Access to CERN Science Gateway does not require booking. Our interactive exhibitions and, when available, science shows and films are freely accessible after registering on site on our exclusive web app (only accessible from CERN-Visitors Wi-Fi).
For more than 10 years, CERN has offered online booking for guided tours for families and individual visitors but the experience showed that:
- All capacity was gone in 2 seconds (literally) which created a lot of frustration (watch this video between 00:23 and 00:40 for an example)
- Many visitors who had booked online did not show up on the day of the tour
- Many visitors showed up late for their tour
- This led to the handling of waiting lists which were not even a guarantee to get acess to activities
Given very high demand and limited capacity, about only 10% of Science Gateway visitors will get a place in a guided tour or lab workshop. Bookings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, 1 or 2 hours in advance and upon availability. It is advised to come early in the morning to increase your chances to get a booking. More guided tours for families and individual visitors are available during the Summer and on Sundays.