Rocket Garden
An outdoor garden of real rockets at full scale. Mercury, Gemini and Apollo arranged on the lawn. A must-have photo for your trip album — the sheer scale of the rockets up close is breathtaking.
~70 km
~1h
Orlando to Kennedy Space Center by Car
Just 1 hour from Orlando, visit the world's most famous space center and watch real NASA and SpaceX rocket launches.
Distance
~70 km
43 miles from Orlando
Drive Time
~1h
via SR-528 Beachline
Tolls
~$3–5
SunPass included at BIZ
Best Vehicle
Any
Sedan from $39.90/day
Trip Itinerary
Step-by-Step Route Guide
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Departing Orlando
Take SR-528 (Beachline Expressway) heading east. It's the fastest and most direct highway to Cape Canaveral — a wide, well-signed road perfect for a stress-free drive. With SunPass included at BIZ, the toll gantries are fully automatic.
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Cocoa Beach (~50 min)
Florida's iconic surf beach. Home to the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop — the world's largest surf store, open 24 hours, worth visiting just for the experience. Optional stop on the way there or back for a swim or a bite to eat.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (~1h)
The main destination. The complex is on Merritt Island, well-signed from SR-528. Gates open at 9am and close around 5pm on most days. Parking on-site ($10). Plan to arrive early to make the most of a full day.
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Return to Orlando
Two options for the return trip. The fastest: take the same SR-528 back toward Orlando, arriving in about 1 hour. The scenic option: drive along the A1A coastal highway, passing historic beach towns, then rejoin the 528 — highly recommended if you have time.
At Kennedy Space Center
What to Do at KSC
Five experiences you cannot miss inside the world's most important space complex.
Space Shuttle Atlantis
The original Atlantis orbiter displayed at a 43-degree angle, simulating its descent from orbit. Launch simulator included. A completely immersive experience that moves even non-space fans.
Heroes & Legends
The astronaut hall of fame. The complete history of NASA from the Mercury program to today, with original suits, capsules and video narratives about each historic mission.
Bus Tour (included)
Exclusive bus ride to the Vehicle Assembly Building — one of the largest buildings in the world by volume — and the historic launch pad. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is included with admission.
Watch a Rocket Launch
SpaceX and NASA launch rockets frequently from Cape Canaveral. Check the launch calendar on the KSC website before visiting. VIP viewing tickets cost ~$100 extra. But you can watch for free from Cocoa Beach!
BIZ Tips
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Tickets
Buy online in advance (~$75 adult, ~$65 child ages 3-11). Includes Bus Tour and all exhibits. Skips the ticket line.
Time at the Park
Minimum 4-5 hours for the highlights, but a full day (8h) is ideal. There is a lot to see and the Bus Tour alone takes 1.5 hours.
Rocket Launches
Check the SpaceX/NASA calendar before traveling. VIP viewing tickets cost ~$100 extra. From Cocoa Beach you can watch for free!
Food
There are restaurants inside KSC (theme park prices). Budget alternative: eat at Cocoa Beach before or after your visit.
Cocoa Beach + KSC
Combine both in a perfect day: morning at Kennedy Space Center and afternoon at Cocoa Beach. Or the other way around. They are less than 20 minutes apart.
KSC Parking
$10 on-site (included in some ticket packages). Gates open at 9am — arrive early to take the Bus Tour first thing with shorter lines.
Recommended Vehicle
Sedan (Corolla or similar)
Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic or similar — 5 passengers, 2 bags
5 Passengers
2 Large Bags
CarPlay & Android Auto
Full Insurance Included
Starting at
$39.90 / day
A short 1-hour trip — any car works perfectly for this route. The Sedan is the most economical option, ideal for couples or small families. SunPass included — automatic toll payments, no stopping required.
How to drive from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center?
From Orlando to Kennedy Space Center, take SR-528 (Beachline Expressway) heading east. The distance is approximately 70 km (43 miles) and the drive takes about 1 hour without stops, depending on traffic.
The route is simple and well-signed: follow SR-528 all the way, enter Merritt Island and follow the signs to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Tolls total between $3 and $5. With BIZ Rent Car, SunPass is already included in all vehicles — the toll gantries are automatic, you do not need to stop.
Parking at KSC costs $10 (included in some ticket packages). Pro tip: combine your visit with Cocoa Beach for a complete day out. Morning at KSC and afternoon at the beach is perfect — both attractions are less than 20 minutes apart.
Visit Kennedy Space Center
Reserve your car now for the best experience: SunPass included, full insurance, no security deposit, and 24h English support.
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