Space Train

Visiting Space Expo and want to explore even more? Book your seat on the Space Train to ESA ESTEC and get an exclusive glimpse into the world of European space technology!

A unique glimpse

Our guide will take you on the Space Train to ESA ESTEC: the technical heart of the European Space Agency (ESA). Here, space missions are designed and tested before launch. During our tour, you'll first go through ESA security after which the adventure can begin. Accompanied by a guide, you'll visit two locations at ESTEC. In the 'Erasmus Centre,' you'll learn more about ESA as an organization and the research they conduct in space. We also focus on robotics. In the 'Materials & Electrical Components lab,' we explain the science behind space missions. Launches and the extreme conditions in space bring their fair share of challenges! During the tour, you'll see the latest prototypes and learn about ESA's future plans.

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is available in both Dutch and English.

Conditions

ESTEC is the largest site and the technical heart of ESA. It is therefore very important that the tours run safely. Visitors must follow the following safety regulations:

  • Age: Participation is possible for people from 9 years old. Children younger than 9 cannot join the Space Train due to the rules at ESTEC. Visitors under 18 are only allowed to join if accompanied by an adult.
  • Identification: At the entrance check, everyone aged 14 and older is required to show a valid ID (passport, ID card or Dutch driving license). Paper copies or digital scans of ID documents are not accepted. Currently, ESTEC Security does not allow people with ID from China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Syria. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. Space Expo must follow ESA ESTEC rules and unfortunately has no influence over this. This requirement only applies to the Space Train and not to the museum.
  • Accessibility: Unfortunately, ESA ESTEC is not accessible for people with disabilities. There are steep stairs along the route, and elevators are not available.
  • During the tour: Photography, eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed.
  • Baggage: Bags are not permitted during the tour. A limited number of free lockers are available at Space Expo for secure storage of your belongings.
  • Timing: The Space Train departs promptly at the scheduled departure time. If you arrive late, refunds or rescheduling for another tour are not possible.
  • Visit to Space Expo: Before your journey on the Space Train, we would be happy to welcome you at our counter to scan your tickets. You can visit Space Expo both before and after your Space Train tour, and you are welcome to stay as long as you like. The museum closes at 17:00 h; if you are taking the 15:15 h train, we recommend visiting Space Expo beforehand.

Failure to comply with these terms and safety rules will result in being denied participation in the tour. Refunds or rescheduling will not be offered in such cases.

Get your ticket

A ticket for the Space Train costs € 10.75 per person and can be purchased online in combination with a ticket for Space Expo. You can book your tickets online one week in advance. On the day of the ride you can no longer book your tickets online. By buying the tickets you agree to the safety rules and conditions of the Space Train.

The Space Train runs on Saturday, Sunday and during the vacations also on weekdays at three different times (11:30, 13:30 and 15:15 hours). However, it is possible that ESTEC is not accessible to the public at the last moment due to a space mission. To avoid disappointment, you can therefore order your tickets only one week in advance.

As we are guests of ESTEC, they reserve the right to close the terrain for us in case of emergencies. Space Expo has no influence on this, but of course we will refund the cost of the space train tickets in that case.