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NASA VIP Tours

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, Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility, Crew Systems Laboratory, and the Astronaut Training Facility.

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

Let 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 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

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

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

  • Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility
  • Astronaut Training Facility
  • NBL

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

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

Your NASA VIP Tour reservation includes general admission to Space Center Houston. Before or after your tour, take time to explore the center which is home to more than 400 spaceflight artifacts and exhibits! Discover 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 to schedule your NASA VIP Tour or call 281-283-4755 for questions.

Tips for Arrival

  • Plan for traffic. Houston is a large city and traffic can be congested at any time of day. Check your route and give yourself extra travel time.
  • Arrive early. For the 9 am tour, we suggest arriving no later than 8:40 am. You will be able to visit our exhibits after the early tour. For the 1 pm tour, we suggest arriving when the Center opens. This will give you time to see the exhibits in the Center prior to your tour.
  • Please note that all tours leave on time. If your party is late, we will make every effort to unite you with the tour already in progress.
  • Proceed to the Security table at the main entrance.
  • After bag check, proceed to the Guest Services Desk. A crew member will help you scan your ticket and direct you to the rally point for NASA VIP Tours.
  • If you are already inside the building, proceed to the Guest Services Desk. Crew will direct you to the rally point.
  • Your VIP Tour Guide will meet you 10-15 minutes prior to your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are $199.95 per person, per tour.

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.

The NASA VIP Tour does not include a meal.

Reservations can be made both ways: online or by calling +1 281-283-4755.

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.

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.

No. This is a special added-value tour package.

Yes, tour guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the tour.

No, no one younger than 14 can go on the NASA VIP Tour due to safety requirements set by NASA Johnson Space Center.

No, due to safety requirements at NASA Johnson Space Center, everyone participating in the tour must be 14 years of age or older.

No, NASA VIP Tours are available only on weekdays.

The NASA VIP Tour lasts approximately three hours. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are required.

Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour at the Space Center Houston Guest Services Desk.

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.

Note: The NASA VIP Tour visits working government facilities which are subject to availability and can temporarily close to visitors without notice.

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