First, let me say I was skeptical about the CityPASS and all the other passes that you can get in NYC. I did some research, but not too much, and eventually decided to book this pass on our flight to New York. FYI - My info below (particularly relating to crowds/waiting time and weather) is based on a six night stay in late October 2019.
SUMMARY:
This is a great pass IF you already plan to visit most (if not all) of the places the pass grants you entrance. Don’t think of the CityPASS as a fast pass, but a package ticket deal that makes it cheaper. I think the people who are disappointed with the pass seem to be those who expect some sort of skip-the-line VIP treatment at every location. While you can skip the ticket purchase line at some places, you will have to wait in line with everyone else to actually get in, and CityPASS is clear about that. Example: We did experience long waiting times at Top of the Rock, even though you have to exchange the CityPASS voucher for a timed ticket. However, we went right through at the 9/11 Museum as there was a separate line for CityPASS holders (which was really only the security line and it was short when we were there). It differs location to location.
TIP: Instead of getting the booklet of vouchers at the first attraction you visit, you can also opt to get e-vouchers if you buy directly from the CityPASS website.
DETAILS: For those who need more details, here’s a location by location account of my experience.
EMPIRE STATE - We went early and arrived just after they opened around 8:10. The line was minimal and we were back at our hotel for breakfast by 9:30am. You don’t have to exchange the voucher. Just get in the regular line. I would highly suggest going early because it saved so much time. Whille the CItyPASS is for the AM/PM ticket, so you can go up again after 9:00pm on the same day, we weren’t able to go a second time due to personal reasons, so I don’t know what the lines are like at night. It is cold and windy up there, so be prepared (we went on Nov 1 and it was a sunny day, though only about 10C/50F on ground level).
TOP OF THE ROCK - If you have e-vouchers or printed vouchers in hand, you can go to the Top of the Rock website and book your time directly on the site. Otherwise, there is a special line to exchange the voucher (or e-voucher) for a ticket. If you go before 10:00, the voucher exchange line is minimal and you can book for next available or in the future as long as it’s within your 9-day CityPASS validity period. You can add on a second PM trip for $19. Please note that you will still have to wait in a line even with your timed ticket. First you go through security, then have your picture taken, then watch this video about Top of the Rock while in a “holding cell” before being taken to the elevator line. Expect about a 30-60 minute wait up to this point (depending on time of day), but once in the elevator it’s up to the top for great pictures. Then there is also a line for the elevator to go back down. In total, plan on 1.5 to 2 hours during peak times and an hour for off-peak times (early morning and late in the evening).
CIRCLE LINE CRUISE - Head to windows 1-2 at the Pier 83 ticket counter and just tell them which cruise you would like to do. With the CityPASS you have the option to take the Landmarks Cruise, Harbor Lights Cruise, Liberty Cruise, or ride on the Beast. All other cruises have an upgrade fee. If you want to take a cruise that departs only once a day and especially if you are there during a peak time, I would suggest securing tickets earlier than right before boarding. We went to Pier 83 at 12:00 to get tickets for the nightly 7:00pm Harbor Lights Cruise and waited in line maybe 2-3 minutes. Then we went back at 6:30pm to board for the cruise. We would highly recommend this cruise on clear nights as it gives a distant view of the Manhattan skyline at night and we even got to see the Statue of Liberty at night. Note: It gets cold, so be prepared for the elements. There is indoor seating, which I would recommend, then just go outside when you want to take a picture.
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY - Okay, so we waited in quite a long line for this, but granted, we went on a rainy day in NYC. I think it it took us about 45-60 minutes to get in (arrived around 11:00am). We saw the line a couple days later around the same time we arrived and it was not nearly as bad. With the CityPASS, you must wait in the regular line, while those who purchase online directly with the museum can skip the line. However, it really wasn’t that bad and if it’s raining, you can go to the line that starts in the subway (as opposed to the line that is at the main entrance) to avoid getting wet.
THE MET MUSEUM OF ART - Go to one of the ticket machines and scan the back of your CityPASS booklet (not the ticket inside). You will get a printed ticket that has a sticker on it. Put that sticker on your shirt and just enter to any exhibit. Super easy and fast since they have many ticket machines.
9/11 MUSEUM - No need to exchange the voucher. There is a separate line for CityPASS holders and you just go through security. It was minimal the day we went and we were in within a couple of minutes. We arrived around 9:00am and while the museum got more busy throughout our time there, when we left I took a look at the lines and they were still quite short.