Tour Experiences

June 1, 1980

"I dedicate the news channel for America – the Cable News Network."

- Ted Turner’s speech before the launch of CNN

Experience CNN

We invite you to take a tour of what Ted Turner started – the world’s first 24-hour news network. Please scroll down to explore all that CNN Studio Tours has to offer and plan your visit to the world headquarters of CNN in Atlanta, GA.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Get exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world headquarters of CNN with this tour experience. You will take a 50-minute walking tour with your very own guide through the halls of CNN Center and get an inside look at how a live broadcast is produced and sent to viewers all over the world. You will also get a more in-depth look at how the world’s largest news organization operates. From the historic first newscast to the now living legacy, learn how CNN became the worldwide leader in news.

Tour Price

  • Adult
    $15
  • Senior ( ages 65+ )
    $14
  • Student ( ages 13–18 or with College ID )
    $14
  • Child ( ages 4–12 )
    $12
  • Toddlers ( ages 0–3 )
    Free

 

* Price does not include local sales tax

 

Tour Times

 

Tours run every 20 minutes, Monday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm.

Tour Details

  • Reservations are highly recommended as tours often sell out during peak times
  • Walk-up tickets are available at the box office and are sold on a first come, first served basis
  • Last tour departs at 5pm
  • Maximum capacity per tour is 45
  • ADA and elevator assisted tours are available - please visit our Accessibility page for more details
  • Group discounts are available for this tour
Purchase Tickets

VIP Tour

Enhance your experience with VIP treatment and get expanded access into live newsrooms, the HLN control room and a state-of-the-art studio that CNN uses daily.

Tour Price

$33

 

* Price does not include local sales tax

Tour Times

Tours run Monday - Saturday at 9:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm.

Tour Details

  • Reservations are highly recommended
  • Maximum capacity per tour is 12
  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on this tour
  • Group discounts are not available for this tour

 

The VIP Tour is subject to availability at the discretion of CNN and may not take place every week. News personalities and producers may not be in-studio or on the tour on the day of your visit. Due to the immediate nature of breaking news events, your tour may be cancelled, rescheduled or rerouted at any time.
Purchase Tickets

HLN Morning Express Tour with Robin Meade

Morning Sunshine! Get exclusive access to all things HLN Morning Express and meet Robin on set in Studio 7 with this specialized experience.

Tour Price

$47

 

* Price does not include local sales tax

Tour Times

Tours run every Thursday at 8:30am.

Tour Details

  • Reservations are required
  • Maximum capacity per tour is 10
  • Background checks will be conducted for each person taking this tour
  • Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on this tour
  • Group discounts are not available for this tour

What’s included?

  • HLN Morning Express souvenir press pass and lanyard
  • See inside the live working HLN control room
  • Step foot onto HLN’s Studio 7

 

The HLN Morning Express Tour with Robin Meade is subject to availability at the discretion of CNN and may not take place every week. News personalities and producers may not be in-studio or on the tour on the day of your visit. Due to the immediate nature of breaking news events, your tour may be cancelled, rescheduled or rerouted at any time.
Purchase Tickets

Bring a Group

We welcome family reunions, scouts, camps and groups of all kinds! When your group is visiting Atlanta, they can’t miss a behind-the-scenes tour of the world headquarters of CNN. The next few sections provide helpful information when planning your group visit with us. To find out more, please scroll down to learn all you need to know about how to reserve a tour, the options available for groups and everything in between.

Groups (20+)

Group discounts are available for the Behind-the-Scenes Tour with 20 or more guests. Also, the CNN Center offers a variety of fast casual dining options so your group can stay and dine with us before or after their tour.

If you’re interested in visiting or need more information, please call our group sales line at 1-888-986-8787 or email atltour@cnn.com. Reservation lines are open Monday - Friday from 9am – 4:30pm.

Tour Price

  • Adult
    $13
  • Child (ages 4 – 12)
    $11

 

* Price does not include local sales tax

 

Tour Times

Tours run every 20 minutes, Monday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm.

Tour Details

  • All groups require a reservation
Purchase Tickets

School Field Trips

We love students! Our Behind-the-Scenes Tour is educational and brings to life the news gathering and production process while learning the history of CNN. Our tour guides will take students behind-the-scenes of CNN as they walk through the historic halls of CNN Center and learn what it takes to run the world’s largest news network.

To learn more and make a reservation for your school field trip with us, please call our group sales at 1-888-986-8787 or email atltour@cnn.com. Reservation lines are open Monday - Friday from 9am – 4:30pm.

Lesson Plans

Teachers can download our S.T.E.A.M lesson plans for free! We provide 3rd through 12th grade lesson plans that are always up-to-date with common core and national curriculum standards for AL, FL, GA, NC, SC and TN. These plans include pre and post activities so students can make the most out of their visit.

Purchase Tickets

Tour Operators

Bring your clients to tour the world headquarters of CNN! Come visit this once-in-a-lifetime experience to go behind the scenes of the world’s largest news network. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour has a maximum capacity of 45 guests and runs every 20 minutes so we can easily accommodate multiple groups during one visit. If your group is smaller, we also offer specialty tours so please ask about how you can upgrade your tour experience when making your reservation.

Special Rates

For the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, tour operators receive special rates when booking with us. Please call our group sales line if you have any questions prior to making your reservation or to book a tour at 1-888-986-8787.

Purchase Tickets

Plan Your Visit

We gathered some helpful information to make your visit with us as stress free as possible. The next few sections will help plan your visit to CNN Studio Tours and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t see a question that you need an answer to, please call our friendly reservationists at 1-877-4CNNTOUR who will gladly assist you.

For things to do, hotels, restaurants and more, please visit the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau website ( www.atlanta.net ) where you can find everything Atlanta in one convenient location.

Atlanta CityPASS

Atlanta CityPASS

Save 40% off admission to CNN Studio Tours, plus 4 more top Atlanta attractions - you’ll skip most ticket lines, too. Valid 9-days. 

  • CNN Studio Tours
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Zoo Atlanta OR Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Fernbank Museum of Natural History OR College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience

CityPASS Price

  • Adult
    $75 plus tax ($125 value)
  • Child
    $59 plus tax ($100 value)

Watch a video here to learn more about CityPASS.

Purchase booklets or printable vouchers at citypass.com or at the CNN Studio Tours box office for the same low price.

Purchase CityPASS

Special Offers, Hours and Accessibility

Special Offers

  • Military Appreciation |
    Military (active or retired with ID) receive complimentary admission to the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and their families receive special pricing at $12 plus tax per person. Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR for more information or to make a reservation.
  • CNN Employee Tickets |
    CNN employees (with ID) receive free admission to the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and their guests receive discounted pricing at $12 plus tax per person. Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR for more information or to make a reservation.

Daily Hours of Operation

  • 9am - 5pm
  • Last tour departs at 5pm
  • Closed on Easter (April 16, 2017), Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 2017), Christmas Eve (December 24, 2017) and Christmas Day (December 25, 2017)

Accessibility

For ADA and elevator assisted tours, please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR at least 72 hours in advance to make a reservation. We always strive to accommodate our guests so if you require special assistance we will do all we can to make sure your experience is the best it can be. Please note that our parking garage is also ADA accessible.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is CNN Studio Tours located?

    We are located inside the CNN Center at the corner of Marietta Street and Centennial Olympic Park Drive in downtown Atlanta. Our address is One CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303.

    Is each tour guided?

    Each tour is guided by one of our CNN Studio Tour guides. They are trained in knowing all things CNN and are excited to share their knowledge with you!

    How long is the tour experience?

    Tour experiences vary in length, but our most popular experience, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, lasts approximately 50 minutes. Our VIP and Morning Express Tours last approximately 75 minutes each.

    How many people can go on a tour at one time?

    The Behind-the-Scenes Tour has a maximum capacity of 45 guests.
    The VIP Tour has a maximum of 12 guests.
    The HLN Morning Express Tour with Robin Meade has a maximum capacity of 10 guests.

    How often do tours run?

    The Behind-the-Scenes Tour runs every 20 minutes, 7 days a week.
    The VIP Tour runs four times a day, 6 days a week.
    The HLN Morning Express Tour with Robin Meade has a maximum capacity of 10 guests.

    What will I experience at CNN Studio Tours?

    CNN Studio Tours provides a behind-the-scenes look at how CNN operates as well as the history of the world’s largest news network. For our most popular tour, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, you will take a 50-minute walking tour with your very own guide through the halls of the historic CNN Center and get an inside look at how a live broadcast is produced and sent to viewers all over the world along with a more in-depth look at how the world’s largest news organization operates. From the historic first newscast to the now living legacy, you will learn how CNN became the worldwide leader in news.

    What are the hours of operation?

    We are open 7 days a week from 9am - 5pm and our box office opens daily at 8:30am.
    The CNN Store is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm.

    Can I purchase tickets/make a reservation in advance?

    Yes. You can purchase tickets/make a reservation on our website, by calling our reservations line or buy tickets at our box office.

    Can I purchase tickets online?

    You can visit our website at www.CNN.com/tour to purchase your tickets. Reservations that require ADA or elevator assistance must be made over the phone or in-person at the box office.

    Can I buy tickets on the day of as a walk-up?

    Yes. We sell tickets at our box office daily. All day of ticket sales are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and a tour is based on availability. If possible, we always recommend making a reservation so you are guaranteed admission to the specific time and tour of your choice.

    What if I need to cancel my reservation and/or make another one?

    No problem at all. Our reservationists can assist you with your reservation concerns. The reservation phone lines are open Monday – Friday from 9am - 4:30 pm. Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR.

    Where do I go when I arrive?

    You can check-in at the box office when you arrive to make sure you have everything you need prior to your tour. The box office is located next to the CNN Store and the giant free-standing escalator. If you have your tickets already, you’re all set. Please be in line 5 minutes before your tour starts and your guide will announce when the tour is about to begin.

    Do I need a reservation?

    You don’t, but tours sell out often during peak times and we highly recommend making a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The only tour that requires a reservation is the HLN Morning Express Tour with Robin Meade. We will accommodate you to the time you request, but availability is not guaranteed.

    Is there a military or student discount available?

    Military (active or retired) with ID receive complimentary admission to the Behind-the-Scenes Tour and their families receive special pricing at $13 per person.
    Students who present a college ID receive a discounted price of $15 for the Behind-the-Scenes Tour.

    What does my ticket admission include?

    Your ticket admission includes admission to the tour you purchased at the time specified on the ticket.

    What type of payments are accepted to purchase tickets?

    We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) as well as cash and traveler’s checks.

    What do I need to pick-up my tickets at the box office?

    All we need is your reservation number and a photo ID.

    Are you part of Atlanta CityPASS?

    Yes!  CNN Studio Tours is included in Atlanta CityPASS.  Save 40% off Atlanta's 5 top attractions.  Pre-purchase your CityPASS today at citypass.com or at our box office for the same low price.  Learn more here.  Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR if you have any questions.  

    Will I see a live broadcast?

    Live broadcasts are not guaranteed due to the nature of breaking news, but the best chance to see a live broadcast is Monday – Friday between 9am – 2pm.

    What is considered a group and how much are group tickets?

    Groups are considered when there are 20 or more guests. Groups receive a special discount of $14 per adult and $13 per child (ages 4-12). Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR to book your group reservation.

    Where can I drop off/pick-up groups?

    Buses can drop off/pick-up groups in front of the large CNN letters on Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

    What if I and/or my group arrives late?

    The purchased tickets/time reserved for is the time that your spots are held for the tour. If you or members of your party miss your assigned tour time, our box office staff will do their best to accommodate you, however, a same day replacement tour is not guaranteed. During peak times of the year we sell out often so we might not be able to accommodate another tour for guests due to the limited number of spaces we have per tour per day.
    We encourage you to be on time or to call at least 30 minutes before your tour if you know your group is going to be late. Please call 1-888-986-8787 to provide any updates regarding your reservation.

    Where can I park? Is there parking for RVs or buses?

    There is a parking deck across from the CNN Center called the CNN Deck. You can park on the top level for $10 per day per vehicle (excluding events). There is also plenty of parking lots, both covered and not covered, within walking distance of CNN Center.
    The Georgia World Congress Center has a marshalling yard where buses can park for a fee of $25 per vehicle per day. A driver’s lounge is available at this location. Please visit this link for more details. There is also free street parking on Centennial Olympic Drive by Philips Arena, but drivers must stay with their bus and may be asked to move if the space is needed.

    I’m a tour operator and need to pay by check. Where do I send it to?

    You can send your check to the address below.
    One CNN Center
    Attn: CNN Studio Tours Group Sales
    Atlanta, GA 30303

    Can I take public transportation to your attraction?

    Absolutely. Taking MARTA is a breeze. Visit http://www.itsmarta.com/ to find out more about Atlanta’s public transit system. Please see below for public transit options to CNN Center.
    MARTA Stop W1: Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center
    MARTA Stop N1: Peachtree Center - approximately a 10-minute walk from this station
    Atlanta Streetcar: Centennial Olympic Park Stop – approximately a 5-minute walk from this stop

    Can I take pictures on a tour?

    Due to security issues and the nature of the news business, photos are only allowed in specific areas along the tour route. Your tour guide will notify guests of these areas before you enter them. We do not allow any flash photography or video recording on the tour route. Only corporate approved requests for filming will be permitted. Remember, you are getting access to areas in the building where there is highly confidential and sensitive information so we have to adhere to certain company policies. It really is a behind-the-scenes tour!

    What can I bring on the tour?

    You are allowed to bring your personal belongings such as back packs and purses on your tour. Items such as strollers, weapons, luggage or food and drink are not permitted on any tour. If you are curious about whether an item will be allowed on your tour, please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR before your arrival to check with a reservationist.

    Can I bring my stroller or mobility scooter on a tour?

    Strollers are not permitted on any tour unless it is a medical necessity.  Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are permitted on ADA and elevator assisted tours. Please note, strollers or wheelchairs are not available for rent.  Please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR if you have any questions prior to your visit. 

    Can I bring my service dog on a tour?

    Service dogs are permitted on your tour with proper documentation (i.e. service vest, harness, etc).

    Do you provide accommodations for guests that require special assistance?

    We strive to accommodate any needs that our guests request or require. Please see below for the accommodation we provide our guests.
    Elevator Assistance: Elevator assisted tours run four times a day at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm.
    Interpreting services: If you require sign-language interpreting services, please call to make a reservation at least two weeks ahead of time and let the reservationist know.
    Service animals: Service animals with proper documentation are allowed on the tour, including the use of elevators for assistance.

    Are translations available for different languages?

    We are happy to provide printed translations in multiple languages and are available upon request. We do not allow personal translations during your tour and do not have translators on-site.

    Is there a security check before each tour?

    All guests are required to go through a security check which includes a metal detector, similar to what you’ll go through at the airport, before the start of each tour.  If you bring a bag or purse of any kind, it will be subject to a search as well.  This is not only for the safety for you and the other guests on your tour, but also for the safety of our employees.  Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. 

    Is there anywhere I can store my luggage or coat?

    We do not provide luggage storage, a coat check or lockers for personal belongings. Please make accommodations for storing luggage prior to your arrival.

    Is there a place to eat in or around CNN Studio Tours?

    The atrium of the CNN Center has a food court with a variety of fast casual and full-service restaurant options.  The Centennial Park District, which is the area surrounding the CNN Center and other attractions downtown, has many dining options as well.  You can ask our concierge at the front of the building for a map and they will be glad to assist you. 

    Where can I smoke?

    There are designated smoking areas outside of the building, but there is no smoking inside the CNN Center.

    Can I host an event at the CNN Center?

    CNN Studio Tours offers fantastic event spaces for evening events and we will gladly assist with coordinating every detail. You can view our event spaces and find out more information about what we offer on our website at www.CNN.com/tour. You can select the Special Events option from the menu

    Do you offer any type of meal programs for groups?

    We offer meal voucher programs for groups that make a tour reservation with us, but we do not offer meal programs for the general public. Please visit the Bring a Group section on our website to read about the meal program details.

    Do you offer special rates for Title 1 schools?

    At this time, we do not offer any special rates or discounts for Title 1 schools. The only discount we can offer is the group discount.

    Do you have any school activities for students prior to their trip?

    We have lesson plans that you can download for free where there are pre and post activities for teachers to share with their students to enhance their tour experience.

    Is there a store to purchase gifts?

    Guests can visit the CNN Store which offers exclusive, licensed merchandise for purchase from your favorite shows and networks on CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TNT, TBS and HBO. The store also has Atlanta branded souvenirs for purchase. You can also shop online 24/7 at CNNstoreonline.com. Please note, you don’t have to take a tour to shop at the store. The CNN Store’s entrance is located in the atrium next the CNN Studio Tours box office.

    Can I film my own news broadcast?

    We have a custom made studio called Guest Studio One where you can record your very own news broadcast and you’re the anchor!  It is attached to the CNN Store so please ask a friendly store associate to assist you.  There is a fee associated with this activity so please ask for details prior to recording your news broadcast.

    Can I purchase souvenir photos?

    After you ride up the escalator, you will be greeted with a green screen and friendly photographers. You can choose the background you want and purchase your souvenir photo at the end of your tour which is located at the front of the CNN Store.

    Is there a place to leave comments about my tour experience?

    After the last stop on your tour, there are iPads located in the back of the CNN Store where you are welcome to complete a survey about your tour experience. We love feedback!

    Will I get a confirmation email after I purchase my tickets?

    You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details along with other important information you need for your tour.  Please check your SPAM folder if you don’t receive an email after making your reservation.  Please allow atltour@cnn.com to send you email communication.

    How can I become a tour guide for CNN?

    You can stay up-to-date with job postings at https://www.turnerjobs.com and apply when a position becomes available.

    I’ve lost an item. Do you have a lost and found?

    If you’ve lost an item on the tour route, please ask a tour guide for assistance. If you realize you’ve lost something after you’ve left, please call 1-877-4CNNTOUR between the hours of 9am – 4:30pm to check if it’s been turned in.

    Do you have overnight programs available?

    We do not offer any overnight programs at this time. 

    Is your location a performance venue?

    CNN Studio Tours is located inside the CNN Center where business and news operations is conducted 24/7. Due to this environment, we are not able to allow performances inside of our building.

    Do you have first aid?

    We have highly trained security guards who can assist with any issue that arises. The Fulton County Police Department is located inside the CNN Center as well so we will be able get assistance for most issues

    Where can I send media requests?

    If you have a question about filming CNN Studio Tours for any type of promotion or need approved images, please contact atltour@cnn.com for any media requests and put ‘Media Inquiry’ in the subject line. Please include your name, date and time wanting to film along with what the nature of the program is about. We need a minimum of 5 days for approval, but the more lead time you can provide the better. Approval is not guaranteed and all filming is subject to the terms and conditions set forth by management.

    Where can I learn more about CNN?

    You can visit http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/cnn-fact-sheet to learn more about CNN and the facts you need to know about the world’s largest news network.

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    CNN Store

    Purchase exclusive, licensed merchandise you can’t get anywhere else only at the CNN Store. We have gear from your favorite networks and shows on CNN, HLN, TBS, TNT, HBO, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network. Don’t forget to ask how you can create your own news broadcast in our custom made studio – Guest Studio One.
    Shop online 24/7 at http://store.cnn.com.

    Daily Hours of Operation

    • 9am – 6pm
    • Closed on Easter (April 16, 2017), Thanksgiving Day (November 23, 2017), Christmas Eve (December 24, 2017) and Christmas Day (December 25, 2017)

    Special Events

    Host your next event at some of the most unique event spaces in the city inside the world headquarters of CNN. Whether it’s a corporate function or private event we’re happy to help coordinate every detail. We also have a list of fantastic preferred vendors that help make the planning process easy. You can also enhance your event with an exclusive after hours tour. Please ask for details.

    For any questions or to book an event space for an evening, please contact our Special Events Manager at 404-878-2702 or email tours.events@cnn.com.

    Click the button below to view our available event spaces.

    Event Spaces

    About Us

    CNN Studio Tours provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world headquarters of CNN in downtown Atlanta, GA. The tour started in 1987 and has been growing in popularity ever since. We share the story of CNN to approximately 300,000 visitors each year from all over the world and continue to welcome fans of CNN to our attraction.

    We are located inside the CNN Center where Ted Turner eventually housed the first ever 24-hour news network and where CNN employees come to work each and every day. These employees work hard to bring you the news through various mediums, such as television, digital and social media, so you can stay informed on what’s happening around the world.

    Our fun and informative tour guides will walk you through the halls of this historic building and share with you everything from the very first broadcast to the now living legacy of CNN. We hope you’ll come visit us soon!

    Want to learn more about CNN? Check out the link below.
    http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/cnn-fact-sheet/

    Proud Member of

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    Directions and Parking

    Address

    One CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303
    1-877-4CNNTOUR or 404-827-2300

    Parking

    • CNN Center Parking Deck: $10 per day per vehicle (excluding events)
    • Payments Accepted: American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
    • Public parking is available within walking distance of CNN Center

    Southbound via I-75/85

    • Exit 249C Williams St
    • Turn RIGHT onto Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
    • Turn LEFT onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr
    • Parking garage is on the LEFT after you cross over Marietta St. and pass the large CNN letters on your RIGHT

    Northbound via I-75/85

    • Exit 249D Spring St./W. Peachtree St
    • Turn RIGHT onto Spring St. ramp toward Centennial Olympic Park Dr
    • Bear LEFT onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr
    • Stay on Centennial Olympic Park Dr
    • Parking garage is on the LEFT after you cross over Marietta St. and pass the large CNN letters on your RIGHT

    Eastbound or Westbound via I-20:

    • Exit I-75/85 North and follow Northbound via I-75/85

    Bus Parking

    Bus Marshalling – bus parking is available at the Georgia World Congress Center for $25 per entry per day. The area is secured and has a lounge for bus drivers to relax while their group is away.

    There is also free street parking on Centennial Olympic Drive by Philips Arena, but drivers must stay with their bus and may be asked to move if the space is needed.

    Public Transportation

    • MARTA stop W1: Dome/ GWCC/ Philips Arena/ CNN Center
    • MARTA stop N1: Peachtree Center – approximately a 10-minute walk from this station

    Atlanta Streetcar

    Use the Centennial Olympic Park stop and head south on Centennial Olympic Park Dr. The CNN Center is located on the corner of Centennial Olympic Park Dr. and Marietta St.

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    Contact Us

    To make a reservation and purchase tickets, you can click on the Purchase Tickets button at the top of the page or call 1-877-4CNNTOUR or 404-827-2300. Reservation lines are open Monday - Friday from 9am – 4:30pm.

    Connect With Us

    Connect and interact with us on social media! We’d love for you to share your comments and favorite tour experiences using #cnnstudiotours.