Learn about the energy of the future on a PPPL tour
Register for an open public tour on our public tour calendar. *
Open public tours are the first and third Friday of most months at 10 a.m.
Register for a group tour on our group tour calendar. **
Group tours are most weekdays at 10 a.m.
Email tours@pppl.gov
• To arrange a tour at a different time ***
• To arrange a tour for a group of more than 40 people ***
• For additional information
Come get a behind-the-scenes look at a national laboratory where scientists are creating a “a star on Earth” as a future energy source on a tour of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).
Visitors learn about how fusion could provide a clean, affordable, safe, and abundant energy of the future. Tours by PPPL physicists and engineers usually include visits to the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade control room and test cell, and videos.
The tours are appropriate for adults and children age 10 and up. All children must be accompanied by adults. Adults must show a photo ID such as a license or passport at the security booth. Please wear close-toed shoes.
*Each visitor must register individually for our public tours.
**Groups must enter the names of each person in the group. Additional information is required for adult chaperones, teachers & group leaders
***We will send you a link to register. You must enter the names of each person in the group or attach a list
Please note that additional information is required for non-U.S. citizens (citizenship, date of birth, and place of birth).
PPL Tour FAQs
Where is PPPL located?
The Princeton Plasma Physics Lab is located at 100 Stellarator Road, Princeton, N.J. 08540.
Where can I get directions?
Click here for directions to the Laboratory.
When are tours held?
Public tours are held the first and third Friday of most months at 10 a.m. Group tours are on weekdays at 10 a.m. but that schedule is flexible. The Lab is closed on holidays and for winter break between Christmas and New Year's Day. The Lab is also closed on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving.
How much do tours cost?
All tours of PPPL are free.
How do I register for an open public tour?
Click on open public tours to go to our new open public tours registration page and click on open public tours to go to the calendar and register for the open public tour of your choice.
What other information is required?
Non-citizens must provide the following information: citizenship, date of birth, and place of birth.
How do I schedule a tour for my group or class?
Go to our new group tours page and click on group tours to go to the calendar and register for the date of your choice.
What identification do I need to show at the PPPL security booth?
Please be prepared to show a photo ID – such as a license for adult citizens and a school ID for minors. Non-citizens should bring their passports.
Who can attend the tours?
Our tours are open to all adults and age 12 and up.
Is PPPL wheelchair accessible?
Most of the facility is wheelchair accessible and there is a wheelchair on site available for tours. Please let us know on your registration form if your or someone in your group will need to use it so we can make it available for you.
Are photos allowed?
Yes. You are welcome to take photos during your tour. If you are using social media, please tag your photos with "@PPPLab".
What other security rules does PPPL have?
Please abide by the following regulations for your own health and safety and the Laboratory’s security:
- Stay with your group and do not wander outside or inside the building by yourself.
- No briefcases or packages.
- No food or drinks.
- No high-heeled shoes, open-toed shoes, or sandals.
Where can I park?
Members of tour groups can park in our visitor’s parking lot. After leaving the security booth, drive straight ahead to the parking lot on the right, just past the main building on the left.
Can I eat in the cafeteria?
Please feel free to eat or get a cup of coffee at our cafeteria, which is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. We ask that you note that you will be staying for lunch on your registration form and call our cafeteria manager Nick Petti at 609-243-3350 if you have a large group joining us for lunch so we can make special arrangements.
Where is the auditorium?
The Melvin B. Gottlieb auditorium is directly to your left as you enter our main building.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are available directly to your right as you enter the main building.
Where can I purchase PPPL souvenirs?
You may be able to purchase souvenirs at our Princeton Plasma Hutch in our lobby. The Laboratory’s Plasma Hutch store has PPPL T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, vests, mugs and other PPPL goodies available for sale. Please let us know in advance if you plan to visit.
