Intrepid Museum

The basics

Standard Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tickets generally include access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where the Enterprise space shuttle is held), and the USS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from outside, the interior can only be accessed by private Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tours. Visitors can pre-purchase an admission ticket that allows quick access via a dedicated advanced sales entrance, and upgrade to include the simulator rides.

Multi-stop package tours often combine skip-the-line access to the museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.

Things to know before you go

• The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-do for anyone with an interest in maritime, aviation, or military history.

• Many sightseeing passes, including New York CityPASS, New York City Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass, grant holders free—and in some cases skip-the-line—entry to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

• Allow at least 2–3 hours to properly explore the complex.

• Most of the museum is wheelchair-accessible with the exception of the forecastle (the forward deck), combat information center, the interior of the Growler submarine, and the Concorde.

• In the hot summer months, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

How to get there

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) on the east side of Hell’s Kitchen. Ride the A, C, or E subway line to 42nd Street and walk west toward the waterfront. Or, take the M34 (34th Street), M42 (42nd Street), or M50 (49th Street) crosstown buses to 12th Avenue and the Hudson River.

When to get there

The museum is busiest during summer weekends and school holidays. Lines form but usually move pretty quickly. Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Book tickets in advance to save time.

Intrepid after dark

For an even more immersive experience, skip the day trips and opt for an overnight stay on the Intrepid. During sleepovers, visitors get to enjoy a buffet dinner, explore the exhibitions after hours, sleep on the hangar deck, and have breakfast onboard.

Ways to explore

Standard Intrepid Museum tickets generally include access to the carrier flight deck, gallery deck, and mess deck, as well as the Space Shuttle Pavilion (where the Enterprise space shuttle is held) and the USS Growler submarine. While the British Airways Concorde can be seen from the outside, you can only go inside by purchasing an upgraded ticket. Other upgrade options include guided tours, virtual reality experiences, and flight simulator rides.

Multistop sightseeing passes often combine skip-the-line access to the Intrepid Museum with early access to the Empire State Building observation deck, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, guided bus tours, or hop-on, hop-off boat tours along the Hudson River.

Accessibility

The museum offers accommodations for visitors with sensory, visual, and auditory disabilities. While most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, wheelchairs are not available to borrow.

Age limits

Visitors under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult; admission is free for children 4 and under. Additional age and height limits for the flight simulator and other upgraded experiences may apply.

What to pack

Hat, sunscreen, and water in the summer

What to wear

Comfortable clothes, walking shoes; avoid high heels, open-toed shoes, or long scarves or other items that can get caught

Not allowed

Selfie sticks and tripods, costumes, pets

Amenities

Gender-neutral restrooms, Wi-Fi, restaurants, vending machines

Address

The Intrepid Museum is located at Pier 86 (12th Avenue and 46th Street) in Manhattan, along the Hudson River. Its surrounding neighborhood is Hell’s Kitchen.

Driving

Driving is not recommended and there is no dedicated visitor parking lot. If you must drive, plan to park at a nearby garage; there are a few options within a mile of the museum.

Public transportation

Take the subway to 42nd Street–Times Square (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S) or 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E) and walk west toward the waterfront for about 15 minutes. Or, take the M42 (42nd Street) or M50 (49th Street) crosstown bus.

Best times to visit

Mornings are the quietest time to visit; arrive early to beat the entrance line and the crowds.

Best days to visit

Try to avoid visiting during summer weekends and school holidays when the museum has the largest crowds. Plan to visit midweek for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Late spring and early fall are less crowded times to go, and offer the best weather. In the winter, some outdoor exhibits have limited hours due to weather conditions.

Special events

Check the Intrepid Museum website for its calendar, including outdoor movie screenings, sleepovers, astronomy nights, and after-hours events for current and former service members.