Parking & Directions

The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is located in the heart of northwest Washington, D.C. and spans 163 acres. 

There are two pedestrian entrances and one vehicular entrance.

The Zoo offers a limited number of single-vehicle parking spots, which can be booked ahead of your visit. Paid Parking Passes are available for a flat rate of $30 for non-members. 

Entrances

There are two public entrances to the Zoo:

Please note that all cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance on Connecticut Ave. Access to the Zoo via Beach Drive is not permitted.

Buses and Group Parking

Buses can unload or load their passengers inside the Zoo! Spaces are limited, so reserve a Bus Parking Pass or a Bus Drop-Off Pass ahead of your visit.  

Note: Bus idling and/or parking along Connecticut Avenue is not permitted. Violators are subject to fines by the Metropolitan Police Department.  Book ahead and reserve your Bus Parking Pass or Bus Drop-Off Pass ahead of your arrival.

Learn more about bus reservations on the Group Entry page.

Transportation Options

Walk, Bike or Taxi

illustration of person walking

Requires FREE Daily Entry Pass

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Two entrances are open to pedestrians: the main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW, and the Harvard Street Bridge entrance. 

Helpful Tips

  • Bike racks are located near the Visitor Center and at Lion-Tiger Hill. Check out the Zoo map. 
  • ​Capital Bikeshare has several stations for rental bikes near the Zoo. Check their website for locations and availability of rentals. 
Reserve Entry Passes

Public Transit

illustration of Metro sign

Requires FREE Daily Entry Pass

Both Metro Bus and Metro Rail have stops within walking distance of the Zoo's main pedestrian entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW.

Helpful Tips

  • The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Trip Planner is a great tool to use.
  • While equidistant from both Metro stops, the walk is uphill from the Woodley Park stop and flat from the Cleveland Park stop.
  • Always check the WMATA website for route changes, delays, and escalator or elevator outages.
  • The L2 bus stops in front of the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue.
WMATA Trip Planner

Driving and Parking

illustration of a car

Requires Paid Parking Pass

If you plan to drive and park at the Zoo, you must reserve a Paid Parking Pass online before your visit. Parking is available for a flat rate of $30, and spaces are limited. All cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW

Helpful Tips

  • Vehicle must fit in standard parking space
  • The Zoo does not currently offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
  • Members: Log in to access your Free Parking Passes
  • For information about buses and group reservations, see the Group Entry page.
Reserve Parking Pass

'Zoo Loop' in Rock Creek Park

A ½ mile section of paved recreational trail in Rock Creek Park known as the ‘Zoo Loop’ extends along the southeast edge of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo property near the Duke Ellington Bridge.

  • Please note: the Zoo Loop is available during the Zoo's operating hours, closing one hour before the Zoo closes for the day. Details are posted at signs located at both entrances of the loop.  The Zoo Loop may be closed without advance notice in the event of an emergency, inclement weather or as determined by Zoo management.