Get unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities with our 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, Space Mission Simulation Facility, Spacesuit Testing Facility, 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 our 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 l (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Spacesuit Testing Facility
Shuttle Avionics Innovation Laboratory
Apollo Mission Control Center
ISS Mission Control
NASA VIP Tour – Astronaut Training (1-4 p.m.)
Space Mission Simulation Facility
Astronaut Training Facility
NBL
NASA VIP Tours are only offered on weekdays (excluding federal holidays) and guests must be 14 years or older to participate.
Tickets are $199.95 -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 our 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 our NASA VIP Tours today!
Additional details
- Online reservations must be made at least one day prior to 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).
- Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the date of visit to be refunded. Tickets purchased less than two weeks from the date of the visit will be nonrefundable. Date changes or reschedules must also be done two weeks prior to the visit date.
- If you use a wheelchair, please inform us in the “Order Notes” during your purchase.
- Personal effects may be required to be locked in tour vehicle while touring sensitive areas.
- Cell phone calls in the van or in the buildings on the tour are prohibited. However, you may use a cell phone to take photos while touring approved areas.
- Tour locations are subject to change based on safety regulations and astronaut training schedules.
- Closed-toe shoes are required during the tours.
Order tickets online or call +1 281-283-4755 to schedule your NASA VIP Tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the tour cost?
The NASA VIP Tour costs $199.95 per tour.
What is the difference between the NASA VIP Tour and the NASA Tram Tour offered as part of general admission to visitors?
The NASA VIP Tour is limited to 10 guests. It takes you by private mini bus on an extended tour of NASA Johnson Space Center to buildings that are not accessible through the general NASA Tram Tour. You do not have to wait in lines to take your tour.
Does the NASA VIP Tour include a meal?
The NASA VIP Tour does not include a meal.
Is it possible to make a reservation online or do I need to do so by phone?
Reservations can be made both ways: online or by calling +1 281-283-4755.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations must be made two weeks prior to the date of visit to be refunded. Tickets purchased less than two weeks from the visit date are nonrefundable. Date changes or reschedules also must be made two weeks prior. Please call +1 281-283-4755.
Does this price include admission to Space Center Houston?
Yes, the price of a NASA VIP Tour include general admission to explore the center before or after your tour on the same day of your reservation.
Can discounts or coupons be applied to the cost of a NASA VIP Tour?
No. This is a special added-value tour package.
Can children younger than 14 years old take the NASA VIP Tour?
No, no one younger than 14 can go on the NASA VIP Tour due to safety requirements set by NASA Johnson Space Center.
We have a one-year-old child. Since we are adults, can we bring our child with us?
No, due to safety requirements at NASA Johnson Space Center, everyone participating in the tour must be 14 years of age or older.
Can we take the NASA VIP Tour on a Saturday and Sunday?
No, NASA VIP Tours are available only on weekdays.
How long does the tour take?
The NASA VIP Tour lasts approximately three hours. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are required.
Where do I check in for the NASA VIP Tour?
Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk.
Is American Sign Language (ASL) provided on the tour?
ASL is not provided on the NASA VIP Tour. Guests requesting American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters must contact accessibility@spacecenter.org to request services with two weeks’ notice.
