Visiting NASA’s facilities in Florida can be an amazing and inspiring experience for people of all ages. Getting up close to rockets, spaceships, and artifacts from past missions gives you a first-hand look at the history and future of human spaceflight. However, planning a trip to NASA does require some research into the costs so you can budget properly. The main expenses will be admission tickets, transportation, lodging if staying overnight, and food. With some preparation, visiting NASA can be an affordable vacation for many families and space enthusiasts.
Admission Costs
The two most popular NASA sites in Florida that are open for public tours are the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Kennedy Space Center offers a variety of ticket options:
- 1-day admission starts at $57 for adults and $47 for children ages 3-11.
- The Explore Ticket provides basic access to exhibits like the Rocket Garden and Shuttle Launch Experience. It does not include bus tours or IMAX films.
- The Discover Plus Pass ($113 for adults) adds on bus tours, IMAX films, and access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
- Annual passes are also available that provide unlimited admission for a year for $99-$229 per person depending on level.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station offers limited tours through the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
- A bus tour to Cape Canaveral is $69 for adults on top of Kennedy Space Center admission.
- It includes viewing launch complexes and the Air Force Space & Missile Museum.
So you’re looking at about $100-200 per person for a typical 1-2 day visit to see all the highlights across both locations. You can save money by picking just one center to visit or limiting activities. But the discounted multi-day passes provide a lot of value if you want to see everything.
Getting to NASA
Both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are located on Florida’s eastern coastline along the Space Coast. The two facilities are right next to each other, just 6 miles apart. This makes visiting both in one trip very convenient.
Here are some typical transportation costs:
- Driving – The Space Coast is about an hour’s drive from Orlando. It’s about 3.5-4 hours from cities like Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville. Gas and parking costs apply.
- Public Transit – There is no direct public transportation to the space centers. You need a car or private shuttle bus.
- Private Shuttles – Shuttles from Orlando hotels cost $100+ roundtrip per adult.
- Ride Shares – Using Uber or Lyft from Orlando would cost $80+ each way.
So having your own car is the most convenient and cost-effective ground transportation option. Flights to Orlando International Airport and renting a car is also very popular for visitors.
Where to Stay in Florida
Accommodation costs can vary greatly depending on whether you stay in a luxury beachside resort or budget hotel further inland. Here are some typical hotel costs near Kennedy Space Center:
- Budget hotel – $70-$150/night
- Moderate hotel – $100-$250/night
- Upscale hotel – $200-$400/night
- Vacation rental home – $120-$300/night
You’ll pay more for oceanfront hotels along Cocoa Beach. Orlando hotels are cheaper at around $50-$150/night on average. Campgrounds in the Space Coast region can save you money as well, costing just $30-$60 per night.
With frequent NASA launch schedules, it’s best to book hotels several months in advance for the lowest rates.
Food Costs
Like transportation and lodging, food costs depend heavily on your own personal budget and preferences. Dining options around Kennedy Space Center include:
- Restaurants inside Kennedy Space Center – $$-$$$ per entree
- Seafood restaurants in Cocoa Beach area – $$-$$$ per entree
- National fast food chains – $ per entree
- Grocery stores for self-catering – $
You can save money by packing snacks and lunches to eat during your museum visits. But part of the travel experience is enjoying some good local restaurants. Budget about $30-$60 per person, per day for food depending on your tastes.
Average Total Costs
To summarize, a typical 2-day trip for two adults visiting Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral could cost:
Admission Tickets: | $400 |
Car Rental: | $100 |
Cheap Hotel: | $200 |
Food: | $240 |
Total: | $940 |
You could easily spend $500-$1000+ per person for a longer trip with nicer hotels and fine dining. Families can also find more budget-friendly lodging and eat cheaper meals to reduce costs.
Saving Money on Your NASA Trip
If you’re looking to cut costs, here are some tips:
- Visit during off-peak seasons like January-April to find better hotel and flight deals.
- Stay at a budget hotel or rental home instead of beach resort.
- Pack food and water bottles from grocery stores instead of buying at museums.
- Book admission tickets online in advance for 10-15% discounts.
- Rent a car instead of using shuttles or ride shares.
- Consider visiting Kennedy Space Center only if you’re short on time.
- Take advantage of annual pass discounts if you plan multiple visits.
Is Visiting NASA in Florida Worth the Money?
For many space fans, getting to walk beneath a towering Saturn V rocket and see space shuttle Atlantis up close makes the trip completely worthwhile. There’s simply no substitute for seeing the actual spacecraft and facilities where humanity’s greatest journeys into space began. The admission prices are very reasonable compared to other Orlando theme parks.
That said, families and tourists with limited budgets may find the total costs of transportation, food, and lodging to be too high for their income level. For them, virtual experiences like tours online may be a better fit financially.
Overall, a trip to Kennedy Space Center offers an awe-inspiring and educational experience that shows the incredible feats of science and engineering behind space exploration. If you budget wisely and take advantage of deals, it can also be an affordable vacation full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Planning a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida can cost between $500-$1000 per person including transportation, hotels, food, and admission tickets. You can lower these costs by visiting during off-peak months, staying at budget hotels, and packing your own food. For space fans who have always dreamed of seeing real spaceships and artifacts, the experience is well worth the expense. With some advance planning, visiting NASA’s Florida space facilities can be an affordable and unforgettable bucket list trip.