Guide
Golf Simulator Price per Hour: What It Costs to Play, How Long to Book and What to Wear
How much does it cost to play a golf simulator? At indoor golf venues, you usually pay per bay, per hour, not per person. Across the 114 venues in the Swinglix directory that publish an hourly price, the typical rate is about $55 per hour, and most charge between $40 and $75 per hour. Split between four friends, that’s often $10–$20 each. Premium lounges and peak times cost more; off-peak deals and memberships cost less.
This guide covers golf simulator prices per hour, how to keep the cost down, how long to book, what to wear and bring, how to book and what to expect on your first visit, plus kids, parties and leagues. It’s part of our guide to improving your game with a golf simulator.
Prices are from venues’ own websites, collected for the Swinglix directory in 2026. Always check the venue’s current rates before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Typical price: about $55 per bay per hour; most venues charge $40–$75.
- How long to book: roughly 1 hour per player for 18 holes, or 2 hours for 2 players.
- What to wear: comfortable clothes and clean, flat-soled or spikeless shoes.
- Clubs: many venues provide them; most let you bring your own.
- Discounts: look for off-peak rates, memberships, league nights and veteran or military discounts.
Golf Simulator Price per Hour
| Hourly price range | Share of venues with published prices |
|---|---|
| Under $40 | About 1 in 10 |
| $40–$49 | About 1 in 5 |
| $50–$59 | About 1 in 4 |
| $60–$74 | About 1 in 4 |
| $75 and over | About 1 in 5 |
Based on 114 Swinglix-listed venues that publish an hourly rate. Some charge more for weekends, evenings, larger bays or private rooms.
Examples from the Swinglix directory
- The Back Nine Golf (24/7 locations in many states): tee times from about $35–$75 per hour depending on location.
- Club Golf Indoor (Wilmington, NC): $40 per hour or $25 per half-hour.
- Sim City Indoor Golf (Maine): $50 per hour, $40 per hour for veterans.
- Greenside Indoor Golf (Huntington, WV): $34 per hour, tax included.
- Topgolf: priced per bay per hour, with up to six players per bay, plus a $6 account fee for new players.
Find venues and current prices near you in the Swinglix golf simulator directory.
What affects the price?
- Time and day: weekday daytime is usually cheapest; evenings and weekends cost more.
- Bay type: larger bays, private rooms and premium launch monitors cost more.
- Location: big-city venues often charge more.
- Extras: food and drink, coaching or club rental.
How much does it cost per person?
Because you usually pay per bay, the more people share it, the cheaper it is per person, but more players also need more time:
| Players | Cost each at $55/hour, 2 hours |
|---|---|
| 1 | $110 |
| 2 | $55 |
| 3 | About $37 |
| 4 | About $28 |
How Long Should You Book a Golf Simulator For?
A common rule of thumb is about one hour per player for 18 holes. One venue in our directory, for example, estimates two golfers need about two hours for 18 holes and four golfers about four hours.
| Group size | 9 holes | 18 holes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 players | About 1 hour | About 2 hours |
| 3 players | About 1.5 hours | About 3 hours |
| 4 players | About 2 hours | About 4 hours |
How to fit a round into your booking
- Work out the time: about an hour per player for 18 holes, half that for 9.
- Add 10–15 minutes for warming up on the range and choosing settings.
- Short on time? Play 9 holes, turn on auto-putt or gimmes, or play a scramble or best-ball format.
- Just practising? Use the range or games mode, which doesn’t depend on group size.
- Book a little more time than you think, especially with four players or beginners; sessions usually end on time.
How to Save: Discounts, Memberships and Owning
- Off-peak rates on weekday mornings and afternoons.
- Memberships for regular players, often with reduced hourly rates or included hours.
- Leagues, which often include play time at a set price.
- Veteran and military discounts at some venues (for example, Sim City Indoor Golf offers a veterans’ rate).
- Packages for parties and corporate events.
- First-visit offers and gift cards.
Memberships explained
Many venues offer memberships for regular players. Common types include monthly plans with a set number of hours, reduced hourly rates, priority booking, and 24/7 access at self-service venues. Some members-only clubs charge a flat monthly or yearly fee for unlimited bookings within daily limits. To decide: multiply the hours you’d really play each month by the normal hourly rate, and compare with the membership price. If you’d play more than a few hours a month, a membership often wins.
Venue or your own simulator?
If you play a couple of times a month, renting a bay is usually cheaper than buying a simulator. If you’d play several hours a week, owning can make sense; at the $55 median, a mid-range home setup’s five-year cost equals roughly 45 minutes of bay time a week. See is a golf simulator worth it? and home simulator costs.
What to Wear and What to Bring
- Clothes: comfortable clothing you can swing in; golf attire is rarely required. Layers help in cooler venues.
- Shoes: clean trainers or spikeless golf shoes work well. Many venues don’t allow metal spikes on their mats, as they damage them, and some ask for clean shoes only. Check the venue’s rules.
- Glove: bring your golf glove if you normally use one.
- Clubs: many venues provide clubs, sometimes free, and most let you bring your own. Bring your own if you want to practise or check your yardages. If you’re left-handed, ask in advance, as left-handed sets may be limited. More in balls, tees and clubs for simulators.
How to Book and What to Expect on Your First Visit
- Choose a venue in the directory, and check its launch monitor, bay sizes and food and drink options.
- Book online or call; evenings, weekends and winter months fill up fast.
- Check the cancellation policy; many venues charge for late cancellations.
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in and warm up.
- Let staff show you the system: how to choose a course or range, select clubs and tee up.
- Warm up on the range mode before a round.
- Keep an eye on the clock; sessions usually end on time.
Some venues, such as The Back Nine Golf, run 24/7 with online booking and keyless access, so you may not meet staff at all; follow the booking instructions. New to simulators? Read how to use a golf simulator before you go.
Kids, Parties, Events and Leagues
Many venues welcome children, especially at quieter times, and some run junior programmes and family packages. Check age rules, especially at venues with bars. Simulators are a fun, safe way to introduce kids to golf, with games that keep them engaged.
Many venues also host birthday parties, corporate events and leagues, often with food and drink packages and group rates. Leagues are a great way to play regularly and meet other golfers. See golf simulator leagues, tournaments and events.
FAQ
How much does it cost to play a golf simulator?
Across 114 venues in the Swinglix directory that publish prices, the typical rate is about $55 per bay per hour, with most between $40 and $75.
Is golf simulator pricing per person or per bay?
Usually per bay per hour, so sharing a bay with friends makes it cheaper per person. Check each venue’s pricing.
How long does a round of golf take on a simulator?
Roughly one hour per player for 18 holes. Two players need about two hours; four players about four hours.
What should I wear to a golf simulator?
Comfortable clothes and clean trainers or spikeless golf shoes. Many venues don’t allow metal spikes.
Do golf simulator venues offer veteran discounts?
Some do. For example, Sim City Indoor Golf offers a reduced veterans’ hourly rate. Ask your local venue.