Great question—NY Pass and CityPASS are both sightseeing discount passes for NYC, but they work very differently. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which is better for your trip:
🆚 NY Pass vs. CityPASS
| Feature | NY Pass | CityPASS |
|---|---|---|
| Type | All-inclusive | Ticket bundle (choose from top attractions) |
| Best For | Seeing many attractions in a short time | Seeing a few major sights at a discount |
| Pricing | Based on number of days (1-10 days) | Flat rate for 9 days to use 5 attractions |
| Attractions Included | 100+ attractions | 5 attractions (2 fixed + 3 you choose) |
| Top Attractions | ✅ Empire State, Top of the Rock, MoMA, 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty, Met, more | ✅ Empire State, American Museum of Natural History, plus 3 choices: Top of the Rock OR Guggenheim, Ferry access OR Circle Line cruise, etc. |
| Flexibility | Visit as many as you can in the time | Pick and choose from a limited list |
| App Access | Yes, includes digital pass & maps | Yes, mobile tickets included |
| Skip-the-Line | At some attractions | Also some, but more limited |
✅ Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the NY Pass if…
- You want to see a LOT in a few days
- You enjoy hopping from one attraction to the next
- You’re visiting for a short time but want to maximize value
- You’re comfortable planning a tight itinerary
- Choose CityPASS if…
- You want to visit only a few major attractions
- You have a more relaxed schedule
- You want to save money without rushing
- You’re okay skipping some of the less iconic places