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The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is free and open every day of the year, except December 25.

Getting to the Zoo

The Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. You can get to the Zoo by public transportation and by car.

Public Transportation

By Metro: Take the Red Line to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop or the Cleveland Park stop. The Zoo entrance is halfway between these stops and both are a short walk from the Zoo. Find out about taking Metro bus to the Zoo. The pedestrian entrance is on Connecticut Avenue.

Driving

There are vehicle entrances on Connecticut Avenue at the west side of the Zoo and near Rock Creek Park at the east side of the Zoo. See a map and get driving directions.

Parking

Parking at the Zoo is $10 for the first hour, $15 for two to three hours, and $20 for more than three hours. Parking is free for FONZ members. Every dollar you spend at the Zoo—for parking, food, and gifts—supports our education, research, and conservation efforts.

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. The Zoo is located within Washington, D.C., 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. To make a reservations for this time, call 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. Find out about group packages. Get resources for your field trip.