Plan a Visit
Before you descend.
Tickets, policies, and everything you need for a smooth trip underground.
Good to know
Tickets must be booked online
Traditional Tour tickets, the Escape Room, and the Motel must be booked online. Advance online tickets guarantee the lowest price — in-person tickets are $5.00 more per ticket. Phone orders are only accepted for discounted tickets for guests with a motel reservation. All reservations are pre-paid, non-refundable, and cannot be cancelled.
Breathe easy: 100% smoke-free
As of September 1st, smoking, vaping, and all tobacco and cannabis products are prohibited anywhere on the estate — grounds, parking lots, outdoor spaces, and outside motel rooms. Guests who do not comply will be asked to leave without a refund.
Ticket scam alert
Tickets are sold exclusively through our official website. We do not sell tickets via Instagram, Telegram, or any third-party platform. Always verify you are on our official site before entering payment details.
Disclaimer: Right to Refuse Service
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at our discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who exhibit disruptive, unsafe, disrespectful, or intoxicated behavior, or those who do not comply with tour guidelines and staff instructions.
Guests must be physically capable of completing the tour and must follow all posted rules and verbal directions. No refunds will be issued in cases where service is refused for any of the above reasons.
Please arrive 15-30 minutes early. The cave stays a steady 52°F year-round, so bring a light jacket.
Hungry before or after your tour? See the Café menu
Questions & answers
Before you book
Can I bring my baby or toddler?
Absolutely! Guests of all ages are welcome on our Traditional Tour. Babies and toddlers who cannot walk independently must be carried in a front baby carrier. Strollers and other wheeled devices are not permitted underground.
Diaper bags, loose diapers, and changing supplies cannot be brought into the cave. Please take care of diaper changes before your tour, as there are no restrooms or changing facilities underground.
The cave remains 52°F (11°C) year-round, so please dress your little one warmly.
All children ages 4 and under receive a FREE ticket, but they must still be included in your reservation for an accurate tour headcount.
Planning your visit
How do I purchase tickets?
All tickets must be purchased online in advance at www.howecaverns.com.
Our website is the ONLY authorized place to purchase Howe Caverns tickets. We do not sell tickets through third-party websites.
Tickets are not sold at Guest Services. Please secure your reservation before arriving, as tours have limited capacity and may sell out.
Are you open every day? What are your hours?
Howe Caverns is open daily, year-round!
Unlike traditional attractions with fixed admission hours, we operate on scheduled tour departure times that vary by day and season. Simply visit our website, select the date you would like to visit, and review the available tour times. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Visiting just the Gift Shops? Please call 518-296-8900 ahead of making the trip. Our gift shop hours vary depending on the day’s tour schedule and when our final tour guests have finished shopping.
Arriving at Howe Caverns
What items are NOT permitted underground?
To protect the cave and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, we have a strict NO-BAG POLICY.
The following items are not permitted underground:
- Backpacks, purses, pocketbooks, and bags of any size
- Fanny packs, crossbody bags, and camera bags
- Food, beverages, and chewing gum
- Diaper bags and loose diaper-changing supplies
- Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and other wheeled devices
- Selfie sticks and tripods
- Personal flashlights, headlamps, and supplemental lighting
Please leave these items securely in your vehicle or check them into Guest Services.
Handheld cameras and cell phones are welcome. Canes, crutches, and walking sticks are also permitted.
During your tour
Are tours available in languages other than English?
Our guided tours are conducted in English. If you require assistance in another language, please speak with Guest Services when you arrive to ask what language resources may be available. Please understand that translation assistance is not guaranteed and that our guides must be able to communicate important safety instructions to all guests.
Reservations, changes & cancellations
What happens if I’m late or miss my tour?
We strongly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Our tours depart at their scheduled times and late arrivals can disrupt the experience for other guests.
If you arrive within 15 minutes of your departure time, we may be able to arrange for you to catch up with your group, depending on its location and operational conditions. This is not guaranteed.
Can I change my reservation?
Reservation changes must be handled through our Business Office at 518-296-8900. All changes are subject to availability and applicable rescheduling fees. We cannot guarantee that your preferred alternative date or time will be available.
Are tickets refundable?
No. All tickets are prepaid, non-refundable, and considered final purchases.
Please review your selected date, tour time, and number of guests carefully before completing your reservation.
What if I have a personal emergency and cannot attend?
We understand that unexpected situations happen. Please contact our Business Office at 518-296-8900 as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances.
Although tickets are non-refundable, our staff can explain any available rescheduling options.