Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.
Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.
Children watching meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo enclosure.
Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.
Crowned lemur sitting on a tree branch at Edinburgh Zoo.
Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with visitors walking up stairs.
Waldrapp ibis perched on a branch at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh Zoo Entrance Tickets

Edinburgh
•Zoos
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Duration: 2 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of your experience

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Visit one of Scotland’s top wildlife attractions, home to 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.

Observe elusive species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears and pygmy hippos in custom-built habitats created to match their native ecosystems and behaviours.

Take part in special events including keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.

Join ongoing efforts to protect wildlife as the zoo works to recover 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.

With easy 10-min access from the city centre, you can visit the zoo at your ease, stay as long as you like and explore at your own speed!

Standard entry tickets to Edinburgh Zoo

Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.

Sumatran tiger walking through foliage at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh Zoo is such a fun day out. You get to see over 2,500 animals, learn about wildlife conservation, and roam around at your own pace.

Getting started

The Edinburgh Zoo is a short 10-minute drive from the city, whether you drive down in a car or hop on a public transport. Just head to the main entrance, show your ticket, and you’re in. Grab a map or check the digital guide so you don’t miss anything cool. You’ve got the whole day to explore how you like.

What to expect

Run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the zoo’s not just about animals—it’s a place where conservation meets curiosity. You’ll see amazing species and learn how the zoo helps protect them, both here and around the world.

Features

  • Wildlife variety: Spot everything from giraffes and tigers to pygmy hippos, sloths, and Scotland’s only koalas.

  • Real conservation: Find out how the zoo is working to save 50 species from extinction, with projects both onsite and globally.

  • Interactive exhibits: Dive into hands-on zones and keeper talks that explain what goes into caring for rare animals.

  • Events year-round: There’s always something happening, from otter days to animal-themed trails and fun family shows.

Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.

Chilean flamingos in habitat at Edinburgh Zoo.

Children watching meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo enclosure.

Children watching meerkats at Edinburgh Zoo enclosure.

Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.

Clownfish swimming near coral in reef tank at Edinburgh Zoo.

What to bring

  • Have your entry tickets and ID ready for a seamless experience.

What’s not allowed

  • Sharp metallic tools or objects, alcohol, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades or skates and glass items are not allowed on this experience.

  • Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.

  • Safety is a priority, so guests under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian.

  • Smoking is not allowed, including e-cigarettes.

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

Additional information

  • Facilities: parking.

  • Visitors wearing costumes might be asked to remove them for safety.

  • Re-entry after entering isn’t permitted without park authority approval.

  • The park may close in extreme weather; tickets will be valid for a later visit.

Crowned lemur sitting on a tree branch at Edinburgh Zoo.

Crowned lemur sitting on a tree branch at Edinburgh Zoo.

Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with visitors walking up stairs.

Zoo entrance sign at Edinburgh Zoo with visitors walking up stairs.

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Operating hours

Edinburgh Zoo

Monday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday
10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.
  • Closed on 25th Dec 2026.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

A full day visit is recommended to explore all areas of the zoo thoroughly. On average, most people spend 4-6 hours at the zoo, though some visitors choose to stay longer for special events or feeding times. Plan your visit based on your interests and schedule.
Absolutely, Edinburgh Zoo offers numerous family-friendly attractions including penguin feeding sessions, interactive exhibits, and special events like Santa's Grotto during winter holidays. There are dedicated play areas such as the Rainforest Adventure exhibit where children can learn about conservation efforts while having fun.
Booking online is highly recommended especially during peak summer months or school holidays when the zoo can get very busy. Advance bookings also offer discounts compared to purchasing at the gate and ensure you secure entry on your preferred date without waiting in long queues.
The ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the zoo is less crowded and temperatures are cooler. Summer mornings can be busy, but evenings offer a quieter experience with fewer visitors. Winter visits provide opportunities for unique wildlife behaviors such as penguin swims and snow leopard activities.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water as it can get hot during summer months. Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the extensive walking paths throughout the zoo. Consider bringing snacks and a camera for memorable moments with wildlife. A reusable water bottle is also helpful.
Photography is allowed throughout most of the zoo, but always check specific exhibit guidelines as some areas may have restrictions. Use a smartphone or compact camera for convenience; professional equipment might not be permitted due to space constraints and animal welfare concerns.
The easiest way is by car or bus from central Edinburgh; driving takes approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Public buses run frequently and drop off near the zoo entrance. For those preferring public transport, a taxi ride costs around £15-£20 one-way during peak hours.
Your admission fee includes access to all exhibits featuring over 100 species of animals including koalas and penguins. Additionally, you gain entry to special exhibitions like the Scottish Penguin Pavilion and the Bug World exhibit. Some interactive experiences may require separate purchase but are clearly marked.
You can take part in keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.
Yes, you have the entire day to roam around as you wish and explore at your leisure.
It's a short 10-minute drive or public transport ride from the city centre.
The standard entry tickets allow you access to the zoo itself; personal expenses like food or souvenirs aren't covered.
You'll find custom-built habitats designed to match the native ecosystems and behaviors of species like Asiatic lions, sloth bears, and pygmy hippos.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is responsible for running the zoo.
You'll encounter over 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals.
The zoo works on recovering 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide.
Sharp metallic tools, alcohol, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades or skates, glass items, pets, smoking including e-cigarettes, and guests under age 15 without a guardian are not permitted.
Make sure to have your entry tickets and ID ready for a smooth experience.
Yes, you can participate in keeper talks, family trails, and hands-on exhibits tied to international days like Conservation Day.
At Edinburgh Zoo, you'll encounter over 2,500 animals including big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and rare mammals like Asiatic lions, sloth bears, and pygmy hippos.
Guests under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a guardian while visiting the zoo.
Your standard entry tickets grant you access to explore all that the zoo has to offer during your visit.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted at Edinburgh Zoo for safety reasons.
Sharp metallic tools, alcohol, drones, radios, scooters, bikes, rollerblades or skates, glass items, and e-cigarettes are not allowed at Edinburgh Zoo.
Edinburgh Zoo is just a short 10-minute drive or public transport ride away from the city centre.
Make sure you have your entry tickets and ID prepared for a smooth visit.
The zoo works on recovering 50 endangered or critically threatened species worldwide as part of its ongoing conservation efforts.
Pets are not allowed at Edinburgh Zoo due to venue restrictions.

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