Oculus Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Oculus. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• 9/11 Ground Zero Tour & Museum Preferred Access
• 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour with Optional 9/11 Museum
• World Trade Center 9/11 and Ground Zero Walking Tour
• 9/11 Memorial Tour with Skip-the-Line Museum Ticket
• The 9/11 Ground Zero Walking Tour

There’s no charge to visit the Oculus, and many people simply use it for public transportation. However, often travelers choose to experience it on a 9/11 and Ground Zero walking tour. Group tours start from roughly US$25, or US$45 including tickets to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

The Oculus landmark and transportation hub is open 24/7, as both the PATH and the subway run through the night. Its retail complex, Westfield Shops and Dining at the Oculus, is open 9am–7pm Monday through Friday, 10am–8pm on Saturday, and 11am–7pm on Sunday, though the opening hours of individual businesses may vary.

Many people visit the Oculus in the daytime—ideally on the weekend or after the morning rush hour. Note that the structure was designed to provide a form of remembrance of September 11, 2001; a beam of light illuminates the space every September 11, beginning at 8:46am, when the first plane struck, until 10:28am, when the second tower fell.

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Oculus. Its dazzling architecture makes it a sought-out photo location, though you need a permit to use a tripod or bring a crew of four or more. Plan to avoid rush hour, which usually runs 7am–9:30am and 4–7pm on weekdays.

Yes, the Oculus is accessible. There is elevator access to all levels, and all elevators have braille signage, while there are a range of adapted bathrooms across the complex. Stores and eateries have step-free access and most spaces should also have room to maneuver a wheelchair.