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!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 8 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

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

nasa tram tour price

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

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

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

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

What to See and Do

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Visit 

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

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

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

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

Tips for Visiting

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

10 Air and Space Museums to Visit in the USA

Things to Do in NYC: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Houston

Best 14 Washington, D.C. Museums

Hotels.com Wants to Be the First Booking Platform to List Hotels in Space

15 Best Places to Go with Kids in the Washington, D.C. Area

NASA Will Pay You to Travel to Mars...Without Leaving Earth

Two Days in Washington DC: A 48 Hour Itinerary

The Top 11 Things to Do in Hampton, Virginia

20 Fun Places to Take the Kids in NYC

A Guide to the Houston Zoo

The 11 Best Museums to Visit in Boston

10 Must-See Museums in Houston

Everything You Need to Know About Space Tourism Right Now

New York Botanical Garden: The Complete Guide

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Space Center Houston – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, Texas, USA. 

It serves as an educational and entertainment complex that offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of space and learn about NASA’s missions, past and present. 

This article shares everything you need to know before booking Space Center Houston tickets.

Top Space Center Houston Tickets

# Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket # Space Center Houston + Downtown Aquarium Houston tickets # Space Center Houston + Houston Museum of Natural Science tickets

Table of contents

What to expect , where to book tickets , how do online tickets work, space center houston ticket price, houston: space center houston admission ticket, space center houston + downtown aquarium houston tickets, space center houston + houston museum of natural science tickets, how to reach space center houston, best time to visit, how long does the tour take, faqs about space centre houston.

At Space Center Houston, visitors can engage in a variety of interactive exhibits, displays, and presentations. 

Get an insight into space exploration, astronaut training, and the history of NASA. 

Some highlights include the Astronaut Gallery, where you can learn about the brave men and women who have ventured into space. 

Explore the Independence Plaza, where you can tour the iconic Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and the replica space shuttle Independence.

Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes tram tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where they can see historic mission control centers and astronaut training facilities and even glimpse real spacecraft. 

There are also immersive experiences like the Starship Gallery, which showcases actual flown spacecraft, and the interactive Mission Mars exhibit, which allows visitors to step into the shoes of a Martian explorer.

Space Center Houston offers a range of educational programs, special events, and live demonstrations to enhance the visitor experience. 

There are dining options, a gift shop with space-themed merchandise, and opportunities to meet real astronauts.

Back to Top

Tickets to the Space Center Houston are available online or at the attraction. 

Online ticket prices are cheaper than tickets at the venue.

Book your tickets online to avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Some attractions sell limited tickets, and booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointment. 

When you book your tickets online, you get your preferred time slot. 

Visit the Houston Space Center ticket booking page , and select your preferred visit date and the number of tickets.

You can pick a suitable time slot from the available options. 

Immediately after purchase, your tickets get emailed to you. You don’t need to take any printouts. 

Once you reach the Houston Space Center, show your smartphone ticket and enter. 

Houston Space Center ticket costs US$30 for all visitors between the ages of 12 to 64 years. 

Kids between the age of three to 11 years need to pay only US$25 and get a discount of US$5. 

Seniors over the age of 65 years can get the ticket for US$28.

Infants up to two years old can get the ticket for free. 

Houston Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

Embark on an unforgettable journey at Space Center Houston, where you can explore a vast collection of 400 space artifacts and captivating exhibits. 

Immerse yourself in the thrilling history and promising future of America’s human space-flight program, including your admission.

Marvel at the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples, providing a rare opportunity to witness these extraordinary extraterrestrial treasures. 

Take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of NASA Johnson Space Center, subject to availability, and get a firsthand look at the renowned Mission Control and astronaut training facilities.

Your visit includes a general admission ticket with timed entry, granting access to all exhibits and the opportunity to embark on an informative NASA tram tour. 

Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of space exploration and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of NASA’s missions.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (12 to 64 years): US$30 Child Ticket (3 to 11 years): US$24 Senior Ticket (65+ years): US$28  Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free 

Combo tickets

Combo tickets offer convenience, cost savings, and a broader range of experiences, making them an excellent choice for those looking to make the most out of their visit to multiple attractions.

You can book Space Center Houston tickets with Downtown Aquarium Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Space Center Houston + Downtown Aquarium Houston tickets

Experience the wonders of space and marine life in Houston with these exciting attractions.

At Space Center Houston, take a fast-track approach with tickets that grant you access to all permanent and traveling exhibits. 

Immerse yourself in the history of space exploration as you explore hands-on exhibits, witness live shows, and marvel at over 400 space artifacts. 

Next, head to Downtown Aquarium Houston for an all-day adventure pass. 

Dive into the fascinating world of aquatic ecosystems as you explore the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit. 

Marvel at a variety of sea life, from colorful fish to majestic sharks, and even get up close with stingrays at the Stingray Reef. 

This sprawling aquarium offers touch pools and captivating displays that showcase the beauty and diversity of marine creatures.

Whether you’re fascinated by space exploration or captivated by underwater wonders, these attractions in Houston provide a unique opportunity to learn, discover, and be inspired.

Ticket Cost: US$54

Space Center Houston + Houston Museum of Natural Science tickets

Embark on an educational journey through space and natural history with these two fantastic attractions in Houston.

Start with the Space Center Houston, where you can take a leap into learning space history. 

With fast-track tickets, you’ll have access to all permanent and traveling hands-on exhibits, including three theaters, live shows, and over 400 space artifacts. 

Continue exploring at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where general admission grants you access to their fascinating permanent exhibits. 

Immerse yourself in the wonders of natural history as you discover various exhibit halls showcasing a diverse range of topics.

The museum offers a captivating journey through the natural world, from dinosaurs to gems and minerals.

These attractions provide incredible opportunities to expand your knowledge and feed your curiosity. 

Whether you’re fascinated by space exploration or the wonders of the natural world, Houston has something for everyone.

Ticket Cost: US$39

Save time and money! Explore Houston’s best attractions with the Houston CityPASS and save big. You can use the pass for 9 consecutive days starting from the date of first use and visit 5 incredible attractions in Houston!

Houston Space Center is near NASA’s Johnson Space Center, approximately 25 miles (40 km) southeast of downtown Houston.

Address: 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. Get Directions  

Take the 247 and get off at Bay Area Park & Ride . 

From there, it is a 5-minute ride to the space center. 

You can drive or rent a cab to Space Center Houston . 

It is conveniently located off NASA Parkway (Highway 528), and there is ample parking available.

Space Center Houston is open to visitors from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 6 pm.

On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the center opens an hour earlier at 9 am and closes at 6 pm. 

This schedule allows ample time for visitors to explore the fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and 400+ space artifacts at their own pace. 

Best time to visit

The ideal days to visit Space Centre Houston are during the week, especially mornings from Monday to Thursday, when crowds are typically lighter than on weekends.

Avoid the crowds and have a more relaxing experience by getting there early in the day or right after opening. 

Additionally, visiting off-peak times or during non-holiday times offer a more serene setting and fewer customers, allowing you to explore the exhibits and activities comfortably. 

A tour of Space Centre Houston takes 4 to 6 hours to completely explore the exhibits, theaters, and live shows. 

The length of the tour is adjustable, though, so you can tailor it to your interests. 

There is much to see and do at Space Centre Houston, whether taking the NASA Tram Tour, watching informative lectures, or participating in interactive activities.

Depending on your interests and how much time you spend perusing the exhibits and attractions at Space Centre Houston, your experience may vary. 

Here are some frequently asked questions about Houston Space Centre.

Space Center Houston offers attractions and exhibits suitable for visitors of all ages.  From interactive displays for young children to in-depth presentations for space enthusiasts, there’s something everyone can enjoy and learn from.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside Space Center Houston. However, several dining options are available within the facility where visitors can enjoy a meal or snack.

Yes, photography is allowed inside Space Center Houston. However, there may be restrictions in certain areas or exhibits, so it’s advisable to follow the guidelines provided by the staff.

Yes, there is ample parking available at Space Center Houston. Standard parking fees apply, and there are designated areas for visitors with disabilities.

Space Center Houston offers discounts, promotions, and special ticket offers. It’s recommended to check their website or inquire about ongoing deals or packages.

Yes, Space Center Houston is fully wheelchair accessible.  Wheelchairs are available for rent, and there are designated accessible entrances, ramps, and elevators throughout the facility to ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors.

Sources # Spacecenter.org # Nasa.gov # Wikipedia.org The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in Houston

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

This article was researched & written by

Urvashi Goyal

She is a city fanatic who loves exploring different cities, understanding their culture, meeting people, and discovering hidden gems. She likes to holiday in offbeat places that mainstream tourists are yet to discover. When on holiday, she avoids crowded tourist traps. Favourite cities: Bern, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

nasa tram tour price

houston  Tunnel tour and NASA Space Center Ticket/Transportation Combo package Guided Walking tunnel Tour + roundtrip   Transportation to/from Space Center +  NASA SPACE CENTER General Admission ticket

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

nasa tram tour price

Maximize your time in Houston with the best from our walking Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston before a day-trip excursion to the NASA Johnson Space Center within an hour of the gates opening! During the walking air-conditioned tunnel tour portion, you will learn about the largest downtown tunnel system in the United States and stop for some cool photo opportunities alongside Houston's most award-winning architecture including the tallest building in all of Texas, the original "romantic wedding-cake topper" skyscraper, as well as a firsthand look at the oldest existing bank in Downtown Houston. 

After getting a look at the underground city,  continue your day-trip with transportation/tickets to the iconic NASA Johnson Space Center located by Nassau Bay in Clear Lake, a 30-60 minute drive from Downtown Houston. The Space Center has a wonderful mix of interactive, family-friendly exhibits including the amazing Independence Plaza, International Space Station, Rocket Park, Life on Mars, Artemis and tram tours! Enjoy General Admission (GA) tickets into the Space Center for each member of your group as well as helpful tips for reserving your spots on the Rocket Park & Astronaut Training tram tours per availability. All guests will have between 4-5 hours to explore the Space Center at their own freedom before boarding the shuttle back to Downtown Houston.

Following the day-trip visit to Space Center, we will provide shuttle transportation back to the original Downtown Houston starting location with return pick-up at NASA entrance from approx. 3:45-4:00 PM.  

**  Please make sure to see the itinerary below for our daily schedule. Please make every effort to meet your guide on time. Failure to arrive on time may result in an abandoned tour subject to future availability  **

Price:   $75 per person

Length : Approx.  7 - 8 hours

Type: Walking, driving, architectural, culture, NASA, aeronautics, science,  day-trip

Meeting /Ending Spot:  Meet on the bottom floor or " tunnel-level " of Bank of America Tower which is located at 800 Capitol Street, Houston, TX 77002 .  

Start Time:  Please meet  at 8:45 AM  on the bottom floor or "tunnel-level" of the Bank of America Tower (800 Capitol   Street, Houston, TX 77002) for check-in as well as bathroom/coffee opportunity before starting the Tunnel tour portion at 9:00  AM  sharp.  There is s eating close to the Boomtown Coffee Sho p where guests can wait if they arrive early.

Includ es :   75-90 min.  Houston Tunnel Tour, Round-Trip Transportation from Downtown to NASA, General Admission (GA)  ticket into the NASA Space Center, Tips on reserving the S pace Center Tram Tours per availability. 

Excludes:  Guided Tour inside the  Space Center, Mission Control T ram Tour, Food/Drinks. 

Parking Ti ps:   The starting location   Bank of America Tower has its own parking garage with the guest entrance located on Milam St. side of the building. Please click here to see all Spot hero discounted prices for parking garages nearby. 

Daily Itine rary:

1.  Meet at 8:45 AM on the bottom floor or " tunnel-level " of the  Bank of America Tower (800 Capitol Street, Houston, TX 77002)  for check-in as well as bathroom/coffee opportunity before starting the Tunnel tour portion at 9:00 AM  sharp.

2. Following the conclusion of the Tunnel tour portion and bathroom break, travelers will depart to the Space Center Houston at approx.  10:15 - 10:30 AM . 

3. After a 30-45 minute ride from Downtown Houston to the Space Center Houston on our Mercedes shuttle, travelers will arrive to the NASA Space Center at approx. 11:00- 11:15 AM.

4. Travelers will have approx. 5 hours to explore and enjoy the Space Center at their own pace before being picked up at the Space Center's front entrance / drop-off point beginning at approx. 3:45-4:00 PM . Our Mercedes Shuttle will depart the NASA Space Center entrance at 4pm sharp  to return Downtown.

**  In consideration of all our guests' itineraries, please note that f ailure to board the Mercedes van by

4:00 PM for the return trip to Downtown Houston will result in the conclusion of the tour and late t ravelers will assume full responsibility for return transportation back to downtown or lodging area. **

5. Our Mercedes Shuttle will return all travelers to the Bank of America Tower (original meeting spot) in Downtown Houston at approx. 4:30- 5:00 PM. 

Tour Availability

Dec 11 - Dec 17

NASA Logo

Suggested Searches

  • Climate Change
  • Expedition 64
  • Mars perseverance
  • SpaceX Crew-2
  • International Space Station
  • View All Topics A-Z

Humans in Space

Earth & climate, the solar system, the universe, aeronautics, learning resources, news & events.

nasa tram tour price

NASA Wins 6 Webby Awards, 8 Webby People’s Voice Awards

Artist concept of NASA CloudSat spacecraft, which will provide the first global survey of cloud properties to better understand their effects on both weather and climate.

NASA’s CloudSat Ends Mission Peering Into the Heart of Clouds

Hubble Celebrates 34th Anniversary with a Look at the Little Dumbbell Nebula

Hubble Celebrates 34th Anniversary with a Look at the Little Dumbbell Nebula

  • Search All NASA Missions
  • A to Z List of Missions
  • Upcoming Launches and Landings
  • Spaceships and Rockets
  • Communicating with Missions
  • James Webb Space Telescope
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Why Go to Space
  • Astronauts Home
  • Commercial Space
  • Destinations
  • Living in Space
  • Explore Earth Science
  • Earth, Our Planet
  • Earth Science in Action
  • Earth Multimedia
  • Earth Science Researchers
  • Pluto & Dwarf Planets
  • Asteroids, Comets & Meteors
  • The Kuiper Belt
  • The Oort Cloud
  • Skywatching
  • The Search for Life in the Universe
  • Black Holes
  • The Big Bang
  • Dark Energy & Dark Matter
  • Earth Science
  • Planetary Science
  • Astrophysics & Space Science
  • The Sun & Heliophysics
  • Biological & Physical Sciences
  • Lunar Science
  • Citizen Science
  • Astromaterials
  • Aeronautics Research
  • Human Space Travel Research
  • Science in the Air
  • NASA Aircraft
  • Flight Innovation
  • Supersonic Flight
  • Air Traffic Solutions
  • Green Aviation Tech
  • Drones & You
  • Technology Transfer & Spinoffs
  • Space Travel Technology
  • Technology Living in Space
  • Manufacturing and Materials
  • Science Instruments
  • For Kids and Students
  • For Educators
  • For Colleges and Universities
  • For Professionals
  • Science for Everyone
  • Requests for Exhibits, Artifacts, or Speakers
  • STEM Engagement at NASA
  • NASA's Impacts
  • Centers and Facilities
  • Directorates
  • Organizations
  • People of NASA
  • Internships
  • Our History
  • Doing Business with NASA
  • Get Involved
  • Aeronáutica
  • Ciencias Terrestres
  • Sistema Solar
  • All NASA News
  • Video Series on NASA+
  • Newsletters
  • Social Media
  • Media Resources
  • Upcoming Launches & Landings
  • Virtual Events
  • Sounds and Ringtones
  • Interactives
  • STEM Multimedia

Sols 4166-4167: A Garden Full of Rocks

Sols 4166-4167: A Garden Full of Rocks

nasa tram tour price

European Service Module

nasa tram tour price

Gateway: Frequently Asked Questions

nasa tram tour price

NASA Shares Lessons of Human Systems Integration with Industry

Most mountains on the Earth are formed as plates collide and the crust buckles. Not so for the Moon, where mountains are formed as a result of impacts as seen by NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Work Underway on Large Cargo Landers for NASA’s Artemis Moon Missions

nasa tram tour price

NASA Open Science Initiative Expands OpenET Across Amazon Basin  

Amendment 11: Physical Oceanography not solicited in ROSES-2024

Amendment 11: Physical Oceanography not solicited in ROSES-2024

Swimming in water, A beaver family nibbles on aspen branches in Spawn Creek, Utah.

NASA Data Helps Beavers Build Back Streams

Sols 4164-4165: What’s Around the Ridge-bend?

Sols 4164-4165: What’s Around the Ridge-bend?

Sols 4161-4163: Double Contact Science

Sols 4161-4163: Double Contact Science

The Crab Nebula, the result of a bright supernova explosion seen by Chinese and other astronomers in the year 1054, is 6,500 light-years from Earth. At its center is a neutron star, a super-dense star produced by the supernova. As it rotates at about 30 times per second, its beam of radiation passes over the Earth every orbit, like a cosmic lighthouse. As the young pulsar slows down, large amounts of energy are injected into its surroundings. In particular, a high-speed wind of matter and anti-matter particles plows into the surrounding nebula, creating a shock wave that forms the expanding ring seen in the movie. Jets from the poles of the pulsar spew X-ray emitting matter and antimatter particles in a direction perpendicular to the ring. This image show the X-ray data from Chandra along with infrared data from the Webb space telescope.

NASA’s Chandra Releases Doubleheader of Blockbuster Hits

Explore the Universe with the First E-Book from NASA’s Fermi

Explore the Universe with the First E-Book from NASA’s Fermi

Dr. Douglas Hudgins

Dr. Douglas Hudgins

Inside of an aircraft cockpit is shown from the upside down perspective with two men in tan flight suits sitting inside. The side of one helmet, oxygen mask and visor is seen for one of the two men as well as controls inside the aircraft. The second helmet is seen from the back as the man sitting in the front is piloting the aircraft. You can see land below through the window of the aircraft. 

NASA Photographer Honored for Thrilling Inverted In-Flight Image

nasa tram tour price

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Team Says Goodbye … for Now

Jake Revesz, an electronic systems engineer at NASA Langley Research Center, is pictured here prepping a UAS for flight. Jake is kneeling on pavement working with the drone. He is wearing a t-shirt, khakis, and a hard hat.

NASA Langley Team to Study Weather During Eclipse Using Uncrewed Vehicles

The PACE spacecraft sending data down over radio frequency links to an antenna on Earth. The science images shown are real photos from the PACE mission.

NASA’s Near Space Network Enables PACE Climate Mission to ‘Phone Home’

Amendment 10: B.9 Heliophysics Low-Cost Access to Space Final Text and Proposal Due Date.

Amendment 10: B.9 Heliophysics Low-Cost Access to Space Final Text and Proposal Due Date.

nasa tram tour price

NASA STEM Artemis Moon Trees

A NASA representative guides four grade-school children in a hands-on activity demonstrating shape memory alloys.

NASA Glenn Joins Big Hoopla STEM Challenge

A group of six team members gather around their robot, looking at it and adjusting mechanisms. A banner with the name “WorBots” is in the background.

NASA Mentors, Students Rock FIRST Buckeye Regional 

The inaugural CHAPEA crew marks 300 days inside the habitat on April 20, 2024 (from left: Anca Selariu, Nathan Jones, Ross Brockwell, Kelly Haston).

First NASA Mars Analog Crew Nears End of Mission

2021 Astronaut Candidates Stand in Recognition

Diez maneras en que los estudiantes pueden prepararse para ser astronautas

Astronaut Marcos Berrios

Astronauta de la NASA Marcos Berríos

image of an experiment facility installed in the exterior of the space station

Resultados científicos revolucionarios en la estación espacial de 2023

Discount tickets.

large yellow tickets

Discounted tickets to Space Center Houston, Star Cinema Grill, and the Kemah Boardwalk can purchased by any badged employee at the Building 3, Building 11 and Gilruth Center Retail Shops.

Starport onsite gift shops, building 3: 9:00am – 2:00pm, building 11: 9:00am – 3:00pm, gilruth center gift shop, monday – friday 6:00am – 8:30pm, saturday – sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm, the tickets listed below are sold online only, discover more services from starport.

Discount Program

nasa tram tour price

Fitness Memberships

nasa tram tour price

Food Services

nasa tram tour price

Gilruth Center Conference Rooms

nasa tram tour price

IMAGES

  1. NASA Tram Tours

    nasa tram tour price

  2. Nasa tram tour at Houston Space Center

    nasa tram tour price

  3. NASA Tram Tour

    nasa tram tour price

  4. NASA Tram Tour

    nasa tram tour price

  5. NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston

    nasa tram tour price

  6. Space Center Houston + NASA Tram Tour

    nasa tram tour price

VIDEO

  1. Ito ang nasa taas Ng tram #shortvideo #viral #tram

  2. NASA Tram Tour: Independence Plaza exhibit features a replica space shuttle mounted atop Shuffle SCA

  3. NASA Tram Tour Houston

COMMENTS

  1. NASA Tram Tours

    NASA Tram Tours are the most popular experiences at Space Center Houston - add them to your visit! These tours are your chance to go on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and get an up-close look at human space exploration.. Located on 1,600 acres, NASA Johnson Space Center is the training base for NASA astronauts and the site of Mission Control, where a Houston-based team supports the ...

  2. Space Center Houston Web Store :: Ticket Selection

    Senior with Mission Control Tour (Includes General Admission and Tour - Price range $42.95 - $52.95) ( 1) SENIOR TIMED TICKET INTERNET. Select Date/Time. ( 1) Historic Mission Control Tour. Select Date/Time. General Admission Tickets. To select your ticket, please choose a date and time for entry.

  3. Guide to Visiting Space Center Houston, Texas

    Prices will vary, but will be in the region of $30 - $60 each way depending on traffic and time of day. ... 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.

  4. Space Center Houston

    Closed now. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Write a review. About. Located in the heart of NASA's spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA's history and current work.

  5. NASA VIP Tours

    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 ...

  6. What To Expect on the NASA Tram Tour

    January 30, 2024 By CityPASS. The NASA Tram Tour at Space Center Houston offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of human spaceflight. A must-visit for anyone intrigued by the mysteries of space, the tour is an immersive experience that brings the cosmos closer to Earth. Visitors can anticipate a day filled with awe as they explore unique ...

  7. Houston's NASA Johnson Space Center: The Complete Guide

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

  8. Space Center Houston: Science and Space Museum in Texas

    Start with the NASA Tram Tour, the only way the general public can visit Johnson Space Center. As the center's most popular attraction, the tour is included with the price of admission and takes guests to see the enormous Saturn V rocket at Rocket Park as well as across the 650-hectare campus.

  9. Space Center Houston

    Your visit includes a general admission ticket with timed entry, granting access to all exhibits and the opportunity to embark on an informative NASA tram tour. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of space exploration and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of NASA's missions. Ticket Prices. Adult Ticket (12 to 64 years): US$30

  10. Space Center Houston Tickets

    A tram tour of the Johnson Space Center is the best way to start at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA. You'll see a colossal Saturn V rocket, walk above Building 9 - the classroom where astronauts have trained since 1980 - and enter Apollo Mission Control, where people first heard "The Eagle has landed".

  11. Space Center Houston Discount Admission Tickets

    Download the Space Center Houston app to get your NASA Tram Tour boarding pass, interactive mobile tour features audio tour, GPS maps, selfie filters, augmented reality experiences, and more! ... It gave us so many things to do and at a very affordable price for a family of 5! I will purchase a CityPASS every time we go on vacation from now on!

  12. Houston City and NASA's Space Center Sightseeing Tour 2024

    Private Houston City Tour Including NASA Space Center Admission. 62. from $85.00. Houston, Texas. Pasadena City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Zombie Scavengers. from $20.00. Per group. Houston, Texas. Scavenger Hunt in Houston by Crazy Dash.

  13. Historic Mission Control Center

    The NASA Tram Tour visits working government facilities which are subject to availability. Tours may be rerouted at a moment's notice. HOURS TODAY. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058. OPERATING HOURS. GET TICKETS. FIND A HOTEL. Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube. Visit.

  14. NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour

    Plus since this combination package includes round-trip transport and a sightseeing tour of Houston on a double-decker bus, it's a great way to get your bearings in a vibrant city. Read more. from. $98.95. per adult. Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation. Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group.

  15. 13 can't-miss exhibits at Space Center Houston

    The NASA Tram Tour is included with your admission price, but you'll need a boarding pass to hop on the tram. Download the Space Center Houston app to reserve a pass or visit the Guest Services ...

  16. Exhibits and Experiences

    Permanent Exhibits MOST POPULAR NASA Tram Tours Go on site at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) and get a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration. Three tours give you access to astronaut training facilities, Mission Control and more. Explore Included in general admission: George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park, Astronaut Training Facility.The Mission Control Tram Tour […]

  17. Houston Tunnel Tour & NASA Transportation/Ticket

    Includ es: 75-90 min. Houston Tunnel Tour, Round-Trip Transportation from Downtown to NASA, General Admission (GA) ticket into the NASA Space Center, Tips on reserving the S pace Center Tram Tours per availability. Excludes: Guided Tour inside the Space Center, Mission Control T ram Tour, Food/Drinks.

  18. Space Center Houston, Houston

    Explore the wonders of space travel on an unforgettable tour that includes a mini-city tour around Houston and roundtrip transportation to the NASA/Johnson Space Center. Enjoy interactive exhibits and activities, touch a moon rock, take a tram ride to the NASA control center and see the shuttle replica at the Independence Plaza.

  19. Discount Tickets

    NASA Selects New Aircraft-Driven Studies of Earth and Climate Change. article 3 days ago. ... JSC Price Gate Price Your Savings! JSC Civil Servants and Contractors get in free with NASA badge. Ticket does not include Apollo Mission Control on tram tour. Ages 4+ $19.95: $34.95: $15.00: $9.25:

  20. Space Center Houston tickets

    The Nasa Tram Tour is Space Center Houston's most popular attraction - with good reason! The Tram Tour allows you to explore a working NASA facility and is included in your ticket. See the Astronaut Training Facility, where space-bound men and women prepare for missions. Visit the time-capsule that is the Apollo Mission Control Center, and ...

  21. Group Visits

    Call Space Center Houston group reservations at +1 281-283-4755 at least 24 hours in advance of your group's visit to reserve your group tickets. The pay-on-arrival group rate of $23.95 per person is still a savings of over 20%.

  22. Field Trips

    Title 1 schools may request funding that supplements the price of a field trip while funds are available. The program provides a rate of $5.95 per person, a savings of up to 78 percent from full-price admission. ... The NASA Tram Tour is the only part of your day that will be guided as part of your admission ticket. Touring inside the center is ...