Volkswagen Chattanooga Factory Tour — Chattanooga, Tennessee

Discover the Volkswagen Chattanooga Factory Tour in Tennessee

Go behind the scenes at Volkswagen’s cutting-edge automotive manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This guided tram-based tour provides an inside look at the production of VW’s vehicles, including body welding, painting, assembly and quality-control processes. Visitors can witness robotics, automation, and craftsmanship in action inside one of the most advanced automotive factories in the United States.

Why it’s special:
Volkswagen Chattanooga is known for its state-of-the-art robotics, precision engineering, sustainable manufacturing features and production of popular models such as the Atlas and ID.4 electric SUV. The tour offers rare public access to a high-tech automotive assembly line and award-winning North American manufacturing facility.

History/Story of Volkswagen Chattanooga

Opened in 2011, Volkswagen Chattanooga became the company’s first U.S. automobile assembly plant in decades. The facility was built with a strong emphasis on sustainability, earning LEED Platinum certification for its energy-efficient design. Today, the plant produces both traditional and electric vehicles and serves as a key part of Volkswagen’s North American expansion.

What You’ll See & Do at the Volkswagen Chattanooga Factory Tour

• Ride a guided tram through live assembly lines, robotics operations and welding centers

• View massive automated stamping presses forming vehicle body panels

• Observe high-tech robotic welding cells and precision body-assembly stations

• Watch vehicles move through paint-shop processes and final assembly areas

• Learn how Volkswagen integrates sustainability, energy saving and recycling systems

• Explore the visitor welcome area with displays and finished vehicles

Hands-On Elements: Guided headset commentary and Q&A opportunities during stops.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography and filming are prohibited inside production areas; allowed in the visitor lobby.
Souvenirs & Extras: Gift shop with Volkswagen merchandise, apparel and model cars.

Pricing of the Volkswagen Chattanooga Factory Tour

• Public tour: Free of charge

• Advance reservations required

• Minimum age: typically 12+ (younger guests not permitted on factory floor)

Practical Info for Visiting Volkswagen Chattanooga

Duration: 60–90 minutes
Format: Guided tram tour through operational production areas
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered on select weekdays at scheduled times; availability varies by production cycles
Working Hours: Tour windows commonly fall between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM (exact times vary)
Audience: Automotive fans, engineering students, families with older teens, industry professionals
Accessibility: Tour is accessible for most visitors, though boarding the tram may require a step; contact ahead for accommodations
Safety & Restrictions: Closed-toe shoes required; no cameras, bags, or loose items permitted in production zones
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tours and educational visits available with advance booking
What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe shoes, government-issued ID, minimal belongings (bags may be restricted)
Facilities: Visitor lobby, restrooms, designated parking area
Closures & Downtime: Tours paused during plant maintenance, holidays, shutdown periods and high-volume production weeks
Nearby:

• Tennessee Riverwalk

• Chattanooga Downtown and Aquarium

• Lookout Mountain attractions

FAQs About Visiting Volkswagen Chattanooga

Do I need a reservation?
Yes—tours must be booked in advance due to strict security and limited capacity.

Can children attend the tour?
Only children meeting the minimum age requirement (typically 12+) may attend; younger visitors are not allowed on the factory tour.

Will I see vehicles being built in real time?
Yes, most tours pass through fully active production areas, though visibility may vary depending on the day’s manufacturing schedule.

Can I take photos?
No photography or filming is permitted inside the plant, except in the visitor welcome lobby.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility concerns?
The tram route is accessible for many visitors; however, guests should call ahead if special boarding accommodations are needed.