Parking & Directions

Located a few miles north of the National Mall, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is in the heart of Washington, D.C.  

You can enter the Smithsonian’s National Zoo from two different entrances: 

Arriving By Car

Parking Passes 

Parking Passes are available for a flat rate of $30 per vehicle. The Zoo’s parking lots fill up quickly, so reserve your pass online a few days before your visit. 

No. Access to the Zoo via Beach Drive is not permitted. All visitor cars must enter through the main vehicle entrance on Connecticut Ave. 

Our parking pass policy requires vehicles to fit inside a standard parking space. Contact our Guest Services team at 202-633-2614 for additional guidance. 

No, we do not currently offer public EV charging in our visitor parking lots. 

Yes. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. More about Zoo accessibility. 

After you purchase your Parking Pass, you’ll receive a confirmation email from the Zoo and a separate email containing your pass. Or, view your Parking Pass by signing into your account and clicking the ‘Access Your Passes’ tab in the top right corner of the page. 

Refunds for Parking Passes are not available. A Parking Pass can be exchanged online for one on a later date if there are parking spots available on your new visit date. Exchanges must be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Yes. Parking spots at the Zoo are limited, so reserve ahead of time to secure a spot on your preferred date. Visit our Membership page to learn more about Member parking benefits.

Members can exchange their Parking Pass up to 24 hours before their reservation by emailing the Zoo membership team at zoomembership@si.edu. 

Arriving By Bus

Bus Parking 

Buses can park at the Zoo if space is available. Be sure to book a Bus Parking Pass ahead of your visit. Fees for bus parking vary based on availability and time of year. School groups who arrive off-season and on weekdays may be eligible for free bus parking. Learn more. 

Bus Drop-Off 

Buses can unload or load passengers at the bus drop-off lot inside the Zoo. Be sure to reserve a Bus Drop-Off Pass ahead of your visit. If the lot is full, the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (202-727-1000) may have bus parking suggestions. 

Bus drivers are not allowed to idle or park along Connecticut Avenue. Violators may be fined by the Metropolitan Police Department. 

Group Entry 

Responsible for organizing your group’s trip to the Zoo? Be sure to reserve a Group Entry pass with every member of your party. 

Walk or Bike

Visitors who arrive on foot can enter at the main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW or the Harvard Street Bridge entrance. 

Biking or Scootering to the Zoo

Bike racks are located near the Visitor Center and at Lion-Tiger Hill. Check out the Zoo map for more information.  

Capital Bikeshare 

Two Capital Bikeshare rental bike stations are located near the entrances to the Zoo. Check their website for location and availability info.  

For the safety of our animals and staff, visitors may not ride bikes, scooters, hoverboards and other personal transport vehicles inside the Zoo. Mobility scooters, wheelchairs and accessibility devices are allowed. 

Public Transit

Metro Rail and Metro Bus can bring you within walking distance of the Zoo's main entrance at 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW. 

By Train 

The Zoo is located near two Metro Rail stations on the red line: the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park stations. 

  • The Zoo is about halfway between the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan and Cleveland Park stations. However, there is a moderate uphill walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo stop. For the best accessibility, we recommend visitors with mobility issues travel via the Cleveland Park stop. 
  • Use the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Trip Planner for the latest information on arrival times, route changes, or delays. 

By Bus 

The L2 bus stops in front of the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. 

Rideshare 

Rideshare travelers should set their drop-off and pick-up location to the Zoo's main entrance on Connecticut Avenue. 

'Zoo Loop' in Rock Creek Park

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

Zoo Loop Opening and Closing Hours 

  • The Zoo Loop is available when the Zoo is open but closes one hour before the Zoo closes for the day. Information signs are posted at both ends of the loop.  
  • Hours: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Winter); 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Summer) 
  • The Zoo Loop may be closed without advance notice in the event of an emergency, inclement weather or as determined by Zoo management.