This FAQ applies to the Museum in Washington, DC.

Reserve Your Free Timed-Entry Passes

To learn about visiting our Virginia location, go to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's webpage.

Jump to a section:  Free Timed-Entry Passes   Planetarium and IMAX   Accessibility   Health/COVID   Food and Store   Group Visit or Field Trip   Directions

When is the museum open?

The Museum in Washington, DC, is open every day except December 25 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Free timed-entry passes are required to visit. Entry times are hourly from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Where do I go to get into the Museum and when can I arrive with my timed-entry pass?

Space around the exterior of the Museum is limited due to ongoing construction. To prevent excess time queuing in warm or inclement weather, do not arrive earlier than the time on your pass. Please print your pass before arrival or have your pass ready to show and scan on your mobile device. All visitors will need to go through a security check point in the Museum’s lobby. 

The Museum is accessible via the Independence Avenue SW public entrance only. A queue may form at the top of each hour, it will be accessible along the Independence façade of the Museum. 

Free Timed-Entry Passes

How can I reserve free timed-entry passes?

Reserve free timed-entry passes online. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a pass to enter the Washington, DC Museum.  

Please note: If the Museum is at or near capacity, all visitors standing in line will be asked to wait until the Museum has room to accommodate them.  

How can members reserve free timed-entry passes?

Active National Air and Space Society members receive access to a separate, special members-only link to reserve passes for the National Mall Building. Not a member? Join today.

How far in advance are free timed-entry passes available to be reserved? 

The Museum will release individual passes for six-week periods on the following dates: 

Release DatesPasses Available for Reservation
Friday, March 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETTuesday, April 16 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSaturday, June 1 - Monday, July 15, 2024
Friday, June 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETTuesday, July 16 - Saturday, August 31, 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSunday, September 1 - Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETWednesday, October 16 - Saturday November 30, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETSunday, December 1 - Wednesday January 15, 2025
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm ETThursday, January 16 - Friday, February 28, 2025

If you do not initially find passes for the day you would like to visit, check back on our website; additional passes may become available.  

If you are reserving for a group of 10 or more, please go to reserve group passes online.

What time(s) of day will new passes be released?

New passes will become available at noon (12:00 pm) ET on the release dates shown above. Passes will be available online.

Will same-day timed-entry passes be available?

A limited number of same-day timed-entry passes will be released online each day, beginning at 8:30 am ET. 

 

How do I know when free timed-entry passes are not available?

When passes are unavailable, the date is highlighted in gray and the drop-down menu for a timed-entry slot will not appear.  

Why am I unable to advance the calendar to future months?

Visitors will not be able to advance beyond the months for which passes are currently available for reservation.  

How many free timed-entry passes can I reserve at a time?

An individual can reserve up to six free timed-entry passes for their visit. For groups of 10 or more, please reserve group passes online.

Do children require free timed-entry passes? 

Yes. All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the Museum.  

How will I receive my free timed-entry pass?

Free timed-entry passes will be delivered via an Etix email. If an email doesn’t arrive after the transaction has been confirmed, check both the spam and junk folders.  If timed-entry passes are not received via email, please contact Etix customer service or email support@etix.com.

Who do I contact if I have trouble reserving passes?

Please visit Etix customer service or email support@etix.com.

How should I present my free timed-entry passes when I arrive? 

Timed-entry passes can be presented via a personal mobile device or on paper using the print at home option. Visitors will need to show passes twice after arriving on-site: once when queuing at 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW and again at the entrance to the Museum. 

How long will I have to wait to get into the Museum?

The Museum scans passes and inspects visitors’ belongings before entering the building. Both processes progress quickly, but delays can occur. Plan for an average wait time of 30 minutes.  

Museum staff will be present onsite to assist visitors in gaining access to the Museum as quickly as possible.    

Please note: If the Museum is at or near capacity, all visitors standing in line will be asked to wait until the Museum has room to accommodate them.  

Can I enter the Museum if I arrive past the entry time on my free timed-entry pass? 

Visitors may enter the Museum for up to one hour after the time on their entry pass. Anyone arriving more than an hour after the time on their entry pass will only be granted entrance if same-day passes are available and can be secured.  

Are free timed-entry passes used to limit the amount of time I can spend in the Museum?

No, visit time is not limited, but after exiting, re-entry is not permitted the same day without securing a separate time-entry pass.

Planetarium and IMAX

Can I see a planetarium show or IMAX movie during my visit?

The Museum’s new Planetarium will be open for business. You can find showtimes online (Link coming soon) and purchase tickets at the Planetarium’s box office, located on the second floor, at the Museum.  

The Museum’s Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater is not currently open. 

Accessibility 

Is the Museum accessible and ADA compliant?

The museum is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations include accessible facilities and entrances. A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the Museum. Please visit the Security Desk to inquire about availability. Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility devices. 

Open captioning is included in all exhibition videos. American Sign Language interpretation and Access Services are available for scheduled programming by contacting us with two weeks advance notice. Listen Technologies ListenIR devices available at Welcome Desk.   

Where is the accessible entrance to the Museum?

The entrance on Independence Avenue at 6th Street SW is accessible via a ramp to the west of the entrance stairs (toward 7th Street).  

Where is the accessible drop off at the Museum?

The drop off is along Independence Avenue at 6th Street SW. 

Can I bring or borrow wheelchairs?

A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the Museum. Please visit the Security Desk to inquire about availability. Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility devices. 

Health/COVID Information

Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks are not required to visit Smithsonian museums or the National Zoo. While it will not be required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.  

Do I have to show proof of vaccination to come to the Museum?

Visitors are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to visit. 

Food and Store

Can I bring food into the museum?

Food must be kept in sealed containers and may not be consumed in the museum (other than food purchased in the Mars Café). Personal water bottles may be brought in to the museum, bottle fillers are located alongside most water fountains.

Is there food service in the museum?

The Mars Café on the museum’s lower level features a selection of seasonally inspired salads and sandwiches, warm paninis, and pastries. It also offers coffee and a full espresso bar, featuring locally roasted artisan coffees and teas. The Mars Café located is open daily from 11 am until 5 pm. 

Is there a museum store?

The Museum Store main entrance is located on the main level.

Planning a Group Visit or Field Trip 

What quantity defines a group visit or field trip?

Groups of 10 or more require group passes. Maximum group reservation per entry time is 55. Up to two reservations of 55 per group can be submitted for one day.

If you require more than 110 timed entry passes, we suggest that you have a different group point of contact (with a different email address) make any additional reservations.  

 

What is the reservation window for group and field trip reservations?

Reservations can be made two months in advance and must be made three weeks in advance of the desired visit date. Passes will be released at noon (12:00 pm) ET. If you do not initially find passes for the day your group would like to visit, check back on our website; additional passes may become available. However, reservations must be made three weeks in advance of the desired visit date.

Release Dates

Note: All releases are at noon (12:00 pm) ET

Passes Available for Reservation
Friday, March 1, 2024May 2024
Monday, April 1, 2024June 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024July 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024August 2024
Monday, July 1, 2024September 2024
Thursday, August 1, 2024October 2024
Sunday, September 1, 2024November 2024
Tuesday, October 1, 2024December 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024January 2025
Sunday, December 1, 2024February 2025
Who can I contact if I have trouble obtaining my free timed-entry passes? 

Please visit Etix customer service or email support@etix.com.

If my group arrives late, can we still visit?

If you arrive more than one hour past your entry time, entrance is not guaranteed and will be based on capacity.

Where do I go to get into the Museum and when can I arrive with my timed-entry pass?

The Museum is accessible via the Independence Avenue SW public entrance only. The Museum does not have a Group entrance. All groups will enter with the general public. A queue may form at the top of each hour, and it will be accessible along the Independence façade of the Museum.  

Space around the exterior of the Museum is limited due to ongoing construction. To prevent excess time queuing in warm or inclement weather, do not arrive earlier than the time on your pass.    

What are the required student – chaperone ratios?

Pre-K through 3rd Grade: 1 adult for every 5 students 

4th through 6th Grade: 1 adult for every 10 students 

7th through 12th Grade: 1 adult for every 15 students 

Please note that chaperones are to be included in your group count. 

Is there a separate entrance for groups and field trips?

All visitors will access the Museum via the Independence Avenue entrance. Expect and plan for a queue for entry. Proceed to 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW to queue for entry. The Museum’s main entrance is at 6th Street and Independence Avenue SW. 

Please print your pass before arrival or have your pass ready to show and scan on your mobile device.  All visitors will need to go through a security check point in the Museum’s lobby.

Is the Museum partnering with any third-party organizations to provide packaged tours including free timed-entry passes, transportation, and hotel? 

The Museum does not partner with tour organizations or companies. 

What else should I know about visiting with my group?

Visit our Group Reservations and Plan a Field Trip page to find out more about visiting with your group.

Directions

How do I get to the National Air and Space Museum’s location in Washington, DC? 

The National Air and Space Museum’s Washington, DC, location is on the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian Castle. It is bordered by Independence Avenue, Jefferson Drive, and 4th and 7th Streets SW. The street address is 600 Independence Avenue. 

The Museum is near Metrorail (subway) stops on the blue, orange, silver and green lines. The closest Metrorail stop is at L'Enfant Plaza. Metrobus stops are located on Independence Avenue SW, and along 7th Street SW. Visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website (www.WMATA.com) for more information including station and rail construction that could impact Metrorail travel. 

Is parking available for cars and buses?

The Museum does not provide parking for cars or buses. Limited metered street parking is available nearby. Please read signs carefully for parking hours and permit restrictions. Parking is available in several commercial parking lots. 

You may use ParkWhiz to reserve a parking spot near the Museum in advance. 

How can I find out about street closures and traffic that may affect my travel to the museum? 

Please check DC Traffic Advisory for the most up-to-date information regarding any street closures or changes to traffic patterns affecting the area around the museum.  

Accessible drop off will be along Independence Avenue, SW. See additional information on accessibility. 

How do I contact the museum with questions? 

For more information about visiting the Museum, please email NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu