Group Entry

Traveling with a group of 16 or more? The Zoo can accommodate groups arriving by bus, public transit or on foot. 

Note: Bus idling and/or parking along Connecticut Avenue is not permitted. Book ahead and reserve your Bus Parking Pass or Bus Drop-Off Pass ahead of your arrival.

• Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Each individual must have an entry pass to enter the Zoo.
• Group reservations are available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
• For groups with 15 or fewer guests, please reserve single entry passes.
• Certain dates, such as major holidays and event dates, will not be available for group reservations.
• School groups with bus parking reservations on weekdays from September 3, 2024 through March 14, 2025 are eligible to receive complimentary bus parking.
  • Complimentary bus parking is based on availability.
  • School groups must provide their NCES ID number to receive this benefit.
  • Schools will be required to pay bus parking fees outside of this time frame.
• Bus parking is limited to a maximum of three buses per reservation. When available, groups arriving in more than three buses must make multiple reservations. Please be aware that any additional buses not included in the reservation may be turned away at the discretion of the Parking team. Thank you for understanding.
• Bus Parking Passes are nonrefundable. Exchanges are subject to availability and must be requested a minimum of 2 weeks in advance of your arrival date. In the event of a cancelled visit, it is the responsibility of the group’s organizer to arrange a backup visitation date.
• Idling on Connecticut Avenue is not permitted. Violators are subject to ticketing and/or fines by the Metropolitan Police Department.
• Group bus parking fees are based on a tiered pricing system. For non-school groups, and school groups arriving on weekends, pricing ranges from $60 to $120 per bus, based on availability and time of year. Visitors are encouraged to make contingency plans outside of Zoo grounds if bus parking is no longer available.
• After capacity for a calendar date is reached, bookings will no longer be available for that day.