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Inside Kennedy Space Center
Inside Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Touch down at Florida’s gateway to space, where rockets, real NASA history and astronaut stories turn a day out into something brilliantly out of this world.

A day out that’s written in the stars

Just over an hour from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings you closer to NASA’s past, present and future.

Walk beneath a real space shuttle, stand beside the mighty Saturn V rocket, tour legendary launch sites and hear stories from the people who’ve actually left Earth. Casual bragging rights? Absolutely.

Kennedy Space Center's Top Attractions

Inside The Gantry: Space Up Close

Introducing Kennedy Space Center's newest attraction

Step into The Gantry at LC‑39, Kennedy Space Center’s newest attraction, right next to the legendary Launch Complex 39. Enjoy 360° views of the launch pads and nature reserve, and feel the thrill of a full-scale rocket engine test fire with sound, lights, and mist.

 

Explore four levels of interactive exhibits, discover NASA’s Earth Information Center, and learn how the Space Center protects local wildlife. Access is included with your Kennedy Space Center admission ticket and reached via the free bus transfer — don’t miss it!

Atlantis space shuttle

Space Shuttle Atlantis®

Stand nose-to-nose with the real Atlantis orbiter and explore more than 60 interactive exhibits celebrating NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. It’s one of those “wow, that actually went to space” moments.

Family by the entrance to the Space Shuttle experience

Shuttle Launch Experience®

Strap in for a simulated shuttle launch, designed to give you a feel for the sights, sounds and rumble of lift-off. A little more thrilling than your average morning coffee.

Boy shaking hands with an astronaut

Astronaut Encounter

Hear real stories from an astronaut, with the chance to learn what space travel is really like. Spoiler: it’s not your usual office commute.

 

You need to add the 'Chat with an astronaut' ticket when you get to the 'Extras' page, to enjoy this unique experience.

Bus at Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour

Go behind the gates on a guided bus tour of NASA’s working spaceflight areas, with time to explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It’s a brilliant way to see the scale of the place, and the rockets.

Gateway entrance at Kennedy Space Center

Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®

Step into the future of space travel with next-generation spacecraft, immersive displays and Spaceport KSC®, where you can virtually journey to distant cosmic destinations.

Family at Kennedy Space Center with rockets behind them

Rocket Garden

Wander between towering rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programmes. It’s a great first stop, photo spot and scene-setter for the day ahead.

guests in the Journey to Mars attraction

Journey To Mars

Get a closer look at NASA’s plans for deep space exploration, including the science, engineering and ambition behind future missions to Mars.

Theatre/cinema seats

IMAX® space films

Take a seat for larger-than-life space films that add a bit of cinematic sparkle to your day.

Guests in the Apollo Center

Apollo/Saturn V Center

See one of the largest rockets ever flown and relive the drama of the Apollo missions. The Saturn V rocket is huge, historic and very much worth the journey

Heoes and Legends Attraction

Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®

Meet the pioneers who made space history, with powerful stories, artefacts and immersive moments that bring NASA’s earliest missions to life.

Plan your mission

There’s a lot to see at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, so a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re making a day of it, travelling with younger astronauts or going all-in with a two-day pass, here’s how to shape your visit...

The first-timer mission

  • Start with Rocket Garden, then head for Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Shuttle Launch Experience®. Leave plenty of time for the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour and Apollo/Saturn V Center — two of the biggest “you have to see this” moments.

Perfect for: classic highlights in one brilliant day

    The family mission

    • Mix the big-ticket space icons with interactive stops like Planet Play, Journey To Mars and IMAX® space films. Add Rocket Garden early in the day for a photo moment before the schedule fills up.

    Perfect for: curious kids and grown-ups who secretly love it just as much

      The space fan mission

      • Go deeper with Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®, Heroes & Legends, the Apollo/Saturn V Center and an astronaut experience. A two-day pass is a smart choice if you want to take your time.

      Perfect for: people who know their Apollo missions

        The premium mission

        • Upgrade your visit with Chat with an Astronaut, the ATX Plus Programme or Astronaut Training Experience. It’s the kind of story you’ll still be telling long after you’re home.

        Perfect for: making the day feel extra special

          Why choose Virgin Atlantic Holidays?

          1. Limited-time lower deposit

            Secure your holiday for just £75pp* in our sale and start looking forward to the good bit.

          2. Spread the cost

            Set up Direct Debit when you book and pay for your holiday in manageable monthly installments.

          3. ATOL protection for all

            Book with confidence knowing your holiday’s financially protected with ATOL and ABTA.

          4. Handpicked hotel offers

            Only top-quality stays make our list, and our sale offers make them even sweeter.

          Tickets for every kind of explorer

          You can add on any of our many Kenneday Space Center ticket options at the Extras page when you book your holiday with us online.

          Already booked your holiday? You can book Kennedy Space Center separately with us here.

          Family in front of the Kennedy Space Center entrance
          Book online with your holiday

          1 day admission with transport

          Best for: an easy day trip from Orlando

          Includes admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, with return transport included. A great choice if you want the big NASA moments without sorting the driving.

          Two people in an attraction at Kennedy Space Center
          Book online with your holiday

          2 day pass

          Best for: seeing it all at a more relaxed pace

          Ideal if you want time for the headline attractions, bus tour, shows, exhibits and a few slower “let’s just take this in” moments.

          Family at Kennedy Space Center
          Book online with your holiday

          Gateway package

          Best for: smart-value space explorers

          Includes admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, plus a lunch voucher and discount voucher to use on the day.

           

          This is a recurring special offer ticket when available, with a few handy extras built in.

          Family chatting with an astronaut
          Book online with your holiday

          Admission + Chat with an Astronaut

          Best for: a once-in-a-holiday story

          Enjoy admission plus the chance to hear first-hand stories from a real astronaut.

           

          Available with or without transport, so you can choose the version that suits your plans.

          Boy in the ATX Plus Programme Center
          Book online with your holiday

          ATX Plus Programme

          Best for: hands-on space training

          Take the day up a gear with a more immersive astronaut-style experience. Great for older kids, teens and adults who want to do more than look around.

           

          This ticket type also includes same-day admission to the Kennedy Space Center.

          Group of people at Kennedy Space Center
          Book online with your holiday

          Astronaut Training Experience

          Best for: budding astronauts

          Step into training-style simulations and challenges inspired by real space missions. It’s interactive, memorable and just the right amount of “mission control, we’re ready”.

           

          Please note: Admission to the Astronaut Training Experience does not include daily admission to the visitor complex, but daily admission is not required to participate.

          Good to know before you go

          1. Give yourself a full day

            Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is packed with exhibits, shows, tours and big NASA moments, so it’s worth giving yourself plenty of time. If you’re visiting for the first time, plan it as a proper day out rather than a quick stop.

          2. Getting there

            The complex is just under an hour's drive from central Orlando. Some tickets include return transport, which is a brilliant option if you’d rather skip the driving and let someone else handle the journey. Very mission control of you.

          3. Pack light

            Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a secure site, so bags may be checked when you arrive. Large bags, luggage, large coolers, glass containers and alcohol aren’t permitted, so keep things simple and bring only what you need for the day.

          4. Bring a payment card

            Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a cashless site, so bring a payment card or use contactless payment. Cash-to-card kiosks are usually available if you need to convert cash before paying.

          5. Check the schedule

            Shows, astronaut appearances, bus tour timings and special experiences can vary, so pick up the daily schedule or check the official app when you get there. It’s the easiest way to plan your day around the must-sees.

          6. Leave time for the bus tour

            The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour is one of the big highlights, taking you beyond the main visitor complex to explore more of NASA’s spaceflight story. It’s popular, so build it into your plan early rather than saving it until the very end.

          7. Dress for a Florida day out

            You’ll be walking between indoor exhibits and outdoor areas, so comfy shoes are a very good idea. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle are smart additions too.

          8. Accessibility needs?

            Accessible parking and visitor support are available, and the visitor complex offers accessibility information to help you plan ahead. It’s worth checking the latest guidance before you travel so the day feels as smooth as possible.