Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory
8415 Paine Field Blvd., Mukilteo, WA, 98275
At the Future of Flight Aviation Center, visitors can learn about the history and the future of aviation design. The Boeing factory tour—the only public tour of its kind in North America—lets you witness jet assembly, learn about the history of Boeing’s planes, and test your own aircraft designs at the educational Future of Flight Aviation Center museum.
The Basics
The Boeing factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at airplane manufacturing and most visit as part of a half-day tour that includes round-trip transportation. Check out the interactive exhibits in the Airplane Design Zone; get a virtual tour of a 787 flight deck; and peek inside a jet engine.
Then, visit the Aviation Center Gallery, where you can modify, test, and finalize your own aircraft design before printing off the final schematic as a souvenir, before walking above the work floor with a Boeing representative who offers insight into the inner workings of large-scale jet assembly.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes—the Boeing factory tour involves lots of walking and two steep flights of stairs.
Upgrade to a tour that includes a visit to the Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection at nearby Paine Field (Snohomish County Airport).
Individuals must be at least 4 feet tall (122 centimeters) to take the tour, and children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
All tours are given in English.
With advance notice, special accommodations are available for wheelchair users.
Restrooms are not available during the factory tour.
How to Get There
The Future of Flight Center is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of downtown Seattle in Mukilteo, Washington, near Everett. From the I5, take exit 189.
When to Get There
The site is open daily, year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the last tour of the day is typically at 1:30pm. Boeing tours usually operate daily every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:30am until 5pm. During this period, the Future of Flight facility is open from 8am to 7pm.
Other Seattle Museums
After a tour of the Boeing factory, make time to stop at Seattle's other excellent museums. Art lovers won't want to miss Seattle Art Museum, home to pieces from major artists spread across three locations—the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Olympic Sculpture Park. Alternatively, the futuristic-looking Museum of Pop Culture will have visitors of all ages captivated.
Ways to explore
You can buy tickets on arrival, but it’s best to book ahead—tours can sell out on busy days. General admission tickets for the Future of Flight Aviation Center include access to the Sky Deck, an observation platform with views of the factory, airfield, and the mountains. Tickets for the Boeing Factory visit are separate, but include general admission. Most tours include access to both sites, often with round-trip transport from Seattle-area hotels and other locations, making this a convenient option for many.
Accessibility
The Future of Flight Aviation Center is fully accessible to travelers using wheelchairs, and accessible restrooms are available. The factory tour can offer a wheelchair-accessible route, but places must be booked in advance. Note that accessible restrooms aren’t available during the factory tour. Service animals are welcome in all areas.
Age limits
Children must be at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall to go on the factory tour; anyone aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
What to pack
Camera, layered clothing, binoculars (for Sky Deck)
What to wear
The outdoor Sky Deck gets breezy, so bring a warmer layer for cooler days.
Not allowed
All bags, electronics, phones, pens, binoculars, cameras, food, and drinks are banned on the factory tour—all belongings can be stored in free lockers in the lobby.
Amenities
Restrooms, lockers
Address
The Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory are located at Paine Field International Airport in Mukilteo, Washington, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Seattle.
Driving
It generally takes around 30 minutes to reach Paine Field from Seattle, although traffic on Interstate 5 can be heavy at busy commuting hours. Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation
There’s no direct public transit to the site, so visitors generally drive or join a tour with round-trip transport. Rideshares and taxis are available.
Best times to visit
When the sun sets early in winter, an afternoon visit means you can watch golden hour on the Cascades—the snow-capped mountain range visible from the Sky Deck.
Best days to visit
This site is generally open from Thursday through Monday, with occasional closures on major holidays.
Best months to visit
Summer is travel season in Washington State for a reason—July and August bring clear skies and more frequent views of the mountains.
Special events
Time your visit to coincide with late May’s Paine Field Community Day to see aircraft displays and military planes at the airfield.
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