How to Get Tickets to the Space Needle (2024)

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.