I visited on a Monday afternoon and spent two to three hours enjoying immensely the collection of aircraft in this museum. Admission is free, leaving only the $15 parking fee to pay. The Smithsonian does a great job keeping the place clean and getting people through security in a more than reasonable time. I also viewed my first IMAX film here and found the seating and experience overall to be worth the price of admission. The museum itself has a wide assortment of commercial and military aircraft to view from a short distance. The placards serve their educational purpose by providing historical context for the time periods in which the aircraft flew and their purpose along with a special fact or two. I was surprised to see examples of enemy aircraft also on display along with stories about how the museum came to own these artifacts of past wars. The Space Shuttle Discovery of course is a well known and deservedly highly visited centerpiece of the museum. The size of the Shuttle is rather awesome up close and lends to photo opportunities from multiple vantage points. A great place for children and adults to see and learn some aeronautical history to be sure. I could return next year for a refresher on all the exhibits and maybe take a closer look at some of the more subtle supplementary exhibits I did not see this time.

Wow amazingly big and nice air museum. If you love airplane or study for pilot or you have interest jn aviation, I recommend you go there. If you are not interested in aviation, you will still love it there. Same to me. It's worth my time and you too. It's perfect for single, couple or families with or without kids. Much fun there. Free to entry but the parking fee is $10 or less than $15. They have souvenirs..

This has to be one of the best things to do during a layover at any airport in the world - as well as being a fantastic day out in its own right. You can catch the 981/983 bus service from right outside Dulles to the museum. It’s $2 each way - and you need cash. No debit cards. Service runs every 20 mins. The museum is free (though if you drive it’s $15 parking) and you could easily spend 3+ hours there. From Concorde to an F35, the Discovery Space Shuttle and the alien-like SR71 Blackbird. This museum is a must for any aviation or space geek. It is a world class collection.

This is undeniably one of the coolest collections of historic aircraft on the planet. It’s absolutely FREE to enter. Here are some of my highlights. •Space Shuttle Discovery, one of just 3 remaining space flown orbiters remaining. Discovery flew the most missions of any of the orbiters, at 39. •B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, the famous bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb in WW2. Though this horrific weapon is criticized, its use at the time was considered to be less costly in life and expense than a prolonged ground invasion of Japan would have been. •Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis, the first manned supersonic flight vehicle. In 1947 it broke the sound barrier at 700mph and changed aviation forever. •Nazi Horten Ho 229, a futuristic secret weapon fixed wing jet fighter intended to have stealth capability and a top speed over 620mph at a time when allied fighters used propeller planes. Thankfully the Germans never mastered the design to be effective.

It’s a very nicely done museum. I do believe for a real aviation junkie Wright Patterson would be better. The fact though they have a shuttle is really nice. The view when you first walk in looking down and seeing the SR-71 and the shuttle is awesome. We have young kids so we went rather quickly, spent about 2 hours there.

This is my favorite of the Smithsonian Museums I've visited to date. It was awesome to see so many significant airplanes in one place. It was amazing to see The SR-71, the shuttle Discovery, The Enola Gay, and the Concorde and so many other things planes and exhibits. I highly recommend taking a free tour with one of the many knowledgeable hosts. Also they had some cool things in the gift shop and I ended up buying stuff when normally I skip gift shops entirely.

Wow this place is a must stop on your way to or from the airport. Do not miss this place. It's free to enter the museum but there is a fee for parking. The museum itself is spacious and full of such amazing and historical aircrafts and space shuttles. They even had an expert dialed in on a virtual call on a big monitor in the center of the space so that you could go up and ask questions! So cool. Wonderful gift shop where you can get some astronaut ice cream for those of us who are still kids at heart.

Last Thursday (Christmas week break), my family and I had the opportunity to visit the Air and Space Museum, and it was an experience worth sharing. The museum offers an extensive walk through the annals of American aerial history, showcasing not just the remarkable milestones achieved by the country but also highlighting the power of international collaboration. Each exhibit was a testament to the advancements in aviation and space exploration, capturing the essence of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. The displays were well-curated and informative, providing a comprehensive overview that was both educational and engaging for all ages. What stood out the most was the emphasis on the collaborative efforts between the United States and other countries in achieving these aerospace milestones. It was a powerful reminder of how shared knowledge and joint endeavors have propelled us into new frontiers. The visit was not just a fun outing, but also an enlightening journey that deepened our appreciation for the history and future of air and space exploration. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the skies above and beyond.

Super cool! I am a pilot and an aviation lover so I was bound to love it, but my brother and his wife who don't have any particular interest in aviation, came with me and they loved it too. It's super fun for families and kids. The museum is free, parking is $10. The fighter Sim was cool and 10 per person.

As an aviation geek, I love this museum. Much better than the Air and Space Museum in DC, but still not as good as the United States Museum of the Air Force In Dayton, OH. The Space Shuttle, Concorde, SR71, and the Enola Gay are really the center pieces of the museum in my opinion. Not to be forgotten though are the amazing aircraft in between. They had lots of interactive learning as well with set up booths throughout the museum. They also offer free guided tours. Very cool to see where they are restoring aircraft, and the observation tower is a great added bonus. You can see planes taking off from Dulles from the top. It's definitely worth the stop!

My husband loves airplanes, especially old war planes. We saw this free museum on a list of things to do and we decided to go check it out. I was impressed by the sheer number of planes they have! Some I have never heard or before. If you love planes and history, this place is a must see!! We spent a good 2 hours there. Overall we both really enjoyed this museum and would even go again another time!

Absolutely fantastic museum. Decided to swing by on our way out of DC as the Air and Space Museum is closed for renovation, and very happy we did. The amount and variety of aircraft was astonishing. The museum guides were helpful and really appreciated the experts on zoom calls near certain exhibits to answer detailed questions. The entire museum was clean and nicely lit. Will definitely come back again. A must see when in DC.

There are so many incredible things to see here but the thing that steals the show is the space shuttle. Spent about 2 hours walking around each floor, getting a good up close view of everything, reading each description, and taking pictures. The fact that this is free is so cool. If you are hungry there is even a shake shack! Good on the museum for having quality food here. Before you leave make sure to stop by the observation tower to get a good look of the surrounding areas and see airplanes take off and land.

Wow! This place was packed full of planes and so many more flight innovations to explore, including the Discovery Space Shuttle. I was far more impressed with this museum compared to the Air & Space Museum in the National Mall area. It’s definitely worth the trip! I was significantly impressed with this museum. The meal options available at the cafe were wonderful and delicious too! You can watch planes coming into the Dulles airport outside the front entrance making time fly by when waiting for a ride. You can easily spend 4-6 hours going through it all. They also have a theatre featuring movies in flight if you have the time but we did not explore that option on our trip.

Huge museum! Entrance is free and parking is $15. There are lots of historic planes and space memorabilia. There are lots of benches and places to sit. There are plenty of clean restrooms and a restaurant for lunch. I think the gift shop is a little lacking. We collect magnets from our travels and the selection was limited. There were a lot of kid oriented items like space suits and Legos. It's lots of walking so wear comfortable shoes.

The National Air and Space Museum is a captivating and awe-inspiring destination for aviation and space enthusiasts. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by an impressive collection of aircraft and artifacts that span the history of aviation and space exploration. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of flight, with exhibits showcasing iconic planes, spacecraft, and exhibits on the history of aviation and space travel. The interactive displays and informative presentations make it a truly educational experience for visitors of all ages. Additionally, the museum often hosts special events and screenings, adding to the overall appeal. While the museum can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, the vastness of the collection and the layout of the exhibits allow for a relatively smooth visit. Overall, the National Air and Space Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the fascinating world of aviation and space exploration, offering a truly remarkable experience that leaves visitors inspired and in awe of human achievements.

This is by far my favorite museum of all time. It's absolutely amazing. Any aviation enthusiast of any age will love it. I have been here twice so far and it does not disappoint. Make sure to include it into your plans the next time you are anywhere it the area.

Amazing place, can't believe it's free (although you have to pay $15 for parking). The biggest problem is: there is so much to see! After 4 hours I still didn't see everything. If you don't read captions it might be much faster though, I just like to know exactly what I'm looking at. Exhibitions are very interesting and take you through the entire history of flying, from balloons, through first planes up to space travel. You can see actual devices used by NASA in the past and things that visited space! How cool it is to see real Discovery spaceship and Blackbird aircraft! Everything is captioned and there are staff members and volunteers answering your questions. Also there are paid flight simulators which are not true simulators, rather fun games. VR of space exploration wasn't really worth it IMO (both time and money) but for kids it might be cool.

This is an absolutely amazing museum which will leave you inspired. Entry is free but parking costs $15 per car. Honestly, I felt the experience made up for the parking fee so it should not deter you. You can see so many planes, helicopters, and the famous Space Shuttle Discovery. I recommend taking one of the free tours which was very informative. I spent 2-3 hours, but there's a whole day's worth of activities to do. The observation tower is a must see as it gives a good view of planes landing at Dulles International Airport. I highly recommend this museum!!

One of the most impressive and spacious museums I have ever been to! Really the pinnacle of museums if you are into space exploration and aviation. The array of places, spaceships and related objects to both are amazing. You could spend all day here and the best part is that it’s free! Parking however is not and costs $15.

While on a quick trip up to Arlington, VA recently for something very personal, I visited this Air and Space Museum near Dulles Airport. This was a new experience for me. As a plane nerd fueled by my father who was a USMC Fighter Pilot while he was alive flying F-8 Crusaders (all versions), I felt like a kid in a candy store. Totally worth the drive out there and the 15 bucks for parking. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Including the interactive screens with live people answering questions and giving suggestions. All very well done. Five stars easy!

Steven Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum in Virginia is a really cool place! It's free to get in, which is awesome, and perfect for families with kids. You'll see amazing airplanes and spaceships! The people who work there are super nice and can tell you lots of interesting stuff. Just so you know, parking costs $15, but after 4 pm, it's free. So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Overall, it's totally worth 5 stars – a fun and educational adventure for everyone!

Great museum, there is a bunch of cool planes to see. Good assortment of World War II planes, US, German, and Japanese. There is a section with a collection of engines from different decades. They have a Concorde, the first 707, the Enola Gay, SR-71, and the Space Shuttle Discovery. The tower is pretty cool to go up in. You are able to listen to air traffic control and look out and watch the planes land and take off. I had a great time at the museum and highly recommend going. No fee to enter, $15 parking fee.

Highly recommended!!! This is one of the most amazing museums we have ever been to. So much history in one place. From the Wright Brothers to the space shuttle. The free tours are very fun and informative. Admission is free. We just had to pay for parking.

This place is awesome for anyone to go visit to see some super cool pieces from aerospace history. If you are some one who works in aerospace industry, this place is a must visit. It has quite a few one of a kind aircraft. My favorite plane was the Concorde, because its always been a fascination of mine. The museum itself is free, you only pay to park in the parking lot. There is tons of knowledge here to be absorbed. It's a must visit in my opinion if you are in this area vacationing.

Loved it! Just spent several hours there and I felt like a kid in a candy store. Such an abundance of incredible aviation and space machinery from the beginning of modern flight. I’d have a hard time choosing a favorite exhibit but was thrilled to see both the SR-71 Blackbird and Space Shuttle Discovery up close and in the flesh. Please visit, you won’t regret it.

I visited this place about 10 years ago while I was out in the area for work, and it always stuck in my mind to come back. I made it back with my family today. It was better than I remember it. The exhibits are top notch. There's simulator rides, and Shake Shack for lunch, a tower you can get great views, and more aviation history then you could dream of. America's top notch contributions to aviation are here, the Space Shuttle Discovery, and SR 71, the F14, and more. Some of the planes we fought against are also here. There's also an IMAX theater on site. Parking is $15 that's your ticket in. What an amazing price. My 6 year old loved it, my wife loved it, I love it.

I cannot rave enough about this museum. I wasn't much of an aviation buff when I came in, but I sure was when I left! The main attractions are of course the Discovery space shuttle, the Enola Gay, and the stunning Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. The restoration hangar is also home to "Flak-Bait," a Martin B-26 Marauder which holds the record for the most bombing missions survived during WWII, having been shot over 1,000 times! Even from the observation window you can clearly see the symbols painted on its side representing its many missions. Another piece of WWII history here is a Sikorsky JRS-1 which is the only aircraft in the collection that was at Pearl Harbor on December 7. Other notables include Amelia Earhart's flight suit and some interesting items from the Vietnam War. The sheer size of the hangar is remarkable; I'd set aside two to three hours to see everything that interests you and longer if you (like me) like to read every plaque in a museum. The museum also has an observation deck where you can watch the planes landing and taking off from the nearby Dulles Airport while a live ATC feed plays. There are also several simulators but these do cost extra and honestly you aren't missing much if you skip them. Now for the drawback: this is out of the way for folks visiting DC and the metro does not run all the way out here, so you'll have to ride share or rent a car if you are coming from DC. Be advised that parking is $15. Otherwise, it's easily one of the best museums that Smithsonian has to offer, and if you have even a passing interest in military or commercial aviation or spaceflight, you cannot pass it up.

An extremely fascinating museum with remarkable, one of a kind airplanes, spacecraft and more. Wonderful for any aviation enthusiast, although just about anyone would enjoy walking through here. Far less crowded than the Air & Space downtown, no big crowds when we were there.

This place was amazing! Even if you are not into airplanes, it was still fascinating. All the displays are beautifully presented. They even have the space shuttle Discovery there. The ship is HUGE! I had no idea! If you have an opportunity to go here, make sure you go on tour with one of their docents. So much information! Also, don’t miss a trip to the observation tower with its 360-degree view.

This was an amazing place to visit if you enjoy aircraft history. So many memorable aircraft there including the Enola Gay and an SR71 Blackbird. Also there are quite a few experimental aircraft from Germany captured after World War II. Quite exciting to see. This is part of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum but contains aircraft that wouldn't fit or couldn't be brought into Washington DC proper. It's about a 45 minute drive from where I was staying in Bethesda so check it out.

Wow! The best Air and Space Museum I have ever visited. Make sure you make the trip out here. So many historically significant planes here. There is so much to see. You will easily spend 3-4 hours here. Do not miss out on this museum when you’re in DC area.

We went here on a Sunday afternoon, there’s plenty of parking available. You don’t have to pay an entry ticket for each person, but you do have to pay a parking fee of $15 per vehicle. There are a lot of great aircrafts in this location and it’s definitely a great place to visit with kids. Easily can spend 3-4 hours here, would also recommend to go to the observation deck as you can see planes landing at the Dulles aircraft with a 360-degree view from the deck. There’s a Shake Shack location inside for a quick snack after you’re tired from all the walking around.

Absolutely amazing museum, has an incredible variety of historically important aircraft, has some incredibly unique and rare aircraft on top of that. Only possible downside is that you can't get very close to many aircraft, but it's understandable to the reasons why that is the case, I highly recommend going! It's also free!

beautiful museum full of history and ships of all kinds. Exceptional attention from all the staff who work and support in all areas. the facilities are beautiful and super new, well maintained and the best of all is that it is free. parking is ample and convenient. don't stop going they will enjoy it

This is a must see when you're in the area! Even if you don't consider yourself a space/plane aficionado/geek/nerd, to see how aviation evolved is fascinating! The best displays are the Concorde (how on Earth they got the plane to fit is beyond me!), the Space Shuttle Discovery, and the SR-71 Blackbird. Entry is free, but it will cost you $15 to park. This is so worth it. I went late on a Tuesday morning and spent about 4 hours here. There were lots of kids on their field trip. However, once inside the building, it didn't feel crowded at all. You can also go up to the observation tower and get a 360 degree view of the surrounding towns, as well as the Blue Ridge mountains. If you're lucky, you'll see planes landing at Dulles.

My family had a wonderful time here. Admission was free with a $15 parking fee. We spent about 3 hours walking around each level of this amazing museum. My favorite things to see were the space shuttle Discovery and the SR-71A Blackbird.

Absolutely Amazing! Hands down the best museum I have ever been to. So many historical and significant aircraft in one place. See the Discovery Space Shuttle, the first supersonic aircraft, the plane that dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, the first and only supersonic airliner, and many many more. Words cannot describe how amazing and life-changing this museum is. There is also an IMAX theatre, a viewing deck for Dulles Airport, and Shake Shack on site. Worth a trip to DC for this museum alone.

Had a lovely time! Unfortunately on the day we visited, most of the building was filled with a bunch of detailed large airplane models, which made seeing the museum itself a little cumbersome at times. The building is a testament to architectural engineering, and earns its place as one of the true modern wonders of the world It was also $15 per vehicle, so I wasn't able to get a separate ticket for my friend, and we had to share :( Definitely good if you like saving money, though.

If you or a loved one are an aviation geek, this is THE place to go. So many historic aircraft that I couldn’t believe my eyes. You can truly find hours of information here. I cannot recommend this FREE museum enough. Rockets, a Space Shuttle, the Enola Gay, an SR-71, and so many famous ultralight and kit planes. I also recommend visiting the rest of the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Although at the time of writing, nearly half of it is closed for renovations, I still was able to spend an entire day there and I mainly focused on just two exhibits.

You don't need to be a plane/space enthusiast to enjoy this place. I had grand children with me and they are finally old enough to understand the meaning of these artifacts. I showed them videos of the space shuttle and the SR-71 Blackbird the night before so they could appreciate them more in person. We walked in just when a Docent led tour began. I highly recommend the tours! Each Docent has a different life perspective and I always learn something new.

Great museum. There are lots of cool planes to see . Shuttle discovery was the best part for me . So much history there . The entrance is free . Parking is 15$. If you are interested in plane and space you must visit there .

This is an great place to visit. The museum is an extension of the Air & Space Museum in DC, but contains different exhibits. The exhibits cover early flight, WWI, WWII, the Cold War, civilian flight, and the Space Program. This is a good place for children, adults, people with a general interest in history, and people with a specific interest in aviation history and military history. The "tower" is a good experience that gives a great view of the Dulles runways and the surrounding countryside. As of July 25, 2023, there is a Shake Shack within the museum. This is a must visit. While entry to the Museum is free, there is a $15 parking fee.

We only had an hour to visit, but we could have spent much longer in this museum! There is a such a wide variety of aircraft, and we enjoyed learning so much in the brief time we spent at the center. We'll definitely be back for a longer visit on our next trip to Virginia! My 3 teens were quite impressed, (which doesn't happen often these days!) 😄

I can't say enough about this air and space museum. My wife & I enjoyed this museum very much. If you are interested in early flight through to the Discovery shuttle this is the place for you. We spent 1 1/2 days here. The first day we walked around and took lots of pictures. The second day we walked around and took a free tour, which was very informative. We suggest you take the tour at some time during your visit. And make sure you go up into the tower and watch planes arrive and take off from Washington Dulles airport. You can also listen to the Washington Dulles control tower as planes arrive and takeoff. Great place to visit for flight enthusiasts from 9-90.

This is truly a hidden gem as far as museums in this area are concerned. There's so much to see and so much to learn as you explore all of the exhibits. Lots of neat planes, helicopters, and spacecraft to check out. Very family friendly. Lots of open space to walk freely so you won't get bogged down by crowds except maybe in the gift shop.

Udvar-Hazy-Hazy is awesome!! Huge space with amazing displays. Record setting SR-71, Space Shuttle Discovery and so much more! The docents are fantastic offering so much knowledge and historically relevant experience. This space is bright and clean. Actually my most favorite part was watching the restoration. The floor had so many cool and famous craft.

The best air and space museum in the country. The museum is free and just needs to pay for parking, which it is $15 per vehicle. The simulators are extra cost to ride. If you are in DC, the air and space museum is a must to visit.

What a fantastic place! I highly recommend visiting this place. The big hangars are filled with special airplanes, helicopters, rockets, satellites, and other equipment with a historic value. The absolute most amazing showpieces are the Spaceshuttle Discovery, the Lockheed Blackbird, and the B-29 Enola Gay. There is plenty of parking and it cost $ 15 (2023). The museum entry is free and you do not have to reserve a slot.

This place rules. Been 20 years since I went to the original Air & Space and that was super cool, but this as an adult is just as magical and entertaining as that experience as a child. I could just wander through for hours. I saw the live docent station at the space shuttle, that was cool. I didn't use it, but two older gentlemen were having a great conversation with whomever was on screen. It was great to see so many aircraft in person, and get a scale of the things you don't notice in photos. Like how small the windows on the Concorde really are!

absolutely amazing place. seen a childhood friend the space shuttle discovery in all her glory. Great display of aviation history. if you are in the states you have to visit here. entry is free no booking of tickets just $15 for carpark best money I've ever spent.

The discovery shuttle and the stealth are always mesmerizing to watch. They now added more drone flights including kamikaze, the exploration of commercial flights is nice from balloons to Boeing. Definitely watch a documentary in the Imax, it's super thrilling and try any simulators for fun You pay $15 per car for parking

Wow! So much history here, even foreign aircrafts from Germany dating back to 1940’s. An enormous hangar full of military war planes and helicopters to non military. A whole section on space with an actual space shuttle. An IMAX theater to witness new photos from deep space beyond our galaxy with never seen before imagery. Finally a museum with a great place to eat (Shake Shack) and the prices are not draining your pockets, the prices are the same as your neighborhood Shake Shack. Snacks and water are also the same price. Parking is 15 bucks but entrance to the museum is free. There is a cost to view a film in the IMAX theater but was well worth it.

I loved it! My teens were underwhelmed. They are not museum fans though so I should not have dragged them there. More free interactive displays would have pulled them in. There are a few flights simulators but they are too expensive for my budget and multiple children.

No brainer for aviation enthusiasts or anyone wanting to see the history of aviation. Skip the Smithsonian. The wide array of planes, helicopters, jets, gliders, and space equipment is impeccable. Where else can you see a SR71 and a space shuttle. Take your time and fully enjoy everything. There's hidden gems outside the big 5 planes. Free visit with paid parking.

Do you like airplanes? Do you like spaceships? This place has it all. Noticed they added an F35 into the mix. It’s a short 10 minute drive from Dulles airport. If only they had a hotel on site to stay at! The only thing I think they didn’t have was a U2, and given the wingspan that’s understandable. I could spend a couple days here and still not see everything. Simply the best collection of aircraft around. Bring you own JP7 if you want to take the Blackbird out for a spin.

This museum is truly remarkable, offering an expansive space that left a lasting impression on me. It stands as the epitome of excellence for those with a passion for space exploration and aviation. The diverse collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and associated artifacts is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You could easily lose yourself in this place for an entire day, and the icing on the cake is that it's completely free!

This place is AMAZING! I've been once before and realized today I didn't even see half the museum on my last trip. Got around to at least see everything in about 3 hours, but you could obviously spend way more than that if you stopped and read everything. Amazing displays and an incredible collection!

Stunning! I spent several hours just walking around fascinated by everything. I couldn't grasp the amount of innovation stored in one location. Everything here is awe-inspiring. Parking is $15, and to enter the museum is free. I attended at the end of April and a timed day pass was NOT required. When you enter you are located immediately center of the large hangar, with planes on your right and left. Straight back to the rear is the Discovery space shuttle. There are two levels of cat walks to view the planes as well as the ground floor. Each plane and section has small boards of information. The day I attended the café was closed. In situations like this it would probably be best to bring an ice-cooler packed with food and drinks to leave in the car. You can then exit to your car for a quick snack and break and reenter. At several stations they had a large T.V. with a camera that hosted a remote person answering questions. Very knowledge people! They have an Imax theater and simulation rides. Definitely worth the trip from DC. Would/will attend again!

If You are an Air and Space Fan. This is a MUST SEE near Washington DC. This museum is in Chantilly VA, 45 min from Downtown Washington DC. Huge Museum. Beautiful Artificial. SR 71, Space Shuttle Discovery, Enola Gay, Air France Concord and many many more. Public Transportation connection to Bus and Metro Train. Next to Dulles Airport, so browsing when the flight is delayed. Parking is $15 / car. Local visitors, look out for special events like Innovation Day on Father's Day weekend or Air and Scare during Halloween. New planes keep on coming. X17 has just come in.