Air and Space Museum

The Basics

More highlights include the Ballooning Era, where you learn about the history of hot-air and gas balloon flight, and Planete Pilote, where young visitors take the controls of a space station. Explore the Air and Space Museum along with dozens more of the city’s top attractions with a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass. Passes come in 2–6-day versions and include unlimited public transportation on select services, and free sightseeing tours such as hop-on hop-off buses and a cruise along the Seine River.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Air and Space Museum is an ideal spot for families and fans of science and aeronautics.

• Admission is about $10 for adults and about $8 for children; entry is free if you have a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass.

• Make the most of your day in the north of Paris by visiting nearby attractions such as the Paris Science Museum, the Museum of Music, and the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis.

How to Get There

The Air and Space Museum is located next to the Aéroport de Paris-Le Bourget in Le Bourget, about an hour from the center of Paris via public transportation. Take Métro line 7 to Courneuve or the RER B to Le Bourget, then catch bus 152 to the museum. If driving, park at the museum for a fee.

When to Get There

The Air and Space Museum is open daily, with slightly later closing times from April through September. One weekend each month, the Cockpits Secrets program takes you into some of the museum’s most legendary cockpits typically closed to the public to hear the aircrafts’ stories.

Space and Music

After your space exploration, go to the nearby Museum of Music where some 1,000 instruments from all over the world, from the 17th century to the present day are on display, including extraordinary instruments such as the rare octobass, a flute made of crystal, and ones belonging to the likes of Django Reinhardt, Frédéric Chopin, and Frank Zappa. Daily concerts and musical audio guides enhance the experience.

How much does it cost to go to the Air and Space Museum?

Travelers under age 26 get free entry to the permanent exhibits at the Air and Space Museum in Paris. Adult tickets are €16, with discounted tickets €14. Kids ages 4 and under board the airplanes for free, while it's €6 for older kids and €8 for over-26s.

How do you get to the Air and Space Museum in Paris?

Paris’ Air and Space Museum is at the Paris-Le Bourget Airport, 3.5 miles (6 kilometers) from central Paris. From the city, the quickest way to arrive is via bus No. 305 to Roisseypole. Arriving by RER or Metro requires a bus. Drivers take Highway A1 to Aéroport du Bourget.

How long is the Air and Space Museum tour?

Allow around 2.5 hours to check out Paris’ Air and Space Museum independently. If you have a particular interest in aviation and space, you could spend the whole day here, especially if you get a Boarding Pass ticket to board the aircraft.

Is the Air and Space Museum worth visiting?

Yes, Paris’ Air and Space Museum is worth visiting, especially if you’re traveling with kids or have a particular interest in aviation, space, transportation, or technology. As it's outside of central Paris, so if you’re short on time or don’t have an interest in aviation, you might skip it.

What is the best time of day to visit the Air and Space Museum?

Mornings are the best time to visit if you want to board the aircraft with a Boarding Pass ticket or attend a show at the planetarium. Paris’ Air and Space Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10am until 5pm or 6pm (season dependent). The museum is busiest on weekends and Wednesdays.

Is there free parking at the Air and Space Museum?

Yes, there’s free parking at the Air and Space Museum in Paris. It’s located to the left of the museum entrance. The parking lot includes eight bus-specific parking spaces. Self-driving travelers can reach the museum from central Paris by taking Highway A1 and exit No. 5, Aéroport du Bourget.

Ways to explore

Beyond the museum’s planetarium, simulators, and memorabilia, further highlights include the Ballooning Era, where visitors learn about the history of hot-air and gas balloon flight; and Planete Pilote, where younger guests get the chance to operate space-station controls.

Beyond independent visits, you can explore the Air and Space Museum alongside dozens of the city’s top attractions with a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass. Passes are available in 2–6-day versions and include unlimited public transportation on select services, as well as sightseeing tours, such as hop-on hop-off buses and cruises along the River Seine.

Accessibility

Most areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible, including the planetarium. Certain sections are accessible only via stairs, such as some of the aircraft. There are accessible restrooms, and loan wheelchairs are available. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, water bottle, layers (open areas can get chilly)

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and shoes for extensive walking and standing

Not allowed

Large bags, pets, smoking, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Restrooms, lockers, gift shop, restaurant, toddler playspace

Address

The Paris Air and Space Museum is technically in Le Bourget, north of the city. If you’re not on a tour with included transport, you can get there via public transit or by driving.

Driving

Take Highway A1 from Paris, exiting at 5 Aéroport du Bourget. On-site parking is available.

Public transportation

Take metro Line 7 in the direction of La Courneuve, then take bus line 152 to the museum’s eponymous station. If you’d rather walk than take connections, the Le Bourget RER station is about a 20–30-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Arrive early to avoid crowds, and allow at least three hours to explore.

Best days to visit

Free admission is available on the first Sunday of each month. Beyond that, there isn’t typically a better day: weekdays may mean school groups, and weekends can be busy with crowds.

Best months to visit

The museum has longer opening hours from April to September. Winter means fewer visitors, but pack a layer as the hangar can get chilly.

Special events

Beyond workshops and activities, the museum runs a jam-packed schedule of airshows, film previews, and more. Check its website for up-to-date information.