Driving yourself and booking a tour from Orlando both get you to the rockets. Here is how to decide which option is better for your group.
Kennedy Space Center is the most popular day trip from Orlando, and there are two main ways to do it: buy admission tickets and drive yourself, or book a tour with round-trip transportation from your hotel. Both get you under the Saturn V rocket and next to Space Shuttle Atlantis. The right choice depends on whether you have a car, how many people are in your group and how much planning you want to do.
Quick verdict
- Buy tickets and drive if you already have a rental car, your group is four or more people, or you want complete flexibility over timing.
- Book a tour with transport if you do not have a car, you are traveling solo or as a couple, or you want someone else to handle the drive, parking and timing.
- Choose a premium tour if you want upgrades like a small group, lunch or chatting with an astronaut.
Option 1: Admission tickets and drive yourself
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about an hour east of Orlando, mostly via State Road 528, the Beachline Expressway.
Pros
- Leave and return whenever you want
- Stop at Cocoa Beach on the way home
- Usually the cheapest option for families and groups
Cons
- Tolls on the Beachline and a daily parking fee at the Visitor Complex
- You navigate, park and plan the day yourself
- A long drive back after a full day on your feet
Option 2: Tour with round-trip transport
Tours from Orlando pick up at hotels in the main tourist areas, drive you to the Visitor Complex and bring you back in the evening. Many include admission and a guide who explains how to make the most of your time.
Pros
- No rental car, tolls, parking or navigation
- Timing and logistics handled for you
- Upgrades available, such as small groups, lunch or an astronaut chat
Cons
- Fixed pickup and return times
- Pickup locations may not include every hotel
- Can cost more per person for larger groups
Compare the options
These are the most popular Kennedy Space Center options you can book today, with live prices and ratings. Always check whether admission is included, since it varies by tour.
1. Kennedy Space Center with Transport from Orlando and Kissimmee
Explore Kennedy Space Center on this out-of-this-world day tour! On the way to the visitor center your specially trained tour guide will provide you all the information you need to ensure you have the best day possible and how to make the most of your time.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 1,502 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
2. Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission
Spend the day exploring the fascinating Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, just 45 minutes from Orlando. Learn about the history of the US space program and watch stunning IMAX films.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 369 travelers
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 6 hours to 10 hours
3. Kennedy Space Center Express from Orlando
You’ll be over the moon for this awesome look into the science and history of the Space Program. See how it feels to take off in a space shuttle by watching the 3D IMAX movie or riding the Shuttle Launch experience simulator.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 210 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Private option for your group only
4. Kennedy Space Center All Inclusive Small Group VIP Experience
You’ll be over the moon for this awesome look into the science and history of the Space Program. Following your hotel pick up, the tour guide will provide you a continental breakfast bag for you to snack on as we journey en-route to Kennedy Space Center.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 252 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Small group experience
5. Kennedy Space Center Tour and Chat with an Astronaut Experience!
This is the ultimate tour for space enthusiasts as not only do you get a full day in Kennedy Space Center but you have the chance to sit in a small group and chat with an astronaut. Whilst you are enjoying snacks and drinks, this informal chat allows you to ask questions, it is a 50 minute time that the astronaut...
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 37 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
How to calculate the real cost
When comparing, add up the full cost of driving yourself: admission for everyone, tolls both ways, the parking fee and fuel. Then compare that total with the tour price for your group. For solo travelers and couples without a car, a tour is often similar in cost and far less effort. For a family of four with a rental car, driving is usually cheaper.
Tips for either option
- Arrive early. Morning crowds are lighter and the exhibits are less busy.
- Do the bus tour first. The bus to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is a highlight and lines grow midday.
- Check the launch schedule. If a launch lines up with your visit, it becomes the highlight of the day. Launch dates move often.
- Bring sun protection. The Rocket Garden and bus stops are outdoors.
For a full walkthrough of the Visitor Complex, read our Kennedy Space Center day trip guide, or compare every Kennedy Space Center tour.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kennedy Space Center tours from Orlando include admission?
Many do, but not all. Some tours sell transportation separately from admission, so check the inclusions on the booking page before you buy.
How long is the drive from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center?
About an hour from most Orlando hotel areas, depending on traffic.
Is a Kennedy Space Center tour worth it without a car?
Yes. Without a rental car, a tour with transport is the simplest and often cheapest way to get there, since rideshares for a round trip can be expensive.
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