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Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 8 Comments

If you are visiting Houston in Texas, one attraction we can highly recommend you spend some time at is the Space Center Houston.

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is the home of NASA’s Mission Control and where U.S. astronauts are trained. It’s also a Smithsonian affiliate museum.

There are two main parts to a visit to the Space Center. There’s the large self-guided Space Center museum itself, which is home to numerous exhibits on space exploration and space in general.

Then there’s the tram tour, which takes you onto the grounds of the NASA Johnson Space Center facility itself, where you can see actual working government facilities, as well as historic locations like the original Mission Control room.

In this post, we’re going to share everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit to Space Center Houston, from getting there, to what to see and do, to how to save money on your ticket.

Let’s get started.

A Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston

Where is space center houston.

Space Center Houston is at 1601 E NASA Parkway. This is found around 26 miles southeast of the city center, or approximately a 30-minute drive in light traffic.

How To Get to Space Center Houston?

From Houston, the easiest way to get to Space Center Houston is to drive. You can just follow the I-45 out of the city centre, and then take exit 24, following signs for NASA. It should take around half an hour, although of course traffic can slow you down. There is a large car-parking lot on site, with a reasonable daily fee of $5 per vehicle.

During the week it is also possible to take public transport to Space Center Houston, using Bus service 249. This takes around an hour and costs $3. You can see schedules and timetables on the Houston Metro site . Public transport is not available on the weekends.

There is a Hop-on Hop-off bus service in Houston , but it does not go to the Space Center.

You can also take a taxi or ride share service like Uber. Prices will vary, but will be in the region of $30 – $60 each way depending on traffic and time of day. You can also get these back from the Space Center.

Finally, it’s also possible to take a guided tour from the city centre out to Space Center Houston. As an example, this tour includes a tour of Houston, transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry to the Space Center.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Space Center Houston?

Standard entry to Space Center Houston for an adult (12+) is $29.95 – $34.95 depending on the day and time you visit. It’s $24.95 for children (aged 4-11) and $27.95 for seniors (65+). Prices are correct as of February 2023.

There are a variety of discounts available for active and retired military with I.D., AAA members with I.D., and groups. Children 3 and under are able to enter for free.

You can see all the details of the pricing and discount eligibility on the official site here . Note, tickets bought on the official site are non-refundable. You can also buy your ticket online in advance here for the same price , with the option of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit.

You can also buy tickets in person. The price is the same, but if you print your ticket at home or download it to your mobile device, then you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the entry turnstile. This can save you a bit of time on busy days.

Space Center Houston is also included on the Houston City PASS . This can save you significant money if you plan on visiting some of the other attractions that the pass covers – up to 50% savings in fact! We found the pass very useful for our trip to Houston.

The Houston City PASS includes entry to five of Houston’s most popular attractions, but you only need to visit two or three of them for it to start saving you money.

See what it covers and buy yours in advance here . You can also buy it here with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before your trip if you need the flexibility.

Note – the CityPASS includes the standard tram tours but not the Mission Control tram tour, which is a paid extra. Last time we checked in 2023, you can upgrade on site for $15, subject to availability.

Are there different ticket types and experiences at the Space Center?

There are a number of different ticket options for Space Center. These are:

• the standard ticket
• the standard ticket with Mission Control Tour
• the Breakfast with an Astronaut Experience
• the VIP tour

The difference between these tours is reflected in the experience you have as well as the price you pay. See below for more on what each of these tickets includes and the difference between them, as well ar pricing.

Ticket types for Space Center Houston

The standard entry ticket gets you access to all the exhibits in the Space Center as well as the tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center. This is the ticket included on the Houston City PASS . This costs $29.95 – $34.95 for an adult.

The standard entry ticket with Mission control tour . This is the same as the standard entry ticket but it also includes the Mission control tram tour. This costs an extra $15 per ticket, so for adults it varies from $44.95 – $49.95.

The breakfast with an astronaut experience. This includes your standard entry, plus, as the name suggests, you get to have a meal with an astronaut. You’ll hear stories and anecdotes from an actual NASA astronaut, plus have the opportunity to take photos.

This is only available once or twice a week, and it depends on astronaut availability. This experience needs to be booked in advance, and you can find out more here about availability and what it includes. It currently costs $99.95.

Finally, the NASA VIP Space Center Houston tour is the ultimate VIP experience, for those who want a truly unique and special experience. The highlight of this experience is a 3 hour guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, giving you much more access than the tram tour.

The VIP costs $199.95, and the includes your entry to Space Centre Houston, so you have plenty of time to see everything. The tour needs to be booked in advance, which you can do here . It is only available for those aged 14 and older. Tours run twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They actually visit different locations, so you could book both for the ultimate experience!

Experiences at Space Center Houston

As well as the different ticket options, Space Center Houston also offers a variety of educational programs geared to families and children’s organizations and groups (e.g., Boy Scouts, school groups).

For example, they offer a number of overnight experiences, including a family oriented overnight experience. This gives you the opportunity to actually stay overnight at the facility, either in your own tent outside, or inside amongst the artefacts.

You can see all the upcoming events and experiences on the events page here .

What can you do at Space Center Houston?

There is a lot to do at Space Center Houston, with over 400 space artifacts, a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, learning experiences, theaters, and more!

Here’s a quick overview of the major attractions and activities you can enjoy at Space Center Houston. It’s not absolutely everything, but it should give you an idea of the scope of what’s on offer!

The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

This tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center takes you to some of the highlights of the Johnson Space Center, and is one of the most popular parts of a visit to the Space Center.

The tour may change depending on what’s happening at the facility and security considerations with active missions and programmes, but it normally has the option to visit one or more of the following, depending on the time of year and tram tour chosen:

• The Mission Operations Control Room 2, commonly known as Mission Control, which was where the Apollo missions were coordinated from.
• The Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, where astronauts train on replicas of space vehicles like the ISS.
• Rocket Park, home to a Saturn V rocket (the size has to be seen to be believed) as well as a number of other rockets from different stages of the space program.

We have more detail on the tram tour in the section dedicated to taking the tram tour elsewhere in this guide.

Independence Plaza

Independence Plaza is a large space outside the main Space Center building. It is home to an actual Boeing 747 aircraft, atop which is mounted a replica space shuttle.

The 747 in question was one of two Shuttle Carrier Aircraft developed by NASA to transport the space shuttle from it secondary landing site back to the main Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center.

Often, bad weather would prevent the shuttle from landing at Kennedy, and so the 747 was developed to transport it back.

At Independence Plaza you can go all the way up into the replica shuttle, as well as through the length of the 747, where there are a variety of exhibits and interactive installations, telling the story of the vehicle.

Starship Gallery

Inside the main Space Center building, one of the most impressive galleries in our opinion is the Starship Gallery.

This is home to three actual spacecraft which have flown to space, the Mercury 9 capsule, the Gemini 5 capsule, and the Apollo 17 command module.

There’s also a lunar module test vehicle, a lunar rover test vehicle, a full-scale Skylab trainer and more.

Finally, the Starship Gallery is home to an actual piece of lunar rock, which is one of only eight in the world that you are allowed to touch. Yes, you can touch a piece of the moon in the Starship Gallery!

Mission Mars

One of the newest exhibits at the Space Center is Mission Mars. This exhibit focuses on NASA’s project to ultimately send manned space missions to Mars.

It covers the various challenges that need to be overcome for that to be successful, the vehicles that are being developed to take us there, and an overview of humanity’s relationship with the red planet.

There are also galleries explaining what life on Mars might be like when we finally send people there, including the habitats, clothing, and equipment that might be used.

This is a very interactive exhibit, with lots of touchscreens and hands on opportunities. You can also touch a Mars meteorite here.

Astronaut Gallery

The astronaut gallery is a display of astronaut clothing and spacesuits that have been on real-life missions.

Some of the highlights of this gallery include Pete Conrad’s Apollo 12 suit, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and Wally Schrira’s Apollo 7 suit.

However, there are a great many wonderful exhibits here, spanning all of NASA’s space flight programmes. There is also the crew wall, which features portraits of every NASA astronaut who has flown in space, from Alan Shepherd and Neil Armstrong up to those currently in orbit on the International Space Station.

International Space Station Gallery

The International Space Station (ISS) is one of mankind’s most impressive space achievements. This massive science laboratory, which orbits the earth at over 17,000 miles per hour, is the largest structure ever built in space. It is home to astronauts from all over the world.

The ISS gallery is designed to give you a sense of what life on the ISS is like, as well as to give an insight into the sort of research and experiments that take place on the ISS.

There’s also a live daily interactive show, Living in Space, which uses the latest projection mapping technology to explain what day to day life on the ISS is like. This usually takes place 3 – 4 times a day, and you can find out showtimes for the day of your visit from the Guest Services Desk on site.

There are two main theatres at the Space Center, the Destiny Theater and the Space Center Theatre.

The Destiny Theater shows the “Human Destiny” film, which uses NASA archival footage to tell the story of how NASA was formed, followed by the story of key NASA events and accomplishments. This is around 15 minutes in duration, and plays throughout the day continuously.

This theater is also home to the lectern used by US President John F. Kennedy when he gave his seminal speech announcing his intention to land an American on the moon.

The Space Center Theater is a state of the art 4K theater, and at time of writing, is the largest 4K theater in Texas. This plays a variety of space related films, documentaries, and animations.

The best way to see what is showing in the Space Center Theater when you visit is to download the official Space Center Houston app . You can also check with the Guest Services desk when you arrive for showtimes.

Entry to both theaters is included with your standard admission ticket.

Mission Briefing Center

If you want to know what’s happening in the world of space exploration right now, you’ll want to head to the Mission Briefing Center.

Here, there are daily presentations on current NASA missions, with real-time updates on progress and events, both in space and on earth.

This is a wonderful way to find out what’s happening right now in NASA, plus the live briefing finishes with a Q&A with the mission briefing officer, so you can ask your own questions and find out about the things that really interest you.

The content of the briefings changes, but they usually run three times a day and last for 30 minutes. Times for the briefings are displayed at the entrance to the Mission Briefing Center, as well as on the daily schedule in the map and guide you will receive. You can also ask at Guest Services for timings.

Ah yes, the gift shops! You definitely don’t want to leave the Space Center without picking up some sort of memorabilia of your trip, be that a t-shirt, a toy, or some astronaut ice cream.

There’s one major gift shop at the Space Center, as well as a smaller gift shop near the tram departure area. We noticed that these do carry slightly different items, so do check both of them.

One tip – don’t leave your shopping until the last minute. A lot of people do this, as we did, and there tends to be a mad rush for the tills right at the end of the day. So perhaps head over to the gift shop at least an hour before closing so you can browse and check out at a more leisurely pace.

That’s just some of what is on offer at the Space Center Houston. As well as all the above, there are also regularly changing and updated temporary exhibits. So you definitely won’t run out of fun things to see and do!

How Long do you Need at Space Center Houston?

As you can see from all the things to do at Space Center Houston, you could easily spend a full day here.

We would suggest spending a minimum of 3 – 4 hours here, which will give you time to see some of the highlights and take a tram tour.

However, ideally you would plan to spend the full day here so as to have time to see and do everything without feeling rushed.

There’s a huge amount to see and do, especially when you consider the tram tour,  films, interactive exhibits, and so on, and you should make the most of your ticket.

Do you Need to do the Tram Tour at Space Center Houston?

The tram tour at Space Center Houston is not mandatory and you can spend your time just exploring the museum.

However, if you have not visited the Space Center before and taken the tram tour, we would definitely recommend doing it as it is one of the highlights of the experience.

There are three options for the tram tour, depending on your interest. Two of these are included on your entry ticket whilst the third requires an additional fee payable when you book.

The tram tours are as follows:

• George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour. Visits the Rocket Park where the Saturn V rocket can be found. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
• Astronaut Training Facility Tour. As well as Rocket Park, this tour also visits the Astronaut Training Facility to see where NASA astronauts train. Included on general admission, requires boarding pass (book on arrival with staff members at Guest Services Desk or with free app ).
• Historic Mission Control tour. This tour visit the actual mission control where NASA co-ordinated all the Apollo missions. It also includes Rocket Park. This tour has an additional fee and must be booked in advance when purchasing your general admission ticket. When you book you will choose a timeslot. If you are visiting with a CityPASS , you can pay $15 on site to upgrade to the Mission Control Tram Tour, subject to availability.

Of the tours, personally, I would pick the Mission Control tour as it’s such an iconic location. However, if you don’t want to pay the extra I would opt for the Astronaut Training Facility Tour as it includes Rocket Park.

Note that when we visited Mission Control it was being done up for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo landings, so this image isn’t representative of the experience you will have, however I did want to share it as I still though the consoles looked pretty cool – even in plastic wrap!

If you want, you can actually take multiple tram tours. However, as the tours last 90 minutes to 2 hours, this will use up a lot of the day.

Note also that the locations the trams visit can vary depending on operational schedules and other factors.

The Mission Control tour has pre-booked timed slots which you select when you book your admission ticket.

If you are not taking the Mission Control tram (or are visiting with a CityPASS and want to upgrade to the Mission Control tram), then we would suggest that you make booking your tram tour the first thing you do on arrival.

To take a tram tour, you need a timed boarding pass. You can either get this from the Guest Services desk at the entrance, or you can download the free Space Center Houston app and book that way.

Note that if you take the VIP tour, you have your own private minivan tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center.

Tram tours normally run from fifteen minutes after the Space Center opens, and run every 20 minutes, until 2 hours before closing. For example. if the Space Center closes at 5pm, the last tram will depart at 3pm.

We highly recommend checking times and booking your boarding pass for the tram as soon as you arrive, so you can be sure not to miss out.

Once you have booked the tram tour, you can explore the remainder of the museum at your own leisure until it is time to board.

What are the Highlights of Space Center Houston?

If you are visiting the Space Center for a limited amount of time, you might be wondering what the best way to make the most of your time would be.

If it was me, my priority would be to take the tram tour over anything else. That’s because this is a really unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else.

The museum and all the exhibits are also excellent. However, if we had to pick some favourites for your visit, we’s suggest you visit:

• Independence Plaza, home to the world’s only shuttle replica, which is mounted on an actual shuttle carrying 747 aircraft
• The original Apollo 17 Command Module, which has flown to the moon. This is in the Starship Gallery
• The moon rock exhibit where you can actually touch a piece of moon rock. This is also in the Starship Gallery
• The gift shop, because it’s awesome!

Ideally though you will be able to see and do a lot more than the above.

Is Food Available at Space Center Houston?

Yes, food is available for purchase at the Space Center. The dining area is called the Zero-G diner, and it has a range of food options from sandwiches and vegetarian options through to grilled food, burgers, and pizzas.

Food is not included on your entry ticket unless you have the lunch with an astronaut tour pre-booked, in which case you will have lunch served in a different location.

The Zero G diner does offer a 10% discount to Space Center Houston members, members of the U.S. military, and senior citizens. Be sure to present your I.D. before ordering to claim any discounts.

Is there an Audio Tour of Space Center Houston?

Space Center Houston offers the Space Center App for smartphones. This includes an audio tour, GPS maps of the location, AR experiences, and more.

This is available as a free download for both Android and Apple smartphones. You can find the correct link here .

We’d highly recommend getting this in advance of your visit, and remembering to bring a pair of headphones so you can take full advantage of it.

Up until 2018 there was a separate audio guide that was purchasable for a fee, however this is no longer offered as an option.

Is Space Center Houston Accessible?

Space Center Houston has made great efforts to provide a fully accessible experience across a range of accessibility needs.

In terms of general physical accessibility, all the exhibitions, theaters and tours are fully accessible to wheelchair users. There are also wheelchairs available on site on a first come first served basis.

Beyond physical accessibility, there are a number of other accessibility features, including events and programs for autism and sensory accessibility, deaf and hard of hearing accessibility and visual accessibility. Service animals, as defined by the ADA and Texas laws, are also permitted.

There’s an excellent page on the official Space Center website here , all about the various accessibility options and programmes available. We’d also recommend you reach our directly to the Space Center with any accessibility questions or needs you may have prior to your visit if you have any further queries.

Other Attractions near Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is around 30 – 40 minutes drive south east of Houston, so you might be wondering if there are other attractions in the area.

The closest attraction which is popular with visitors to Houston, which is also covered on the Houston City PASS , is the Kemah Boardwalk . This is a large boardwalk which is home to a number of amusement rides, games, restaurants, and attractions. A great place for families.

You can either visit here yourself with a car, or you can take a tour from Houston that includes both the  Space Center and Kemah Boardwalk like this .

For more inspiration on other things to do near the Space Center and in Houston in general, see our guide to things to do in Houston .

How Busy is Space Center Houston?

The Space Center is one of the most popular attractions in Houston, and as such it does get quite busy. The busiest times are on holidays, weekends, and during the summer.

If possible, we’d advise visiting outside of these times. During the busiest times, there can be long wait times for the tram tour in particular.

In addition, the Space Center is popular with school groups. These visit throughout the year, but the main months are March, April, and May.

These can definitely raise the volume level in the Space Center, and make it much busier, so bear this in mind if visiting during these months.

Opening Hours for Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is open year round except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Standard opening times are from 10am – 5pm, however during busy times they can open at 9am, and close at 6pm.

You can see a full day by day schedule of opening hours on the official website here . Note that opening hours are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, although this is rare.

Contact Information for Space Center Houston

If you want to contact the Space Center, you have a few options. First, most of your questions should be answered on their website, which you can see here .

If you still have questions about your visit, you can contact the Space Center by e-mail or phone.

Contact e-mail addresses are [email protected] or  [email protected] . The phone number is +1 281-244-2100.

In my experience, e-mail was the fastest way to reach them for specific queries. The phone line has a number of automated response options with ticketing information and prices, but I wasn’t personally able to reach a human. E-mail responses on the other hand were fast and accurate.

Our Experience Visiting Space Center Houston

We visited Space Center Houston mid-week in late September, which turned out to be a great option as it was not too busy. The first thing we did was visit the tram tour info point, where we learnt the tram schedule for the day.

It was obvious when we visited the info point that there weren’t going to be major lines for the tram on the day of our visit.

This isn’t always the case of course, and at busy times the lines for the tram can be much longer – we were just lucky!

In addition, as we were lucky to be visiting on a quieter day, the tram was scheduled to visit all the highlights, so we didn’t have to pick a tram route.

We decided to come back to around 15 minutes in advance of a departure and spend some time exploring some of the exhibits. We visited the ISS display, the Starship Gallery, and the Mission to Mars exhibit.

Then, it was time for the tram ride. As previously mentioned, there are usually different tram routes to choose from, but the day we visited it was less busy and so they were running a combined tour. This means we got to visit Mission Control, the astronaut training center, and the Rocket Park, which was pretty awesome.

The tram ride took just under two hours, and was the definite highlight of our experience. Seeing the historic Mission Control room, which was home to so many important moments in the space programme, was really something special. And this was despite much of it being covered in wrapping due to refurbishment!

We also enjoyed seeing the huge astronaut training center, but I have to say, the Rocket Park was something else. There’s nothing quite like being up close to a Saturn V rocket to give you an idea of the scale of these vehicles.

We were lucky enough to visit the US Space and Rocket Center  whilst attending Space Camp in Huntsville Alabama , which is home to two more Saturn V rockets, and they were just as impressive!

Finally, after the tram tour, we visited the remainder of the main sights we wanted to see. The Independence Plaza was definitely a highlight – being able to get up inside one of the actual 747 shuttle carrier aircraft was a real experience, and seeing the scale of the shuttle against the 747 was amazing.

Tours of Space Center Houston

If you are visiting Houston and would prefer to take a tour that includes the Space Center, we’ve found the following two options for you to consider. These both include entry to the Space Center, return transport, plus some time exploring Houston itself.

• The first option is this 6 hour tour of Houston which also includes transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry and a tour of the city
• The second option is this longer full day tour  which includes a 1.5 hour tour of Houston, as well as time at the Space Centre and the Kemah Boardwalk.

Hopefully one of those tours might work for you!

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

If you plan on spending a full day at Space Center Houston, as we recommend that you do, then you might prefer to stay near the Space Center. This means you can be first in the door when it opens, and maximise your time.

We’ve found a number of accommodation options near the Space Center, at a variety of price points.

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – This well rated budget 2* hotel is the closest option to the Space Center – it’s less than ten minutes walk across to the Space Center. There’s free on-site parking, work desks in the rooms, private bathrooms, and continental breakfast is included.
• Super 8 by Wyndham  – Another well rated 2* property, this one is just a mile from Space Centre Houston. Rooms have private bathroom and coffee makers, there’s free parking, and continental breakfast is included.
• Best Western Webster – Another highly rated budget 2* property (there’s no shortage of choice in this area). Found 10 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, as well as work space. Parking is free and breakfast is also included.
• Springhill Suites Houston – A well rated 3* hotel around 6 minutes drive from the Space Center. Rooms are all suites with separate living areas as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Breakfast and parking are included, and laundry / gym services are offered.
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Found 2 miles from the Space Center, this well-rated 3* property offers self-catering suites which include a microwave, oven, stove and refrigerator. There’s also a gym, pool, and jacuzzi. Breakfast and parking are also available on site.
• Holiday Inn Kemah  – If you want a hotel near the Kemah Boardwalk, this well rated 3* option would be our pick. It’s within walking distance from the boardwalk, and rooms feature microwaves, fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Free parking is included, and breakfast is optional.

Between these options we hope you will find something to suit your needs and budget.

Further Reading

Well, that’s it for our guide to visiting the Space Center in Houston, Texas. Before you go, we wanted to share some other content that we think you’ll find useful in planning your trip.

• There’s lots more to do in Houston beyond the Space Center. See our guide to things to do in Houston for some inspiration.
• If you’re visiting a number of cities in Texas, we have guides to a number of those as well! We have a guide to things to do in Austin , things to do in San Antonio , as well as a guide to things to do in Dallas
• If you do visit San Antonio, we also have a detailed guide to visiting the Alamo , and the  San Antonio River Walk , which will help you plan your time visiting these two popular San Antonio attractions
• Love space? So do we, and the Space Center in Houston is far from the first space attraction we’ve written about! We have a guide to visiting the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , a guide to attending Space Camp , a  guide to  getting into space as a tourist , and a guide to New Mexico’s Space Trail , for more space related fun!
• We also have lots of resources to help you plan a trip to the USA. See our guides to  how much it costs to travel in the USA  and  driving in the USA  as starting points.
• If you want some road trip inspiration, see our itineraries for a  USA Deep South road trip ,  California Road Trip ,  Route 66 Road Trip  and  Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• We’ve visited a lot of other cities in the USA! See our guides to  Things to do in Huntsville ,  Things to do in Savannah ,  Things to do in Charleston ,  Things to do in Albuquerque ,  Visiting New Orleans During Mardi Gras ,  Things to do in Cambria  and  Things to do in Santa Fe  to get started!

We hope you’ve found our guide to the Space Center in Houston useful! As always, we’re happy to hear your feedback and answer your questions. Just use the comments section below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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There are 8 comments on this post

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Maryam Boone says

25th February 2023 at 2:34 am

Your information was EXCELLENT! I’ve lived in Houston for 2 years now but haven’t had a chance to visit the Space Center -even though I’ve driven past it going to Galveston several times. My daughter and son-in-law are coming to visit and we are going this weekend. I had viewed the Space Center’s website last month but still had a few questions. Your information answered all of my questions and was much, much better than the Space Center’s site! Thank you so much for giving such detailed and informative information. If this is the type of information you provide about other attractions you visit, then these attractions should pay you for the excellent information you provide!

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2023 at 6:07 am

Hey Maryam,

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and let me know! It’s much appreciated 🙂 I hope you guys have an awesome visit to the Space Center! I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you notice anything there that isn’t quite right in my guide, feel free to let me know 🙂

Philip Baker says

12th March 2021 at 10:48 am

Hi, thinking of having a holiday in Texas march 22 if they let us fly from UK and was looking on Google maps for places to visit, two days later your site popped up on my phone, must say best travel site I have seen. Phil

12th March 2021 at 10:59 am

Thanks so much Phil, that’s very kind of you to take the time to let us know! I hope you are able to take advantage of our tips on a trip to Texas, and if you have any questions, just let me know 🙂

Kurt Peterson says

27th October 2019 at 1:24 am

Laurence and Jessica, Thank you for the great piece on The Space Center in Houston. My wife and I are looking forward to our visit in mid November. We have been privileged to have had the opportunity to visit both The Kennedy Space Center and the NASA facility in Huntsville. We are throughly excited about seeing the ‘real’ mission control room. Seeing the Saturn 5 rocket is always pretty amazing. Thanks again, Kurt and Veronica Peterson

27th October 2019 at 1:57 pm

Our pleasure Kurt! Have an amazing time, and do let us know how you enjoy it compared to the other locations you’ve visited 😀

Sesh Komanduri says

13th August 2019 at 11:43 am

Excellent write-up, Jessica and Laurence. I finally found the guide I was looking for!! One quick question. Is it easy to get a Uber/lyft on the way back from the Space Center to downtown? I want to use that option rather than a standard tour so that I have maximum time at the Center and return as per my convenience. But dont want to get stranded there without transport!!

13th August 2019 at 12:05 pm

So we’ve not personally done this ride with Uber or Lyft, but looking at what other travellers have said and checking the Uber app, it does look like it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

Have a great time!

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NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston: The Complete Guide

NASA is determined to get another man—and the first woman—on the moon by 2024, and Johnson Space Center (JSC) is one of the places that’s making it happen. For more than half a century, this sprawling, 100-building research and development complex just outside Houston has led the nation in scientific, engineering, medical, and technical advances that have shaped space-related travel—and is jettisoning it into the future. The only way the public can visit the complex—including the newly restored Mission Control Center, appearing exactly as it did on July 20, 1969, when the first lunar landing was monitored from here—is via Space Center Houston, the center’s official visitor center. Here you’ll enjoy a state-of-the-art museum , arrange a tram tour, visit the replica space shuttle Independence , plus purchase tickets for special experiences.

It all started when John F. Kennedy stated to Congress in 1961: “We choose to go to the moon.” The Manned Spacecraft Center opened in 1963 (it was renamed in 1973 to honor the 36th president), kicking off a four-decades-old-and-counting legacy of “design, development, and operation of human space flight.” 

JSC is where astronauts are selected and trained. This is where Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab were run, and where International Space Station missions are still being run. And this is where Orion—the new spacecraft to send humans to the moon and Mars—is operating. Today, the center remains one of NASA’s largest research and development facilities.

Space Center Houston opened in 1992 as the public arm of Johnson Space Center, a world-class, 250,000-square-foot space with exhibits, real-life space artifacts, and lunar models. Disney Imagineers helped design the concepts, ensuring an entertaining yet educational aspect. Since then, Space Center Houston has welcomed more than 20 million visitors.

What to See and Do

Space Center Houston is your starting point, where you’ll get your tickets, enjoy artifact-filled galleries, films, and live demonstrations, and hop on the popular NASA tram tour of the JSC complex. You could spend all day here—and should allocate at least six hours to do it justice. Your experience can be enhanced with add-ons, including a VIP NASA experience and lunch with an astronaut.

Your first stop at the museum should be Destiny Theater and the film, “Human Destiny,” which provides an overview of many of the artifacts that you’ll be seeing.

From here, seek out the Starship Gallery, where the chronology of U.S. space travel showcases the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras. Among the ships and vehicles on display are the Apollo 17 command module, the last Apollo mission to the moon; a lunar roving trainer, which astronauts used to practice driving a rover on the moon; and the lunar module LTA-8, which transported astronauts to and from the spacecraft to the lunar surface. Look for the Gene Kranz Apollo 17 Vest, worn by the iconic flight director known for wearing colorful vests handmade by his wife. Nearby in the Lunar Samples Vault, you can touch a real-life rock from the moon, one of only eight rocks in the world that are allowed to be touched.

Astronaut Gallery delves into the life of an astronaut, displaying different spacesuits and garments from the Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle eras, including Sally Ride’s inflight coveralls, Michael Collins’ Apollo 11 garment, and John Young’s STS-1 suit. A portrait gallery on the wall memorializes every NASA astronaut who has flown in space.

Mars is on the forefront of NASA’s goals, and the Mission Mars Gallery explores the work that’s going on to make travel there happen. Here you climb into a replica Orion capsule, the vehicle that which will transport astronauts to the moon and beyond, and learn about the intricacies of travel to the red planet—and living there. You can also touch a real-life Mars rock.

In the International Space Station Gallery, showcasing the largest structure built in space (as long as a football field!), you’ll see real-life artifacts and interactive robotic exhibits that bring the International Space Station to life. You’ll also learn about the day-to-day life on this giant space laboratory. 

At Independence Plaza, a replica of the Independence Space Shuttle sits atop the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. And not only is it amazing to look at, but you can climb inside the shuttle, where exhibits delve into the history and future of space exploration. Here you’ll get a feel for what it was like to live in this very functional, gadget-filled space. Hint: It’s not very glamorous, but it’s technically astounding. You can also explore inside the original airplane.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the popular, one-hour NASA Tram Tour , which takes you on a behind-the-scenes look at the JSC campus. This is the actual working space of scientists, engineers, technicians, and astronauts who are imagining and striving for the next space journeys. You have two choices of tours, depending on what you want to see.

• The Astronaut Training Facility Tour includes a visit to the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9, where astronauts train and scientists and engineers work and invent; you’ll see ISS replicas, the Orion capsule, and other new NASA projects.
• The Mission Control Center Tour takes you to the newly restored Apollo Mission Control Center, from which the Gemini and Apollo missions were managed—including the first famous moon walk. 

On some weekends and holidays, another option is to visit the current Mission Control, where the International Space Station activities are monitored.

How to Visit 

Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston are located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston . Space Center Houston, Johnson Space Center’s visitor center, is open daily except Christmas. For specific hours, visit the website . One-day passes are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children (ages 4 to 11), and $27.95 for seniors (65+). There’s also a $5 fee for parking.  

An audio option, narrated by astronauts, is available at the Information Desk for $36 for adults and $31 for children.

When you purchase your ticket, you will be given time slots for the NASA tram tour of the JSC and to visit Independence Plaza, both of which are included in your ticket price. These are your hard stops, when you must visit at your appointed times. In between those visits, stroll through the museum’s spacious galleries, enjoy films, see what lectures are going on, dine at Zero-G Diner, and take it all in.

Additional ticket options include the Level 9 VIP Tour, which provides behind-the-scenes access to the Johnson Space Center ($179.95; must be at least 14 to participate); and Lunch with an Astronaut ($69.95 for adults, $35.95 for children ages 4 to 11; includes admission to Space Center Houston), in which an astronaut shares a catered lunch while telling his or her stories and answering questions.

Tips for Visiting

• You can skip the line by buying tickets online , ahead of your visit. 
• If you become a member, which costs just a few dollars more than the ticket price, you’ll get priority boarding on the NASA Tram Tour .
• Most visitors come on weekends, holidays, and summer. If you want a more relaxed experience, visit off-season or arrive as early as possible during high season.
• Space Center Houston is part of CityPass Houston ($59 for adults, $49 for children), which includes admission to four other city attractions.
• Seasonal exhibits are often offered in the Main Plaza, in front Space Center Houston, and live shows take place on the outdoor Stellar Science Stage.

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Visiting the Johnson Houston Space Center

• Space Exploration
• An Introduction to Astronomy
• Important Astronomers
• Solar System
• Stars, Planets, and Galaxies
• Weather & Climate

Every NASA mission is controlled from the Johnson Space Center (JSC)  in Houston, Texas. That's why you often hear astronauts on orbit call out "Houston". when they're communicating to Earth.  JSC is more than just mission control; it also houses training facilities for the astronauts and mockups for future missions. 

As you can imagine, JSC is a popular place to visit. To help visitors get the most out of their trip to JSC, NASA worked with the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation to create a unique visitor experience called Space Center Houston.  It's open most days of the year and offers a lot in the way of space education, exhibits, and experiences. Here are a few of the highlights, and you can learn more at the center's website. Here's what to do at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. 

Space Center Theater

People of all ages are fascinated with what it takes to be an astronaut. This attraction shows the excitement, the commitment and the risks taken by the people who fly in space. Here we can see the evolution of the equipment and the training of the men and women who dreamed to be astronauts. We want guests to experience first hand what it takes to be an astronaut. The film, shown on a 5-story tall screen, takes the viewer by the heart to bring them into the life of an astronaut from the time they receive notification of their acceptance into the training program to their first mission.

Blast Off Theater

The only place in the world where you can personally experience the thrill of launching into space like a real astronaut. Not just a movie; it's the thrill of personally feeling the launch into space - from the rocket boosters to the billowing exhaust.

After docking at the International Space Station , guests enter the Blastoff Theater for an update on current shuttle missions, as well as details on the exploration of Mars.

NASA Tram Tour

With this behind-the-scenes journey through NASA's Johnson Space Center, you may visit the Historic Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility or the current Mission Control Center. Before returning to Space Center Houston, you can visit the "all new" Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park. Occasionally, the tour may visit other facilities, such as the Sonny Carter Training Facility or Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. You may even get to see astronauts training for upcoming missions.

Keep in mind that the buildings visited on the tram tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and are subject to closure without notice.

Astronaut Gallery

The Astronaut Gallery is an unparalleled exhibit featuring the world's best collection of spacesuits. Astronaut John Young's ejection suit and Judy Resnik's T-38 flightsuit are two of the many spacesuits on display.

The walls of the Astronaut Gallery also contain portraits and crew photos of every U.S. astronaut who has flown in space.

The Feel of Space

The Living in Space module simulates what life could be like for astronauts aboard the space station. A Mission Briefing Officer gives a live presentation on how astronauts live in a space environment.

It uses humor to show how the smallest tasks like showering and eating are complicated by a microgravity environment. A volunteer from the audience helps to prove the point.

Beyond the Living in Space Module are 24 part task trainers that use sophisticated computer technology to provide visitors with the experience of landing the orbiter, retrieving a satellite or exploring the shuttle systems.

Starship Gallery

The journey into space begins with the film "On Human Destiny" at the Destiny Theater. Artifacts and hardware on display in the Starship Gallery trace the progression of America's Manned Space Flight.

This incredible collection includes: an original model of the Goddard Rocket; the actual Mercury Atlas 9 "Faith 7" capsule flown by Gordon Cooper; the Gemini V Spacecraft piloted by Pete Conrad and Gordon Cooper; a Lunar Roving Vehicle Trainer, the Apollo 17 Command Module, the giant Skylab Trainer, and the Apollo-Soyuz Trainer.

Kids Space Place

Kids Space Place was created for children of all ages who have always dreamed of experiencing the same things astronauts do in space.

Interactive exhibits and themed area make exploring the different aspects of space and the manned space flight program loads of fun.

Inside Kids Space Place, guests can explore and experiment commanding the space shuttle or living on the space station . (Age and/or height restrictions may apply on some activities.)

Level 9 Tour

The Level Nine Tour takes you behind the scenes to see the real world of NASA up close and personal. On this four-hour tour you will see things that only the astronauts see and eat what and where they eat.

All your questions will be answered by a very knowledgeable Tour Guide as you discover the secrets that have been kept behind closed doors for years.

The Level Nine Tour is Monday-Friday and includes a FREE HOT LUNCH in the astronauts' cafeteria which makes it a "Big Bang" for your buck! The only security clearance is that you must be 14 years of age or older.

The Space Center Houston is one of the most worthwhile trips any space fan can make. It combines history and real-time exploration in one fascinating day! 

Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen .

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Your Guide to Exploring the Johnson Space Center in Houston

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In summer of 2017, my mom and I were driving across the country from Flagstaff, AZ to my new home, Athens, GA where I would be spending 5 years for graduate school! I had planned the entire road trip around visiting two places, New Orleans and the Houston Space Center. And let me tell you, if you’re visiting the NASA space center in Houston, you’re in for a treat!

There is something so incredible about how we all banded together to send people into space and how we worked to together to help solve problems. So, whether you only have one day in Houston or have lived there your whole life, this guide to the Johnson Space Center is full of all the information you need for an out of this world experience!

What to do at the Space Center in Houston

It can be tricky to navigate the Johnson Space Center because there is just so much to do!

Luckily, your general admission ticket gets you access to the full NASA museum and a tram tour, which takes you to see the famous historic Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR), the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and Rocket Park.

Let’s go through the highlights so you can decide how to best prioritize this science site .

1. Tram tour

Know before you go that you will need to reserve a Tram Tour boarding pass. This is free, but helps the Center maintain crowd levels.

You can reserve your boarding pass for your whole group by downloading the Space Center Houston app and selecting “Join virtual tram line” then selecting the number of people in your party and a time.

Alternatively, you can visit Guest Services when you arrive to have them book it for you.

Note that you do need to be onsite for both options.

But you definitely want to prioritize the tram tour as there are things you can only see by taking it. Here’s what you’ll experience:

Feel the power of the Mission Operations Control Room

The historic MOCR was awesome! You get to sit in the actual viewing area that the astronauts’ families and special guests sat in (who knows who’s butt had sat in my chair! It could have been someone so monumental! ).

From this room, the NASA team monitored nine Gemini missions and all Apollo lunar missions including the famous Apollo 11 trip to the moon. Don’t worry if the missions are new to you, you’ll about them in detail at Rocket Park!

You can truly feel how important this room once was and what amazing things had happened here. Instant goosebumps!

Space Vehicle Mockup Facility

Next on the tram tour, you visit the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility and see where the astronauts prep for their missions. Like hello?! Actual astronauts!

Unfortunately when we were there we couldn’t see any astronauts working , but the technology was incredible! The building houses new rover prototypes, robotics, and other innovations.

And the scale of this place is unreal! Just walking along the window from above you feel small, even more so because all of these things are meant for the vast void of space.

Rocket Park

Home to actual rockets, you’ll see one of the Saturn V rockets on it’s side. I guarantee you will feel like a small ant.

Inside the building, you can read about each of the Apollo missions – the astronauts, their goals, and the role of the Saturn V rocket.

This area such a great place to learn about the specifics away from the museum crowd and it was really neat to turn around and BOOM hello rocket!

2. Learn about NASA and space at the museum

This is one of the most beautifully curated museums I’ve ever been to so don’t skimp out!

In the main lobby, you’ll be surrounded by entrances to different exhibits and theatres. There are over 400 things to do and see!

Starship Gallery

Head to the Starship Gallery to see multiple space craft and artifacts from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo mission series.

Astronaut Gallery

The astronaut gallery has a TON of historic space suits throughout NASA’s various eras, including the one John Young wore during the first shuttle flight in 1991! There’s also an Apollo 11 suit, Sally Ride’s suit, and even Judy Resnik’s suit from 1978 ( she was one of the first ever female astronauts and THE first Jewish one! ).

Independence Plaza

Go inside the only shuttle replica at Independence Plaza! You can sit in chairs like astronauts and see just how massive it is from inside. In one of the exhibits here, you can take NASA’s career quiz where it matches you with a potential NASA career. I got matched with an engineer path ( not sure if chemist was a choice, but that’s pretty close considering I’m in an interdisciplinary lab! ).

Mission Mars

Touch a Mars rock and explore the Mars missions in the exhibit called “Mission Mars”. Very appropriate.

Live Demonstrations like BOOM!

Learn about how rockets are powered by combustion in the demonstration called BOOM ( if that name doesn’t sell you I don’t know what will ). There are also films shown in theatre exhibits in the museum including The Astronaut Perspective, Touch the Stars about spacecraft over the years, and one on the International Space Station.

International Space Station Gallery

The final exhibit is about the International Space Station with artifacts, history, its mission and purpose, and more!

Artemis Exhibit

Opening June 9, visit the Artemis Exhibit to learn about our new Artemis program that will be bringing humans to the moon for the first time in over 50 years! Huzzah!!

How much does it cost to get into Space Center Houston?

The general ticket prices are:

• $30 for adults
• $25 for kids ages 4-11
• free for kids ages 0-3

There are also additional tours that you can pay for including Lunch with an Astronaut for $70 for adults and $36 for children or the Level 9 Tour, a more more in depth tour option, for $180 per person. Note that the Level 9 tour is currently paused.

The final cost is for parking, which is $5 by cash or card.

Note that if you’re in Houston for awhile, you may be able to save with a CityPass .

Where is the Johnson Space Center?

Here’s the address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

It’s located on the Southeast end of Houston near the water.

You can get there by traveling South on I-45 from Houston until you get to Exit 24 (NASA 1) where you follow that road until you reach Second Street. Turn left on Second Street and you’ll be there!

Tips for visiting this NASA Space Center

• Do the tram as early as possible to avoid crowds. You can come back to the museum after. Check here for the most updated hours.
• The tram is open to the weather , so make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring rain gear if necessary.
• There are additional tour options that require more expensive tickets, such as the Level 9 tour and Lunch with an Astronaut tour. If you’re a space junkie, don’t miss out on enhancing your visit with a special tour. (Note the Level 9 Tour is currently paused).
• Give yourself enough time to explore the museum fully and do the tram tour. It takes about 4 hours to go through the Space Center in Houston.
• Yes, it is an active space center so as you go on the tram tour, you may see some activity for upcoming missions!

The space center is a must see for everyone. There is so much to see and learn here! It made me fall in love with science all over again. But, at the time it also made me a little sad at how space exploration has shifted away from sending astronauts to the moon and beyond. I am hopeful that our space program will be revamped and new generations will continue to be excited about astronomy and space exploration!

UPDATE: With the Artemis program we will be on the moon again! I’m so excited and I hope you take the time when visiting Houston to fully explore this space center and learn about why space exploration and discovery is so monumental.

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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Uncle Jag and I took the Level 9 tour about 10 years ago … it was half the price at that time, although still expensive. I was sick as a dog, but had made the reservations the day they became available (3 months prior) and I was not going to miss it. You could have wheeled me around on a hospital bed! It was the most fascinating tour I have ever done. We got to see the huge swimming pool the astronauts use for training for extra-vehicular work (there were two guys in the water when we were there). We got to sit at the consoles of the Apollo Control Room, we wandered around the mock-ups where we saw a crew of astronauts working. Lunch was included (an all-you-can-eat buffet that I was too sick to eat. It was wonderful!

That sounds awesome! I’m sure I’ll go back one day and do that tour!

Katelynn K.

Great piece! I moved to Texas from Nevada in 2017 and after I got settled, I flew my mom down to visit. The closest airport to where I was living was Houston so we bought citypasses (so glad you mentioned those!) and hit all the Houston MUST VISIT places. The space center was by far our favorite though! It’s so cool for both adults and children!

Great Piece! I moved to Texas from Nevada in 2017 and after I got all settled in, I flew my mom out to visit. Houston is the closest airport to where I was living so we decided to buy the City Passes and spend a night and two days exploring Houston for the first time. I’m so glad you mentioned the citypass! It saved us quite a bit of money and gave us ideas on what to do while we were there. The Space Center was incredible though! I’d 100% recommend it to anyone of any age. There’s plenty to do and see. We ended up spending about 5 hours there in total! Thanks for sharing.

I’m so glad you had a great time there too! We certainly spent all day there as well — such a fun center!

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How long does it take to see the Johnson Space...

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Space Center Houston Questions & Answers

How long does it take to see the Johnson Space Center and take the two tram tours on the general admission ticket?

It takes about 3 hours to see the main museum, all depends on how much you want to read and watch about history. However, the only tram working is to see the Saturn V. The other tram tours are closed due to Covid. Book a tram tour once you get there as you are placed in a queue for the ride.

My family spent the entire day from 10:00 am until 3:00 am. It was also cheaper for me to buy the Friends and Family membership. So we will be going back.

I don’t understand the previous answer to this question. It takes a full day to go through the main building, the shuttle and take two tram tours so get there when it opens.

The tram tours average two hours with the trip there an back which is the inly way to access. There are a lot of interesting artifacts in the shuttle. Also there are films and exhibits in the main building which will take a 1/2 hr each on average.

My wife and i both agree you need the full day

You can do it in about 2 hours but I’d say 3 if you want to have something to eat and generally be more relaxed.

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Home > Road Trip Itineraries > Southern States and Deep South > How to visit NASA in Houston? Guide to Johnson Space Center

How to visit NASA in Houston? Guide to Johnson Space Center

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You know the most iconic phrases spoken by astronauts? They all always start with the word “Houston.” That’s because even though space missions launch from Cape Canaveral , it’s the Houston headquarters that runs the show. It’s where new technologies are developed and astronauts train for their next stellar journey.

Perfect for history and science buffs, the Johnson Space Center offers the opportunity to tour the space base and museum, which contains plenty of artifacts, vehicles, and clothing. Here you can see the command center that handled missions to the moon, touch some of the fragments, marvel at the advances in science, and find out what the future holds.

A perfect attraction for the whole family, where you can spend a day feeling like a space explorer!

Historical notes

Which itinerary to use for johnson space center houston, hours, tickets, and other useful info, nasa streetcar tour, independence plaza, permanent museum exhibits, fee-based vip experiences, where to stay near johnson space center, where to eat.

The Johnson Space Center (JSC) began in 1961 as the Manned Spacecraft Center . The base, which took 2 years to build, was renamed in 1973 in honor of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Why Houston? The U.S. space program needed to find a site to house all the personnel of the Space Task Group , the task force charged with directing the Apollo lunar project . The Cape Canaveral launch base did not lend itself well to this purpose, so it was decided to choose a second site, which had to have very specific characteristics, namely the possibility of transporting goods on water, a mild climate to work outdoors all year round, and an airport operational in any weather.

It also had to be close to robust telecommunications and industrial networks, as well as a vibrant and active cultural community. Of the 23 competing locations, the finalists were Houston and Tampa . The choice fell on the former, apparently thanks in part to the urging of the then vice president. Have you guessed who he was? Yes, that’s right, Texan Lyndon B. Johnson.

NASA Houston has been home to the Mission Control Center since the Gemini IV program in 1964. Since then it has also directed the Apollo-Souyz, and Skylab, and from 1981 to 2011 was the headquarters for the Space Shuttle program.

Currently, it leads the operations for the ISS international space station , the development of the Orion spacecraft, as well as numerous other research and development programs. It is also home to the astronaut training camp, where astronauts prepare for long periods in space.

Where it is located and how to get there

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Johnson Space Center is by car. The site has ample parking, which costs $5 all day.

• From Houston , take I-45 towards Nassau Bay. Then take exit 24 to Nasa Road 1 and continue for 2.5 miles, then turn left onto Second St. You can’t miss the large blue sign on the left, indicating that you have arrived. Travel time is 30 minutes , but the road is very busy, especially during rush hour. If you have reservations for a specific time, leave an hour earlier .
• From Galveston , take I -45 towards Gulf Freeway S. Take the exit for TX-518/League City, and after 2 miles turn right onto Nasa Road 1, and continue as above. Travel time is 40 minutes , but again it is a good idea to make time for possible slowdowns.

Johnson Space Center address: 1601 NASA Pkwy, 77058, Houston, Texas, USA

Houston and NASA fit nicely into two itineraries.

• a trip dedicated entirely to Texas , touching the major cities of the state , the most beautiful natural areas such as the Hill Country and Big Bend National Park , and a stretch of Route 66 in Texas .
• an itinerary in the south of the United States , through the places that have marked the recent history of the country. In this case, you can combine the eastern part of Texas with New Orleans , the plantations of Louisana, and the Mississippi from Highway 61 to Memphis , depending on how many days you have available.

You can be stationed in Houston, and visit NASA in a day , or continue on to another city, for example Galveston or other locations on the Gulf Coast. Bear in mind, however, that the visit will take most of the day, so it would be wise to choose a place that is at most a couple of hours – 120 miles away.

Johnson Space Center hours vary by season and day of the week. In general, consider 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 6 p.m. in the summer and on weekends, plus some evenings until 10 p.m. Due to this variability, we suggest checking the updated calendar on the official page. Some areas may be exceptionally close during inclement weather.

NASA is a very popular attraction and attracts tourists from all over the world. For this reason it is often crowded, especially on weekends. We therefore recommend pre-purchase tickets . Below are the costs (they may change over time):

• Adults: $29.95 
• Children 4-11 years: $24.95
• Over 65: $27.95
• free under 3 years old

NASA Entrance Tickets

There are also guided tours available that include traveling with pickup from the hotel. Here’s one of the most popular:

NASA Guided Tour

If you plan to visit some Houston attractions as well, know that Nasa is included in the Houston City Pass , along with these museums:

• Downtown Aquarium
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Houston Zoo or Museum of Fine Arts
• Kemah Boardwalk or Children’s Museum of Houston

The cost of the City Pass is $64 for adults and $54 for children between the ages of 3 and 11. It’s valid for one year from purchase, and 30 consecutive days from first use. You can order online , tickets will be sent electronically to your email address.

The site visit is very structured so, as mentioned above, plan to spend the entire day there. It is not permitted to bring food from outside, but inside you will find a self-service bar. I also suggest bringing a sweatshirt or sweater, even in the middle of summer, because the air conditioning is very strong.

From this link , you can download the PDF map of the center.

Best things to do at Johnson Space Center

The two most popular attractions are the guided tour of the complex  and a visit to the Independence shuttle replica . To avoid long lines, head inside to the Membership Desk on the right. Here you will be given a ticket to show up at the attraction at the appointed time.

The Johnson Space Center tour takes you inside the space station, visiting places that have made and are making history. Because it is a working government building, the tour takes place on a tourist streetcar, and only a few pavilions are accessible to the public.

Here’s what you’ll see:

• Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control Center , the spearhead of the site. This is where the Gemini and Apollo programs were directed, including Apollo 11, which saw man land on the moon for the first time. Today it is no longer operational, and everything has been left as it was. Computers and machinery that today seem prehistoric to us, and that nevertheless allowed one of the greatest achievements of mankind. A short film about the moon landing is also shown.
• Astronaut Training Facility , the astronaut training camp, and the research and development center. For security reasons, and so as not to disturb the workers, with a standard ticket you can only visit it from an enclosed, elevated walkway. You will see some training modules, capsules for testing in micro-gravity environments, rovers, and humanoid robots. The equipment is constantly changing as new technologies are invented.
• Rocket Park , an outdoor area where several rockets used in the history of space programs are installed. The centerpiece is one of three Saturn V rockets still in existence, installed in a pavilion, and available for close inspection. Standing more than 328 feet tall, the Saturn V launched 26 astronauts into space between 1967 and 1973, with as many as six successful missions to the moon. A number of panels hang on the walls bearing the astronauts’ most famous quotes, including the famous “Houston, we have a problem.”

Duration: 90 minutes – 120 minutes. The last tour departs two hours before the center closes and may be suspended in case of inclement weather.

A number of vehicles and other space equipment are on display in this outdoor space:

• Replica of the shuttle Independence , mounted on the original Boeing 747 NASA 905, the aircraft used for shuttle transportation. You can enter the shuttle, and see the cockpit and living area. On display in the cargo bay is the STS -49 capsule with which, in 1992, three astronauts spent a full eight hours during a satellite recovery mission.
• SpaceX Falcon 9 booster , a rocket from the Space X company that has the distinction of being reusable. The central body is 156.5 feet high and has a diameter of 10.1 feet. It has 9 Merlin 1D engines that allow it to launch vehicles into space, while the central body lands safely and is then used again. This rocket completed two missions, in June and December 2017, after which it was retired.
• Kennedy Space Center Ramp 39B boarding arm . It provided a sterile environment where astronauts could remain until minutes before launch, while also serving as an emergency exit. No longer in use, the arm was dismantled in 2009 from its Cape Canaveral location and brought here for visitors to admire.

In addition to the attractions listed below, the Johnson Space Center always features temporary exhibits, housed in the central space. Since these may vary in both content and schedule, be sure to check what’s on when you arrive at the museum.

Starship Gallery

Start at the Destiny Theater , where the Human Destiny movie airs. Comprising more than 6 million pieces of original footage, it tells the story of NASA, from its founding to the most important space projects of the past, present, and future. Here we also find the podium from which Kennedy announced the Apollo program in 1962, uttering the fateful phrase: We choose to go to the moon.

The Starship Gallery features spacecraft, lunar modules, and various artifacts from space. The most significant are:

• Gallery Faith 7 spacecraft from the Mercury program. In 1963 it remained in orbit for 34 hours, 19 minutes and 49 seconds, circling the Earth 22.5 times and setting the American record for human spaceflight.
• Gemini V spacecraft , which in 1965 orbited the Earth for nearly 8 days with two astronauts on board, breaking the Russian record. This mission was also preparatory for future trips to the moon.
• Apollo 17 command module , the last of the missions to the moon, which took place in 1972.
• Lunar module LTA-8 , used as a base camp on the moon.
• Lunar vehicle equipped with an electric motor and video camera. The vehicles, weighing about 441 pounds, were used in the last three lunar missions, to facilitate the exploration of the satellite. This rover had a speed of 9 miles/h and a radius of about 55 miles.
• Skylab training module , the first habitable space station of the United States. The Skylab project allowed new methods to be studied for living and working in space for long periods and was therefore a precursor of the ISS. The one on display is the training module, but you get a good idea of what daily life was like for the astronauts.
• some lunar fragments , which you can touch.

Astronaut Gallery

This section is dedicated to the people who made us dream with their travels outside our planet. Space suits from different eras, often related to significant events, are on display. Here are the pieces you shouldn’t miss:

• Michael Collins’ isolation suit , one of the three astronauts of Apollo 11, the first mission to successfully land on the moon. Upon return, the astronauts were quarantined and kept under close surveillance, to analyze the possible presence of contaminants. This suit was used for isolation, to avoid bringing pathogens back to Earth.
• Pete Conrad’s space suit , worn during the Apollo 12 mission and to walk on the lunar soil.
• John Young’s STS-1 spacesuit , worn during the inaugural mission of the Space Shuttle program, on April 12, 1981
• Sally Ride’s suit On June 18, 1983, Sally became the first American woman to go into space
• MK-3 next-generation prototype , designed to give greater flexibility and freedom of movement.

There is also a Wall of Fame, which collects the names of all NASA astronauts, with photos and a short biography. At the Space Center Theater you can watch 4k projections about research and life in space.

Mission Mars

The area dedicated to the discovery of the Red Planet explains how NASA is planning the project, whose ultimate goal is to bring humans to the Red Planet.

It is an interactive exhibit with dioramas and models that illustrate the characteristics of Mars. There are even some fragments of the planet, a rock, and some meteorites.

You’ll see how researchers are tackling the major issues involved in traveling to and staying on the planet, for example, developing suits that protect against radiation. Another challenge will be to give astronauts the opportunity to grow food on Mars, just like in the movie The Martian with Matt Damon.

In addition to this, this section also contains

• a 42-feet model (1:8 scale) of the super high-tech Space Launch System rocket , which will be responsible for physically carrying the astronauts to their destination.
• a life-size Orion research module  used to study emergency procedures.
• an Orion capsule simulator , that you can enter to see what the first trip to Mars will be like through your own eyes.

International Space Station Gallery

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest structure ever built in space, orbiting the earth at more than 17,108 miles/h. It was built between 1998 and 2011 in more than 40 missions, and with the collaboration of 5 space agencies, including the European ESA.

To date, there are 15 countries whose astronauts work on the project. It has been inhabited continuously since November 2000 with an average stay of 6 months, but the American Scott Kelly and Russian Mikhail Kornienko have set the record, with 340 days.

It is basically a huge research and experimentation laboratory, where experiments are conducted that would not be feasible on earth. These experiments lead to new technologies that we use every day. For example, the CMOS camera sensor , infrared thermographic visors used by firefighters, higher-performing, and lighter-weight prostheses for disabled people. Of course, it is also pioneering human missions to Mars, thanks to studies of the human body.

Do not miss the reproduction of the space station, which hangs from the ceiling above your heads!

The ISS is the third brightest object in space, and if you know where and when to look, you can see it even with the naked eye. Click here to find out how to see it based on your location.

To find out what it’s like to live and work on the ISS, attend the Living in Space presentation, which is about 20 minutes long. There is a presentation every hour, so you will have several opportunities to attend, check the schedule when you arrive.

• Space Expert Tour, a guided tour of the space station and museum. Tours begin at 9 a.m., and you must arrive at the Guest Service Desk at least 10 minutes early. Tickets are $69.95 and include admission to the Johnson Space Center.
• Astronaut Lunch. Actually, you can also hear a short 30-minute lecture with tickets only every Friday and Saturday at the Astronaut Gallery. On these occasions, an astronaut shares his or her adventures with the audience at 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m. If you prefer a more intimate experience, you can book a lunch with one of them, and they will be on hand to answer your questions. The cost is $69.95 for adults, and $35.95 for kids ages 4-11, and includes admission to the center. Click here to book.
• Level 9 Tour, the most comprehensive tour of the Space Center. It lasts 4-5 hours and gives you restricted access to some areas you can’t visit with a regular ticket. For example, you’ll be able to enter the Astronaut Training Facility, rather than just seeing it from the catwalk. The tour runs Monday through Friday, is for ages 14 and older, costs $179.95, and includes admission to the base for the following day as well. Find all the info to book here .

The two closest cities are Houston and Galveston. Houston is a large metropolis of over 2 million people, it is very large, and choosing where to stay overnight can be confusing. Two good areas are:

• Uptown/Gallery : is a quiet area with many restaurants and clubs. Here you can stay, for example, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria .
• Downtown : the center, where you can find for example the AC Hotel by Marriott Houston Downtown .

All accommodations in Houston

Galveston is a Gulf Coast beach resort that is definitely more human scale than Houston. Here you can choose a beachfront property, such as the Best Western Plus Galveston Suites or the Holiday Inn Resort on the Beach .

All accommodations in Galveston

There is an almost endless choice of restaurants in Houston, featuring any cuisine in the world. In the Uptown/Gallery area, I recommend Pappas Bros. Steakhouse , which specializes in meat, or Burger Palace, which serves gourmet burgers. Downtown, try Irma’s Southwest , a Tex-Mex restaurant, or Jackson Street Barbecue, specializing in brisket, pulled pork, and ribs.

In Galveston, you can take advantage to taste the kitchen of the south of the United States . One specialty is gumbo , a thick soup made from okra , traditionally served with shrimp and rice. Try it at Little Daddys’ Gumbo Bar , downtown. Alternatively, we recommend Taquilo’s Tex-Mex Cantina Mexican restaurant, and Shark Shack Beach Bar & Grill , which serves a diverse menu ranging from burgers to salads.

Valeria Rovellini

I'm Valeria and I love road trips. My favorite trip? The Historic Route 66.

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Space Center Houston: What to Know Before You Go

Houston is known as the Space City, and there’s a good reason for it – here is where NASA’s Johnson Space Center is located. While in the city, you can explore the Space Center Houston, a museum and Visitor Center full of space artifacts and interactive exhibits where you can learn more about some of mankind’s major accomplishments.

Find here a guide with all you need to know to visit Space Center Houston, one of the top things to do in the city.

Table of contents

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There may be some confusion about the difference between the Space Center Houston and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In a nutshell, Space Center Houston is the official museum and Visitor Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, which is where both the Mission Control and training facility for astronauts are.

Visitors can explore and wander through the many exhibits of the Space Center Houston as well as take the NASA Tram Tour to have a peek inside the actual NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

The Space Center is located in the Southeast part of Houston, close to Clear Lake.

If you aren’t in Houston, the closest airport is William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), less than 20 miles away. You can also fly into the international airport of the city, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which is located approximately 50 miles away. Once in the city, rent a car at the airport to make sure you can get around easily.

The Space Center address is 1601 E NASA Pkwy , and you can easily reach it by car or with a sightseeing tour .

If you’re not from Houston, you may need to find a hotel to stay in the city. If you choose to stay in Downtown Houston or Medical Center, you can be in the Space Center in around 30 minutes, and if you prefer to stay in the Galleria area, it’ll take you approximately 40 minutes to arrive. Additionally, you can find a few hotels near Clear Lake, where you can be very close to the complex.

• Marriot Marquis Houston – A great option of a hotel in Downtown Houston and a perfect place to stay near Minute Made Park, the Convention Center, and the Theater District – a few main places to see while in Houston.
• The Post Oak Hotel – This hotel is in the Galleria area where you’ll have access to a wide offer of malls and restaurants.
• Hotel Zaza Museum District – A perfect hotel if you’re planning on exploring the museums of Houston and walking around Herman Park, one of the best parks in the city.
• Hilton Nasa Clear Lake – if you want to have an early start, this hotel is located only 5 minutes away from the Space Center Houston, and you can come and go with flexibility.

The Space Center is usually open from 10 am until 5 pm, but operating hours can change during busy times. Be sure to check the Space Center website before going to learn about seasonal hours .

Besides, if possible, avoid visiting Space Center during weekends, holidays, and summer, since during these times it can be very busy inside. If you can only go on these periods, try arriving as soon as it opens.

Tickets can be bought online in advance on the Space Center website for US$ 29.95 per adult, US$ 27.95 for seniors, US$ 24.95 for kids ages between 4-11, and children ages 3 and younger are free. These prices include parking.

You can also purchase the Space Center Houston ticket at GetYourGuide , the website I use to buy most of my entry tickets, for US$ 23.49 per adult and pay an extra US$5 for parking.

Additionally, if you purchase the Houston CityPass , the ticket to Space Center Houston is already included, along with other 4 main attractions of the city: Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum Houston. By purchasing the Houston CityPass for US$ 64, you can save up to 47% on some of Houston’s top attractions.

Lastly, on-site parking is available for US$ 5, which is already included when you buy your tickets on the Space Center Official website .

Things to do at Space Center Houston

There’s a lot to do in the Space Center Houston, and the suggested itinerary can last up to 7 hours – the entire day. Along with limited experiences, the exhibits you can find here include:

In the Independence Plaza, you’ll be able to enter and see the features of both the replica of Space Shuttle Independence as well as the historic and original NASA 905 shuttle carrier airplane. This is one of the most unique experiences you can have at the Space Center.

Near Independence Plaza, in the outdoor area of the complex, you’ll see and walk underneath the unique SpaceX Falcon 9, a marvel of modern-day technology that is part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX reusable rocket program.

The NASA Tram Tour is your way to get a glimpse into NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s most fascinating features. In this tour, you’ll see up-close the astronaut training facilities, the Mission Control, and more!

Currently, a boarding pass is required to take the NASA Tram Tour. You can either get the pass by joining the Tram Virtual Line via the free Space Center Houston app (must be on-site to do so), or at the Guest Services Desk at the entrance of Space Center Houston, where a crewmember can help with the reservation.

The NASA Tram Tour is an open-air tram (no air conditioning), so keep this in mind when visiting during the summer. Also, the last train departs the Space Center Houston at 3 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

One of the best things to do at the Space Center is to visit the Mission Mars exhibit. In this display, you can learn more about NASA’s journey to Mars and have the unique chance to see and touch an actual piece of rock from Mars!

In the Starship Gallery at Space Center Houston, you can take in the amazing artifacts used to explore the space – the Apollo 17 Command Module, Lunar Roving Vehicle, a Moon rock you can touch, and other Space Center treasures.

There are many other things to do at Space Center Houston. Don’t miss the chance to walk around the Astronaut Gallery , where you can understand more about spacesuits and assorted astronaut gear used by men and women throughout their expeditions.

And you can also visit the International Space Station Gallery and watch films and live presentations to have a glimpse of mission updates at Mission Briefing Center, learn about how astronauts live in the International Space Station (ISS), and more.

Additionally, you can also have exclusive experiences that can provide a deeper insight on NASA Johnson Space Center:

• Space Expert Tour – a guided tour through the Space Center Houston where you can learn with experts (US$ 69.95)
• Astronaut Experience – where you can interact with a real astronaut in two different ways: Breakfast with an Astronaut or Astronaut Mission Memories (adults’ tickets are $69.95 for members and $99.95 for the general public)
• Level 9 Tour – the most VIP experience you can have! On this approximately 5-hour guided tour of NASA Johnson Space Center, you can explore where and how astronauts train, learn how NASA Mission Control Center communicates with the International Space Station, and find out more about space exploration.

The Space Center Houston has 3 suggested itineraries to follow as you explore the site, depending on the amount of time you have. Here’s what they recommend if you have:

• 7 hours : NASA Tram Tour, Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, The Food Lab, Mission Mars, Astronaut Gallery, Space Center Theater Film, International Space Station Gallery, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.
• 4 hours : NASA Tram Tour, Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, Mission Mars, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.
• 2 hours: Starship Gallery, Independence Plaza, Mission Mars, New Perspectives Presentations, and Gift Shop.

You might also like to read: How to spend 3 perfect days in Houston – a complete itinerary

Tips for visiting Houston

To explore the best of Houston, you should purchase the Houston CityPass . By purchasing the pass for US$ 64, you can save up to 47% on some of Houston’s top attractions.

When you purchase the Houston CityPass , you can visit 5 of the top places to visit in Houston, including the Space Center Houston, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, and Houston Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum Houston.

Of the many attractions of Houston, Space Center is only one of the best. If you want to explore other top places to visit in the city, here are a few you should add to your itinerary:

• Houston Museum of Natural Science : one of the must-visit museums in Houston, especially for kids that want to see dinosaur fossils. You can also purchase the ticket at  GetYourGuide , along with other attractions of the city, or see it as one of the attractions of the  Houston CityPass .
• Buffalo Bayou Park and Hermann Park : they are two of the top parks in the city, and excellent places for a walk, running, or just for a picnic.
• Downtown Aquarium : very close to the POST Houston, the aquarium is within a 5-minute walk. You can go to Downtown Aquarium in the morning and then to the POST Market in the afternoon for a bite to eat. It’s also another place you can visit with your  Houston CityPass .
• Houston Zoo : a go-to place for family fun. Visit the zoo and then go for a walk at Hermann Park as a perfect way to finish your day. Use the  Houston CityPass  to visit this attraction.

You might also like to read: POST Houston – tips for planning your visit and Top things to do in Houston – the best attractions of the city

How long is the tram tour at Space Center Houston?

The NASA Tram Tour takes around 90 minutes.

How much does it cost to go to Houston Space Center Houston?

Admission tickets to Space Center Houston are US$ 29.95 per adult (parking included), US$ 27.95 for seniors, US$ 24.95 for kids ages 4-11, and children ages 3 and younger are free. You can also purchase the admission ticket at GetYourGuide for $23.49 without parking.

Is Houston Space Center still active?

Yes, NASA Johnson Space Center is still home to Mission Control and the current-day astronaut training facility.

Do spaceships launch from Houston?

No, spaceships aren’t launched from Houston. NASA in Houston operates as Mission Control Center and training hub for astronauts.

Is there food available at Space Center Houston?

Yes, there’s a food court in the Space Center Houston where you can purchase food and beverages.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, there are two gift shops inside Space Center Houston.

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Nasa to welcome visitors to johnson space center open house 2023, johnson space center office of communications, johnson space center.

Aug. 24, 2023

RELEASE: J23-005

NASA’s Johnson Space Center will open its gates to the public Saturday, Oct. 14, celebrating NASA’s 65th anniversary, the International Space Station’s 25 th anniversary and the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon.

To help ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone when they drive through the center’s main gate from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT, the center is asking visitors to abide by a few simple guidelines:

• No Pets (unless certified service dog)
• No firearms, weapons, or ammunition (includes license to carry)
• No coolers, food, or beverages (including alcohol)
• Motorcycle helmets are required on NASA property

During the open house, visitors will get a free, behind-the-scenes look at some of the agency’s most historic accomplishments, and the exciting work happening right now as NASA returns humans to the Moon and prepares for Mars. The incoming gate will close at 2:30 p.m. and visitors will be allowed to remain on site until 3 p.m.

A full list of activities and a map will be available here as the Open House date nears.

Visitors will have access to a variety of exhibits and hardware, ranging from Moon rocks collected during the Apollo missions, to full-size mockups of the International Space Station, NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Gateway lunar space station. Guests also will have opportunities to meet astronauts and learn more about how human spaceflight missions are managed from Mission Control, Houston.

Guests may also take advantage of an exciting opportunity to view an annular eclipse — also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse — of the Sun.

In addition to facilities and exhibits, the center’s Teague Auditorium will feature programs and speakers from 9:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m.

“As we celebrate NASA’s 65th anniversary, Johnson Space Center has played a key role in leading human space exploration and has been a part of the vibrant Houston community for nearly six decades,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of Johnson Space Center. “While the past 60 years represent the best of our country and the height of American ingenuity, the talented, dedicated, and diverse team here in ‘space city’ Houston is excited about the next chapter in spaceflight as we work to launch humans farther into the solar system.”

NASA opened for business Oct. 1, 1958, following the signing of the agency’s founding legislation on July 29, 1958. After four decades that saw dozens of short-duration missions to the Moon and low Earth orbit, NASA and its international partners launched the first element of the International Space Station on Nov. 20, 1998, setting the stage for continuous human presence in space, which began in 2000 .

Visitors are welcomed year-round through Johnson’s official visitor center, Space Center Houston , which provides tram tours and visits inside a number of key facilities. However, this open house will allow visitors to have access to several locations not accessible during visitor center tours.

Connect with Johnson Space Center on social media at:

https://X.com/NASA_Johnson

https://www.facebook.com/NASAJSC

Kelly Humphries / Dylan Connell

Johnson Space Center, Houston

281-483-5111

[email protected]

[email protected]