Seattle: Museum of Flight Entry Ticket & Airplane Walkthroughs

Summary

Seattle’s aviation icons up close, from Concorde to space shuttle trainer

You’ll step right into Seattle’s Museum of Flight and wander among legendary planes like Concorde and Air Force One. Try your hand at flight simulators, explore Boeing’s original factory space, and peer inside a real space shuttle trainer — all with your entry ticket included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird mix of jet fuel and old metal? That’s the first thing I noticed when we walked into the Museum of Flight in Seattle — it hit me right after the automatic doors whooshed shut behind us. There was this low hum everywhere, like the building itself was remembering all those engines. We’d barely started and already I could see the nose of a Concorde poking out in the Great Gallery, sunlight bouncing off its white skin. My nephew tugged at my sleeve, pointing at a black spy plane that looked straight out of a movie.

Our local guide — Mark, I think? — had this way of telling stories that made you forget you were in a museum. He showed us where Boeing’s first factory used to be (it’s still there, tucked in one corner), then waved us over to climb inside an old Air Force One. The seats felt stiff and scratchy under my hands; honestly, I can’t imagine any president actually napping on those things. In the Aviation Pavilion outside, rain tapped on the roof while we wandered under the belly of a 747. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for some kid laughing at his dad trying to pronounce “aeronautics.”

I tried one of those full-motion flight simulators — let’s just say I’ll never be a pilot (my nephew is still making fun of my crash landing). We ended up in the Space Gallery last, staring up at the Space Shuttle Trainer with its panels open and blinking lights. It smelled faintly like plastic and something else… maybe hope? Not sure how to describe it, but it stuck with me on the bus ride home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Museum of Flight exhibits

• Arrive at Museum of Flight
• Explore six museum buildings
• See over 160 aircraft and spacecraft
• Visit original Boeing Aircraft factory
• Walk through the Great Gallery
• View rare M-21 Blackbird spy plane
• See jet fighters from Korean and Vietnam wars
• Tour Air Force One and 747 in Aviation Pavilion
• Explore Space Gallery and Space Shuttle Trainer
• Try full-motion and 3D flight simulators

Top questions

How many aircraft are displayed at the Museum of Flight?

The Museum of Flight displays over 160 airplanes and spacecraft on its campus.

Is the Museum of Flight wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible and transportation options nearby are also accessible.

Are there flight simulators at Seattle's Museum of Flight?

Yes, there are both full-motion and 3D flight simulators available for visitors to try.

Does my ticket include access to Air Force One?

Yes, entry includes access to tour Air Force One as part of your visit.

Can infants or small children visit?

Infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers can be used throughout the museum.

Is public transportation available to reach the Museum of Flight?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby for easy access.

What is included with the Museum of Flight entrance ticket?

Your ticket includes admission to all galleries and exhibits within the museum.

What’s included

Your day includes an entrance ticket giving you access to every gallery in Seattle’s Museum of Flight — from walking through iconic aircraft like Air Force One and Concorde to exploring interactive exhibits and trying out flight simulators at your own pace.