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Difference between Go New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass

Difference Between New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass

What is the difference between the Go New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass? The New York Pass and Go New York Explorer Pass are both New York discount passes.

Go New York Explorer Pass vs New York Pass

The main difference is that you buy the New York Pass for a certain number of consecutive days (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10). Within this set number of days, you can use the pass to visit as many sights as you want. On the other hand, you buy the New York Explorer Pass for a set number of attractions (choose either 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10). You can then decide once in New York, exactly what you want to see and do with the pass. You have 60 days to use this pass, so you can spread your sightseeing over your whole stay. In addition, with both passes, there are no extra costs involved at the attractions. You can visit each attraction included in the pass once.

What can you do with the passes?

With both the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass, you can visit almost all of New York’s most famous attractions. Both passes give you the option to visit the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge and the Statue of Liberty. You can also choose various sightseeing cruises or even a bike ride through Central Park. All of New York’s famous museums are also included with both passes. For example, visit the 9/11 Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, or the American Museum of Natural History.

It’s always worth making a list of the places that you want to visit. Then you can see which pass offers you the best value. In general, for a stay of up to five days, I would recommend the New York Explorer Pass because, in practice, it is the most cost-effective option. This way you can visit the attractions for much less than if you were to purchase tickets separately. Are you going for five days or longer? Then the New York Pass is more favourable. You will have enough time to see and do as many things as you can, getting the most out of the pass. With the New York Pass, you can see and do over 100 attractions, tours and activities, including some of the lesser-known sights.

Difference Between Go New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass - Observatory Difference between New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass - Hop on Hop off Bus

Hop on Hop off bus

A big advantage of both New York discount passes is that you can make use of the Hop on Hop off buses. With the New York Pass, you can collect a 1-day Big Bus ticket, with which you are able to take the Uptown and Downtown routes. The perfect way to get to know the city in the first days of your trip. With the Explorer Pass, the Hop on Hop off bus counts as one of your attractions. With this, you get the same Big Bus ticket as with the New York Pass.

Which pass should I choose?

The New York Pass and the Explorer Pass differ greatly. Here, I have listed the main differences for you.

New York Pass   New York Explorer Pass
Valid for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days Valid for 60 days
$154 - $379 with my discount code! $84 – $275 with my discount code!
100+ attractions and tours 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions and tours
Mobile QR code, directly via email Mobile QR code, directly via email
Digital guide with info on all attractions Digital guide with info on all attractions

Click here to buy the New York Explorer Pass

Click here to buy the New York Pass

Eric’s Tip: “The New York Pass is a good choice if you are planning to do and see a lot. However, I prefer the New York Explorer Pass. It includes all the most important sites and gives maximal flexibility for a relatively low price. After you order, you receive a QR-code directly per email. You can show this on your phone or print it. The New York Pass you can either use as a mobile pass or you can print it.”

Hey there, I'm Eric!

I'm a true New York fan with over 20 years of experience visiting and living in NYC. Here on my website, I share all my tips and valuable information to help you make the most of your trip. I personally test and regularly re-test everything on my site to ensure that what I write is helpful, honest, and always up to date.

If you have questions, are unsure about something, or want me to check your itinerary, please email me at eric@newyorkcity.ca. You can also follow me on Facebook or Instagram to get daily updates from New York.

Difference between New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass - 911 Memorial Difference between New York Explorer Pass and New York Pass - Brooklyn Bridge

What is the difference between the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass?

Both passes are discount passes. They differ in how you use them. The New York Pass is a day pass and the New York Explorer Pass is an attraction pass. I've made a list of differences here.

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