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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Prepping For The Moon — Why A VIP Tour Of Space Center Houston Is Worth The Money 

nasa vip tour houston

  • Activities and Interests
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There has been a rebirth in excitement about America’s space program as NASA, its contractors, and partnering nations prepare to send men, women, and the first crew of color to the Moon with the Artemis project in 2024. The world is once again entranced with the idea of space travel and visiting our nearest celestial neighbor, so much so that the 14 NASA Visitor Centers across the country are experiencing an uptick in attendance. 

The most popular is the Kennedy Space Center , where visitors are able to watch the largest rocket ever built hurl humans to the moon. The next most visited is Space Center Houston , which is part of the Johnson Space Center. Here is where the mission control centers and training for all of the nation’s manned space missions — from Gemini in the 1960s to the International Space Station (ISS) — have been located as well as the headquarters for our next leap to the moon, the Artemis missions. 

Whether you are a space geek, into history, or looking for a fun destination to visit, Space Center Houston should be on your list, especially with a ticket aboard their VIP Bus Tour . 

Entering the main hall at Space Center Houston

A Day At Space Center Houston 

Space Center Houston is packed with fascinating exhibits that look back at our history in space and how NASA is preparing to return humans to the Moon. There are authentic historic space capsules in the Starship Gallery , exhilarating motion simulators to ride, movies continually running in the Mission Briefing Center and Destiny Theater, displays where you can walk through the Skylab space station or view the Earth as the astronauts do through the cupola of the ISS, have lunch at Food Lab Market and Eatery , and more.

A highlight of a visit to the space center are the tram tours that take you to the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park . Here, you can see the only complete Saturn V moon rocket, the Astronaut Training Facility, and a view of historic Mission Control where Apollo 11 was guided to the Moon from a special observation area. 

The first two tram tours are free with admission. Tickets can be reserved at the guest services counter. Admission is charged for the Mission Control Tour and must be reserved online . 

An Out Of This World Experience — VIP Tours 

Now, the tram tours are excellent, but if you really want to experience the Johnson Space Center firsthand, then upgrade your general admission to one of the two VIP Tour packages.

There are two packages available that run during the weekdays, one in the morning at 9 a.m. and the other at noon. Each lasts 3 hours and costs $199 per person. The tours are limited to 10 people per bus and tend to sell out quickly, so make those reservations early.

But why is upgrading your general admission ticket to a VIP Tour worth the money? 

Mission Control Center

1. Walk In The Steps Of History 

You can literally walk in the steps of history when you take the morning VIP Tour. The tour bus stops at the historic Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control Center . Walk up — or ride an elevator — to the third floor and see the historic mission control center where engineers guided the astronauts of Apollo 11 to the Moon and saved the lives of the crew of Apollo 13. 

The control room has been completely restored to its 1960s state. Each control console and display screen works the same as it did those many years ago. The room has been so precisely restored to its original state that when historians discovered cigarette butts under many of the consoles, they placed them back into the ashtrays that dot the rows of equipment.

After watching a film narrated by flight director Gene Kranz, who was in charge during the Apollo 11 landing from a special observation area, and unlike the tram tour, the doors are unlocked and you can actually walk inside the control room to view it firsthand. It’s an inspiring experience. 

From there, the tour makes a short walk to another room to view the actual ISS mission control room that is manned 24/7 to keep the ISS and crew flying safely. 

Historic Mission Control

2. Touch History 

The morning tour makes a stop at the Crew Systems Laboratory. Here, you will learn about what it takes to make space suits, what astronauts go through to put on and take off a suit, and its important functions. You’ll even get to touch and examine a space-worn suit. There are also vintage suits from the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo eras on display.

payload bay area space center houston

3. Experience Unseen History 

While there are many artifacts on display in the main visitor center building, the VIP Tours take you to see many more artifacts that are not available to the general public. In the Crew Systems Laboratory, you can see the actual device that mission control improvised to purify the oxygen aboard the Apollo 13 mission that nearly ended in tragedy. 

You will also get to walk through the Ghost Shuttle in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory. This is an actual space shuttle (without walls and engines) where astronauts and engineers trained. Before every shuttle mission, the Ghost Shuttle was used to iron out any problems found in an upcoming flight before the shuttle left the ground. Walk inside the massive cargo bay then up the ladder to the crew area and sit at the console on the flight deck. 

Astronaut Training Facility

4. Get Up Close With Astronaut Training 

The Johnson Space Center is the main training site for our astronauts heading to the ISS and now Orion, which will go to the Moon. Both tours take you to see the Astronaut Training Facility where full-size mockups of the ISS, Orion spacecraft, and Boeing Starliner capsule are used for training and troubleshooting. 

The afternoon tour also takes you to the Neutral Buoyancy Lab , a giant swimming pool that holds full-size mockups of the ISS and other capsules. It’s here that astronauts in their spacesuits practice underwater for their upcoming missions in virtually the same environment as they would in space. It also makes a stop at the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility where astronauts familiarize themselves with in-orbit laboratory systems. 

And who knows? As you look down into these training facilities at the work being done from a catwalk high above, you may be watching the next man or woman to walk on the Moon. 

The view from the catwalk as astronauts train in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab

VIP Tour Basics 

When you reserve a VIP Tour , meet up with your tour guide and receive a special VIP badge 15 minutes prior to beginning the tour. Space Center Houston does not open until 9 a.m., but ticket holders for the morning tour are allowed early entrance so that they can gather together before hopping on the bus. 

The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can answer just about any question you have. 

Generally, the two tours include visits to:

  • 9 A.M. Tour: Crew Systems Laboratory, Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, Apollo Mission Control Center, ISS Mission Control Center 
  • Noon Tour: Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility, Astronaut Training Facility, Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL) 

When on the tour, any fanny packs, purses, backpacks, etc., must be left on the locked bus when you enter a building. 

Remember that these are working NASA facilities and you will be walking among working employees and contractors, so be considerate as you walk past their offices. 

Guests must wear closed-toe shoes on VIP tours to avoid injuries. Bathroom breaks are limited so be sure to hit a restroom before heading out.

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  • Space Oddities: Forgotten Stories from Mankind's Exploration of Space
  • Everyone's Gone to the Moon: Life on Earth and the Epic Voyage of Apollo 11
  • A Travel Lover's Guide to Mobile and the Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Hidden History of Mobile
  • Baseball in Mobile

Recently retired, Joe plans to continue his love of traveling while sharing his adventures and exploration of the U.S. and the world with TravelAwaits readers.

TRUE ADVENTURE STORIES!

TRUE ADVENTURE STORIES!

Stories about adventures that are true!

nasa vip tour houston

Space Center Houston Offers THE ULTIMATE NASA VIP TOUR! (It Used To Be Slightly More Ultimate…But It’s Still Really Ultimate!)

An unforgettable close encounter with NASA history…

Houston Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Texas is the Houston astronauts are referring to when they say, “Houston: Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed,” or “ Houston, we’ve had a problem .” Ever since the Gemini IV mission in 1965 the Johnson Space Center has trained every astronaut and overseen every manned U.S. spaceflight, and today it supports missions to the International Space Station.

And in the early ‘90s it was developed into a must-see museum for space fans!

Space Center Houston was co-designed by members of the Disney Imagineering team and it features hundreds of artifacts and exhibits aimed at all ages. Outside the front door stands a full-scale replica of a Space Shuttle and carrier plane. Just beyond the entrance are actual Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo capsules and moon rocks you can touch and flight suits worn by the likes of Michael Collins , Pete Conrad , and Sally Ride . They even have a Skylab training module and the podium from which JFK delivered his famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_2

The main attraction, though, is a tram tour that gives guests an overview of the sprawling 1,620-acre complex. It’s included in the price of admission, but for an additional fee you can join the “Level 9” tour , which offers smaller group sizes and access to areas not normally visited by the general public.

I debated the price tag for the Level 9 tour while drooling over the thought of seeing the Neutral Buoyancy Lab and getting exclusive access to the ISS training area. But the “shut up and take my money” moment was finding out that the Level 9 group would get to sit in the actual chairs in front of the actual consoles inside the actual historic mission control room!

Also, lunch was included. Done and done!

FIRST STOP: A FRIGGIN’ SATURN V ROCKET!

There are only three Saturn V rockets on display in the world, but the Johnson Space Center holds special bragging rights because theirs is the only one comprised of all flight-certified hardware. The stages of these rockets are usually dropped into the ocean so it’s impossible to assemble all the pieces from a single mission, but at least one or more of the components of this particular rocket were used between 1967 and 1973 to launch a combined total of 27 astronauts into space.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_12

Just the building they keep the rocket in is immense. Imagine if you laid the Big Ben clock tower on its side and then built another building around it. Once we were inside, our guide walked us through a brief history of NASA missions as we took a lap around the rocket and marveled at the scale of it. The Saturn V rocket is part of the Space Center’s standard tram tour, but being able to gaze at it quietly as part of such a small group was a significant perk.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_19

SECOND STOP: NEUTRAL BUOYANCY LAB

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_25

The NBL is an enormous swimming pool facility used to acclimate astronauts to the sensation of weightlessness. It’s 202 feet long, 102 feet wide, and 40 feet deep, holding 6.2 million gallons of water and replicas of International Space Station modules.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_24

Our vantage point was an enclosed balcony above the pool, which allowed us a panoramic view of the whole lab. I had been looking forward to walking along the edge of the pool itself, but I was informed that tour groups are no longer allowed to do so because some idiot guest once jumped into the water, ruining a delicate experiment in the process. We all rolled our eyes at the thought of someone being so inconsiderate. But deep down there is a part of me that understands how overwhelming that kind of temptation might be.

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THIRD STOP: LUNCH

All-you-can-eat cafeteria. This is where Jeff makes his admission fee back.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_33

FOURTH STOP: SPACE VEHICLE MOCKUP FACILITY

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_163

Space Center’s Building 9 is basically the Neutral Buoyancy Lab without the water. Sprawled across a massive room that could fit TWO Big Ben clock towers END TO END were replicas of all the key modules of the International Space Station. Unlike the NBL, this time we were able to walk right on the floor and get a close-up look at robots and experimental vehicles meant for use on the moon and, someday, Mars.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_38

FIFTH STOP: MODERN MISSION CONTROL

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_71

Our penultimate destination was FCR-1, the modern day control room used for current space missions. This, in and of itself, would’ve made for a completely worthwhile tour. We observed NASA team members calmly toiling at their computers, orchestrating the unfathomably intricate daily operations of the International Space Station. While we were all excited to walk through other exhibits showcasing NASA’s history, in this room we were witnessing history being made.

Live video feeds from the ISS were displayed on huge screens, showcasing the fruition of all the training facilities and mockups we had just seen. The view was glorious: It was right around sunset. Or maybe sunrise. The astronauts witness one or the other every 45 minutes up there so who can keep track?

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_67

SIXTH AND FINAL STOP: HISTORIC MISSION CONTROL

This was it. The rest of the tour had already been a total space nerdgasm, but this was the reason I was here. The doors opened and we were hit with the smell of the ‘60s: musty carpet, old hardware, and stale cigarette smoke. It was glorious.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_75

I made a beeline for the Flight Director’s console. I knew it would be a coveted spot (and I happily surrendered it to my fellow guests once I got my fix) but I wanted to sit in the seat where Gene Kranz and Chris Kraft and so many others had sat while overseeing landmark scientific victories as well as devastating defeats.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_192

I wish I had absorbed more of what our tour guide was saying at that moment, but I was entranced by the ancient technology in front of me. Plastic push buttons, CRT monitors, rotary dials…even a cylindrical container meant for passing messages via a pneumatic tube system. The obsolescence of it all was both hilarious and inspiring. Just as the ancient Polynesians were able to navigate thousands of miles across the ocean with only canoes and the stars, NASA scientists were able to land men on the moon with what today looks like a toddler’s busy board.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_81

I was born too late to have personally experienced any of the Apollo missions, but I flashed back to the launch of the Hubble and the heartbreak of the Challenger. The weight of it all was still there, pressing me down into the seat cushions. As our group roamed the room we peeked into drawers, where we found old notepads, inkwells, and rusty paperclips. One drawer contained a single Rolaid tablet, with part of the wrapper still on it. I chuckled as I imagined an overstressed crew member popping a full sleeve of antacids during some mission irregularity. Other drawers and shelves held thick binders full of instructions for space shuttle missions. At one time they were likely crucial components to complex operations, now they only faintly hinted at wondrous scientific accomplishments. And gastrointestinal relief.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_79

Our guide pulled open some of the computer panels to show us the dusty, tangled wires inside. And she pointed out a small, framed mirror on the wall, which was part of the Aquarius landing module used during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. The Apollo 13 astronauts gifted the mirror to mission control to reflect the image of those who helped get them back home. It now hangs over the water fountain.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_85

A jealous tram tour group watched us through glass as we wandered freely among the consoles and took photographs of ourselves nuzzling up to history. I couldn’t believe the privilege and honor we were being afforded.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_202

Turns out it was a fleeting one.

Since my visit, NASA has painstakingly restored Historic Mission Control to recapture its appearance at the moment of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Flat screens and LED lights have been installed to illuminate those old CRT monitors and push button switches. Every inch of the room has undergone a retro remodel , all the way down to period-accurate carpet and individual coffee mugs. Tour groups today are treated to a re-enactment of the Apollo 11 moon landing in a control room full of electricity and dazzling visuals—a far cry from the dormant husks witnessed on my tour.

The restoration is nothing short of stunning, and I long for an opportunity to return to Houston so I might see it for myself. But never again will a tour group have the chance to sit in the Flight Director’s chair and ponder the extraordinary responsibility and psychological toll of guiding human beings to and from space with rotary dials and pneumatic tubes.

While I’m sure other tour groups will still have a fantastic experience on future Space Center tours, I am thankful to have the memory of my unique close encounter with Mission Control. It’s hard to think of another experience that could connect me any deeper to the stirring legends of the NASA space program.

Unless they want to power up that Saturn V rocket and strap me to the top of it. Your move, Houston.

Houston_Space_Center_Level_9_Tour_119

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Space Center Houston Tram Tour Apollo V

Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s get started.

A Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston

Where is space center houston.

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

How To Get to Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

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

Starship Gallery

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Space Vehicle Mockup Facility

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

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

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

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

Ticket types for Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experiences at Space Center Houston

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

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

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

Space Center Houston International Space Station Gallery

What can you do at Space Center Houston?

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

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

The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

Space Vehicle Mockup Facility

Independence Plaza

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

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

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

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

Starship Gallery

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

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

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

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

Mission Mars

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

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

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

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

Astronaut Gallery

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

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

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

Space Center Houston Tram Tour Mission Control

International Space Station Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission Briefing Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission Mars

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

How Long do you Need at Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The tram tours are as follows:

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

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

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

Space Center Houston Tram Tour Mission Control

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Space Center Houston Tram Tour

What are the Highlights of Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

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

Independence Plaza Space Center Houston

Is Food Available at Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

Is there an Audio Tour of Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

Is Space Center Houston Accessible?

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

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

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

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

Other Attractions near Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

How Busy is Space Center Houston?

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

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

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

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

Space Center Houston Tram Tour infopoint

Opening Hours for Space Center Houston

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

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

Contact Information for Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

Our Experience Visiting Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

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

Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

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

Independence Plaza Space Center Houston

Tours of Space Center Houston

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

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

Hopefully one of those tours might work for you!

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

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

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

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

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

Further Reading

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

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

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

A detailed guide to visiting the Space Center in Houston. Has everything you need to know to plan your visit, including highlights, the tram tour, and more!

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There are 8 comments on this post

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Maryam Boone says

25th February 2023 at 2:34 am

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

Laurence Norah says

25th February 2023 at 6:07 am

Hey Maryam,

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

Philip Baker says

12th March 2021 at 10:48 am

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

12th March 2021 at 10:59 am

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

Kurt Peterson says

27th October 2019 at 1:24 am

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

27th October 2019 at 1:57 pm

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

Sesh Komanduri says

13th August 2019 at 11:43 am

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

13th August 2019 at 12:05 pm

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

Have a great time!

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Space Center Houston NASA VIP Tours

Get unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities with NASA VIP tours!  Only Space Center Houston provides unprecedented access to the historic NASA facilities where astronauts work and train. See the exciting future and historic feats of space exploration aboard NASA VIP Tours.

Hop on our air-conditioned VIP bus and go to iconic locations at NASA Johnson Space Center, like the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, Apollo Mission Control Center, International Space Station (ISS) Mission Control, Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility, Crew Systems Laboratory, and the Astronaut Training Facility.

Afternoon tours will also include a stop at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) located at the Sonny Carter Training Facility.

Let expert guides share their knowledge and answer your questions while you get an up-close look at the real facilities where astronauts are currently training for space.

Tours are divided into two, three-hour trips, the first departing at 9 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m. The morning and afternoon tours visit different locations, so please make sure you review the stops below and select the correct tour when making reservations.

Or book both a morning and afternoon tour to get the ultimate NASA VIP tour experience!

NASA VIP Tour – Mission Control (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

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  • Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory
  • Apollo Mission Control Center
  • ISS Mission Control

NASA VIP Tour – Astronaut Training (1 – 4 p.m.)

  • Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility
  • Astronaut Training Facility

NASA VIP Tours are only offered on weekdays (excluding federal holidays) and guests must be 14 years or older to participate. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the tour.

Tickets are $199.95 per person, per tour. The maximum group size is 10. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk.

Your NASA VIP Tour reservation includes general admission to Space Center Houston. Before or after your tour, take time to explore the center which is home to more than 400 spaceflight artifacts and exhibits! Discover flown spacecraft, touch a Moon and Mars rock, go inside a shuttle carrier aircraft, and more.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to visit some of NASA’s most historic and current working locations. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot on one of the NASA VIP Tours today!

Online reservations must be made at least one day prior to the visit. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk if seats are available (tickets often sell out far in advance of the tour).

Order tickets online or call +1 281-283-4755 to schedule your NASA VIP Tour.

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nasa vip tour houston

Hi Folks, I see that the Level 9 NASA tours are no longer in effect, but there are two VIP tours. One tour covers mission control and a second tour covers Astronaut training. Does anyone have recommendations as to which tour is more interesting or worthwhile? Thank you.

2 replies to this topic

' class=

You are probably better off scanning the reviews for the keywords “mission control” or “astronaut training” and trying to read into it or direct message those TA reviewers. You can also search reviews for keywords in Yelp, too. Both pages have a search reviews box just above the list of reviews.

https://www.TripAdvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g56003-d14758930-Space_Center_Houston_Admission_Ticket-Houston_Texas.html

https://www.yelp.com/biz/space-center-houston-houston-4

@cloud-free, which tour did you take and appreciate your recommendations, if any.

Thanks and regards

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COMMENTS

  1. NASA VIP Tours

    NASA VIP Tours are only offered on weekdays (excluding federal holidays). Additionally, all guests must be 14 years or older to participate. Guests between the ages of 14-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the tour. Tickets are $199.95 per person, per tour. The maximum group size is 10.

  2. Space Center Houston NASA VIP Tours

    Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk if seats are available (tickets often sell out far in advance of the tour). Order tickets online or call +1 281-283-4755 to schedule your NASA VIP Tour.

  3. 4 Best Experiences During A VIP Tour Of Space Center Houston

    Photo credit: Joe Cuhaj 1. Walk In The Steps Of History . You can literally walk in the steps of history when you take the morning VIP Tour. The tour bus stops at the historic Christopher C. Kraft Mission Control Center.Walk up — or ride an elevator — to the third floor and see the historic mission control center where engineers guided the astronauts of Apollo 11 to the Moon and saved the ...

  4. Space Center Houston Offers THE ULTIMATE NASA VIP TOUR! (It Used To Be

    The main attraction, though, is a tram tour that gives guests an overview of the sprawling 1,620-acre complex. It's included in the price of admission, but for an additional fee you can join the "Level 9" tour, which offers smaller group sizes and access to areas not normally visited by the general public.. I debated the price tag for the Level 9 tour while drooling over the thought of ...

  5. Space Center Houston Web Store :: Ticket Selection

    Must be 14 years of age or older - Includes general admission. Select Date/Time. $199.95. NASA VIP Tour - Astronaut Training. Must be 14 years of age or older - Includes general admission. $199.95. Breakfast with an Astronaut. Enhance your Space Center Houston experience with Breakfast with an Astronaut, our ultimate astronaut opportunity ...

  6. Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

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

  7. Space Center Houston Half-Day Private Tour 2024

    Overview. Visit the Space Center Houston like a VIP with this five-hour tour of the popular attraction. Your rocket scientist guide will show you and your group around, telling you all about the inner workings of NASA along the way. You'll also get the chance to see rocket ship hardware, visit Mission Control, and even touch a real moon rock.

  8. The VIP tour is well worth it!

    The VIP tour is well worth it! - Review of Space Center Houston, Houston, TX - Tripadvisor. Space Center Houston. 9,895 Reviews. #32 of 834 things to do in Houston. Museums, Specialty Museums. 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058-3145. Open today: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Save.

  9. The "Level 9 VIP tour" was awesome and we LOVED it!

    1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058-3145. Open today: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Save. NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour. 565. Book in advance. ... We bought Level 9 VIP tickets online way in advance of our visit. Expensive, but actually a great value for the tour you get. Only 12 people in each group, uses a shuttle bus and not ...

  10. Space Center

    For everyone in the Houston metro area. Keep up with the news about the 9-county region on the Gulf Coast of Texas. ... I'm looking for some reviews if the NASA VIP Tour - Astronaut Training (or NASA VIP Tour - Mission Control ) would be worth it. Based on my search, it seems like the Space Centre used to offer a Level 9 Tour; and perhaps ...

  11. Space Center Houston NASA VIP Tours

    Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk if seats are available (tickets often sell out far in advance of the tour). Order tickets online or call +1 281-283-4755 to schedule your NASA VIP Tour.

  12. Space Center Houston

    Galaxy LightsNovember 11, 2023-January 7, 2024. Discover space and embark on a new holiday tradition. Galaxy Lights gives visitors the unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while exploring Space Center Houston after hours and walking among rare flown space artifacts and exhibits.

  13. VIP tour at Nasa

    VIP tour at Nasa - Space Center Houston. United States ; Texas (TX) Texas Gulf Coast ; Houston ; Houston - Things to Do ; Space Center Houston; Search. Space Center Houston. 9,874 Reviews #32 of 839 things to do in Houston. Museums, Specialty Museums. 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058-3145.

  14. r/houston on Reddit: Is the NASA VIP tour at the Space Center worth it

    It was incredible. Additionally, our tour guide was super knowledgeable and passionate about everything going on and it made the experience even better. Precovid, the tour included lunch in the employee cafe, which was mediocre food but we wound up sitting at a table with our tour guide and some NASA employees/former astronauts.

  15. NASA Space Center Houston: What to know about tickets, parking

    To include the NASA VIP Tour, guests can pay $199.95 for anyone 14 years old and older. Guests can have breakfast with an astronaut for $99.95 per adult and $79.95 per child. Advertisement

  16. Space Center VIP Tours : r/houston

    Space Center VIP Tours. Hi there, I'm visiting Houston later this month and I'm interested in doing one of the VIP tours at the Space Center. I've seen people talk about how great the "level 9" tours were and it seems that since COVID they've been replaced with the two options of "Mission Control" and "Astronaut Training" VIP Tours.

  17. VIP Tours at the NASA Space Center

    177 reviews. 131 helpful votes. 1. Re: VIP Tours at the NASA Space Center. 1 year ago. Save. You are probably better off scanning the reviews for the keywords "mission control" or "astronaut training" and trying to read into it or direct message those TA reviewers. You can also search reviews for keywords in Yelp, too.

  18. Sponsored: Total Solar Eclipse viewing at Space Center Houston

    northernelg · Moon (@northernelg edit) View profile. spacecenterhou. 2,443 posts · 44K followers. View more on Instagram. 1,952 likes. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North ...

  19. Visiting Houston Space Center, is the VIP tour worth it? : r/nasa

    From all accounts, yes. Especially yes of you are going soon. The Houston heat is brutal and the VIP tour gets a nice air conditioned van escorting you around with an expert tour guide as opposed to an open air tram. The tram ride is great in March, not so great in August. All tour stops are air conditioned.