Plan your visit to the San Diego Zoo

Zoo visitors can take advantage of a free shuttle that will pick up and drop off at the Inspiration Point parking lot, which is a large parking lot where visitors can park for free. Learn more about the parking and shuttle options on the Zoo's Plan Your Visit page.

Take public transit!

MTS has convenient ways to get to and from Balboa Park, and to commute through the area during busy traffic times. 

You can take Rapid 215 or Route 7 directly to the San Diego Zoo! Rapid 215 and Route 7 use dedicated bus lanes along Park Boulevard north from downtown, allowing buses to more easily travel past vehicle traffic. Get off at the Zoo Place stop.

Taking transit can help avoid parking and traffic hassles. All kids 18 and under ride MTS for FREE with the Youth Opportunity Pass on PRONTO.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Information

New dedicated bike lanes and high-visibility crosswalks on Park Boulevard provide a safe, convenient option for people traveling to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.

Rideshare Pick-up and Drop-off

If you are taking rideshare options including Uber and Lyft, use the main Zoo Entrance as the address for your pick up and drop location. The Zoo Entrance is located on Zoo Drive.

Parking Information

We encourage Zoo visitors to consider alternate transportation. But if you choose to drive, there are several free parking lots in and around Balboa Park. Parking lots identified on this page are free, and visitors are encouraged to use Inspiration Point for a free shuttle to and from the San Diego Zoo.