NYC Pass Comparison - CityPASS vs Explorer Pass NYC Pass Comparison - CityPASS vs Explorer Pass
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NYC CITY PASS – USA

NYC Pass Comparison – CityPASS vs Explorer Pass

Imagine walking on New York City’s busy streets. The tall buildings and the city’s energy are all around you. You’re excited to see famous spots, try street food, and enjoy the culture.But, how do you see it all? That’s where the New York CityPASS and GoCity Explorer Pass come in.

They both have good points, but picking the right one can make your trip amazing. This guide will help you pick the best pass for your trip.


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Key Takeaways

  • The CityPASS offers 5 attractions, with 2 mandatory and 3 chosen from 6 options.
  • Explorer Pass provides access to 2-10 attractions among 80+ choices, valid for 60 days.
  • The price per attraction is lower with the CityPASS but offers less flexibility.
  • Unique attractions like the Hop on Hop off bus are exclusive to the Explorer Pass.
  • CityPASS allows for double visits to the Empire State Building, a rare feature.
  • Both passes offer mobile QR code delivery for convenience.
  • Choose the CityPASS for a fixed plan or the Explorer Pass for a laid-back approach.

Introduction to NYC Passes

Exploring New York City can be fun but also expensive. To save money, many NYC passes are available. These new york city sightseeing passes make it easy to visit famous places like museums and parks. You can buy them online before you go. Each pass has its own special features. They let you into many attractions for a set time or a few select ones. This helps you plan your trip and stay within your budget. Knowing about nyc discount attraction passes like the New York CityPASS and Explorer Pass is key.

Buying a pass saves you from buying tickets at each place. It’s a great way to enjoy your trip without overspending. You won’t miss out on the city’s best spots.

Pass TypeAttractions IncludedPricingValidityFlexibility
NY Sightseeing Pass (DAY)115 attractions$146.30 – $379.05 (Adults), $98.10 – $264.60 (Children)Consecutive daysNo flexibility
NY Sightseeing Pass (FLEX)121 attractions$79.80 – $312.55 (Adults), $62.10 – $233.10 (Children)60 days from first useChoose 2-12 attractions
New York CityPASS6 major attractionsVaries9 daysFixed selection
Go City New York (Explorer)90+ attractionsVaries60 days from first useChoose 2-10 attractions
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Overview of the New York CityPASS

The New York CityPASS is great for those who want to see the best without spending too much. It lets you into five famous spots in New York City. These places are must-sees that show what the city is all about.

Included Attractions

With the CityPASS, you get to:

  • Empire State Building
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Choose 3 more attractions from 6 options, like the Guggenheim Museum and Statue of Liberty.

This pass makes visiting easier, especially for first-timers. Many reviews say it’s better than other passes because of this.

Pricing Structure

The New York CityPASS costs about $136 for adults. This means you pay around $29 per attraction. It’s cheaper than buying tickets separately, which can be very expensive. This pass is good for 9 days from when you first use it. It’s perfect for those who want a planned trip and to explore in a short time. Prices can change with the season, but reviews can help you decide.

Overview of the GoCity Explorer Pass

The GoCity Explorer Pass is a great choice for exploring New York City. You can choose to visit 2 to 10 attractions. This lets you plan your trip based on what you like and when you want to go. People like this because it’s customizable. It’s perfect for finding the best pass for your needs. The Explorer Pass gives you access to over 80 attractions, from famous spots to hidden gems.

Attraction Options

This pass lets you visit many exciting places. Some top spots include:

  • Woodbury Common
  • Empire State Building
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Walking tours in iconic neighborhoods
  • Multiple observation decks like The Edge

The GoCity Explorer Pass offers a wide range of choices. It’s a top pick for exploring New York.

From a helicopter view of where the city meets the sea
Catch a boat and check out New York from a new perspective
A street in Manhatten, New York, USA
The busy streets are always calling and full of life in New York City

Flexibility and Validity

Your GoCity Explorer Pass is valid for 60 days from the first use. This means you can see attractions at your own pace. You can visit many places in one day or take your time. When you buy the pass, you get a mobile QR code. This makes getting in easy and saves you money. Many people like this feature in reviews.

Comparison of Access: New York CityPASS vs Explorer Pass

Looking at new york city tourist pass comparison shows big differences. The New York CityPASS and the GoCity Explorer Pass are made for different travelers. They offer different attractions and how long you can use them.

Fixed Attractions vs. Open Selection

The New York CityPASS has five attractions. Two are always the same, and you pick three from six others. This might make planning harder. The Explorer Pass lets you visit over 80 attractions. You can see the city your way, without being stuck to a plan.

Days Valid for Use

How long you can use the pass is key. The CityPASS is good for nine days. It’s great for a steady sightseeing pace. The Explorer Pass is good for up to 60 days. This is perfect for those who like to take their time.

FeatureNew York CityPASSGoCity Explorer Pass
Attraction Selection2 fixed attractions, 3 of 6 optionsChoose from over 80 attractions
Days Valid9 daysUp to 60 days
Cost per AttractionApprox. $27.6As low as $3.3 (based on number of attractions)
Ideal ForLeisurely paced visitorsFlexible travel plans, families

Cost Analysis of CityPASS and Explorer Pass

When planning your trip to New York City, it’s key to know the cost of CityPASS and Explorer Pass. Each has its own price, affecting your budget.

Cost per Attraction

The CityPASS lets you visit 9 big attractions for $136 for adults. That’s about $15.11 per attraction. The Explorer Pass covers 12 attractions, costing between $73 and $229. This means it can cost more, like $150 for five attractions, or $30 per attraction.

Even though CityPASS seems cheaper, the Explorer Pass offers more choices. This might make it worth the extra cost.

Bundled Discounts and Offers

Seasonal deals can make both passes more valuable. Both CityPASS and Explorer Pass might have special offers. The Explorer Pass, for example, includes unique experiences like bike rentals and transport.

Checking the latest deals can help you save money. This way, you can enjoy New York City without breaking the bank.

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Best Use Cases for Each Pass

Choosing the right pass can make your New York City trip better. Different passes fit different needs. This is true for first-time visitors and those planning short or long trips.

Ideal for First-Time Visitors

The New York CityPASS is great for first-timers. It includes places like the Top of the Rock and the Statue of Liberty ferry. You get into eight attractions for $136 USD, saving money. It’s good for nine days. This lets you see the city’s top spots well.

Best for Short Trips vs. Longer Visits

For short trips, the CityPASS is good. It covers key spots quickly. But, for longer visits, the New York Explorer Pass is better. You can pick from 2 to 10 attractions. You have 60 days to use it. This lets you enjoy the city at your own pace.

CriteriaNew York CityPASSNew York Explorer Pass
Ideal UserFirst-time visitorsFlexible travelers
Attractions Included8 key attractionsSelect from 2 to 10 attractions
Validity Period9 consecutive days60 days after activation
Cost$136 USD$94 – $270 USD
New york at night time with city lights blinking
Perfect for that view of the Big apple at night time
Sunset of new york over looking the sea with the buildings in the background
Golden hour for those perfect instagram moments

User Experiences and Reviews

People share their thoughts on the CityPASS and Explorer Pass. They talk about what works and what doesn’t. This helps others know what to expect when visiting New York City.

CityPASS New York Reviews

Most people like the CityPASS because it’s easy to use. It lets you visit famous places without buying separate tickets. This makes it great for those seeing the city for the first time. But, some say it’s not perfect. They wish they could choose more places to visit. Still, many find it easy to plan with the attractions already picked.

NYC Explorer Pass Review

The Explorer Pass gets high marks for being flexible. It lets you pick from many attractions, making your trip more personal. This makes it perfect for longer visits. Many say it’s easy to use to see New York’s sights. It’s a key tool for making the most of your time. You can visit museums and try unique experiences, making your trip special. Also when looking into your options, you can also research other City Passes around the world, such as London’s CityPass, this might help you choose prices comparatively.

FeatureCityPASSExplorer Pass
Flexibility in Attraction ChoiceFixed attractionsOpen selection from over 90 attractions
Pre-Purchase ConvenienceRecommended for first-time visitorsRecommended for personalized itineraries
Average CostVaries based on the number of attractionsCost ranges based on selected attractions

Additional Attractions Included in Each Pass

The GoCity Explorer Pass is special in New York City. It gives you access to key sights and fun activities. You can rent bikes in Central Park, go on food tours, take boat cruises, and see exclusive events. Budget friendly options are everywhere and you can find yourself having a pretty inexpensive trip if you do your due diligence. This can even include looking into flights deals etc.

Unique Experiences Offered by Explorer Pass

The Explorer Pass offers cool activities you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some:

  • Bike rentals in Central Park to explore natural beauty at your own pace
  • Guided food tours showcasing local culinary delights
  • Boat cruises offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline
  • Specialized events that often include seasonal or cultural happenings

These activities make your visit fun and memorable. The Explorer Pass is perfect for making special memories.

Museum and Historical Sites Access

Access to museums and historical sites is key. The CityPASS includes five top spots, like the Empire State Building. The Explorer Pass, however, lets you into over 80 places, big and small.With the Explorer Pass, you can choose what interests you most. Whether it’s art, science, or history, you’ll find something great. It makes your trip to New York City even better.

Conclusion

When choosing between the New York CityPASS and the GoCity Explorer Pass, think about what you want to do. The CityPASS is great for first-timers who want to see famous spots. It includes places like the Empire State Building and the American Museum of Natural History. This pass can save you up to 50% on top attractions. You also get to skip long lines at some spots.

The Explorer Pass is better if you like making your own plans. You can visit 2 to 10 attractions at your own pace. Choose from about 90 spots, like Top of the Rock and museums.This pass is perfect for those who want to see more and save money. It lets you explore a wide range of places. Your choice depends on your budget, time, and what you want to do. Both passes offer great ways to see New York City. They make sure you have a memorable trip that fits your style.

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NYC Pass Comparison FAQ

What is the main difference between the New York CityPASS and the GoCity Explorer Pass?

The CityPASS lets you into five specific places. The Explorer Pass gives you access to over 80 places. This means you can see more and choose what you want to see.

How much does each pass cost?

The CityPASS costs about 6$ for adults. The Explorer Pass starts at 10 for five attractions. Even though the Explorer Pass costs a bit more, it’s worth it for the freedom it offers.

How long is each pass valid for?

The CityPASS is good for nine days. The Explorer Pass is good for 60 days. This means you have more time to see things with the Explorer Pass.

Which pass is better for first-time visitors to New York City?

The CityPASS is great for first-timers. It includes big attractions like the Empire State Building. This ensures you see the best sights in a set amount of time.

Can both passes provide discounts or seasonal offers?

Yes, both passes sometimes have special deals. It’s smart to look for these deals to save money.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on our site are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps us to continue providing valuable content and supports our efforts in bringing the travel community together. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think you’ll find useful. Complete details are included in our affiliate disclaimer. Thank you for your support!


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