The skyline has a way of putting everything into perspective, and SKYLIFT presented by Visa takes that perspective even further: nearly 900 feet above New York City.

Set three stories above Top of the Rock’s uppermost observation deck, SKYLIFT is an open-air, rotating glass platform that rises with unobstructed 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline in every direction. It’s a paid add-on to any Top of the Rock ticket, and one of the most singular ways to experience New York City.

Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.

What is SKYLIFT at Top of the Rock?

SKYLIFT presented by Visa is a rotating, open-air glass platform that lifts visitors three stories above Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor observation deck. As it rises to nearly 900 feet above street level, the platform revolves a full 360 degrees: delivering an unobstructed, panoramic view of New York City.

The experience lasts five minutes at the top. During the ride, the platform captures photos and videos of each guest with the New York City skyline as the backdrop. At the end, scan a QR code to view and download your media, or purchase prints at The Top of the Rock Shop.

Up to 13 guests and an attendant ride at a time. A five-foot railing encloses the platform on all sides. The experience is fully wheelchair and mobility device-accessible.

How high is SKYLIFT? The height of Top of the Rock

SKYLIFT presented by Visa reaches approximately 900 feet above New York City’s street level. It is three stories above Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

From this height, the full shape of Manhattan comes into view: all 843 acres of Central Park stretching north, the Empire State Building rising to the south, and the Hudson and East Rivers framing the island on either side.

The 70th-floor observation deck at Top of the Rock sits at approximately 850 feet. SKYLIFT extends that by 30 additional feet, placing guests at one of the highest publicly accessible open-air viewpoints in New York.

Where is SKYLIFT located? How to get there

SKYLIFT is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, with a dedicated visitor entrance on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. To access it, you need to purchase a ticket to the Top of the Rock observation deck. SKYLIFT itself sits on the west side of the 70th-floor observation deck; a dedicated elevator takes visitors from the deck directly to the SKYLIFT platform.

By subway: The BDFM and NQR trains have direct stops at Rockefeller Center. The 1 and 6 trains stop at 50th Street, one block away. By bus: the M1, M2, M3, M4, and M7 run north-south; the M50 runs east-west. If you’re driving, the SP+ parking garage is nearby, though spots fill quickly during peak hours.

How to buy SKYLIFT tickets

SKYLIFT is available as part of three ticket options. Every ticket includes a timed-entry window, so you can choose a slot that works for your schedule. You can book your ticket online on Rockefeller Center’s website.

SKYLIFT + Admission: Includes observation deck access and SKYLIFT. Starting from $57.

All-Inclusive Pass: Includes observation deck access, SKYLIFT, and The Beam Experience. Starting from $72.

VIP Pass: Includes SKYLIFT, a private Beam Experience, a premium guided experience, a photo pass, and a champagne toast. Starting from $200.

Early morning

The private early-bird window for Visa cardholders runs from 8 to 9 a.m. and is one of the best times to visit. The light is soft, the deck is quiet, and the city looks completely different before it fills.

Sunset and golden hour

The hour before dusk is when the skyline starts to glow and Central Park takes on warm, amber light. Most visitors and photographers consider this the peak window.

After dark

At night, SKYLIFT’s 636 meters of LED lights illuminate the platform in a light show visible from across the city. From the platform itself, you’re looking out across a fully lit New York skyline.

What to wear on SKYLIFT

SKYLIFT is entirely open-air at 900 feet. Wind at this height is real. Loose items (such as hats, scarves, light layers) should be secured before boarding or left below. Small bags like fanny packs and crossbodies are fine to bring up; larger bags are best stored. There is a free storage area at the SKYLIFT entrance.

The SKYLIFT platform floor is clear glass. For comfort, pants, shorts, or tights are recommended over skirts or loose dresses.

Practical details

• Hours of operation: Daily, 8 a.m. to midnight (last entry 11:10 p.m.)
• Age: No height restrictions. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Weight: Guests over 300 lbs. (136 kg) are unable to ride.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair and mobility device-accessible.
• Weather: Open rain or shine. In extreme weather, SKYLIFT may temporarily close and tickets will be reissued for a later date.
• Photography: Personal phones and small cameras are permitted. A dedicated photo moment is captured at the top of the experience.
• Location: West side of Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor observation deck, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY.

Frequently asked questions

What is SKYLIFT presented by Visa at Top of the Rock?

SKYLIFT presented by Visa is a rotating, open-air glass platform located three stories above Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It rises to 900 feet above New York City, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. It is a paid add-on to any Top of the Rock timed-admission ticket.

How high is SKYLIFT at Top of the Rock?

SKYLIFT reaches approximately 900 feet above street level: three floors above Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor observation deck.

Is SKYLIFT included with a Top of the Rock ticket?

No. SKYLIFT is always a separate paid add-on and is not included with standard Top of the Rock timed admission.

How much does a SKYLIFT adult ticket cost?

SKYLIFT + Admission (observation deck access plus SKYLIFT) starts from $57. The All-Inclusive Pass, which adds The Beam Experience, starts from $72. The VIP Pass, which includes SKYLIFT, a private Beam Experience, a premium guided experience, a photo pass, and a champagne toast, starts from $200. Book on Rockefeller Center’s website.

What are SKYLIFT’s hours of operation?

SKYLIFT is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight. Last entry is at 11:10 p.m.

What do Visa cardholders get at SKYLIFT?

All Visa cardholders receive access to the exclusive early-bird window from 8 to 9 a.m. (one hour before general admission opens). Visa cardholders also receive 20% off The Top of the Rock Shop on purchases of $100 or more. Visa Infinite cardholders receive additional preferred entry and line bypass throughout the Top of the Rock experience, included with any ticket purchase.

Can children experience SKYLIFT?

Yes. There are no height restrictions for SKYLIFT. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests over 300 lbs. (136 kg) are unable to ride.

Is SKYLIFT accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. SKYLIFT is fully wheelchair and mobility device-accessible.

What happens if the weather is bad?

SKYLIFT operates rain or shine. In extreme weather, SKYLIFT may temporarily close and tickets will be reissued for a later date.

What should I wear on SKYLIFT?

SKYLIFT is fully open-air at 900 feet, so wind is a factor. Secure loose items like hats and scarves, or leave them below. The platform floor is clear glass; pants, shorts, or tights are recommended over skirts or loose dresses.