Museum of Flight

The Basics

A visit to Seattle's Museum of Flight, at Boeing Field, takes you through decades of flight history as you view more than 150 planes, helicopters, satellites, rockets, space station parts, and lunar module mock-ups.

Visitors might glimpse the original Air Force One, which transported presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, along with a supersonic Concorde jet, and a stealth M-21 Blackbird reconnaissance plane.

Save time at the museum by prebooking admission tickets and skipping the line upon arrival.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Museum of Flight is appropriate for history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and families.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the museum’s exhibits.

How to Get There

The Museum of Flight sits just 7 miles (11 kilometers) south of Downtown Seattle, at Boeing Field close to the international airport. It’s easily accessible by car, as there’s a large parking lot available to visitors. It’s also reachable by Metro bus no. 124, which stops in front of the museum.

When to Get There

The Museum of Flight is open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. The museum draws most of its visitors on weekends, but it’s never crowded or hard to get into. Check the museum’s official website for information on special tours and events offered during your visit.

Other Attractions Nearby

The Museum of Flight is situated in vibrant south Seattle. It’s easy to fill a day combining a trip to the museum with a visit to the Kubota Garden, a 20-acre (8-hectare) Japanese-style garden. Restaurants and bars in the nearby Georgetown neighborhood offer plenty of entertainment before or after your visit.

Do you need to book in advance to visit the Museum of Flight?

Yes, you should book tickets for the Museum of Flight in advance. While buying tickets onsite is possible, the museum has limited capacity and sometimes sells out. Booking Museum of Flight tickets in advance ensures you won't miss one of the United States' most significant air and space collections.

Is the Museum of Flight accessible?

Yes, the Museum of Flight is accessible. All galleries, exhibits, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking available at East and West Campus locations. Service animals are welcome, and 3D movies are captioned whenever possible. Courtesy wheelchairs and noise-reduction earmuffs are available for use at the front desk.

What is the best day to visit the Museum of Flight?

The Museum of Flight is open seven days a week, and there's no bad time to come. Weekends are the museum's busiest time, but the galleries are rarely overcrowded or difficult to access. On the first Thursday of each month, admission to the museum is free during the evening hours.

Can you go in planes at the Museum of Flight?

Yes, you can go inside planes at the Museum of Flight. The museum's Aviation Pavilion has several planes that are accessible to visitors. Highlights of the interactive collection include an Air Force One, a FedEx Boeing 727 freighter, and the only supersonic Concorde airliner on the West Coast.

How long can I stay at the Museum of Flight?

You can spend all day at the Museum of Flight if you want to. Some visitors walk through the museum in about an hour, but aviation fans may wish to spend much longer. If you hope to explore all permanent and rotating museum exhibits, plan on a 3–4 hour visit.

Can I bring my dog to the Museum of Flight?

Only service animals are allowed at the Museum of Flight. They can enter all museum galleries and exhibits—specially trained dogs that assist visitors with disabilities are welcome. Emotional support animals and pets are not considered service animals and are not allowed inside the museum. That means Fido stays home.

Ways to explore

Given the Museum of Flight’s impressive size, it’s best to go in with a plan. You’re welcome to wander by yourself, but if you don’t know where to begin, free guided tours are offered daily and last 30–60 minutes. More in-depth experiences are also available to book, including a flight simulator, 360-degree VR experience, documentary screening at the on-site movie theater, and the 1-hour Space Shuttle Trainer Crew Compartment Experience, during which you’ll learn about life as an astronaut. The museum also hosts events and workshops throughout the week.

Accessibility

The museum is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, offering wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and parking as well as courtesy wheelchairs upon request. Tactile tours are available to visitors who are blind or have low vision, and Sensory Days allow those with autism, sensory processing disorders, and intellectual disabilities to enjoy the museum with adjusted lights and sounds during off-hours.

Age limits

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to pack

Water bottle, cash, credit card

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking, casual clothes

Not allowed

Eating or drinking in the galleries, touching the aircraft, pets

Amenities

Luggage storage, water fountains, café, gift shop, EV charging

Address 

Located outside central Seattle, the Museum of Flight offers plenty of free parking (there’s even fly-in parking available, if you have your own aircraft!) City tours often include the museum if you don’t have your own vehicle, but it’s accessible by public transit as well.

Driving

From Seattle, head south along Interstate 5 until you can take Exit 158. Turn right onto East Marginal Way South and continue until the museum lot, which will be on your right. Parking is free, and the museum offers six electric vehicle charging stations.

Public transportation

From downtown Seattle or the Tukwila International Boulevard light rail station (Bay 3), catch the Route 124 bus. The bus will drop you off right in front of the museum.

Best times to visit

Get the most out of your visit with an early start to make sure you have enough time to see all the highlights.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be quieter. The museum also stays open late on the first Thursday of every month, with free admission after 5pm.

Best months to visit

Visit in May, before the school holidays, and enjoy the sunlight illuminating the main galleries.

Special events

Special tours, lectures, and workshops are hosted throughout the year—for the most up-to-date information, check the museum calendar before your visit.