How to Get Tickets to the Space Needle (2024)

United States

Washington

By

Kristin Kendle

How to Get Tickets to the Space Needle (1)

Kristin Kendle

Kristin Kendle is a Seattle-based freelance writer who has covered the city and Tacoma for TripSavvy since 2010.

TripSavvy'seditorial guidelines

Updated on 01/22/20

How to Get Tickets to the Space Needle (2)

Space Needle

Address

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Phone+1 206-905-2100

Located right in the heart of Seattle Center—and visible for miles around—the Space Needle is perhaps Seattle’s best-known attraction. And it’s well known for a reason. What’s not to love about going to one of the highest points in the city and taking in the view, especially in a city surrounded by water, mountains and greenery? General Space Needle tickets range in price from $24.50 to $37.50, depending on age, when you buy, and whether you are buying tickets for seniors or children. Tickets are available online, at the Space Needle itself and as part of a few different package deals, if you’re looking to get more bang for your buck.

How Much Are Tickets to the Space Needle?

  • Regular: $32.50 to $37.50
  • Senior (ages 65+): $27.50 to $32.50
  • Youth (ages 5-12): $24.50 to $28.50

Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance right on the Space Needle’s website.

With the purchase of a ticket, you get a trip to the top of the Space Needle as well as access to two floors of experiences at the top. Stand on the rotating glass floor, take a Skyhigh Selfie or a Zoomie (professional digital photos), download the free mobile app, enjoy a virtual reality bungee jump off the tower, or take a spin on the Skypad—a giant interactive exhibit.

Discount Pricing

The most surefire and dependable way to score discounted tickets to the Space Needle is by booking early or late tickets. If you book a time between 10 a.m. and noon, or 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., you can save up to $5 off the cost of admission.

Groups of 15 or more get a per person discount for everyone. If your group has 20 or more people, you get one free ticket.

Check Groupon and other discount sites as there are occasional deals on Space Needle admission.

Package Deals

A popular way to get cheaper tickets to the Space Needle is to get a package deal that combines another attraction (or attractions) with the Space Needle. Some of the most popular package deals are:

  • Bundle the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, which is also at the Seattle Center, and you’ll save about $10 across both admissions. These bundles are available right on the Space Needle’s website and cost $50 for regular admission; $49 for seniors 65+; and $39 for youth 5-12.
  • The Seattle Center 4-Pack, also available on the Space Needle’s website, gets you admission to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center, and the Seattle Monorail. Tickets are $79 for regular, and $54 for youth ages 5-12.
  • Hop-on Hop-off City Tour 3-Pack tickets are available on the Space Needle’s website. These combine a City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with a trip up the Space Needle and a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass. Tickets are $84 for regular, and $55 for youth ages 5-12.
  • The Museum of Flight 3-Pack combines the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight (not at the Space Needle) for $74 regular, $65 for teens ages 13-17, and $49 for youth ages 5-12.
  • The Space Needle Day/Night Pass is perfect if you want to see the view in two different lights, but don’t want to pay full price each time. You’ll get two visits to the top for $59 regular, $54 for seniors 65+, and $44 for youth ages 5-12.
  • CityPASS is a wider package deal that is a great way to get an overview of the city’s most popular attractions. For $99 for adults and $79 for children, you’ll get admission to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium; Museum of Pop Culture or Woodland Park Zoo; Chihuly Garden and Glass or Pacific Science Center; and you get to take an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. Overall, you save about 49 percent off list price so it’s a great way to go if you want to see a lot. Passes are good for nine days.

Plan Your Visit

When to Go: The Space Needle is open 365 days a year, but does close sometimes for special events so if you’re not buying tickets in advance, make sure to check the website or call ahead. If at all possible, visit on a clear day for the best views. While clear days happen throughout the year, your highest chances are in July and August. The rest of the year, it’s a coin toss. Mornings are often less clear or foggier than afternoons.

Parking: There are parking lots surrounding Seattle Center, many of them in garages. However, if you don’t want to walk far, the Space Needle offers valet parking right at its base and it’s not that much more expensive than many of the garages.

Timed Tickets: If you plan to show up and wait in line, be aware that you’re at the mercy of the lines, which can be long at peak times. A better option if you don’t care for lines or wait times is to book a timed ticket. These can be reserved online, on your phone or device, at the admissions window or at kiosks at the Space Needle. Times are available every 30 minutes for all open hours. If you book a time, show up, skip the lines and walk right in. If you arrive more than five minutes after your scheduled time, you’ll need to talk to a staff member to reserve a new time.

What’s Allowed and Not Allowed at the Top: While infants in carrier seats are allowed, strollers must be parked in the stroller area before you go up. Wheelchairs can go to the top. Cameras and video cameras are welcome. Pets and any kinds of weapons are not. Gun lockers are available; chat with security for details.

Food Options: The Space Needle has two dining options at the top that make a fine complement to any visit. The Atmos Café is on the upper level, open for walk-in snacking or dining, and serves small plates, sandwiches and burgers, beer, wine, and coffee. If you seek something a little more upscale, 360 Sunset at the Top requires a reservation and is not so much a restaurant as an experience. You’ll get a trip to the top of the Space Needle, four wine tastings and four pair bites, scheduled to take place right as the sun is setting.

How to Get Tickets to the Space Needle (2024)

FAQs

Does the Space Needle sell out? ›

Now more than ever we recommend booking tickets online in advance. We are seeing a few popular time slots sell out each day, and with limited capacity, they sell out even faster. If your guest knows when they want to visit, recommend booking online in advance.

Is there an AAA discount for Space Needle? ›

Seattle Attractions

Get a CityPASS Seattle and 50% off the combined admission price to five great attractions. Plus, AAA Washington members can get an individual discount of $4 off day/night tickets to the Space Needle.

How much for Space Needle tickets? ›

Space Needle General Admission
Regular (ages 13-64)$35-$46.50
Senior (ages 65+)$30-$39.50
Youth (ages 5-12)$26-$35

Is the loupe lounge worth it? ›

You'll have to pre-pay when you make your reservation, and it will run you around $200 per person (not including valet parking). That being said, The Loupe Lounge experience is 100 percent worth it.

What is the best time to go to the Space Needle? ›

Early mornings or late afternoons are especially magical times, as the soft light accentuates the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. For those looking to avoid longer wait times and crowded observation decks, visiting on weekdays or during the first few opening hours can also make a significant difference.

Is it worth going inside the Space Needle? ›

Wow! The Space Needle is a must-see in Seattle. The observation deck offers stunning views of all of Seattle. You can take photos that look like you're floating in air (not leaning against the windows), but probably not if you're afraid of heights!

How much does it cost to eat at the Space Needle restaurant? ›

SkyCity at the Space Needle is one of the most expensive restaurants in Seattle. The average entrée price is $44.93—to spend this much on the ground, you'll have to get a menu degustation at Rover's or put on a tie and go to Canlis.

How long does it take to tour the Space Needle in Seattle? ›

allow at least 1 1/2 to two hours in Chihuly, and at least 1 1/2 for space needle. The lines at space needle can take 3/4 hour before you actually get to an elevator. mopop is 2-3 hours itself. So let's say, make it a day.

Is booking with AAA worth it? ›

While you could spend hours scouring the Internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent's hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip.

Is there free parking at the Space Needle? ›

Is there free parking by the Space Needle Seattle? There is very limited free street parking near Space Needle. However, if you're looking for affordable parking with value for money, there are several off-site parking garages nearby you can choose from.

Do I need to print Space Needle tickets? ›

Yes you are required to print the tickets.

How long is the elevator ride up the Space Needle? ›

43: The number of seconds it takes to go from the ground to the Observation Deck. 800: The speed per minute of the elevators, in feet. 45: The number of minutes to make one revolution of the glass floor.

Is there a time limit at the Space Needle? ›

To improve guest flow and experience, Space Needle & Chihuly Garden and Glass 15-minute arrival intervals will now contain 5-minute timeslots within them. This is only the arrival window for entry, once inside you can stay until closing. Combination tickets are for a one-time entry at each location.

How expensive is the Loupe lounge? ›

The Loupe Lounge offers several incredible two-hour prix fixe experiences at a variety of price points. You can try the Taste of Washington ($69 per person) or Toast the Night ($275 per person).

How long does it take to get to the top of the Space Needle? ›

1999: The year the Needle was designated an official Seattle landmark. 25: The number of people who can be carried in a Needle elevator. 43: The number of seconds it takes to go from the ground to the Observation Deck. 800: The speed per minute of the elevators, in feet.

How many visitors does the Space Needle get? ›

6. It Has Welcomed Over 60 Million Visitors Since It Opened. Since opening its doors, the Space Needle has greeted an astonishing 60 million visitors. Each year, it adds roughly 1.3 million more to its tally, making it one of the most visited towers in the world.

What happens if you miss your Space Needle time? ›

Your visit is valid for the date and arrival time on your ticket. If you arrive more than 5 minutes earlier or later than the time on your ticket, please see a Space Needle Team Member upon your arrival to reserve the next available entry time.

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