How Long, How Much, and How Hard? Space Tourism Duration, Training, and Cost Explained

Before you book your seat to the edge of space, it’s helpful to understand what goes into the experience. From how long you’ll be gone, to what kind of training is required, to what it will cost you, space tourism is unlike any vacation you’ve had before.

How Long Does a Space Tour Last?

Most commercial spaceflights are currently suborbital, meaning they reach the edge of space but don’t complete a full orbit of Earth. These experiences are brief—but intense:

• Suborbital Flights (Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic):
  Duration: 10–15 minutes (3–4 minutes of weightlessness)
  Time commitment including training: 1–5 days depending on the company
• Orbital Flights (SpaceX, Axiom):
  Duration: 3 to 10 days in low Earth orbit
  Time commitment: Weeks to months of training, depending on the mission profile

What Kind of Training Is Required?

You don’t need to be an astronaut, but some training is essential. Here’s what to expect:

• Suborbital Flights:
  • Pre-flight safety briefing
  • G-force and cabin simulations
  • Zero-gravity practice (optional with some providers)
  • Psychological and medical screening
• Orbital Flights:
  • Emergency procedures
  • Space suit operation
  • Use of onboard systems
  • Physical conditioning and medical evaluations
  • May include centrifuge or neutral buoyancy training

Virgin Galactic’s immersive training lasts several days and includes astronaut bonding experiences. Blue Origin’s training is typically completed in a single day.

What Does a Space Tour Cost?

Prices vary widely based on flight type, mission duration, and provider:

Keep in mind, space travel is luxury-level tourism—but as the industry grows, prices are expected to decrease over time.

Learn more about Space Tour Companies.