Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Air and Space Museum's vast hangars next to Dulles Airport hold aircraft too big for the Mall, including Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, an Air France Concorde and the Enola Gay.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ralf Roletschek ( talk ) - Infos über Fahrräder auf fahrradmonteur.de Wikis in der Ausbild, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a museum in Chantilly, Virginia, Washington, D.C.. Allow 2–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- Chantilly, Virginia
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, free, rainy day and history
- Best months
- March–May
About Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The Air and Space Museum's vast hangars next to Dulles Airport hold aircraft too big for the Mall, including Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird, an Air France Concorde and the Enola Gay. An observation tower looks over the Dulles runways. Entry is free, with a charge for parking.
Tip: It is easiest by car or ride-hailing; combine it with a flight in or out of Dulles to save a separate trip.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Chantilly, Virginia.
Best time to visit Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.
- No. 15 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in museums in Washington, D.C..
- A family favourite in Washington, D.C. with kids.
If you like Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- National Mall — National Mall, Half a day
- Lincoln Memorial — National Mall, 45 minutes
- Washington Monument — National Mall, 1 hour
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. It is easiest by car or ride-hailing; combine it with a flight in or out of Dulles to save a separate trip.
+Do I need to book Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Washington, D.C.. Washington is one of the best US cities for families on a budget: dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, space capsules and pandas are all free.