Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Planning Guide
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The John F. Kennedy Space Center
Visitors to Orlando have undoubtedly heard of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, also known as KSC, and may be researching and planning their trip to this amazing iconic destination. You can visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website to get complete information about this destination, the attractions, activities, exhibits, and more.
If you want a quick run-down on what you need to know to plan your trip, read through this article, as we’ve visited ourselves, combed through the KSC site and have gathered the major points to answer many of your questions, including getting to KSC and choosing the best ticket option when visiting KSC.
Location:
The Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island, although some may mention Cape Canaveral as its location. The exact address to the Visitor Complex is Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953, USA.
Getting There:
The best way to visit the Kennedy Space Center is to drive. The entrance to KSC is located on Space Commerce Way and the Visitor Complex is approximately 1.2 miles from this point. If you’re using your GPS, search for the “Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.” Be aware that searching for just “Kennedy Space Center” or “KSC” may lead you to the wrong location.
The exact GPS coordinates to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex are 28⁰30'56.0"N and 80⁰40'54"W.
Parking Facilities:
The Visitor Complex at Kennedy Space Center allows motorcycles, automobiles, and oversized vehicles such as RVs. Parking fees are collected at the entrance to the lot.
Parking Rates
Motorcycles - $5
Automobiles - $10
Oversized vehicles, motor homes, or RVs - $15
Visitors with disabilities can park their vehicles in Lot 2 with a valid parking permit. Rideshare and taxi drop offs are permitted in Lot 4 with the appropriate proof of fare.
Annual passholders receive complimentary parking. You can access parking 30 minutes before the complex opens.
Operating Hours:
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm but hours may change at certain times of the year. For example, the 2023 Schedule currently shows that between March 13 and April 16, the hours are 9am-6pm.
Entry to the Visitor Complex ends 1 hour prior to closing and the last bus tour runs 2 1/2 hours before the complex closes.
KSC is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Visitors should plan to spend at least 6 hours at KSC to experience the tour and a great deal of the exhibits and attractions. KSC has an overwhelming amount of things to see, do and learn about, and the adequate amount of time you’ll need will depend on how many of the attractions you’d like to explore, how quickly you go through the exhibits and the detail that you’d want to take in for the day.
2-day passes are available and can be used within a 6-month window. Consider purchasing the 2-day pass if you can come back within the allotted time, and you ‘ll have more time to go through the complex, at a more leisurely pace, and spread out the experience to avoid information overload during your visits.
Remember to also keep it fun and entertaining, especially for the littles, by going through some of the visual and interactive exhibits such as the Shuttle Launch Experience and the Lego® Build to Launch. We recommend also that you visit the one-of-a-kind Planet Play, where kids can play and parents can unwind in a comfortable lounge offering coffee, beer and wine.
Ticket Options:
There are the 1-Day and 2-Day ticket options and a number of special interest tours and add-on experiences that are available. The full set of ticket options, including annual passes, can be found on the KSC website. Some factors for you to consider include the amount of time and money that you want to spend on your visit, and whether you would want a more elevated experience with added bells and whistles. Take a look at the options below.
Regardless of whether you choose just a basic admission ticket or decide to add enhancements to your ticket, you’ll find that a visit to KSC will be a unique and memorable experience.
Admission Ticket to Kennedy Space Center
Adult: 1-Day Pass - $75 ; 2-Day Pass - $89
Child (age 3-11): 1-Day Pass - $65; 2-Day Pass - $79
Discounted tickets are also available for Seniors and Military (Adult and Child).
You can find complete information on all admission tickets from the Tickets & Packages page on the KSC site.
The Daily admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex includes:
Gateway™: The Deep Space Launch Complex featuring Spaceport KSC
Space Shuttle Atlantis® featuring the Shuttle Launch Experience®
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour
Apollo/Saturn V Center
Astronaut Encounter
Planet Play
Heroes & Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®
Universe Theater featuring many shows daily including: Mission Status Briefings and Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo
Space films in the IMAX® theater
LEGO® Build to Launch
Journey To Mars: Explorers Wanted
Rocket Garden
To view a complete list and description of all the experiences that are included in your admission ticket, go to the All Attractions page on the KSC site.
The special interest tours include the KSC Explore Tour, which has a space expert as your guide, and the Launch Director Tour of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The add-on enhancements include Chat with an Astronaut and Land and Drive on Mars Training Stage. A full list of add-on enhancements, prices and details are available on the Add-On Enhancements page.
Timing of your visit:
The best time to begin your visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is on a weekday morning. Plan to arrive at 9am or 10am and you’ll have the whole day to explore the attractions at an easy-going pace. Keep in mind that parking closer to the complex may be more of a challenge on the weekends due to the larger crowds, not to mention the longer lines to the attractions.
The peak tourist season falls between November and February. Still peak season but not as crowded are March and April. The weather is cooler at this time of year and make for a more pleasant visit, especially with all the walking you’ll do on your visit.
Expect even less crowds at other times. Additionally, May and October still have cooler weather and are probably the best compromise of crowd-level and weather. June through September are usually hot and humid. It’s summer vacation for most families and may be the only time that they can visit. If you’re visiting at this time, remember to keep cool and drink lots of liquids.
Itinerary Planning
The KSC website offers a list of itineraries that they suggest based on your group’s makeup. For example, a family with children under 10 yrs old are suggested to try the following attractions, which will take approximately 6 hours.
Space Shuttle Atlantis®
Rocket Garden
Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour including Apollo/Saturn V Center
Journey to Mars: Launched by United Launch Alliance
LEGO® Build to Launch
Planet Play
Dining and Shopping
You can plan out your visit on your own, use the suggested itineraries, or make make changes to the suggested itinerary to add or replace with the attractions that you don’t want to miss during your visit. Take a look at the Suggested Itinerary page and see if they work for you.
Enjoy your time at the extraordinary Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and immerse yourself in the many spectacular and literally, out-of-this-world experiences.
Stay tuned for our next installment where we’ll take you through our day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Also, be sure to watch the video of our tour!
Until next time, Enjoy the journey!
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