Maximizing Your Travel Savings with CityPASS

Kelly Taylor Travel Updated on 4/3/2025 at 12:45 pm

Enjoy 5 must-see attractions, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science & Kemah Boardwalk, at nearly half the price! — Save up to 51% on top attractions like Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Zoo with CityPASS!

Traveling to big cities is an exciting experience, filled with iconic attractions, diverse cultures, and unique experiences. However, exploring major metropolitan areas can quickly become expensive, especially for families or groups. The cost of admission to top attractions, transportation, and accommodations adds up fast. That’s where CityPASS comes in—a travel pass designed to make sightseeing more affordable while enhancing convenience.

CityPASS allows travelers to visit major attractions in select U.S. and Canadian cities at significantly reduced rates. With savings of up to 50% off regular ticket prices and additional perks like expedited entry at some locations, CityPASS is an excellent option for those looking to get the most out of their trip without breaking the bank.

What is CityPASS?

CityPASS is a sightseeing pass that provides discounted access to top attractions in some of the most visited cities in North America. Established in 1997, CityPASS has helped millions of travelers save money while enjoying must-see destinations. Whether you’re visiting a city for the first time or rediscovering your hometown’s best attractions, CityPASS makes sightseeing more budget-friendly and hassle-free.

Currently available in 14 U.S. cities and Toronto, Canada, CityPASS offers pre-bundled admission tickets to key attractions at a fraction of the regular cost. Instead of purchasing individual tickets, travelers can buy a CityPASS and gain access to multiple attractions in one package.

Why Choose CityPASS?

CityPASS is an excellent choice for travelers looking to save money while making the most of their city experience. Here are some of the biggest advantages of using CityPASS:

Significant Savings

CityPASS provides up to 50% off the combined cost of individual attraction tickets. This can amount to substantial savings, particularly for families and groups.

Convenient Entry

Many CityPASS attractions offer expedited entry, allowing you to skip long ticket lines. This is especially beneficial in peak tourist seasons when wait times can be lengthy.

Flexibility

Unlike rigid tour packages, CityPASS lets you choose which attractions to visit and when. There’s no fixed schedule, so you can explore at your own pace.

Ease of Use

CityPASS tickets are available as mobile passes or printable vouchers, making them easy to access. Simply present your pass at each attraction, and you’re good to go.

Cities Covered by CityPASS

San Francisco, Simplified! ? Get fast access and up to 50% savings on top attractions, including the Exploratorium & SF MOMA! — Save big on the California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, and more with CityPASS!

Cities Covered by CityPASS

CityPASS is available in a variety of popular travel destinations, making it an ideal choice for urban explorers. Some of the major cities included in the program are:

New York – Home to world-famous landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
Chicago – Explore the iconic skyline, museums, and vibrant cultural scene.
Atlanta – Enjoy top attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
Boston – A city rich in history and home to renowned museums and cultural sites.
Seattle – Experience the Space Needle, museums, and waterfront attractions.
San Francisco – Visit Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.
Orlando – A must-visit for theme park enthusiasts and family-friendly entertainment.
Toronto – Canada’s largest city, featuring the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium.

CityPASS is also available in several other cities across the U.S., each with a unique selection of attractions tailored to the location.

How CityPASS Works

CityPASS is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Here’s how it works:

Validity – Once activated, CityPASS tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, giving travelers ample time to explore.
Online Purchase – Tickets can be purchased online and delivered via email for instant access.
Mobile or Printed Tickets – Use a mobile pass or print your ticket at home—whichever works best for you.
One-Time Admission – CityPASS includes entry to a selection of top attractions, with some locations offering additional experiences for an extra fee.

CityPASS is an excellent tool for travelers who want to experience a city’s best attractions while keeping costs under control. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a solo adventure, or a weekend getaway, CityPASS offers an affordable and convenient way to explore.

CityPASS Features and Benefits

CityPASS offers a range of features designed to make city sightseeing more affordable and convenient. Here’s what you can expect:

Refund Policy: CityPASS offers a full refund on unused passes within 365 days of purchase. However, refunds do not apply to theme park tickets.
Payment Options: Users can pay with major credit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Payments, providing flexible payment methods.
Gift Option: CityPASS can be purchased as a gift, but once activated, it becomes non-transferable.
Ticket Upgrades: Some attractions allow ticket upgrades, but these must be completed in person at the attraction’s ticket counter.
Customer Support: CityPASS provides customer service via phone, live chat, and email seven days a week to assist travelers with any issues.

CityPASS in Select Cities

New York CityPASS

Visitors to New York City can choose between two options:

New York CityPASS: Grants access to five attractions from a pre-selected list.
New York C3: Allows travelers to choose three attractions from a broader selection.

Popular attractions included in the New York CityPASS program:

Empire State Building
American Museum of Natural History
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
9/11 Memorial & Museum

Savings Example: If you visit six attractions separately, you’d spend $222. With a CityPASS at $154, you save $68.

Chicago CityPASS

Travelers in Chicago can select from:

Chicago CityPASS: Includes admission to five attractions.
Chicago C3: Provides entry to three attractions of your choice.

Top attractions covered:

Shedd Aquarium
Skydeck Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago

Savings Example: Buying tickets separately for five attractions costs around $195. A CityPASS costs $142, saving you $53.

Atlanta CityPASS

The Atlanta CityPASS includes admission to five of the city’s most popular attractions:

Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca-Cola
Zoo Atlanta
College Football Hall of Fame

Savings Example: A separate purchase for these five attractions would cost about $145. The CityPASS is available for $99, saving $46.

Pros and Cons of CityPASS

Pros:

Cost Savings: Offers up to 50% off regular admission prices for top attractions.
Time Efficiency: Many attractions provide expedited entry, reducing wait times.
Family-Friendly: CityPASS helps families save money while enjoying multiple attractions.
Flexibility: Choose attractions based on your interests without needing to commit in advance.

Cons:

Limited Priority Entry: Not all attractions offer fast-track entry.
No Additional Discounts: Seniors, students, and military personnel do not receive extra discounts.
Restricted Attraction List: CityPASS only covers select attractions, excluding events like concerts and sports games.
City-Specific: Only available in 14 U.S. cities and Toronto, meaning some major tourist destinations are not covered.

Is CityPASS Right for You?

CityPASS is a great choice if:

You plan to visit a participating city and explore multiple attractions.
The available attractions align with your interests.
You have enough time to visit several sites, making the pass worthwhile.
You’re traveling with family or a group and looking to maximize savings.

CityPASS may not be ideal if:

Your travel destination isn’t included in the CityPASS program.
Your schedule is too tight to visit multiple attractions.
The available attractions don’t match your sightseeing preferences.

Check out CityPASS discounts here!

Conclusion

CityPASS provides an excellent way to save money and time while exploring major cities. If your travel plans align with the available attractions, it’s a worthwhile investment for your trip. For more details and to purchase passes, visit the official CityPASS website.