The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a spaceport located in Merritt Island, Florida, United States. It has been the launch site for every manned spaceflight program of NASA since 1968. KSC also houses various space-related exhibits and attractions, and offers a variety of tours for visitors.
There are several tour options available at the Kennedy Space Center, ranging from a basic admission ticket to more comprehensive tours that offer behind-the-scenes access to NASA facilities and launch sites. Here are some of the most popular tour options:
KSC Bus Tour: This is the basic tour option that is included with general admission. It takes visitors on a guided bus tour of the KSC complex, including stops at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the Observation Gantry at Launch Complex 39.
Astronaut Training Experience (ATX): This is a half-day experience that simulates astronaut training, including simulated spaceflight and a microgravity experience.
Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center should note that some tours may have age or height restrictions, and some may require advance reservations. It is recommended to check the Kennedy Space Center website or call ahead to plan your visit and ensure availability.
Best Kennedy Space Center Tours
| From Orlando: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport | Kennedy Space Center: Chat with an Astronaut Experience | Kennedy Space Center: Full-Day Tour with Airboat Safari Ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 10 hours | 10 hours | 10 hours |
| Starting Time | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 8:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Meeting Point | Orlando, FL | Orlando, FL | Orlando, FL |
| Includes | Round-trip transportation from the Orlando, General admission to Kennedy Space Center, Guide | Roundtrip transportation, Welcome to Atlantis orientation tour , Admission ticket to the Kennedy Space Center , Chat | Round-trip transportation , Entry ticket to Kennedy Space Center, 30-minute Air Boat Ride on the St. Johns River , 3D IMAX movie , Shuttle launch, Guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Kennedy Space Center Tours For [2024]
- From Orlando: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport
- Kennedy Space Center: Chat with an Astronaut Experience
- Kennedy Space Center: Full-Day Tour with Airboat Safari Ride
- From Orlando: Chat with an Astronaut at the KSC w/ Transfers
- Orlando: Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour
- From Orlando: Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour
- Miami: Kennedy Space Center Private Tour
Best Kennedy Space Center Tours Reviews
#1. From Orlando: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport
A Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with transport from Orlando is a popular tour option for those visiting Orlando and looking to experience the Kennedy Space Center. This tour typically includes round-trip transportation from select Orlando hotels, admission to the Kennedy Space Center, and a guided bus tour of the KSC complex.
The tour usually departs in the morning and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
The guided bus tour typically takes visitors to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where they can see the largest rocket ever flown and learn about the Apollo moon missions. Visitors also get to see the Observation Gantry at Launch Complex 39, which offers a panoramic view of the KSC launch pads.
Some Kennedy Space Center Day Trip tours may also include additional experiences, such as lunch with an astronaut or a meet-and-greet with a veteran NASA astronaut.
It is important to note that the Kennedy Space Center is a popular attraction and can be busy, particularly during peak season. It is recommended to book this tour in advance to ensure availability, and to arrive early to make the most of the experience.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Kennedy Space Center: Chat with an Astronaut Experience
The Chat with an Astronaut Experience is a popular program offered at the Kennedy Space Center that allows visitors to meet and interact with a veteran NASA astronaut.
During the experience, visitors have the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from the astronaut about their experiences in space and ask questions in a small-group setting. The astronaut typically speaks for about 30 minutes, followed by a Q&A session.
The Chat with an Astronaut Experience is typically offered multiple times per day at the Kennedy Space Center, and visitors must purchase a separate ticket for the experience in addition to general admission. It is recommended to book this experience in advance, as it can sell out quickly.
In addition to the Chat with an Astronaut Experience, visitors to the Kennedy Space Center can also explore various exhibits and attractions related to space exploration, including the Apollo/Saturn V Center, the Shuttle Launch Experience, and the Rocket Garden. There are also various behind-the-scenes tours available for an additional fee, including the Up-Close Tour and the Launch Control Center Tour.
Overall, the Kennedy Space Center offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages, and the Chat with an Astronaut Experience is a particularly special opportunity to connect with a real-life space explorer.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Kennedy Space Center: Full-Day Tour with Airboat Safari Ride
The Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour with Airboat Safari Ride is a popular tour option that combines a visit to the Kennedy Space Center with a thrilling airboat ride through the Florida Everglades.
The tour typically starts with a pickup from select Orlando hotels and a comfortable drive to the Kennedy Space Center. Once at the Space Center, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the various exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, the IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
After spending the morning at the Kennedy Space Center, visitors will then board a bus to travel to the nearby Everglades for an airboat ride through the wetlands. The airboat ride offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about the natural beauty of the area, including the diverse wildlife and vegetation.
Following the airboat ride, visitors will then return to Orlando with drop-off at select hotels.
The Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour with Airboat Safari Ride is a full-day experience and typically includes admission to the Kennedy Space Center, round-trip transportation from Orlando, the airboat ride, and a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center. Lunch is typically not included in this tour, but can be purchased at various locations at the Kennedy Space Center.
This tour offers a unique combination of space exploration and nature, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to experience the best of both worlds during their stay in Orlando.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. From Orlando: Chat with an Astronaut at the KSC w/ Transfers
The Chat with an Astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) with Transfers is a popular tour option for visitors to Orlando who want to experience the Kennedy Space Center and meet a veteran NASA astronaut.
This tour typically includes round-trip transportation from select Orlando hotels, admission to the Kennedy Space Center, and the opportunity to attend the Chat with an Astronaut program, which allows visitors to hear firsthand stories from an astronaut and ask questions in a small-group setting.
The tour usually departs in the morning and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
The Chat with an Astronaut program typically lasts for approximately 30 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. Visitors will have the opportunity to take photos with the astronaut and get autographs, making this a memorable and unique experience.
After the Chat with an Astronaut program, visitors can continue to explore the Kennedy Space Center or take a guided tour of the facility (not included in the tour price). Lunch is typically not included in this tour, but can be purchased at various locations at the Kennedy Space Center.
Overall, the Chat with an Astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center with Transfers is a popular and exciting tour option that allows visitors to experience the wonder of space exploration and meet a real-life astronaut.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Orlando: Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour
The Orlando: Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour is a popular tour option that combines a visit to the Kennedy Space Center with an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades.
The tour typically starts with a pickup from select Orlando hotels and a comfortable drive to the Kennedy Space Center. Once at the Space Center, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the various exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, the IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
After spending the morning at the Kennedy Space Center, visitors will then board a bus to travel to the nearby Everglades for an airboat tour through the wetlands. The airboat tour offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about the natural beauty of the area, including the diverse wildlife and vegetation.
During the airboat tour, visitors may spot alligators, turtles, and various bird species. The tour typically lasts for approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Following the airboat tour, visitors will then return to Orlando with drop-off at select hotels.
The Orlando: Kennedy Space Center and Airboat Tour is a full-day experience and typically includes admission to the Kennedy Space Center, round-trip transportation from Orlando, the airboat tour, and a guided tour of the Kennedy Space Center. Lunch is typically not included in this tour, but can be purchased at various locations at the Kennedy Space Center.
This tour offers a unique combination of space exploration and nature, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to experience the best of both worlds during their stay in Orlando.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. From Orlando: Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour
The Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour from Orlando is a popular tour option that allows visitors to explore the Kennedy Space Center and learn about the history and future of space exploration.
The tour typically starts with a pickup from select Orlando hotels and a comfortable drive to the Kennedy Space Center. Once at the Space Center, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the various exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, the IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
Visitors can also take a guided bus tour of the facility to see the iconic launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the launch control center. Along the way, visitors will learn about the history of space exploration and the future plans for space travel.
In addition to the exhibits and tours, visitors can also meet an astronaut, see real-life rockets and space shuttles, and enjoy interactive experiences such as the Astronaut Training Experience and the Mars Rover Simulator.
Lunch is typically not included in this tour, but can be purchased at various locations at the Kennedy Space Center.
After spending the day at the Kennedy Space Center, visitors will then return to Orlando with drop-off at select hotels.
Overall, the Kennedy Space Center Full-Day Tour from Orlando is a popular and exciting tour option that allows visitors to experience the wonder of space exploration and learn about the history and future of NASA’s space program.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Miami: Kennedy Space Center Private Tour
The Kennedy Space Center Private Tour from Miami is a customized tour option that offers visitors a more personalized experience at the Kennedy Space Center.
This tour typically includes round-trip transportation from Miami to the Kennedy Space Center and a private guided tour of the facility. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the various exhibits, attractions, and interactive displays, including the Shuttle Launch Experience, the IMAX movies, and the Rocket Garden.
The private guided tour allows visitors to have a more in-depth experience and personalized attention from the guide. The tour can be tailored to the visitor’s interests and can include behind-the-scenes access, visits to restricted areas, and exclusive experiences such as meeting an astronaut.
Lunch is typically not included in this tour, but can be purchased at various locations at the Kennedy Space Center.
After spending the day at the Kennedy Space Center, visitors will then return to Miami with drop-off at their hotel or preferred location.
Overall, the Kennedy Space Center Private Tour from Miami is a unique and customized tour option that allows visitors to have a more personalized and exclusive experience at the Kennedy Space Center.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.