Kennedy Space Center Day Trip from Orlando
Prices & schedules checked October 25, 2026
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Merritt Island) is the strongest non-theme-park day trip from Orlando: Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Apollo/Saturn V Center on the included bus tour, Heroes & Legends, IMAX films and more. It’s a working spaceport area, so schedules can shift for launches and operations.
Viator and GetYourGuide prices change often, so we don’t quote them: the booking buttons open the live listing, where you’ll see today’s price, times and cancellation terms. Facts on this page come from the operators’ own sites.
Hours (2026, official calendar)
The Visitor Complex publishes a dated calendar. As of our check: most of mid-August through early November 2026 is 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; peak periods run later (to 6 or 7 p.m.). Closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26, 2026) and Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2026). Entry ends one hour before closing; the last bus tour runs 2.5 hours before closing.
What’s included with admission
Per the Visitor Complex FAQ, daily admission includes Space Shuttle Atlantis (with the Shuttle Launch Experience), Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour (including the Apollo/Saturn V Center), Heroes & Legends / U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Astronaut Encounter, Planet Play, the Rocket Garden, Universe Theater shows, IMAX space films, Journey To Mars and HYPERDECK (reservations required on arrival). Separately ticketed add-ons include Chat With An Astronaut, the KSC Explore Tour and Astronaut Training Experience (ATX).
Official ticket prices (checked October 25, 2026)
| Ticket | Adult (12+) | Child (3–11) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-day admission | $77 | $67 |
| 2-day admission | $91 | $81 |
Military discounts appear on the same official ticket store. Parking is charged separately (automobiles $15 on the FAQ page we fetched). Buy dated tickets on the official store if you’re driving yourself.
From Orlando without a car
Gray Line / Gator Tours and other operators sell day trips that bundle (or optionally add) admission with round-trip transport from Orlando / Kissimmee / I-Drive meeting points. We link only products whose codes appear on live Viator or GetYourGuide listings:
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Details
KSC with transport from Orlando & Kissimmee
- Code 3170P32
- Length About 11 hours (listing)
- Useful when You want hotel-area pickup and admission in one booking
KSC Express from Orlando
- Code 3170P79
- Length About 10 hours (listing)
- Meeting area ICON Park / Orlando Eye area on mirrors
KSC + St. Johns River airboat combo
- Product t12035
- Length About 10 hours
- Includes KSC entry, bus tour elements per listing, 30-minute airboat
Launch days and operational closures can alter or cancel bus-tour segments — the Visitor Complex FAQ and tour operators both warn about this. Confirm your date against the launch schedule before you book a tight itinerary.
Pairing ideas: stay on International Drive for easy meeting points, or see the park-light day plan. Sailing from Port Canaveral? Our before-you-sail guide covers terminals, parking and transfers.
Weighing KSC against other full days out? Our day trips from Orlando guide puts the KSC coach (about 11 hours, from $89 transport only) next to the Crystal River manatee swim (season November 15 – March 31), St. Augustine and Clearwater Beach.
Sources
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Hours of operation 2026
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — FAQ (admission inclusions, parking)
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Official admission ticket store
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Home
- Viator — Kennedy Space Center with Transport (3170P32)
- Viator / Tripadvisor mirrors — Kennedy Space Center Express (3170P79)
- GetYourGuide — Kennedy Space Center with airboat safari (t12035)