Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Explore aviation history with free admission to the Udvar-Hazy Center, featuring the Space Shuttle Discovery and SR-71 Blackbird.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore aviation history with free admission to the Udvar-Hazy Center, featuring the Space Shuttle Discovery and SR-71 Blackbird.
"An unbelievably breathtaking, beautiful display of some of history’s greatest aviation achievements!"
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the incredible aircraft! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scale
Photos don't do justice to the immense size of these machines. Try wide-angle shots! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Space Shuttle Discovery
Main Hangar
Witness the iconic Space Shuttle Discovery up close, a marvel of human engineering and space exploration.
SR-71 Blackbird
Main Hangar
Stand beneath the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, a symbol of speed and technological prowess in aviation history.
Enola Gay
Main Hangar
See the historic Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Dulles Airport Observation Tower
Observation Tower
Get a bird's-eye view of planes taking off and landing at Dulles International Airport.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Parking Fee
Allocate Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the incredible aircraft! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scale
Photos don't do justice to the immense size of these machines. Try wide-angle shots! :camerawithflash:
✈️ Plane Spotting Fun
Head to the observation tower for amazing views of planes at Dulles Airport. :airplane:
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't underestimate how much there is to see; 4+ hours recommended for enthusiasts. :hourglassflowingsand:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the incredible aircraft! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Scale
Photos don't do justice to the immense size of these machines. Try wide-angle shots! :camerawithflash:
✈️ Plane Spotting Fun
Head to the observation tower for amazing views of planes at Dulles Airport. :airplane:
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Don't underestimate how much there is to see; 4+ hours recommended for enthusiasts. :hourglassflowingsand:
💰 Parking Fee
Admission is free, but parking costs $15 per vehicle. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, calling it a breathtaking display of aviation history with an incredible collection of aircraft and spacecraft. The free admission is a major plus, though the parking fee is noted. Many highlight the SR-71 Blackbird and Space Shuttle Discovery as must-sees, and the observation tower for plane spotting is a popular feature. Some wish for more time to explore the vast exhibits.
"An unbelievably breathtaking, beautiful display of some of history’s greatest aviation achievements! Seeing an SR-71 blackbird chilling in the middle feels almost unreal, not to mention the Boeing 367-80, the 707 prototype! An aircraft that undoubtedly helped shape modern day civil aviation.
The exhibit is fantastic for families and aviation geeks alike and makes for some amazing learning opportunities in different contexts such as wartime, innovation and space exploration!"
Kamran Chughtai
"Absolutely fantastic! The sheer size and scale of the museum can't be fully appreciated through a camera lens.
Many iconic aircraft from TV and movies are on display in full scale—most notably the SR-71, Enola Gay, and the space shuttle Challenger.
Admission is free, with a $15 parking fee that's well worth it."
Kye
"The Air and Space Museum is very well organized and easy to navigate, making it a comfortable place to explore. The exhibits are clearly explained, which makes learning both engaging and accessible. Most impressive of all is the sheer number of aircraft and spacecraft on display, offering plenty to see. Visiting this museum really deepened my understanding of history and left me feeling inspired."
Ju S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located near Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Chantilly, Virginia. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available (for a fee). Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the museum.
While direct public transportation is limited, you can take the Fairfax Connector bus routes that serve Dulles Airport and then potentially walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to the museum. It's advisable to check current bus schedules and routes for the most up-to-date information.
From Washington D.C., take I-66 West to exit 53 for VA-28 North towards Dulles Airport. Continue on VA-28 North and follow signs for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The museum is located adjacent to Dulles International Airport.
Yes, parking is available on-site. There is a parking fee of $15 per vehicle.
Yes, the Udvar-Hazy Center is located right next to Dulles International Airport. If you are flying in, you can easily access the museum from the airport via a short drive or taxi/rideshare.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, admission to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is free! This makes it an incredibly accessible and valuable experience for everyone.
While admission is free, there is a parking fee of $15 per vehicle.
No, advance ticket booking is not required as admission is free. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Smithsonian website for any special events or temporary closures.
The museum's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Since admission is free, there are no discounts on entry. The primary cost is the parking fee.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Space Shuttle Discovery, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the Enola Gay. The sheer scale of aircraft like the Boeing 367-80 (707 prototype) is also breathtaking.
Absolutely! The observation tower offers fantastic views of the runways at Dulles International Airport, allowing you to watch planes in action.
Yes, it's a fantastic destination for families! Kids are often fascinated by the aircraft and spacecraft, and the exhibits offer great learning opportunities.
Aviation enthusiasts recommend at least 4 hours to fully explore the museum. You could easily spend a full day here if you're deeply interested in aviation history.
While not always advertised, sometimes docents or volunteers are available to share insights about specific aircraft. It's worth asking at the information desk upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage.
The main hangar with the SR-71 Blackbird and Space Shuttle Discovery offers iconic shots. The observation tower also provides unique perspectives of aircraft.
Yes, the observation tower is specifically designed for plane spotting and photography of aircraft at Dulles International Airport.
Tripod usage might be restricted, especially during busy periods, to ensure visitor flow. It's best to confirm with museum staff if you plan to use one.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the immense scale of the aircraft. A telephoto lens can be useful for the observation tower.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The free admission makes it an affordable option for a family day out, with the parking fee being the only cost. Look for interactive displays and exhibits that explain complex concepts in an accessible way, making learning fun and engaging for younger visitors. ✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
Plan for at least 4 hours, or even a full day, to thoroughly explore every exhibit. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star Attractions: SR-71 and Discovery
Equally breathtaking is the Space Shuttle Discovery. Seeing this veteran of 39 space missions up close provides a profound connection to humanity's journey beyond Earth. Its massive scale and intricate details are truly inspiring, offering a tangible link to the space race and future exploration.
The museum does an excellent job of contextualizing these artifacts, making them more than just static displays but windows into pivotal moments in history. Beyond the Big Names: A World of Aviation History
You'll find everything from early experimental craft to iconic military jets and commercial airliners that shaped modern travel. The sheer variety is staggering. The Boeing 367-80, the prototype for the legendary 707, is a significant piece of civil aviation history, showcasing the evolution of passenger flight.
Plane Spotting Paradise at Dulles Airport
This provides a dynamic contrast to the static displays inside the museum, allowing visitors to witness modern aviation in action. Depending on wind direction, you can get incredibly close views of commercial airliners taking off and landing. For aviation enthusiasts and photographers, this is a dream come true. You can spend hours here, tracking the movements of various aircraft and capturing stunning aerial shots. It’s a fantastic way to connect the historical context of the museum's exhibits with the ongoing advancements in aviation technology.
The tower is accessible during museum hours, making it a perfect addition to your visit, especially if you're interested in contemporary aviation. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit