Are online tickets cheaper than buying at the gate?

Tickets are often slightly cheaper online, and booking in advance guarantees entry on busy days, especially weekends and holidays.

How early should I arrive before my time slot?

It’s best to arrive 10–15 minutes before your selected time to allow for queuing and security checks.

Do ticket prices include the Penguin Parade and keeper talks?

Yes, general admission includes scheduled daily talks and the Penguin Parade (weather and animal willingness permitting).

Are there any quiet or sensory-friendly times to visit?

Weekday mornings (outside school holidays) are generally quieter. Sensory maps and sensory bags are available to help neurodiverse visitors.

What happens if it rains or the weather is bad on my visit date?

The zoo remains open in all weather. Tickets are non-refundable, so dress accordingly. Some indoor areas provide shelter.

Is there a combined ticket option with other Edinburgh attractions?

Yes, you can combine your Edinburgh Zoo ticket with the Edinburgh Dungeon or a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour through select combo tickets available online.

Edinburgh Zoo Tickets I Edinburgh’s Most Popular Zoo

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Zoo

Children watching penguins swim at Edinburgh Zoo.

Opening hours:

January to February: 10am to 4pm
March: 10am to 5pm
April to September: 10am to 6pm
October: 10am to 5pm
November to December: 10am to 4pm

Closed on: Christmas

Guests observing animals at Highland Wildlife Park, Scotland.

Best time to visit with kids: Visit during early summer for fewer crowds, blooming gardens, and mild weather. Additionally, weekdays are always much quieter than weekends and school holidays!
Best time to catch a talk with a keeper: Talks happen daily and cover different animals each day. Arrive mid-morning, check the screen near admissions, or ask staff to catch multiple talks between late morning and early afternoon.
Best time to attend special events: Plan your visit from April to September for seasonal events like Wild Discovery Days. Expect themed activities, animal talks, and hands-on experiences designed for kids, families, and curious animal lovers.
Best weather to visit the zoo: March to May and early autumn offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and scenic gardens. Spring blooms or autumn colours make for a beautiful visit.

Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS

Find on Maps

By bus: Lines 12, 26, 31, 100 (Airlink), AIRX, X18, N18, X19, X38 can take you to the zooClosest bus stop: Edinburgh Zoo (on Corstorphine Road, right outside the main entrance)
By train: ScotRail and other services to Haymarket or Waverley lead to the zooClosest train station: Haymarket Station (Waverley is also nearby with bus or taxi access)
By tram: Hop on the Edinburgh Trams line (Airport to Newhaven route)Closest tram stop: Balgreen (15-minute walk); Saughton is also within walking distance
By car: Accessible via A8, city bypass, or M8Closest parking: On-site car park at Edinburgh Zoo (limited paid spaces available)
By bike: No official cycle route, but bike-friendly roads nearbyClosest bike racks: Roadside near the zoo and across from Silvan House

Public toilet sign with directional arrow in a city setting.

Picnic areas: Enjoy outdoor meals at picnic benches located near the hilltop and main lawn, with space to relax, whether it’s sunny or drizzly.
Play areas: Find fun, safe play zones for kids throughout the zoo, designed with supervision and age-appropriate adventure in mind.
Lockers: Lockers are available near the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. Ideal for small suitcases and day bags (fees apply).
Food and drink: Choose from two restaurants, a café, and food kiosks serving everything from hot meals to snacks, ice creams, and quick bites.
Gift shop: Pick up animal-themed gifts, toys, books, and souvenirs at the zoo’s main gift shop, open daily and accessible without a zoo ticket.
Maps and guides: Printed maps and signposts make it easy to explore the 80+ acre site and find animals, cafes, and amenities quickly.
Edinburgh zoo app: Use the free app to check daily schedules, find animals, and plan your visit more efficiently while walking through the zoo.
Parking: On-site parking is limited and fills quickly, so pre-booking is advised.
Washrooms: Multiple toilets across the site, including gender-neutral and accessible options, are cleaned regularly and clearly signposted.

Guide dog leading visitor through Naples National Archaeological Museum entrance.

Accessible parking spaces: Limited Blue Badge parking spots are available in the main car park. Early arrival is recommended due to limited availability.
Free carer admission: One free carer ticket is available per paying visitor who requires assistance. Valid proof of entitlement must be shown on arrival.
Mobility aid hire: Manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired at the entrance. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis with a deposit.
Mobility vehicle service: A free mobility vehicle operates year-round for guests needing support. It fits one wheelchair or pushchair and up to four passengers.
Changing Places toilet: A fully equipped Changing Places facility is available on-site for visitors with complex needs and limited mobility, offering extra space and support equipment.
Accessible routes and maps: Most zoo paths are wheelchair-friendly. Download the accessibility map in advance to avoid steep slopes and plan your route accordingly.
Sensory bags available: Visitors can borrow sensory bags with ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, binoculars, and maps. A refundable deposit is required at the admissions desk.
Assistance dogs welcome: Trained assistance dogs are permitted with restrictions. Some areas are off-limits. Owners must follow BIAZA guidelines during their visit.

No smoking sign in front of historic building in Rome, Italy.

Ensure your own safety: Please don’t feed animals, climb fences, or cross barriers—these are in place for your safety and the animals’ wellbeing.
Don’t trouble animals: Avoid tapping or banging on exhibit glass. Sudden noise and movement can stress the animals.
No animals: Pets and dogs in training aren’t permitted.
Prohibited items: Barbecues, balloons, balls, radios, scooters, bikes, skates, and hoverboards are not allowed inside the zoo. Glass bottles, jars, and ice cream sticks are also not permitted for safety reasons.
No smoking: Smoking and vaping are allowed only in clearly marked designated zones.
No intoxicating substances: Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be refused entry or asked to leave. Emergency services may be contacted if needed.

Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with animal illustrations.

Download the Edinburgh Zoo app before your visit to access an up-to-date map, feeding times, keeper talks, and real-time animal location info.
Head to popular enclosures like the pandas or penguins early in the day to avoid peak crowd times and get better viewing spots.
Pack a refillable water bottle. Refill stations are available across the zoo and help cut down on plastic waste during your visit.
If you want to see the animals more active, visit during cooler weather or early morning hours, when they’re most likely to be moving around.
Dress in layers and wear good walking shoes. The weather can shift quickly, and the zoo’s terrain includes hills, grassy areas, and gravel paths.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you want a closer view of animals in larger, open habitats like the giraffe or monkey enclosures.

English tea sandwiches with various fillings on a glass cake stand.

Grasslands Restaurant: Enjoy street pizzas, deli-style sandwiches, and fresh salads in a relaxed, pastel-toned space with upgraded amenities and allergen-friendly, locally sourced options.
The Gannet: Sustainably focused restaurant serving traditional Scottish dishes like Cullen skink, vegan haggis, and locally grown chips.
Penguins Café: Bright café overlooking Penguins Rock, serving breakfast rolls, soups, ciabattas, and kid-friendly treats with views of the Pentland Hills from the outdoor deck.
Park Kiosks: Card-only kiosks throughout the zoo serve quick snacks, drinks, and Rockhopper Ice Cream. Ideal for short breaks or casual bites between exhibits.

Mid-range hotel room with bed, desk, and window view in a city setting.

Budget: The White Lady - JD Wetherspoon (€77 I 1.2 km), The Hostel (€43 I 3.3 km), Castle Rock Hostel (€57 I 6 km)
Mid-budget: Twin Lions Hotel (€108 I 1.1 km), Ardmillan Hotel (€128 I 3.5 km), Black Ivy (€114 I 5.6 km)
Luxury: Innkeeper's Collection Edinburgh, Corstorphine**** (€188 I 1.4 km), The Roseate Edinburgh, an SLH Hotel (€266 I 2.5 km), Apex Haymarket Hotel (€206 I 3 km)

Edinburgh Castle view with Harry Potter walking tour and whiskey tasting experience.

Lauriston Castle (5.1 km): A 16th-century mansion with Edwardian interiors, Japanese gardens, and coastal views. You can visit this castle for free!
Edinburgh Castle (5.7 km):** Historic fortress atop Castle Rock featuring the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, military museums, and panoramic city views.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (6.2 km): Spanning 70 acres, this world-renowned garden houses over 13,000 plant species, glasshouses, and seasonal exhibitions.

Meet 2,500 animals in their recreated habitats & visit one of Europe’s largest penguin pools.

Everything you get: Entry to 82 acres of wildlife habitats with over 2,500 animals. Visit Scotland’s only koalas and sloths, see chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail, explore Penguins Rock, and enjoy daily talks, animal shows, and conservation-focused exhibits for all ages.
Why choose this: Explore at your own pace and enjoy easy access, just 10 minutes by bus or car from Edinburgh city centre.

Inclusions

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drugs, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For safety, guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Brace yourself for Edinburgh’s eerie tales, then switch gears with 2500+ wildlife encounters!

Everything you get at Edinburgh Zoo: Explore over 82 hectares of lush space housing 2,500 animals. Meet rare species like giant pandas & Amur tigers. Enjoy daily keeper talks and educational events all designed to connect you with wildlife & conservation.
Everything you get at Edinburgh Dungeon: Join 15 actors bringing Edinburgh’s eerie past to life in 10 immersive shows. Encounter witches, killers, and royalty, plus a thrilling free-fall Drop Ride to Doom at the end of your 80-mins adventure.
Why choose this combo: Both attractions are 6 km apart, so you can explore each at your own pace, whether on the same or different days—your choice!

Inclusions Edinburgh Zoo

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Dungeon

Entry to the Edinburgh Dungeon
80-mins show

Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, drones, alcohol, smoke bombs, fireworks, glass bottles, illegal substances, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, and large bags are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Note that children under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Edinburgh Zoo

Radios, bikes, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to pram/stroller users.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

Edinburgh Dungeon

Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
For safety reasons, guests under the age of 4 years are not allowed on this experience.
Guests aged 16 or 17 are required to present ID or a parent/guardian’s written permission.
The recommended age to visit the dungeon is 8 and above.
For your convenience, elevators are available throughout the venue.
Safety first! Some shows of this experience are restricted for people with back issues and pregnant people.

Available facilities: restroom.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ride through Edinburgh’s top 3 routes, then roam Scotland’s most popular wildlife park.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Zoo: Visit a world-class 86-hectare zoo home to endangered species like red pandas, pygmy hippos, and sun bears. Watch feeding sessions and learn about global conservation efforts through engaging keeper presentations.
Everything you get at Edinburgh bus tour: Access three scenic bus routes across Edinburgh for 24 hours with unlimited rides, multilingual commentary, headphones & discounts at top attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia & Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Why choose this combo: Enjoy easy access to over 15 city attractions & 1500+ animals. Travel freely across the city & explore the zoo at your own pace.

Inclusions Edinburgh Zoo

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

24-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Edinburgh
Access to 3 routes: City sightseeing tour, Edinburgh tour, Regal tour
Audio commentary in English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Scottish, German, Portuguese, Spanish & Chinese (City Sightseeing & Edinburgh tours)
English-speaking guide (Edinburgh tour)
Discounts at the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse & more (full list here)
Headphones (Regal tour)

Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh bus tour

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Edinburgh Zoo

Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drugs, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For safety, guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to pram/stroller users.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

Edinburgh bus tour

Pets are allowed on the bus.
Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
Low-floor ramps are available for easy access.
Screens are conveniently available on the lower decks of City Sightseeing and Regal route buses.
Great news! If you're traveling with children aged 15 and under, they can hop on board for free with the 24-hour ticket.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Meet 2,500 animals in their recreated habitats & visit one of Europe’s largest penguin pools.

Everything you get: Entry to 82 acres of wildlife habitats with over 2,500 animals. Visit Scotland’s only koalas and sloths, see chimpanzees on the Budongo Trail, explore Penguins Rock, and enjoy daily talks, animal shows, and conservation-focused exhibits for all ages.
Why choose this: Explore at your own pace and enjoy easy access, just 10 minutes by bus or car from Edinburgh city centre.

Inclusions

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drugs, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For safety, guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Brace yourself for Edinburgh’s eerie tales, then switch gears with 2500+ wildlife encounters!

Everything you get at Edinburgh Zoo: Explore over 82 hectares of lush space housing 2,500 animals. Meet rare species like giant pandas & Amur tigers. Enjoy daily keeper talks and educational events all designed to connect you with wildlife & conservation.
Everything you get at Edinburgh Dungeon: Join 15 actors bringing Edinburgh’s eerie past to life in 10 immersive shows. Encounter witches, killers, and royalty, plus a thrilling free-fall Drop Ride to Doom at the end of your 80-mins adventure.
Why choose this combo: Both attractions are 6 km apart, so you can explore each at your own pace, whether on the same or different days—your choice!

Inclusions Edinburgh Zoo

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Dungeon

Entry to the Edinburgh Dungeon
80-mins show

Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
Sharp metallic tools or objects, drones, alcohol, smoke bombs, fireworks, glass bottles, illegal substances, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, and large bags are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Note that children under 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Edinburgh Zoo

Radios, bikes, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to pram/stroller users.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

Edinburgh Dungeon

Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
For safety reasons, guests under the age of 4 years are not allowed on this experience.
Guests aged 16 or 17 are required to present ID or a parent/guardian’s written permission.
The recommended age to visit the dungeon is 8 and above.
For your convenience, elevators are available throughout the venue.
Safety first! Some shows of this experience are restricted for people with back issues and pregnant people.

Available facilities: restroom.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ride through Edinburgh’s top 3 routes, then roam Scotland’s most popular wildlife park.

Everything you get at Edinburgh Zoo: Visit a world-class 86-hectare zoo home to endangered species like red pandas, pygmy hippos, and sun bears. Watch feeding sessions and learn about global conservation efforts through engaging keeper presentations.
Everything you get at Edinburgh bus tour: Access three scenic bus routes across Edinburgh for 24 hours with unlimited rides, multilingual commentary, headphones & discounts at top attractions like the Royal Yacht Britannia & Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Why choose this combo: Enjoy easy access to over 15 city attractions & 1500+ animals. Travel freely across the city & explore the zoo at your own pace.

Inclusions Edinburgh Zoo

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

24-hour hop-on hop-off tour of Edinburgh
Access to 3 routes: City sightseeing tour, Edinburgh tour, Regal tour
Audio commentary in English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Scottish, German, Portuguese, Spanish & Chinese (City Sightseeing & Edinburgh tours)
English-speaking guide (Edinburgh tour)
Discounts at the Royal Botanic Garden, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse & more (full list here)
Headphones (Regal tour)

Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh bus tour

Ensure your entry tickets and ID is on hand for a smooth experience.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair users.
For your convenience, guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Edinburgh Zoo

Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drugs, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, hoverboards, barbecues, balloons, balls, ice-cream sticks and glass items are not permitted on this experience.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
For safety, guests under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Smoking is prohibited, including e-cigarettes.
This experience is accessible to pram/stroller users.
Available facilities: parking.
Visitors wearing costumes may be asked to remove them for safety reasons.
Re-entry after admission is not permitted without prior approval from park authorities.
In case of extreme weather, the park may close; tickets will be transferred to a convenient revisit date.

Edinburgh bus tour

Pets are allowed on the bus.
Mobility scooters are allowed if folded and stored as luggage.
Low-floor ramps are available for easy access.
Screens are conveniently available on the lower decks of City Sightseeing and Regal route buses.
Great news! If you're traveling with children aged 15 and under, they can hop on board for free with the 24-hour ticket.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Edinburgh Zoo Tickets

Top things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Zoo I World’s first penguin breeding facility

Why visit Edinburgh Zoo?

Things to know before you book your Edinburgh Zoo tickets

Which Edinburgh Zoo ticket is best for you?

If you want to see the best of Scotland’s wildlife

If you want to get more value for your money

Plan your visit to Edinburgh Zoo

Beyond Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Edinburgh Dungeon

Scotch Whisky Experience

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Zoo tickets

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Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Zoo + Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets

Combo (Save 5%): Edinburgh Zoo Tickets + Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour