How far is the zoo from Edinburgh city center?

The zoo is about 4 km west of Princes Street, roughly a 10–15 minute drive or 20-minute bus ride.

Which is the closest bus stop to Edinburgh Zoo?

Edinburgh Zoo stop on Corstorphine Road is directly outside the main entrance for most bus lines.

Which is the closest train station to the zoo?

Haymarket Station is the nearest major rail hub, with a short bus, tram, or taxi ride to the zoo.

Can I park at Edinburgh Zoo?

Yes, on-site parking is available, including limited spaces for disabled visitors. Nearby public car parks also provide alternatives.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Edinburgh Zoo?

Taking a bus from the city center is the most economical option, with multiple routes stopping directly outside the zoo.

Which is the fastest way to get there?

Driving from the city center via A8 typically takes 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Edinburgh Zoo Location I Directions, & Best Travel Options

Where is Edinburgh Zoo located?

Address: 134 Corstorphine Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, UK | Find on Maps

Set beautifully on the south-facing slopes of Corstorphine Hill, the zoo offers incredible panoramic views of the city. This premier wildlife attraction sits roughly 4 km west of the vibrant Edinburgh city centre, making it incredibly easy to reach while remaining surrounded by peaceful green spaces.

Getting to Edinburgh Zoo by public transport

Best for: Budget travel, direct routes, and ultimate convenience.
Travel time: 15–20 minutes from Princes Street.
Closest stop: Edinburgh Zoo Bus Stop (located directly outside the main entrance gates on Corstorphine Road).
Timings: Services run highly frequently from early morning until late at night (approx. 6am to midnight), with night buses available.

Catching a bus to Edinburgh Zoo is incredibly straightforward. Lothian Buses operates multiple direct routes, including buses to Edinburgh Zoo, like the 12, 26, and 31. If you are looking for buses from Edinburgh Waverley to Edinburgh Zoo, you can board the dedicated Airlink 100 express service, and you will step off right at the main gates.

Best for: Visitors travelling from outside Edinburgh or across Scotland.
Travel time: 20–25 minutes (comprising a short train ride to a nearby station followed by a quick bus link).
Closest stop: Haymarket Station (nearest) or Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Timings: Rail services operate continuously throughout the day according to national timetables.

If you travel to Edinburgh Zoo by train, you have great options. The nearest train station to Edinburgh Zoo is Haymarket, though Waverley is the main central hub. Your journey from Edinburgh train station to Edinburgh Zoo is seamless: simply exit either Haymarket or Waverley and step directly onto any of the matching westward buses (such as the 12, 26, or Airlink 100) to complete your trip from the Edinburgh Zoo to the train station.

Best for: Avoiding road traffic and enjoying a smooth, modern ride.
Travel time: 15 minutes from Princes Street to the closest tram stop, plus a 15-minute walk.
Closest stop: Balgreen Tram Stop
Timings: Trams run roughly every 7 to 10 minutes from 6am to midnight.

Taking the tram to Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic way to bypass peak-hour traffic. You can board the tram anywhere along Princes Street in the Edinburgh city centre in the direction of the zoo. Disembark at the Balgreen stop; from there, it is a scenic 15-minute walk north along Balgreen Road to reach the zoo entrance.

Getting to Edinburgh Zoo by car

Best for: Families with young children, flexible schedules, and visitors carrying mobility aids.
Travel time: 10–15 minutes from the city centre (traffic dependent).
Distance: Around 4.5 km from Princes Street.

To get from Edinburgh city centre to Edinburgh zoo by car, head west out of Princes Street onto the A8 (Shandwick Place/Haymarket Terrace). Continue straight along the A8 route via Roseburn Terrace as it transforms directly into Corstorphine Road. Follow the clear directions via the Edinburgh Zoo signs; the zoo entrance will clearly appear on your right-hand side.

Parking facilities

The official Edinburgh Zoo car park is situated right next to the main entrance. However, Edinburgh Zoo parking spaces are strictly limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis for a small daily fee.
Dedicated, accessible parking bays are available close to the entrance for Blue Badge holders, which must be pre-booked online via the zoo's official platform to secure a spot.
If the main lot is full, alternative spaces can be found at nearby public lots or residential pay-and-display zones a short walk away.

Cycling/Walking to Edinburgh Zoo

Best for: Active sightseers, nature lovers, and eco-conscious travellers.
Travel time: 45–50 minutes walking/15 minutes cycling from Princes Street.
Distance: Approx. 4 km from the city centre.

Choosing to walk or cycle to the Edinburgh Zoo from the city centre offers a wonderful look into local neighbourhoods. Cyclists can safely follow the designated cycle paths leading west toward Corstorphine. Secure bike racks are readily available next to the main entrance gates. If you prefer walking, a popular and gentler option is to take the tram to Balgreen and enjoy a lovely, flat 1.2 km walk through the park areas directly up to the main ticket office.

What is the best way to get to Edinburgh Zoo?

Budget-friendly

Taking the local Lothian buses to Edinburgh Zoo (Lines 12, 26, or 31) is undeniably the most affordable option. It drops you off steps from the gate, saving you from parking fees.

Fastest route

Jumping in a taxi or driving your own car along the A8 route during off-peak hours gets you from Edinburgh to Edinburgh Zoo in just about 10 minutes.

To sightsee

Taking the Edinburgh Tram to the Balgreen stop and walking the rest of the way allows you to soak in the beautiful residential architecture and greenery bordering Corstorphine Hill.