cape canaveral tours cost

Canaveral Tours

Explore the Natural Wonders and Historical Monuments of Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island

Merritt Island Wildlife Tour

Spaceflight and lighthouse tour, cruise ship port of call, lighthouse & spaceflight tour.

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Cape Canaveral Lighthouse & Spaceflight Tours transports you on a journey through the evolution of exploration as we visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse that guided the first explorers around the Florida coast, to the location that propelled our ships into orbit, and look toward the new frontier of planetary travel.

Canaveral Tours provides tours of the Canaveral Lighthouse and Canaveral Space Force Station. Our 4-hour tour provides the History of the Cape from early settlers to current space programs. The tour takes you to the lighthouse, where you are provided a guided tour by a Lighthouse Foundation guide. The tour route includes “abandoned in place” launch complexes from the beginning missile program. Visit Launch Complex 26 and step inside the blockhouse where we launched our first satellite into space. See the Redstone rocket on display that sent Alan Shephard and Gus Grissom into space. Walk where we first launched a man into space. Many exhibits of space artifacts and operations for the space program. Special events and private tours are also available.

Wildlife Group Tour

Our tour takes your group of up to 10 guests to the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore and Indian River, home to over 500 species of wildlife including many that are threatened and endangered. A variety of habitats are found in the 140,000 acres and 24 miles of barrier island, including coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, pinewood flats, and hardwood hammocks. This protected area around the Kennedy Space Center and NASA facilities was created for the purpose of providing habitats for migratory birds, wildlife diversity, endangered and threatened species, and to grant access for recreation, observation, and education of wildlife activities.

Airboat & Hold a Gator Crawl

No sweat tour. We provide transportation and reservations for your Airboat Experience. Your tour guide provides information and stories about the surrounding landscape and wildlife of Florida during your trip. The knowledgeable tour guide will share information and multi-media presentations that give you a great overview of the ecology and history of the area keeping your group engaged and entertained.

Airboat rides at Midway  is a 5-star attraction with great boats and captains. You can enjoy their animal encounter and an opportunity to hold a Gator! There is a store with snacks, beverages, and every gator souvenir you might want.

Canaveral Tours

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Canaveral Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Visit our Lighthouse

Since the lighthouse is located on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, visitors must take one of the many tours offered in order to visit this wonderful lighthouse, museum and gift shop.   Unfortunately, you cannot drive out there in your own vehicle.

Only U.S. Citizens are allowed to tour the lighthouse and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at this time due to Department of Defense restrictions on military installations world-wide.

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a member of the Museums of Brevard.  After you’ve visited us, please check out all the other great museums and historic sites in Brevard County.  Click Here for the MOB Brochure .

Lighthouse and Spaceflight Exploration Van Tour

Individual and small group 4-hour tour of the lighthouse area and historic spaceflight sites offered by Canaveral Tours.  Also available are shorter lighthouse and Hangar C tours offered occasionally.

Click here to learn more and book your tour.

Membership and Brick Holders Quarterly Tour

Every quarter, we provide a free special tour for Members of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation and donors who have supported us by purchasing bricks along our walkway.  Each person may bring a carload of friends and family for free to visit the Lighthouse, Hangar C and historic Launch Complex 26, including the Air Force Space and Missile Museum.  If you’re not yet a member or brick holder, please consider becoming a member or buying a brick before our next quarterly tour so you can take advantage of this special FREE event, only open to those individuals who support the lighthouse.

Group Tours

Special Tours for Community Groups (e.g., scouts,  women’s clubs, HOAs, etc.) are available, with restrictions.  See below for further details.

School Tours

Educational Tours are available for public, private, and home school groups.  See below for additional information and to request a tour.

Camera Use Policy

Photography is permitted at the lighthouse and museum. However, taking photos of other locations on the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is strictly prohibited, except at designated historic sites.

Safety Restrictions

Large bags or backpacks are not permitted.

You must wear closed-toed shoes that have a heel support, no flip flops, no slider/slip-on shoes, no high heels.

For their safety children must be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower and must be able to do so under their own power. Carrying children or animals in the tower is prohibited.

Accessibility

The museum and public restrooms are handicapped accessible. The lighthouse is not.

Climbing the lighthouse is limited to the 5th level for small tours and the 3rd level for large tours. Service animals are welcome, but cannot go above the 1st level of the lighthouse.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation offers free special tours for community, civic and youth groups that provide their own transportation.  We offer these tours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in the mornings. These tours require a minimum of 10 participants and must be requested at least three weeks in advance. All members of the group must provide identification to the Space Force prior to the tour.

You will be escorted, via a car caravan, in your group’s private vehicles, on to the Space Force Station and to the lighthouse and back, starting at the Sands Space History Center.  You will visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and Museum, the Air Force Space and Missile Museum at historic Launch Complex 26, and Hangar C Museum Annex, where you can walk among restored missiles, rockets and space capsules.

If you have a group of 10 or more that would like to tour the lighthouse, please complete the Group Tour Request below or send an email to [email protected] at least 3 weeks prior to your desired tour date and we will get back to you to set this up.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse School Tours are designed for public, private, charter or home schooled students and bring Florida’s lighthouse history to life with a tour inside the Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Cottage Museum.  Available dates are Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays starting at 9:30 AM.

School Tours last approximately 60-90 minutes depending on the size of your school group. You’ll be able to visit the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Cottage Museum. The Air Force Space and Missile Museum may be added for an extended tour.  Our volunteers will escort your students during the tour and the tour is free.

Transportation is provided and paid for by you, the requester. Your groups will be met by badged volunteers outside the Space Force Station (SFS) gates and escorted onto the SFS.

Once we agree on your date, we’ll provide the lead teacher with a Cape Canaveral Lighthouse lesson plan and presentation so you can prepare your students. The materials are designed to meet the 4th grade Sunshine State Standards but are of interest to all age groups.

A minimum of 10 students are required for these tours.  If you have fewer, please see our Visit page to book a public tour.

Complete your tour request now to ensure you get the date you want.  Requests must be received at least 3 weeks prior.

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Volunteer Form

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Membership Form

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Group Tour Request

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School Tour Request

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• Information provided to schools

Home Schools Tour Request

• Estimated Number of Students (min 10) *
• Age Range of Students *
• Type of Transportation * For private school & home school tours, the car option is only available for groups less than 25 vehicles. Bus Car Caravan (less than 20)
• Preferred tour date? * Tell us your preferred tour date - keeping to Tues or Thurs with arrival at 9:30 AM ET. You also must book at least 3 weeks ahead of your desired date. Month Day Year
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• Things to do
• Orlando Attractions
• Kennedy Space Center
• Chat with an Astronaut
• Mission Zones
• Cape Canaveral
• Launches & Events
• SpaceX Launch
• Visitor Complex
• SpaceX Crew-7 Mission
• Plan Your Visit

Guided Tours

• Restaurants
• Orlando to KSC
• Transportation

Rocket Garden

• Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other
• Heroes & Legends
• Behind the Gates
• Saturn V Rocket
• Launch Tickets

Space Shuttle Atlantis

• NASA Now + Next
• Race to the Moon
• WonderWorks Orlando
• Orlando ICON Park
• Madame Tussauds
• SEA LIFE Orlando Tickets
• Clearwater Beach
• Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
• Festivals and Events

Kennedy Space Center Guided Tours

Kennedy Space Center Tickets with Explore Tour

• Exclusive access awaits with KSC's Explore Tour! Capture pictures at sites like Launch Complex 39A and Apollo/Saturn V Center, beyond the standard tour route.
• Join a seasoned NASA space expert for an up-close look at the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Complex 39.
• Stand amid space-flown artifacts and scale models at the Deep Space Launch Complex, and step back in time as you witness the launch pad of Apollo/Saturn V.
• Feel the rush of a shuttle launch at Space Shuttle Atlantis, an experience formerly reserved for spacefarers.
• Dive into the cosmos with 3D interstellar films, meet space legends, and challenge your creativity with LEGO's Build to Launch.
• Upgrade your ticket to get access to Kennedy Space Center for 2 days or enjoy round-trip transfers from key areas in Orlando.

Kennedy Space Center General Admission

• Entry to KSC Visitor Complex
• Kennedy Space Center shuttle bus
• The Deep Space Launch Complex
• Space Shuttle Atlantis & shuttle launch experience

Apollo/Saturn V Center

• Heroes and Legends
• Rocket Garden guided tours
• KSC Explore Tour
• Tour beyond the KSC Visitor Complex
• Space expert guide
• View America’s famous multi-user spacecraft launch pads
• Once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities
• View of spaceflight icons (Vehicle Assembly Building & Launch Complex 39)
• Tip: Grab a mission patch/pin from the shop. Like astronauts' unique patches, it's a cool memento of your experience at KSC.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Restrooms, Restaurants, Retail Shops, AC Bus for Explore Tour
• Round-trip transfers are available from Orlando, Kissimmee, Disney, or Lake Buena Vista areas, if the option is chosen.
• Please note: All exhibits are subject to change and tours may be altered or closed due to operational requirements or launch preparations.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Kennedy Space Center Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Save the hassle of arranging public transport and visit KSC effortlessly! Enjoy round-trip transfers from 3 locations across Orlando.
• Here's your chance to view the immense Vehicle Assembly Building, where majestic rockets take shape.
• Witness the magnificence of the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, absorbing tales from NASA's 30-year program.
• Visit Launch Complex 39, where the Apollo missions took place and the first-ever space shuttles made their way to the cosmos.
• Upgrade for a direct transfer route from ICON 360, maximizing your exploration time or opt for a chat with an astronaut.
• General admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
• Expert guide/driver during transfers
• Round-trip transfer from meeting points in the Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista Area (optional)
• Round-trip transfer from Orlando's ICON 360 only (optional)
• Chat with an Astronaut (optional)
• Tip: Florida's weather is unpredictable. Bring a poncho or raincoat, and sunscreen. A sudden rainstorm followed by glaring sun is not uncommon.
• Facilities: Wheelchair Accessibility, Restrooms, Restaurants, Retail Shops
• Your guide/driver will assist with transfers but won't accompany you inside the Visitor Complex.

Kennedy Space Center Small Group VIP Experience

• Get a premium experience complete with your own NASA expert for your transfers from Central Florida in an intimate small-group experience.
• Driver-guide will ensure you have all your questions answered before you head inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
• Your space odyssey begins stress-free with round-trip transfers from Orlando and nearby areas, plus a continental breakfast.
• Venture on the KSC Explore Tour with a space maestro unveiling lesser-known facts and pass by launch pads for once-in-a-lifetime photo ops.
• Access all prime exhibits! Try the Shuttle Launch Simulator, walk under Saturn V, and even touch a piece of moon rock, plus enjoy a bonus $15 voucher for a bite at the café.
• Small group VIP experience at the Kennedy Space Center
• Hotel pickup & drop-off from Orlando, Kissimmee, Disney, or Lake Buena Vista areas
• Professional guide/driver (will provide information on the space center en route from Central Florida)
• Continental breakfast
• $15 lunch voucher per person
• Snacks for the return journey
• Tip: Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and consider wearing a hat.
• The small group tour can accommodate up to 12 persons.

Top things to do in Orlando

Why take a Kennedy Space Center tour?

The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most prominent and popular tourist attractions in the United States. Here are the reasons why you should take a Kennedy Space Center tour.

• Learn from an expert: On a Kennedy Space Center tour, you get to learn more about the attraction with the help of an expert tour guide who knows the place inside out.
• Get skip the line access: Your ticket includes skip the line access, which will allow you to skim past huge crowds by guaranteeing priority entry to the attraction.
• Dive into the history of the attraction: A guided tour is your chance to learn more about the Kennedy Space center, its missions, achievements, launches, and other wonders of space.
• Navigate the attraction efficiently: Your Kennedy Space Center tour includes a well-informed tour guide to help you explore the space center more efficiently.
• Avoid large crowds: There is usually a huge crowd waiting to enter the space center. Kennedy Space Center guided tours ensure smooth and hassle-free access to the site.

Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours

• Your Kennedy Space Center tour includes an expert tour, who will provide you with all you need to know about the attraction.
• The skip the line feature on your guided tour ticket guarantees priority access to the space center, which means you won’t have to wait in long queues for hours.
• The guided tour has a fixed itinerary, which makes it easier to explore the attraction.
• You get to go on a tour with a small group of people for a better experience.

Non-Guided Tours

• A general admission ticket allows you to explore the Kennedy Space Center at your own pace.
• You can get yourself an audio guide to know more about all the attractions inside the space center.
• Your general admission ticket does not allow you to skim past huge crowds to enter the attraction. You will have to wait in long queues that could take between 30 minutes to a couple of hours to get inside.

What to expect on a Kennedy Space Center Tour?

A Kennedy Space Center Tour will help you explore the place more efficiently. An expert tour guide with in-depth knowledge of the attraction will ensure that you make the most of your visit by taking you around and giving you an insight into all the important places of interest inside the space center’s Visitor Complex , which has been categorized into different mission zones with tours and attractions set according to the timeline.

The guided tour includes a meet-and-greet with an astronaut , a walking tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility, a visit to the iconic Shuttle Launch Experience simulator, a half-an-hour airboat safari, and a ride on the iconic wheel at ICON Park . Watch IMAX movies, go on a 3D moonwalk, visit the Rocket Garden , touch a piece of moon rock, try your hand at different kinds of simulators, get a feel of what it is like to float in space, or go on a bus tour – there’s so much you can do at the Kennedy Space Center .

Your Kennedy Space Center tour tickets include transportation facilities to and from the attraction.

Highlights Covered on your Kennedy Space Center Tour

Go on a walk to the surreal rock garden consisting of giant rocket ‘flowers’. A stroll along the garden is like walking with the giants – real machines and rockets that kickstarted the United States’ space exploration programme. The Gemini, Apollo, and Mercury programmes by NASA also find representation here. The garden is not just a celebration of the US’ space journey but also a tribute to the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who turned this dream into reality.

US Astronaut Hall of Fame

The US Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space center pays tribute to the American astronauts who worked on different space programmes, projects, and explorations since the center was founded. The place also boasts the world’s largest collection of personal souvenirs and memorabilia of the astronauts, who were inducted into the hall of fame. Also, know more about the space programme and the team that made it possible for humans to step on the moon. 

Experience breathtaking views of the city from The Wheel at the popular ICON Park at Kennedy Space Center. It’s an amusement park located in Orlando comprising some fun rides, the iconic 400-feet high Ferris wheel, a Madame Tussauds museum, a 7D theatre, a museum of illusions, a reverse bungee ride, an aquarium, and a few shopping and dining places. The park also includes the tallest (and temporarily closed) drop tower ride in the world.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis Complex offers visitors a glimpse into the historic space missions and their significance. Marvel at every detail of the Space Shuttle Atlantis and replicas of different space equipment like rocket boosters and external tanks of space shuttles. It is one of the three space shuttles on display in the United States that tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Programme conducted by NASA through interactive exhibits that celebrate its history, technology, and impact.

Shuttle Launch Experience

A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is incomplete without experiencing a space shuttle launch yourself. The Shuttle Launch Experience takes place inside a 44,000 square foot building that is home to four simulators. Each simulator can accommodate 44 people. Experience what it’s like to be thrown into space. It’s almost the real deal, just without the gravitational force. 

The Apollo/Saturn V center is a 100,000 square foot facility that houses the real but restored Saturn V launch vehicle – the largest rocket to have ever flown in human and space history. It’s a unique interactive exhibit that pays tribute to the extraordinary team, technology and equipment that made it possible for man to set foot on the moon. The facility is a celebration of the programme’s success. Visitors also get a glimpse of the exhibits related to the Apollo space programme.

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

You cannot afford to miss the bus tour on your visit to the Kennedy Space Center. The bus tours offer a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes at the space center. They take you on a ride through the center’s iconic highlights and places of interest. These bus tours include an expert guide with in-depth knowledge of the space center and everything that happens there. You also get to stop at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for a closer look at the launch sites of the various space programmes conducted here.

Airboat Safari

The Kennedy Space Center is surrounded by nature, wetlands, wildlife, and conservation areas, which is why an airboat safari ride is a must on your visit here. This half-an-hour long ride on St. Johns River is a major highlight of the guided tour. It takes visitors through the nearby swamps that boast unique flora and fauna – flowers, exotic plants, birds and wildlife. Finish your tour of the space center and then go for the airboat safari to experience nature at its best.

Visitor tips

• Book your tickets online and early to secure your spot.
• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes because you’ll have to walk around quite a bit.
• All visitors are required to wear masks indoors and practice social distancing.
• Paid parking facilities are available for motorcycles, automobiles, and oversized vehicles.
• Currently, no public transport facilities are available to take you to the Visitor Complex . You can book Kennedy Space Center Day Tours to enjoy round-trip transportation from locations across the city.
• You can carry food and beverages in small coolers. Glass bottles and containers are not allowed.
• Visitors with reduced mobility can get the Guest Accessibility Pass (GAP) from the information desk. Wheelchairs, ECVs, scooters, and strollers are also available for rent. 

Frequently asked questions about Kennedy Space Center Tours

Yes. Kennedy Space Center tours are available for booking. Click here for tickets.

You can book Kennedy Space Center tours online .

Kennedy Space Center tours start at $60.99.

There are four different types of Kennedy Space Center tours – day tour with transfers, small group VIP experience, day tour with airboat safari, and Kennedy Space Center tour with access to ICON Park.

The Kennedy Space Center tour includes all the important attractions that you should visit while you’re here like the ICON Park , Rocket Garden , the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, Space Shuttle Atlantis , Apollo/Saturn V center , the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour , & more.

The Kennedy Space Center guided tours are available only in English.

Kennedy Space Center tours cover all the major attractions like the ICON Park, Airboat Safari, the Shuttle Launch Experience, the Rocket Garden, & more.

Yes. The Kennedy Space Center tours are worth it because you get to explore the attraction and learn more about space exploration from an expert.

Yes. Your Kennedy Space Center tour tickets include priority entry.

Yes. You can get a full refund upon cancellation of a Kennedy Space Center tour ticket up to 24 hours before the schedule.

The Kennedy Space Center guided tours take about 10 to 11 hours.

Yes. Discounted tickets are available for children between 3 to 11 years of age for Kennedy Space Center tours. A valid photo ID will be required to avail of the discount.

🚀 The 7 Best Kennedy Space Center Tours [2024 Reviews]

If space exploration interests you, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida is the best place on Earth to see real-life space vehicles. In this modern facility filled with dozens of interactive attractions, you can learn everything there is to know about space. You can even speak with a veteran of the American Space Program.

However, there are many Kennedy Space Center trips from Orlando. Not every KSC tour guarantees you’ll meet with a real astronaut or see an active launch pad.

To help you decide, we’ve selected the 7 top-rated Orlando Kennedy Space Center adventures and review them below.

Best Tours of Kennedy Space Center

Quick answer: the 7 best rated kennedy space center tours for 2024.

• Kennedy Space Center with Transportation from Orlando
• Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport From Orlando
• Kennedy Space Center & Airboat Tour
• Kennedy Space Center Tour & Chat with an Astronaut
• Kennedy Space Center with KSC Explore Tour
• Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience
• Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

Kennedy Space Center Tour Reviews

1. kennedy space center with transportation from orlando.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up
• Departure Time : 7:30 AM
• Duration : 9 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best value Kennedy Space Center tour. It enables you to experience everything there is to do and see at the space center. Space enthusiasts will appreciate this full-day experience where you and your family can immerse yourselves in everything space related.

Visit the fascinating exhibit about the Hubble Telescope and then watch the Hubble 3D IMAX movie. This opens your eyes to the distant stars, solar systems, and galaxies we can now view from Earth with the aid of this amazing technology.

Once you’ve seen where humankind is headed, see how we might get there. Enter the amazing Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you’ll come face to face with a real-life Space Shuttle that once flew in space and docked with the International Space Station (ISS). This exhibit also reveals the history of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program.

There is so much to see at the Kennedy Space Center, and the bus tour of the Mobile Rocket Launch Platform and Vehicle Assembly Building enables you to appreciate the huge scale of this space-faring endeavor.

With transport from local resorts and full access to all of the Kennedy Space Center’s many exhibits and visitors’ complex, this is the best Kennedy Space Center adventure from Orlando for any space-loving family.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. kennedy space center day trip with transport from orlando.

• Departure Point : Hotel pick-up available
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and dine with an astronaut

This Orlando Kennedy Space Center trip is ideal for the truly space-obsessed family. It offers the unique opportunity for you to dine with a genuine astronaut!

Have you ever dreamed of speaking with someone who has experienced living and working in a vacuum and without gravity? With this unique “dine with an astronaut”, you can. You and your kids can ask all those questions you always wanted to when you come face-to-face with one of the few people on Earth qualified to give you the answers you seek.

This long-day excursion to the Kennedy Space Center also gives you a behind-the-scenes experience at NASA’s launch headquarters. You’ll see the Space Shuttle launch pads from the vantage of a 4-floor observation deck.

In some of the many exciting exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center, you can take the helm of a Space Shuttle, reenact Neil Armstrong’s famous “giant step for mankind”, and feel what it’s like to float in outer space.

This is the best Kennedy Space Center excursion from Orlando for a fun-packed family adventure that ticks all the space-lover’s boxes. Before you go, make sure you write a list of all the questions you want to ask a space veteran.

3. Orlando: Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour

• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Mobile Rocket Launch Platform bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, meet an astronaut, and go for an airboat ride

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for anyone who also wants to experience the wonders of nature in Florida’s swamps. It features a 30-minute airboat ride along the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett.

Hang onto your hats as your airboat tears along the river at adrenaline-pumping speeds of up to 45 mph. Once you’ve reached the best location to observe the unique flora and fauna of this special wilderness area, your boat will slow to a crawl as you snap photographs of cypress knees, wading birds, and, of course, alligators.

But you didn’t come to this part of Florida just to admire the amazing wildlife. At the Kennedy Space Center, you’ll get to walk beneath the giant Saturn V moon rocket and meet a real-life astronaut. This is your chance to ask anything you want about space when you meet a person who really knows the answers.

You’ll need all day to take in the many interactive exhibits at the space center. The highlight must be the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. At this unique exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with a vehicle that entered space no less than 33 times during its 26-year career.

Get your cameras ready for the greatest adventure of your lives. Unless you’re chosen for the first manned mission to Mars, this Orlando space center adventure will be the closest you ever get to space.

4. Kennedy Space Center Tour and Chat with an Astronaut

This is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for people who want to experience what it’s actually like to be an astronaut. The latest interactive technology enables you to become an astronaut aboard a virtual space shuttle.

Arguably, the most thrilling experience is strapping yourself into the shuttle cockpit as you prepare for the countdown to an imminent launch. Feel the trepidation as you listen to the countdown and anticipate the chemical reaction and associated acceleration kick.

Be extremely careful as you pilot the space shuttle during a virtual extravehicular activity and dock your shuttle with the International Space Station. And when your flight is over, you have the arduous and dangerous task of gliding your shuttle to a landing on the re-entry slide.

But this Kennedy Space Center tour isn’t all virtual. You’ll get to speak and eat with a real-life astronaut. What’s more, you’ll see genuine space vehicles on display, including the rockets that took men to the moon and the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

This full-day Kennedy Space Center adventure is perfect for families who love everything space-related. There will not be a single dull moment, and you’ll likely want to visit again as soon as possible.

5. Kennedy Space Center With KSC Explore Tour

• Departure Time : 8.45 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Vehicle Assembly Building & Launch Complex 39A bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, and KSP Visitors’ Complex

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for visitors interested in the future of space exploration. This Orlando space excursion includes a visit to the launch pads now used by NASA’s new commercial partners, such as ULA and SpaceX. Witness with your own eyes the place history is made today.

This special space excursion from Orlando begins with an astronaut meet and greet welcome. You’ll get to speak with a real-life astronaut and learn firsthand about their experiences in outer space.

After an orientation tour, you are free to explore the many exciting interactive exhibits around the space center. This includes the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit where you will see a genuine space shuttle posed as it appeared in space with its payload bay doors open and its camera boom extended.

A variety of high-tech simulators enable you to experience many of the more exciting parts of space exploration. Strap yourself in for a takeoff, practice the delicate maneuvers of docking the space shuttle with the International Space Station, and find out how it feels to float in a zero-gravity environment.

With many other exciting exhibits to experience, including 2 IMAX films and the Saturn V Rocket, there’s plenty to do and see during this day-long Florida space adventure. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Kennedy Space Center: Ultimate Space Experience

• Departure Time : 8.30 AM
• Includes : Transportation, KSC entrance, Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit, Discover KSC bus tour, Shuttle Launch Experience, KSP Visitors’ Complex, and lunch with an astronaut

If you prefer fully guided tours, this is the best Kennedy Space Center trip for you. It features the Discover KSC bus tour. On the Discover KSC bus tour, you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, and your bus accesses areas not seen on the regular launch pads bus tour.

This tour also provides you with the enviable experience of eating with an astronaut. An astronaut from NASA’s space program will join you for a buffet lunch and tell you about their experiences in training and in space. If your kids dream of becoming astronauts, this is their best opportunity to find out what it’s really like from someone who knows.

After the bus tour and lunch, take the time to fully explore the Kennedy Space Center. Walk under the mammoth Saturn V Space Rockets and go to visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit. Nowhere else on Earth will you find so many genuine space vehicles on display.

With the latest interactive exhibits to experience, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Be an astronaut for the day and maybe prepare yourself to sign up for the first manned mission to Mars.

7. Kennedy Space Center: Space Pass Entrance Ticket

• Departure Point : 1275 NE 79th Street, Miami
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Duration : 4 or 8 hours
• Includes : Boat charter, life vest & safety equipment, fishing gear, lures, fishing licenses, and cold bottled water

This is the best Kennedy Space Center tour for space lovers who like to organize things for themselves. You arrange your own transport to the space center, but your ticket is valid all day so that you don’t need to rush.

The one event you must plan your day around is your buffet meal with an astronaut. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet with a veteran of the American Space Program who can tell you all about their experiences in outer space.

There are over 60 interactive exhibits in the Kennedy Space Center visitors’ center. These fascinating exhibits enable you to see real space vehicles and discover how they work. You’ll also have the chance to touch a rock brought back from the moon.

If you’re thinking of applying to join the first manned mission to Mars, don’t miss out on all the simulations around the center. You can discover what it’s like to blast off into space, experience weightlessness, and learn how to dock a space shuttle to the International Space Station.

The highlight of this Kennedy Space Center trip is the Discover KSC bus tour. A knowledgeable guide will take you around the space center on a 2-hour guided tour. You’ll see areas not covered by the regular space center bus tour as well as seeing the launch pads used by the space shuttles when they were in operation.

Spend all day at Kennedy Space Center and see all you can. When your time is up, you won’t want to leave. And you’ll definitely want to come back again soon.

Orlando, Florida Travel Guide

The kennedy space center.

• Traveling in the Time of COVID

Airports & Entry

Planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodations, attractions.

The city of Orlando is famous world-wide. Many who have never stepped foot in the US can point to this fascinating city’s location on a world map. But Orlando isn’t famous because of its history or fine architecture. Instead, it is so well known because of a simple business decision made by the Walt Disney Company in the late 60s to build Walt Disney World in its southern suburbs.

The opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 was followed by the construction of other major theme parks in the area, such as Fun Spot America, Universal Studios Florida, the Holy Land Experience, and Legoland. This makes Orlando the world’s capital for theme park fanatics.

But Orlando isn’t only about theme parks. It is also home to the internationally renowned Kennedy Space Center and a range of other cultural and educational sites. For example, there is Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Gatorland, and Orlando Museum of Art.

Orlando boasts easy access to a broad range of unique natural attractions. For example, it is a great base for exploring the fascinating wilderness areas of the Florida Everglades. You can enjoy a boat safari through this unique environment and admire the waterfowl and amphibians that make it their home.

The city is also surrounded by a near countless number of lakes, many of which are perfect fishing destinations. Florida is the sport-fishing capital of the world, and Central Florida around Orlando boasts the best freshwater bass fishing you can find. Thousands of keen anglers flock to Orlando every year to fish at Clear Lake, Lake Ivanhoe, Sarke Lake, Turkey Lake, Lake Underhill, Lake Tohopekaliga, and other fantastic angling spots.

Cape Canaveral on Florida’s eastern coast is less than an hour’s drive (55 miles) away from the city, making Orlando the best base for visiting the world’s most famous spaceport. Cape Canaveral has hosted space rocket experiments and exploration since 1949 when early rockets were tested here.

Since 1968, the Kennedy Space Center (KSS) has been the main launch site of NASA’s human spaceflight programs. Famous space missions such as the Apollo, Space Shuttle, and Skylab programs were based here. And today KSS is still a launch center for space flights, including the commercial SpaceX launches that so often feature in news reports.

Today, many iconic spacecrafts from NASA’s history are displayed at KSS, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis and a gigantic Saturn V space rocket. KSS also features a wealth of historical artifacts connected with space exploration and interactive attractions designed to entertain and educate the whole family.

Traveling in the time of COVID

Like many other destinations worldwide, some tours and visitor attractions in Miami may have adopted special procedures during the pandemic.

Wearing a mask may be mandatory in some locations, especially in enclosed public areas such as travel hubs and shopping malls. You may be expected to supply your own mask and wear it when you enter buildings.

It is in your own interest to keep your distance from other visitors who are not in your family group or bubble. You may be expected to keep your distance inside minibuses and other vehicles and when seated in restaurants.

At the time of writing, the State of Florida welcomes visitors but requires pre-travel testing for Covid-19 for visitors arriving from overseas not more than 3 days before traveling. Visitors must also sign an attestation that their documentation is genuine. Visitors will be required to hand over “covid-free” certification at the airport You can obtain the most up-to-date information directly from the Florida Health website.

The easiest way to travel to Orlando is by air. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major travel hub for Central Florida. In 2019, MCO handled over 50 million passengers, though this dropped to 21 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Obviously, MCO is extremely busy 24/7. At the time of writing, the new South Terminal Complex is still under construction, which will help to handle the expected surge of visitors after the COVID restrictions are ended. However, even now, MCO has the well-trained staff and facilities to make your arrival and departure as painless as possible.

MCO is packed full of stores and restaurants alongside the other facilities you’d expect in such a busy airport. While many of the stores close by 5 pm and the restaurants by 8 pm, the Main Terminal McDonald’s is open from 5:30 am to 10 pm.

An interesting fact is that Orlando is the world’s biggest rental car market. You’ll find 10 major car rental companies at the airport on the Ground Transportation Level on the A-Side of the Terminal: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Avis, Budget, and Payless also operate on the B-Side. Given that MCO is only a short 15-minute drive from downtown Orlando and several of the local major attractions, renting a car is an easy option.

Lynx operate an airport bus service from the A-Side of the Main Terminal. Regular Shuttle Bus services operate from both the A-Side and the B-Side. Alternatively, taxis are available on both sides. You should expect taxi fares from MCO of around $45 to downtown Orlando and $65 to Walt Disney World.

If you are taking an international flight into Orlando, you will need your passport as well as authorization and your “covid-free” certification. If you play to stay fewer than 90 days, you will need an ESTA, Electronic System for Travel Authorization . This is a form of visa waiver.

Many people believe Orlando is the same year-round and an easy place to visit. Given that so many tourist-focused attractions are based around this city, this is partially true. However, there are some important facts you should take into consideration.

Here are a few tips. If you have questions about your visit that aren’t covered by this guide or other tips for visitors, leave us a message in the comments.

Tip #1: Go in Spring or the Fall

For fewer crowds and better weather, it is preferable to visit Orlando in the spring or the fall. If you must visit in summer due to your kids’ school holidays, go late in August when local children are back in school.

With 75 million visitors a year, there are always queues in Orlando. You should be prepared for this. Major US holidays should be avoided at any cost unless you want to be stuck in the longest queues at the airport and attractions. Especially avoid Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas — unless you have your heart set on seeing the special holiday season events and decorations.

Tip #2: Be Prepared for the Tropical Weather

When you see Orlando attractions on the TV or in films, the weather is always beautiful. There is a lot of truth to this. However, if you visit during the summer, it is important to prepare for the humidity and draining heat. The temperatures can reach as high as 100 0 F and the humidity 100%.

Brief but sharp thunderstorms are common, so light plastic ponchos you can don in a hurry are advisable. Ensure you use plenty of sunblock and consider wide-brimmed hats for added protection from the sun.

Tip #3: Enjoy Day Trip Tours but Book Ahead

With more theme parks and tourist attractions than any other city in the world, there are lots of tours available in Orlando. You might want to take a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center or enjoy a safari in the Florida Everglades. However, with so many tourists pouring into Orlando, you should book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tip #4: Spend at Least One Day in Nature

If you’re on vacation with your family, it’s tempting to spend all your time at theme parks. There are so many! However, if you do this, you will miss one of Orlando’s greatest benefits.

With the Florida Everglades on its doorstep plus more lakes than any other major destination, Orlando is a wonderful location for nature lovers. Whether you want to go kayaking on a lake, enjoy some quiet time fishing, or see the alligators in the Everglades, there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Orlando.

Tip #5: Allow Plenty of Time at the Theme Parks

When you glance at those colorful park maps online, you might get the impression that you can walk from one ride to the next in a couple of minutes. Don’t be fooled! The Walt Disney World Resort, for example, is spread over an area of 47 square miles. It is not always practical to walk from one ride to the next and walking in the Florida sun can be tiring.

Allow plenty of time in your plans for enjoying all the rides and park attractions that you want to experience. And remember your young kids may become tired quicker than you expect in the tropical weather. Also note some rides and attractions are too scary for young children and some unsuitable for pregnant ladies.

As you can easily imagine, the large number of tourists regularly flocking to Orlando has given rise to a vast range of restaurants offering every kind of food you might want. Within the theme parks, there is a wide choice of fast-food outlets. However, these can be overpriced. Outside the parks, you will find many relatively inexpensive eating outlets.

A great place to visit is Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road. Here you’ll find the greatest range of choices in Orlando. Restaurant Row offers you the chance to sample some of this city’s finest restaurants and its culinary diversity.

Many seasoned Orlando visitors head for the restaurants for breakfast before hitting the theme parks. There are many “eat all you can” buffet-style restaurants that offer fantastic value for money.

In the afternoon and evening, watch out for Early Bird Specials. Because so many visitors stick to the theme parks until late, the restaurants outside the parks offer incentives to attract early diners.

Early Bird Specials are typically served at a la carte restaurants between 4 pm and 6 pm. Note that doggy bags are a norm in Florida a la carte restaurants, so don’t be shy about asking for one if you cannot finish your meal.

Also watch out for meal discount vouchers. You may find these scattered among the tourist leaflets at your hotel or even on display outside the restaurants. With the competition between eateries so intense, discount vouchers are common.

A quick visit to the Tourist Information Center will provide you with information about restaurants offering significant discounts and possibly a physical card that entitles you to discounts at participating restaurants. To encourage repeat visits, some restaurants offer an extra-large discount to returning customers who produce their last bill.

The profusion of theme parks in Orlando has led to an interesting broad range of evening dinner shows. If you ever wanted to attend a medieval banquet in a castle complete with jesters and jugglers, you’re in the right place.

Alternatively, eat with pirates or enjoy live wrestling while you eat. Whatever kind of entertainment you enjoy the most, you can probably find a dinner show in Orlando to suit you and your family’s taste.

Much like with the restaurants, the large number of visitors has given rise to a wide variety of nightlife in and around the city. You’ll find some of American’s top nightclubs, live music venues, and bars waiting to welcome you.

Two especially popular night spots are Disney Springs in Walt Disney World and Universal City Walk in the Universal Orlando Resort. These two locations offer a range of shows, bars, and night clubs to suit all tastes.

If you prefer a quiet evening and enjoy sampling unique craft beers, check out Orlando’s local brewery scene. There are many craft breweries to choose from, including the Crooked Can Brewing Co., Sea Dog Brewing Co., Ocean Sun Brewing, and Dead Lizard Brewing Co.

Due to the large number of visitors and the way the various theme parks are spread widely across the city, public transport is a viable way of getting around in Orlando. In fact, the LYNX bus is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways of traveling within the city.

There are 60 LYNX routes that cost $2 per ride running at either 15-minute, 30-minute, or 1-hour intervals. And LYNX also operates a FREE loop bus service around downtown Orlando running every 5 minutes called LYMMO. Watch out for bus stops marked with a pink bus symbol or paw prints.

Many large Orlando hotels offer free shuttle bus services to the major theme parks and the airport. Check with your hotel before you travel.

If you’re looking for a more personal service from doorstep to doorstep, there are dozens of taxi companies in Orlando. The majority use a meter with a $2.23 standing charge followed by a $1.76 per kilometer rate. Uber is generally cheaper and growing ever more popular in Orlando.

However, as mentioned earlier, car hire is the most popular transport option in Orlando. This is a city designed with cars in mind, so the road network is well-built and maintained and there are ample parking facilities at all the major attractions. Driving yourself around offers the most flexibility and is the most convenient if you’re staying in a rented vacation villa.

Note that you’ll need a US or International Driving License to hire a car in Orlando. There are toll roads in the city, including the routes from the airport to Orlando’s main attractions. And the gas stations closest to the theme parks and the airport charge inflated gas prices.

With more tourists than residents, you’ll find a broad range of accommodation available in Orlando. There are thousands of rental homes close to the theme parks and major attractions, many with luxury amenities like a gym and a swimming pool. And there are over 450 resorts and hotels to choose from.

The best advice we can offer is to first decide what kind of accommodation best suits your family and then shop around. Generally, hotels inside the more popular theme parks will charge premium prices, and you can rent a villa a few miles from the gates for a fraction of the cost.

If you are traveling as part of a large family group, a vacation rental home will usually be your best value choice. But if you are traveling alone or just with your partner, you may find a hotel room more convenient and affordable.

The hotels are mainly clustered in three areas: International Drive, Kissimmee, and Lake Buena Vista.

If you are not hiring a car, International Drive (I-Drive) is your best option. Along the 11-mile length of I-Drive, you’ll find attractions, stores, restaurants, and hotels side by side. These attractions include The Orlando Eye, Aquatica, Sea World, and Universal Studios. Most of the hotels here offer free shuttle services to the major theme parks.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and away from the busy parks and attractions, you’ll like Kissimmee. It is only a short drive from Disney World and International Drive but far enough away to avoid the noise and crowds. You’ll find lots of high-quality vacation rental homes in this area. Kissimmee also makes a great base for exploring other parts of Florida beyond the city, such as the Kennedy Space Center.

If you’ve come to Orlando because you’ve always dreamed of visiting Walt Disney World and intend to spend most of your time there, stay in Lake Buena Vista. It is the most convenient location for reaching all 5 Disney Parks. Lake Buena Vista is also a prime destination for outlet shopping and golfing.

As mentioned earlier, Orlando benefits from fine sunny weather year-round, but there are distinct seasonal variations. Orlando’s weather can be summarized into two seasons: one warm and dry, the other hot and wet.

From mid-October to April, the weather is typically warm and dry, with daily temperature maximums ranging from 70 0 F to 84 0 F and minimums from 49 0 F to 65 0 F. There is little rainfall during this period.

From May to mid-October, the weather tends to be hot but wet. The average daily temperature maximum hovers around 90 0 F and the minimum around 75 0 F. During the summer, there are frequent rainstorms that are short but sharp.

While hurricanes rarely hit Orlando, there is a small risk. The hurricane season occurs toward the end of the summer between mid-August and mid-October. There are often bargain vacation deals offered during this period, but it’s a good idea to check the Orlando weather updates before visiting.

Orlando boasts the world’s best selection of major theme parks and other must-see attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Holy Land Experience, and Central Florida Zoo.

You can’t possibly see everything during a single visit. Here is a brief selection of highlights.

Walt Disney World

It’s no big secret that the majority of tourists headed for Orlando go there to see the mouse. Walt Disney World is the world’s most visited resort welcoming 58 million guests per year before the pandemic.

Walt Disney World is divided into four parks, of which Magic Kingdom is the best known. That’s where you’ll find Cinderella’s Castle and all your favorite cartoon characters. Epcot Spaceship Earth is where you can visit other countries and experience different cultures.

The Hollywood Studios park offers visitors an insiders view of movie magic. There you can tour movie studios, see stunt people in action, and watch live special effects. If you’re interested in African animals, you’ll love the Kilimanjaro Safari Experience at Animal Kingdom where you can see big game animals running free in their natural habitats.

Universal Studios Florida

Not to be outdone by Disney, Universal Studios offer a combined working movie studio and theme park experience in Orlando designed with the help of Steven Spielberg.

There are 7 themed islands withing Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Each island is dedicated to a major theme franchise, such as the Marvel Superhero Island and the Jurassic Park Island. There you can meet your favorite movie characters and enjoy thrilling themed rides.

Many younger visitors are lured by the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Here you’ll find Hogsmeade village, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Orlando Sea World

This world-famous sea life center is renowned for its huge aquariums where you can enjoy whale and dolphin shows. A behind the scenes tour is a great way to learn about marine conservation as well as seeing the baby dolphins at play.

Sea World also features adrenaline-pumping rides including a selection of refreshing water rides. Those who enjoy roller coasters will be eager to ride the Kraken Virtual Reality Coaster, the Manta Coaster, and the Mako Hyper Coaster.

While you’re in Florida, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get up close and friendly with a whole bunch of crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. Gatorland features daily shows and demonstrations where you can learn all there is to know about Florida’s most famous animals.

Gatorland also features 2 exciting ziplines: the Gator Gauntlet and the Screamin’ Gator. These ziplines zip you through the air over the crocodile and alligator pens. You might also enjoy the self-guided swamp walk and the Gator Gully Splash Park for younger visitors.

Tour Guides

The Ultimate Space Pass is our Editor's Choice for the best tour of the Kennedy Space Center

Robert Baker

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• Cape Canaveral
• United States

Kennedy Space Center Tickets Price – Everything you Need to Know

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about Kennedy Space Center tickets, including tickets price, how to book tickets online, what are the best attractions to see, opening hours, and some other useful travel tips.

You don’t need to travel through space to enjoy the galaxy. Instead, purchase Kennedy Space Center tickets and visit NASA’s primary launch center of human spaceflight.

How much do Kennedy Space Center tickets cost?

How can i book kennedy space center tickets online, are there any kennedy space center tickets including transportation from/to orlando, what are the best things to see at the kennedy space center, when is the best time to visit the kennedy space center, what are the kennedy space center opening hours, travel tips.

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Kennedy Space Center tickets right now.

You may find below Kennedy Space Center tickets price.

General admission tickets price

• Daily admission adult (ages 12+) – US$ 75
• Daily admission child (ages 3-11) – US$ 65
• 2-day admission adult (ages 12+) – US$ 89
• 2-day admission child (ages 3-11) – US$ 79

General admission tickets give you access to the Kennedy Space Center, which includes space shuttle simulators, 3D IMAX showings and more.

Guided tours feature a space expert, who takes you on a walking tour and exhibits such as Heroes and Legends, Space Shuttle Atlantis and Astronaut Training Experience. Lunch, parking and admission are all included with the ticket.

Annual pass price

• Atlantis annual pass adult (ages 12+) – US$ 149
• Atlantis annual pass child (ages 3-11) – US$ 120
• Cosmic club family annual pass (2 adults and up to 4 accompanying children (ages 3-11) – US$ 432.10

Annual passes provide you with return visits and in-park discounts. With Atlantis, for example, an annual pass includes free parking, 10% off admission for up to six accompanying guests per visit, discounts on food, retail and select educational programs.

The primary way of booking tickets is through the official Kennedy Space Center website , which has a range of offers that include general admission and package tours. Prices are the same whether you purchase online or in person, though you will most likely need to queue if you buy tickets at the center.

Another option for buying Kennedy Space Center tickets online is with an online tour operator such as Viator, GetYourGuide, or Klook. Make sure to use our search engine to compare all the different deals and book the cheapest tickets available for your desired date.

• Compare tickets

Absolutely. There are many tour operators organizing tours including Kennedy Space Center tickets and transportation from/to Orlando. There are also some trips to the Kennedy Space Center combined with other Florida attractions, such as a visit to the Everglades.

Use our search engine, read the reviews, and book the tour that fits best your needs and budget.

• Compare offers from Orlando

Located in Florida, there’s plenty for you to see at the center – from the Space Shuttle Atlantis to meeting real astronauts.

There is a range of fun things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, so much so that tours can last up to 10 hours. The primary ticket type is for general admission, which includes plenty of exciting activities.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

The Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle Atlantis is the main attraction and a full-scale shuttle. This is the stuff which dreams are made of and your chance to see a real-life spaceship. The shuttle is only one of three in the US that has actually been to space.

Journey to Mars

One day we might all live on Mars, but for now, you’ll have to make do with journeying there at the Space Center. Get insight into the inner workings of NASA’s Mars Exploration Programme and find out what it might be like to live on the Red Planet.

Kennedy Space Center bus tour

Get a detailed view of the Kennedy Space Center with a bus tour. Hop on the bus and see launch pads, restricted areas and the landmark Vehicle Assembly Building up close and personal. You’ll learn everything about NASA and the birthplace of American spaceflight.

Meet an astronaut

Kennedy Space Center tickets allow you to meet a real-life astronaut. You can converse with someone who has seen the depths of space and get all the glorious details about their experience. Enhance the moment and make it a memorable moment with a photo with the astronaut.

Watch a live rocket launch

Time your visit right and you can watch a live rocket launch at the Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center offers the closest public viewings of rocket launches, and features live launch commentary from space experts. Experience the shattering earth force as the rocket takes off into space.

3D IMAX space cinema

Grab some popcorn and experience the next best thing to being in space. The 3D IMAX space cinema lets you enjoy a space-related show that makes you feel like you’re going into orbit. Two shows play daily at the center.

The Kennedy Space Center is a year-round attraction and mostly takes place indoors. From a weather perspective, there’s no ideal time to plan your visit. However, you can expect the center to be at its busiest during the holidays, as this is the ideal time for families to take their trips. Easter, Summer, and the holiday season are busiest and see peak crowds.

Off-season in Florida is in January and February and September to November, so the center may be quieter during these months. If you’re visiting specifically for a rocket launch, expect crowds to be larger than usual. The center accommodates for bigger crowds during rocket launches and can change its opening times.

The Kennedy Space Center sees peak business during the middle of the day, so it’s worth visiting early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Alternatively, you can leave your visit later in the day when it’s slightly quieter.

The Kennedy Space Center is open from Monday to Sunday at 9 am every day of the year. Closing times vary, with off-season seeing closing at 6 pm and peak season closing at 8 pm.

• Book tickets online to avoid lengthy queues
• Arrive early
• Atlantis is the most popular attraction
• Food and beverages are available at the Space Center, but you can also bring snacks
• Tours can last up to 10 hours
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll do plenty of walking
• Download the app prior to your visit
• Use the map to plan your day
• You can pay extra and have lunch with an astronaut
• There’s a gift shop at the center
• Bring a camera
• All backpacks will be checked by security

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have some questions about the Kennedy Space Center tickets.

Where to go next? Make sure to read our selection of fun things to do in Cape Canaveral .

Happy travels!

• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Cape Canaveral Visit Cape Canaveral on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Cape Canaveral Costs

• Is Cape Canaveral Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Cape Canaveral cost?
• Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting?
• The Northeast
• The Midwest
• New York City
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• How much does it cost to travel to Cape Canaveral? (Average Daily Cost)
• Cape Canaveral trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Cape Canaveral expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Cape Canaveral?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Cape Canaveral?

You should plan to spend around $220 per day on your vacation in Cape Canaveral. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $43 on meals
• $35 on local transportation
• $311 on hotels

A one week trip to Cape Canaveral for two people costs, on average, $3,078 . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 220
• One Week Per person $ 1,539
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 3,078
• One Month Per person $ 6,595
• One Week For a couple $ 3,078
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 6,155
• One Month For a couple $ 13,190

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cape Canaveral cost?

A one week trip to Cape Canaveral usually costs around $1,539 for one person and $3,078 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cape Canaveral on average costs around $3,078 for one person and $6,155 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cape Canaveral will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cape Canaveral on average costs around $6,595 for one person and $13,190 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Cape Canaveral has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Cape Canaveral are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Cape Canaveral is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Ketchikan or Kennebunkport.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cape Canaveral Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cape Canaveral?

The average Cape Canaveral trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cape Canaveral travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Cape Canaveral

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Cape Canaveral is $155. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Cape Canaveral is $311. This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 155
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 311

Hotel Prices in Cape Canaveral

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Cape Canaveral based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $181. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 192
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 192

Transportation Budget in Cape Canaveral

The cost of a taxi ride in Cape Canaveral is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $35 per person, per day, on local transportation in Cape Canaveral.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 35

Recommended Services

• Round Trip NASA Space Center/Port Canaveral Private Transfer Viator $ 67
• Private Van Transfer from Port Canaveral,Cocoa Beach to MCO Viator $ 70

Flights to Cape Canaveral

Rental cars in cape canaveral, food budget in cape canaveral.

While meal prices in Cape Canaveral can vary, the average cost of food in Cape Canaveral is $43 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Cape Canaveral should cost around $17 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Cape Canaveral is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 43

Entertainment Budget in Cape Canaveral

Entertainment and activities in Cape Canaveral typically cost an average of $17 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 17

Recommended Activities

• Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner Viator $ 125
• SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach Viator $ 95

Alcohol Budget in Cape Canaveral

The average person spends about $13 on alcoholic beverages in Cape Canaveral per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 13

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Tour Details

All Tours pickup at the Sands Space History Center, in Cape Canaveral. When navigating it is best to use Museum name rather than address (100 Space Port Way, Cape Canaveral). Tour times are varied, however most tours begin around 9am.

All Tours have mandatory requirements

• Security information is mandatory and required in advance, for all guests. U.S. citizens and residents only, Foreign Visitors are not granted access.
• Security information must be provided in advance to get you privileges onto the station. You will receive details to after reservation. If information is not received in advance, as per reservation, we will be forced to cancel the reservation with no refund.
• Changes to the itinerary, schedule and transportation my occur, we will notify you with details should that happen. If payment has been made 100% refund will be provided if you are unable to go on tour.
• Adults, over 18, must bring photo ID when checking in.
• The Space Force Station is a secure military facility; no concealed weapons are allowed.
• Only service animals are allowed on the Space Force Station.
• Climbing inside lighthouse is restricted to first 5 floors.
• There is a minimum height of 48 inches to climb the lighthouse.
• Shoes with heel straps or closed toes are required to climb, flip-flops and high-heeled shoes are not permitted.

Our premier Lighthouse & Spaceflight tour is fully guided, interactive with multimedia presentations. Length of tour is approximately 4 hours and $62.50 (group and children discounts). We stop at the lighthouse where you spend approximately 1 hour and a Lighthouse docent provides a semi-guided tour. The first 5 floors of the lighthouse inside are available for climbing as well as the outside 3rd floor staircase when weather permits. The lighthouse museum, gift store and grounds surrounding lighthouse await your visit.

We visit historic missile launch complexes, Space Program museums with artifacts and exhibits of Air Force launch vehicles and programs. The tour stops at the Space Force Missile Museum, you get to go into the block house where we launched our first satellite and walk where we launched our first U.S. Astronauts into space. The tour also has views of the vast surrounding of the cape including historic Cape Canaveral Community Cemetery. The wildlife on the cape at times give us a display as they have so much protected land to live and thrive on.

The Lighthouse and Missile Museum Excursion is a 3 hour excursion for $45 per person. You visit the lighthouse where you spend approximately 1 hour and a Lighthouse docent provides a guided tour. The first 5 floors of the lighthouse inside are available for climbing as well as the outside 3rd floor staircase when weather permits. The lighthouse museum and grounds surrounding lighthouse await your visit. Also on campus is Hanger C home to a variety of refurbished missiles and spaceflight artifacts. You have an additional 30 minutes to peruse the indoor rocket garden. You then visit the Space Force Missile Museum where you go into the blockhouse where our first satellite was launched. Many other exhibits and artifacts await you, along with the many you already enjoyed at Hanger C. Tour requires one week advance reservation.

Lighthouse and Hanger C Excursion includes time at the Lighthouse, museum and grounds. A special treat to see inside Hanger C is also available while you are visiting. It is located just next door and home to a tremendous collection of artifacts from the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. This is a 2 hour excursion for $25.

You will have 1 1/2 hours on your visit to spend wherever you choose on campus. In the lighthouse, the museum, hanger C or just enjoying the grounds. Bathrooms are available on site and Canaveral Tours has water available on the van. The tour includes transportation and obtaining security clearance for guests. Reservations, like always, must be made a week in advance for US citizens and permanent residents.

We offer Private Tours for up to 10 guests. The private tour follow the same itinerary as our Premier Lighthouse and Spaceflight tour. You can participate without having to share the ride. We also offer custom dates and times for your schedule. Please contact us to set up your custom and private tour.

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

What makes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse so special, is that it is the only fully-operational lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. Access is very limited as it is on an active military base. There are bus tours going to the lighthouse, but you have to make a reservation in advance for security purposes.

The 151 ft. tall Cape Canaveral Lighthouse was constructed in 1868 and located on the Cape Canaveral beach. Due to shoreline erosion, the lighthouse got dismantled and relocated 1.5 miles inland in the early 1890s. In July 1894, the light was relit again. 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard took ownership and in 2000 stewardship was transferred to the 45th Space Wing.

The original top of the lighthouse can now be found at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. After it was dismantled it got rejuvenated as a gazebo at the missile museum.

Lighthouse Tour

The lighthouse is open to the public but only on certain dates. You have to book the tour at least 48 hours (US citizens) in advance as the lighthouse is located on an active military installation and the tour operator has to provide a manifest to the Air Force for security clearance. Foreigners need to book at least 4 days in advance. Bear in mind that the tour can be canceled at any time due to the location of the lighthouse on an Air Force Base.

Book your tour at Canaveral Lighthouse Tours .

The air-conditioned tour buses depart from the Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral and will transport you to the lighthouse. Visitors will have one hour at the lighthouse to enjoy the grounds and talk to the volunteers on-site. You can climb the lighthouse only to the fifth level and must wear flat closed-toe shoes and be at least 48 inches tall. The inside of the lighthouse shows some memorabilia and the history of the lighthouse.

The fully narrated tour will pass many historic Launch Complexes on its way. During your tour, you will stop at Space Launch Complex 14 (SLC-14) including the Mercury program memorial , Space Launch Complex 34 (SLC-34), and the Sands History Museum . Overall the tour takes about 3.5 hours of which you spend one hour at the lighthouse. Photos can be taken even while riding the bus to the different stops of the tour, except for the security gates. These are the only locations you are not allowed to photograph.

Admission to the Exploration Tower is included with your tour ticket. Enjoy the stunning views of Port Canaveral and the surrounding areas from the observation decks while learning more about the history of the port. Don’t forget to stop at the Sands Space History Center. It is located outside the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station South Gate. You can drive your own car all the way to the museum. Just follow the signs along the road. Once you approach the south gate, you will first pass a fence that has no guard station. It’s ok to pass this fence until you get to a traffic light where you have to make a right followed by an immediate left and you will end up at the parking lot of the History Center. The Sands History Center is located behind the SpaceX building.

The price of the tour is now $49.95 per person. Save $5 if you enter promo code “light” during your checkout process. Visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation website for tour schedules and more information. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and visitors will spend about one hour at the lighthouse.

Since the beginning of 2019 new tour dates were introduced and tours run now pretty much every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There are some exclusions and some special dates for tours. Check the calendar on the website for availability. Please remember the booking deadline: 2 days for US citizens and 4 days for foreigners. Don’t forget to bring your ID.

Lighthouse Passport Stamp

This tour gives you the option to have your Lighthouse Passport stamped. The only other way to get a stamp for the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is to request a passport stamp via mail.

Alternate Tour

Alternatively, you can take the  Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour , which departs from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This 3-hour tour main stop is at the Air Force Space & Missile Museum. Besides that, you will drive by the lighthouse and are able to snap some pictures but you won’t be able to get out or have your passport stamped.

Ongoing Project

The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation (CCLF) is currently constructing the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. It will house a gift shop and various displays pertaining to life at the lighthouse. Artifacts from different time periods will teach you about life as it was from when the Ais Indians first inhabited these shores. An additional building behind the Head Keeper’s Cottage will house modern restrooms for staff and visitors.

Two more cottages will be built over time which will further extend the experience.

• First Assistant’s Cottage: Walk-through tour showcasing the architecture of the period and how lighthouse keepers and their families lived
• Second Assistant’s Cottage: Will house an Education Center with various interactive displays.

These three Keeper’s cottages surrounded the lighthouse but got destroyed after 76 years of existence. The original plans from 1942 were used to rebuild these houses. The period furniture will help to further promote the history of this place and what it was like to live here as a lighthouse keeper family.

The Mysterious Hangar Next Door

During your visit to the lighthouse, I am sure you have noticed the big hangar next door. The official designation is Hangar C and it’s part of the Air Force Space and Missile Museum.

Inside you will find about a dozen different rockets. All in very good shape and restored to its original glory. When you look at them, you think they were just built recently. Showcasing anything man-made outside in Florida takes a huge toll on these objects. Just look at the rockets displayed at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum. Hurricanes, rain, and salt got to these objects and some of them are in a very bad condition. They require constant maintenance, where it is easier to protect them indoors. Unfortunately, Hangar C is only open for special events.

Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.

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[…] year I got lucky enough to visit the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse while it was “open” to visitors. As I was talking to the volunteers …  Read more »

Privacy Overview

• Park Overview Explore Missions Zones
• Heroes and Legends Space Pioneers
• Behind the Gates Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
• Race to the Moon Apollo Moon Landing
• Shuttle: A Ship Like No Other NASA's Space Shuttle Program
• NASA Now + Next Preparing for Journey to Mars
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• See A Launch
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• Youth Groups Programs and Field Trips
• Scouts Adventures for Scout Troops
• Private Events Events and Custom Tours
• International Programs and Custom Tours
• Camp KSC Day Camp for Students
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Parking Rates

• Motorcycles - $5.00
• Automobiles - $10.00
• Oversized vehicles, motor homes or RVs - $15.00

Hotel For information regarding hotels and other accommodations near Kennedy Space Center, view some area hotels or Visit Space Coast or call 877.57.BEACH (23224). Area Attractions The Space Coast isn’t just about space. Learn about area beaches and other attractions during your Visit to the Space Coast or call 877.57.BEACH (2-3224). Dining Learn more about dining opportunities outside of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex through Visit Space Coast or call 877.57.BEACH (2-3224).

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