The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008. There are several ways to get to the Zoo, including taking public transportation and driving.
There are pedestrian and vehicle entrances on Connecticut Avenue, at the west side of the Zoo.
There are two entrances for pedestrians and vehicles at the east side of the Zoo, near Rock Creek Park. One is off Rock Creek Parkway, the other is at the intersection of Harvard Street and Adams Mill Road. NOTE: During Homeland Security Orange Threat Level, these entrances are closed, except during morning rush hour. At all other times, visitors must enter at Connecticut Avenue. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
After following the appropriate directions below and arriving at the Zoo, you can enter the Zoo from Connecticut Avenue, Harvard Street, or Rock Creek Parkway*. Parking in the Zoo and nearby is limited, so we strongly encourage you to use public transportation.
Parking at the Zoo costs $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours, but is free for FONZ members. Every dollar you spend at the Zoo—for parking, food, and gifts—supports our education, research, and conservation efforts.
Driving to the Zoo January 17-20? See special inauguration weekend parking information.
Please note: The Zoo is a popular destination, and lots fill early in the day during spring break and summer, so we encourage you to take the Metro. We are located in a city, and there is not a lot of street parking in the neighborhood.
Tour bus parking is extremely limited, and can be guaranteed only to groups that book one of our Group Safari Packages. Tour buses may not drop off passengers on Connecticut Avenue. This is both unsafe and illegal.
School buses
During the school year, reserved bus parking is available only during the busy spring season, from April 13 to June 12, 2009. Reservations for this time will be taken after March 2, 2009, by calling 202.633.4480. Parking for the remainder of the school year is available most weekdays. On weekends and during the summer, bus parking is not available.
The Zoo is just a few minutes by public transportation or car from the Capitol, the White House, and the Smithsonian museums on the Mall.
Get directions from the National Zoo to: