

Here’s where you can buy the Standard Ticket:

• Online through the official SUMMIT ticket shop
• Online through GetYourGuide
• On-site at the ticket machine

Getting There: How to Reach SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located right next to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. It’s centrally situated and super easy to find.

The exact address is: 45 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on Google Maps

You can get to the platform several ways. Here’s what we recommend:

By New York City Subway

Lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S run directly to Grand Central – 42nd Street station. Once you exit, just follow the signs toward the Vanderbilt Avenue exit — SUMMIT One is right next door.

Our tips for riding the subway in New York

On Foot

If you’re already in Midtown, SUMMIT One is easy to reach on foot. From Times Square, it’s just a ten to fifteen minute walk.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: What to Expect During Your Visit

To make sure your visit to the SUMMIT One observation deck goes smoothly, here’s everything you need to know before you go:

SUMMIT One Hours

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York City is open daily from 9 AM to midnight. Last entry is at 10:30 PM.

What Is the Best Time to Visit SUMMIT One New York?

The best time to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt really depends on what kind of experience you’re after — and how much you mind sharing the platform with a crowd. Either way, there are always a lot of people at SUMMIT One.

In the morning, you have the advantage of very clear views and pleasantly soft light — perfect for great photos.

At midday and in the afternoon, the observation deck is especially packed. On the plus side, you get a great view of the hustle and bustle on the streets of Midtown below.

At sunset, tickets cost $10 more. The golden light really is seriously beautiful — but is it worth the extra $10? Honestly, we’d rather enjoy the sunset for free along the Hudson River or East River.

In the evening and after dark, you’ll see the glittering lights of New York spread out below you. Just keep in mind that the glass walls reflect quite a bit at night.

Are There Different Entrances for Different Ticket Types?

No, there aren’t. Everyone lines up in the same queue with their timeslot ticket.

SUMMIT One Wait Times

Because you have a fixed timeslot, wait times are generally manageable. Expect a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes — though we’ve also heard from visitors who waited an hour.

Our tip: Budget an extra hour, especially during peak season.

Security at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has strict security measures in place. Before entering, you’ll pass through a security check — similar to an airport, with metal detectors and bag screening.

What Can You Bring to the Observation Deck and What Can't You?

These items are NOT allowed on the SUMMIT observation deck:

• Large bags & suitcases (there is no storage on-site)
• Tripods, selfie sticks & professional camera equipment
• Food & drinks from outside (there are two bars at the top — one inside and one outside)
• Weapons & sharp objects (knives, scissors, pepper spray)

These items ARE allowed on the SUMMIT observation deck:

• Small bags & backpacks
• Cell phones & small cameras
• Strollers (must be foldable — for New York we recommend a travel stroller)

Is SUMMIT One Accessible?

Yes, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is fully accessible and welcoming to visitors with mobility impairments. There are accessible restrooms, wide corridors and doorways, and all levels are reachable by elevator.

How Much Time Should You Plan for SUMMIT One?

You can easily spend a good chunk of time up here. If you want to take plenty of photos and explore all the rooms in detail, plan for 1.5 to two hours. Add a drink at the bar or on the terrace and you’re looking at closer to 2.5 hours.

What Can You Do at SUMMIT One?

Here’s a detailed look at all the standout features waiting for you at SUMMIT One:

Views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are, of course, the main reason to visit. From up top — both inside and outside — you get a breathtaking panorama of New York City.

You can see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Central Park, for example. You also get a great view of the One World Trade Center, the Hudson and East Rivers, and can spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

Maybe you’ll even spot your hotel in New York?

Room Installations Air & Affinity

In addition to the observation deck, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt features two fascinating immersive art installations: Air and Affinity. Both were designed by Kenzo Digital.

Air is a mirror installation. The entire room is covered in mirrors, so the sky and city reflect infinitely. The reflections are so disorienting that you sometimes lose track of which way is up and which is down. It’s a fun concept and a seriously great photo opportunity — if only there weren’t so many people around.

Affinity is part of the Air installation and features floating silver orbs that look like balloons. You can touch and move them.

Access to both rooms is included with your SUMMIT One ticket — no additional ticket needed.

SUMMIT One Levitation

Levitation is THE crowd favorite at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It consists of transparent glass balconies that extend out from the building roughly 335 meters above Madison Avenue.

You can look straight down at the city below — pure thrills and definitely not for anyone with a fear of heights.

The photo spot is so popular that you’ll need to wait in line to get your shot above the rooftops of New York.

Check out even more great New York photo spots here

SUMMIT One Outdoor Terrace with Bar

The outdoor terrace and bar at SUMMIT One give you a one-of-a-kind chance to enjoy a drink with a spectacular view.

From the open-air area, you look out over the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the entire New York skyline.

The bar serves cocktails, beer, coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks. A coffee runs $5, soft drinks $4, and a sandwich $6 — pretty typical New York prices.

Our Experience: Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Worth It?

We had tickets for 9:30 AM and arrived right on time. The overall organization was really impressive — from the entrance through the security check, we were guided smoothly every step of the way and always knew exactly where to go next.

The first major area we entered was the mirror room — a massive, reflective space with an incredible view of the city.

It was very crowded in there, though, and it took a good ten minutes before we had a chance to get a photo at the front window without other visitors in the frame. But: anyone who brings patience will be rewarded with some truly unique shots.

Another highlight was the room with the silver balloons. They float through the space and can be gently nudged — a fantastic photo opportunity!

Because this area is so popular, there’s a ten-minute limit so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the experience. But don’t worry — the crowds thin out from there. In the following rooms, the masses spread out and you can soak in the views of the city without constantly being bumped into.

You get a great vantage point over the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Chrysler Building, for example.

Despite all the cool installations and the stunning panorama, you should be prepared for it to be very crowded throughout.

Even with a relatively early ticket, it was already quite busy. It might be worth arriving about an hour before the sunset time slots — things may be calmer then.

All in all, our visit was a unique experience and a lot of fun. Personally, though, it was just too crowded for our taste, and we’d choose New York Edge over SUMMIT One.

The Neighborhood: Combining SUMMIT One with Other New York Highlights

Because SUMMIT One Vanderbilt sits in such a wonderfully central location in Midtown, you can easily combine your visit with some sightseeing in the surrounding area.

These attractions are close to SUMMIT One:

• Grand Central Terminal: famous historic train station hall (1 minute on foot)
• Bryant Park: green city park with cafés (5 minutes on foot)
• Chrysler Building: legendary Art Deco skyscraper (7 minutes on foot)
• Empire State Building: New York’s most famous building (12 minutes on foot)
• Rockefeller Center: famous building complex with the Top of the Rock observation deck (15 minutes on foot)

SUMMIT One New York Area on the Map

To give you a good overview for your sightseeing, we’ve marked SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the surrounding attractions on a map.

Frequently Asked Questions About SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in New York