# City Pass Refund Policy 2025: Get Your Money Back Guide
Planning a trip is exciting, but changing plans can cause serious travel anxiety. The fear of losing money on non-refundable tickets is real.
Fortunately, understanding the official City Pass refund policy 2025 is a game-changer for flexible travel.
This guide details everything you need to know to get your money back if your adventure takes an unexpected turn.
Table of Contents
What is the City Pass Refund Policy 2025?
At its core, the City Pass refund policy is one of the most generous in the travel industry, designed to give you complete peace of mind.
Specifically, for most standard city-based passes, City Pass offers a full refund on any unused passes for up to 365 days from the purchase date.
Indeed, this one-year window is a standout feature that makes City Pass one of the most flexible travel passes on the market.
It acknowledges that travel plans can be fluid, a trend noted by travel experts at Forbes as increasingly important to modern travelers.
However, the key term here is “unused.”
To be eligible for a full refund, your City Pass must not have been activated or used at even a single attraction. Once you scan your pass at your first museum, viewpoint, or tour, it is considered “activated” and is no longer eligible for a refund.
Key Exclusions to the City Pass Refund Policy 2025
While the 365-day policy is fantastic, it’s crucial to understand the exceptions.
Not every ticket sold on the City Pass website falls under this generous umbrella.
Therefore, knowing these exclusions is vital for avoiding disappointment.
- Activated Passes: As mentioned, this is the most common reason for a denied refund. If you’ve used the pass to enter even one attraction, you cannot request a refund. The system logs the first use, permanently activating the pass.
- Theme Park & Special Tickets: This is the most important exclusion to be aware of. Tickets for major theme parks like Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal Studios Hollywood sold through City Pass are often non-refundable and non-exchangeable. These tickets are subject to the theme parks’ own stringent policies, a point often emphasized in comprehensive guides on theme park ticketing. Always check the specific terms and conditions on the product page before purchasing these specific tickets.
- Third-Party Purchases: If you purchased your City Pass from a third-party vendor (like a travel agent or another deals website) instead of directly from CityPass.com, you are subject to that vendor’s refund policy. You must initiate the refund request with them, not City Pass. Consumer advice from NerdWallet often highlights the importance of understanding the seller’s specific terms.
- Expired Orders: A request for a refund must be made within 365 days of the purchase date. After this window closes, the order is expired and ineligible for a return.
Expert’s Take
“City Pass’s 365-day refund window is a standout feature in the travel pass market, making it one of the most flexible options for uncertain travel plans.”
How to Cancel City Pass and Request a Refund
Fortunately, City Pass has streamlined the process for an unused City Pass cancellation.
Following the City Pass refund policy 2025 is incredibly straightforward, as the entire process is handled online.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your money back:
Step 1: Find Your Order Details
First, locate the original order confirmation email you received from City Pass. From this email, you will need two key pieces of information: the email address you used and your order number.
Step 2: Visit the Official Refund Portal
Next, navigate directly to the City Pass Customer Care returns and refunds page. This is the only designated portal for all refund requests, so be wary of third-party sites. For verified information, always go to the source on their official website.
Step 3: Submit Your Request
Then, on the returns page, enter your email address and order number. Fill these in carefully and click submit. The system will locate your order and guide you through confirmation if it meets the eligibility criteria.
Step 4: Await Confirmation and Processing
After submitting, you will receive an email confirming your request was received. The refund is then processed back to your original form of payment. According to City Pass, this typically takes 7-10 business days to appear in your account.
City Pass Refunds: A Quick Comparison
To make it crystal clear, here’s a breakdown of how the City Pass refund policy 2025 applies to different types of purchases. Use this table as a quick reference before you buy.
Standard City Passes (e.g., New York C3, Southern California)
- Refund Eligibility: Yes, Full Refund
- Key Condition: Must be unused and requested within 365 days of purchase.
Theme Park Tickets (e.g., Disney World, Universal)
- Refund Eligibility: No, Generally Non-Refundable
- Key Condition: Governed by the theme park’s own strict policies. Always check the product page.
Purchases via Third-Party (e.g., travel agents, other sites)
- Refund Eligibility: Depends on the Vendor
- Key Condition: You must contact the original seller; City Pass cannot process the refund.
Activated or Used Passes
- Refund Eligibility: No, Non-Refundable
- Key Condition: A pass is considered “used” after being scanned at the first attraction.
How to plan a family-friendly NYC itinerary with CityPASS
This comparison clearly outlines the main scenarios, helping you understand exactly where you stand. The golden rule is to always check the specific terms for tickets to major theme parks before completing your purchase.
