NASA's Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston are iconic attractions. See real spacecraft, Mission Control, astronaut training facilities, and interactive exhibits.

About NASA Johnson Space Center

NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Clear Lake is the home of human spaceflight operations for the United States. Mission Control has directed every crewed NASA mission since Gemini IV in 1965, including all Apollo moon landings, Space Shuttle missions, and the International Space Station. The iconic phrase "Houston, we have a problem" was directed here.

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center, offers one of America's most impressive museum experiences: visitors can see the actual Apollo 17 command module, touch a real moon rock, walk through a full-size Space Shuttle replica (Independence) mounted on the original NASA 905 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, and tour the Saturn V rocket in its own massive hangar. Tram tours take visitors behind the scenes to the current Mission Control Center and astronaut training facilities.

The Johnson Space Center campus employs over 10,000 civil servants and contractors. The surrounding Clear Lake/Nassau Bay area has developed around the space industry, with waterfront restaurants, the Kemah Boardwalk amusement park, and sailing on Galveston Bay.

Nearby Landmarks

Space Center Houston NASA Mission Control Saturn V rocket Kemah Boardwalk

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost USD 50-75
Time 45-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost USD 40-60
Time 45-60 minutes

Rideshare from terminal

Step-by-Step Directions

1. METRO Bus 102 to downtown. 2. Transfer to Park & Ride to Clear Lake. 3. Taxi/Uber to Space Center.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi USD 50-75 45-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare USD 40-60 45-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and rideshares from IAH to JSC cost $55-80 at night. Space Center Houston closes at 5-6 PM (later on weekends/summer). There is no public transit from IAH to the Space Center. For evening visits, the Kemah Boardwalk (nearby) stays open until 10 PM.

Luggage Tips

Taxis and rideshares have ample trunk space for this longer journey. Space Center Houston has no luggage storage. If visiting on a layover, consider storing bags at IAH (Bags Inc. in terminals) before making the trip.

Accessibility

IAH airport and rideshares are ADA compliant. Space Center Houston is fully wheelchair accessible, including tram tours (accessible trams available). All exhibit areas have elevator access. Wheelchair rentals are available at the visitor center.