How Much Does Parking Cost at Space Center Houston?
Parking costs $10 plus a service fee, paid by phone via QR codes in the lot. Members park free. What to know before you arrive at NASA's visitor center.
By Thomas A. · Updated October 5, 2026 · Written with AI assistance
Parking at Space Center Houston costs $10 plus a service fee, paid by scanning QR codes in the lot with your phone. Members park free. Admission to the center itself is separate - children age 3 and younger are free, but ages 4-11 and 12+ are paid tiers, cheaper booked online than at the box office. Parking is not included in admission.
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How Space Center Houston Parking Works
When you pull into the lot, look for the QR codes posted around the parking area. Scan one with your phone and pay the $10 fee plus a service fee.
Guests with international phone numbers can pay for parking at the Guest Services desk.
Members Park Free
Every Space Center Houston membership includes free parking on every visit. If you are local and expect to come back, that is worth factoring in when you compare a membership with single tickets.
Arriving Without a Membership: What to Expect
Buy your general admission ticket online before you arrive; it is cheaper than the box office. Admission is free for children age 3 and younger, but everyone age 4 and up pays. Ages 4-11 and ages 12+ are separate pricing tiers, and both are discounted online. Once you have your ticket, drive to the lot, scan a QR code, pay for parking by phone, and walk to the entrance.
Space Center Houston's busiest times are weekends, holidays and summer, so arrive as early as possible.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Pay for parking before you leave your car, and keep your phone charged - the QR payment runs on it.
Strollers are not allowed on the tram at all, so leave yours in the stroller parking area beside the tram queue. Wheelchairs rent from the Guest Services desk at $10 standard or $35 electric. The building is 183,000 square feet, so expect a lot of walking once you are inside.
When to Arrive and What Else to Know
In October 2026, Space Center Houston is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am-6pm; hours run longer at busy times, so check the calendar for your date.
There are four NASA tram tours. Historic Mission Control costs extra and must be booked in advance - book it online at least two weeks ahead; it often sells out days in advance on weekends, holidays and school breaks. The Astronaut Training Facility and NASA Campus Tour are first-come, with boarding passes from Guest Services, and George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park is a first-come queue at the tram boarding area.
Trams are open-air, so weather matters. The last tram departs two hours before closing. If you arrive late in the day you may miss the trams entirely.
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