Stay safe in the sun when you visit the Zoo.Getting to the Zoo
The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. You can get to the Zoo by taking public transportation and driving.
There are pedestrian and vehicle entrances on Connecticut Avenue, at the west side of the Zoo.
There are two entrances for pedestrians and vehicles at the east side of the Zoo, near Rock Creek Park. One is off Rock Creek Parkway, the other is at the intersection of Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road.
To get to the Zoo by public transportation:
The Zoo's Connecticut Avenue entrance is equidistant from 2 Metrorail stops. There is a Metrobus stop directly in front of the Zoo.
To get to the Zoo by bicycle:
Capital Bikeshare has stations at the Connecticut Avenue pedestrian entrance (at 3000 Connecticut Avenue NW) and at the Harvard Street gate (Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road NW). 
Find out more about Capital Bikeshare.
Note: Biking is permitted only on public vehicle roads. Riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, and the like is prohibited on all pedestrian walkways. While in the Zoo, you must park or walk or carry your bike, scooter, skateboard, etc. There are bike racks near the Visitor Center and at Lion-Tiger Hill.
To get to the Zoo by car:
You can enter the Zoo from Connecticut Avenue, Harvard Street, or Rock Creek Parkway. Parking in the Zoo and nearby is limited, so we strongly encourage you to use public transportation.
On Monday, January 14, Olmsted Walk will be closed to all traffic in front of the Great Ape House from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Beach Drive Gate will also need to be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to all traffic.
Parking:
Parking at the Zoo costs $16 for the first 3 hours, and $22 for more than 3 hours. Parking during regular Zoo hours is free for FONZ members. Every dollar you spend at the Zoo—for parking, food, and gifts—supports our education, research, and conservation efforts.
Please note: The Zoo is a popular destination, and lots fill early in the day during spring break and summer, so we encourage you to take the Metro. We are located in a city, and there is not a lot of street parking in the neighborhood.
Save Time and Stress—Reserve a Parking Spot
The Zoo is a very popular destination, and parking lots often fill up early in the day, especially in spring and summer. Street parking in the neighborhood is quite limited. Reserved parking guarantees you a hassle-free experience while providing faster access to animal exhibits and Panda Plaza. The availability of spaces is limited; reservations may not be available on some dates. During school bus season, reservations are not available Monday through Friday from now through June 14, 2013.
Please note: You will leave the Smithsonian National Zoo website when you click the link above. Parking Panda is a third-party contractor. Read Parking Panda’s privacy policy.
Tour buses
Tour bus parking is extremely limited. Tour buses may not drop off passengers on Connecticut Avenue. This is both unsafe and illegal.
School buses
During the school year, reserved bus parking is available only during the busy spring season, from April 15 to June 7, 2013. Reservations for this time will be taken after March 1, 2013, by calling 
202.633.4480. Parking for the remainder of the school year is available most weekdays. On weekends and during the summer, bus parking is not available.
