When planning a trip to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether you need to purchase tickets in advance or if you can buy them at the door. The short answer is that while you can buy Ark Encounter tickets on-site, it is highly recommended to purchase them online ahead of time for several reasons.
Buying Tickets In Advance Is Convenient
Purchasing Ark Encounter tickets online ahead of your visit is simply more convenient than buying them on-site. When you buy tickets online, you can choose the exact date and time you want to visit. This allows you to plan the rest of your day more efficiently. You also bypass the ticket counters when you arrive, avoiding any long lines. It essentially fast-tracks your entry into the ark exhibit.
Buying tickets online also allows you to take advantage of discounts and special online-only pricing. For example, you can find discount Ark Encounter tickets on certain third-party websites. Purchasing tickets on the official website ahead of time qualifies you for other exclusive web discounts as well.
Tickets Can Sell Out For Certain Days
The Ark Encounter is one of the most popular attractions in the greater Cincinnati area. As such, tickets are limited each day and often sell out completely for peak visitation dates like weekends, holidays, and summer vacation season.
If your heart is set on visiting the replica ark on a specific date, your best bet is to buy tickets weeks or months out from that date. This guarantees you admission even when tickets may sell out closer to your chosen day. Nothing would be worse than driving down to Williamstown ready to tour the ark only to find out tickets are no longer available that day.
Avoid The Crowds
Visiting earlier in the day means smaller crowds and shorter lines for the various ark exhibits and activities. When you pre-purchase a timed ticket online, you can pick an earlier entry window. This lets you start exploring the Ark Encounter first thing in the morning when it opens at 9 AM before the biggest crowds arrive later.
Having an early start time also means you’ll have your pick of seats for the daily animal shows. You’ll face fewer waits at food vendors and other amenities. Starting early equals a more relaxed and crowd-free visit compared to afternoons when attendance swells.
Save Money On Parking
Ark Encounter parking costs $15 per standard vehicle if you pay on-site. However, your parking fee is included 100% free with online ticket purchases. Buying tickets ahead of time therefore saves you $15 right off the bat.
Parking is $20 for oversized vehicles like buses and RVs when paid on-site. So those visitors save an even greater amount by prepurchasing tickets and getting complimentary parking.
Skip The Will Call Line
If you wait to buy Ark Encounter tickets on the day you visit, you’ll have to stand in the will call line to pick up your tickets. This line can take 15 minutes or more on peak attendance days. It’s yet another line you’ll be grateful to skip when you order tickets online beforehand.
Lock In Ticket Prices
Like most tourist attractions, the Ark Encounter occasionally raises its ticket prices from one season to the next. Buying tickets well in advance locks in the current ticket pricing before any increases go into effect. That sneaks you in at the lower price even if prices are higher on the date you actually visit.
Take Advantage Of Combo Discounts
Bundled together with admission to the Creation Museum, also located in Petersburg, KY, Ark Encounter combo tickets offer a discount off regular pricing. You can purchase discounted combo tickets in advance online. Buying them ahead of time ensures access to the combo savings vs trying to get the bundled deal on the day-of.
Avoid The Risk Of No Tickets
Finally, pre-purchasing Ark Encounter tickets eliminates the risk of driving there only to find they are sold out for the day. You have guaranteed access with tickets bought early online, giving you peace of mind no matter how crowded it gets.
When To Buy Ark Encounter Tickets
To best take advantage of the many perks offered by advance ticket purchases, here is a guide for when to buy Ark Encounter tickets:
- At least 2-3 weeks ahead during off-peak times
- At least 2-3 months ahead for peak spring/summer/holidays
- At least 6 months ahead for specific dates like Independence Day
Ticket prices typically rise slightly closer it gets to your chosen date. So the earlier you can purchase, the more you save.
Where To Buy Ark Encounter Tickets Online
You can securely purchase authentic Ark Encounter tickets online direct through the official website at arkencounter.com. This offers the widest selection of ticket types and options like parking and special attractions.
Third-party resellers like Tripadvisor and Viator also sell Ark Encounter tickets, sometimes at small discounts. Just be sure to compare prices and purchase early.
Types Of Ark Encounter Tickets Available Online
When ordering Ark Encounter tickets online, you’ll have several ticket options:
- Basic Daytime Admission – Entry between 9 AM and 6 PM. Best value.
- Basic Evening Admission – Entry after 5 PM. Discounted night rate.
- Parking Included – Admission ticket with standard parking free.
- Annual Pass – Unlimited admission for 1 year from first visit.
- Basic Combo Admission – Combined ticket with Creation Museum.
Other special ticket bundles may be available during certain promotional periods, holidays, etc. Premium add-ons can also be purchased like zip line passes.
Buying Ark Encounter Tickets On-Site
Although not ideal, you can purchase Ark Encounter tickets after you arrive. Tickets are sold at the entrance gate ticket complex daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Hours may vary seasonally.
On-site purchases offer basic daytime, evening, or parking combo tickets. Pricing is higher than buying online. Tickets must be paid for with cash or credit card.
If tickets are sold out online for your chosen date, you can try your luck buying at the gate. But there is no guarantee of availability. Off-peak days provide your best chance for on-site ticket purchases.
Key Tips For Buying Tickets On-Site
To make buying tickets at the gate go smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early in the day before sellouts occur
- Bring cash or credit card to pay
- Be flexible on precise entry time if crowded
- Confirm parking is not yet full for the day
- Expect longer waits at ticket windows on peak days
Again, advance online ticket buying is best if at all possible to avoid the headaches of on-site ticket purchase.
Can You Visit Without A Ticket?
The Ark Encounter is a secured facility requiring paid admission to enter. There is no way to access the attraction without having a valid ticket or annual pass. Security is present to check all visitors for tickets.
Even the parking lots cannot be accessed without driving by and being confirmed as a ticketholder first. There is no general public viewing area from the outside. Purchasing an admission ticket or annual pass is mandatory to see the ark up close.
Other Ticket Purchasing FAQs
Here are answers to some other common questions about Ark Encounter tickets:
Are Ark Encounter tickets refundable?
No, Ark Encounter tickets are non-refundable. However, they can be rescheduled up to 7 days out from your original visit date if plans change.
Can I use Ark Encounter tickets on any day?
No, Ark Encounter tickets must be used for the specific date selected during purchase. You cannot use them on a different date without rescheduling in advance.
Do Ark Encounter tickets expire?
Yes, unused Ark Encounter tickets expire and cannot be used 365 days after the chosen visit date passes.
Can I buy Ark Encounter tickets at the gate for a future date?
No, tickets purchased on-site are only valid for the same day. You cannot buy tickets at the gate for a future date – online purchasing is required.
Conclusion
Purchasing your Ark Encounter tickets online ahead of time is strongly recommended to save money, skip lines, and guarantee admission even on crowded days. Advance ticket buying makes visiting the popular biblical replica attraction far more convenient and stress-free.
Be sure to buy tickets directly from the Ark Encounter website or a reputable third-party reseller for the best deals and options. Avoid the headaches and hassles of buying tickets on-site by taking care of it early.
With your tickets in hand before you go, you can look forward to an enjoyable and inspiring experience walking through the remarkable full-size Noah’s ark when you visit Kentucky.