Visit Edinburgh Zoo for a great Day Out

Tips for a great day out at Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is a firm favourite on a visit to Edinburgh no matter what age you are! It’s open every day of the year – except Christmas Day, so whichever time of the year you visit Edinburgh you’ll be able to pay a visit to Edinburgh Zoo. You’ll find admission charges here.

Planning Your Day at Edinburgh Zoo

Before you travel to the Zoo, take a look at their day planner which will give you details of what’s on throughout the day. It’s a good idea to take a few minutes to read this and plan your day’s activities as there are often interesting talks on, or chances to see animals up close.

Our recommendation would be to arrive early in the morning and climb to the top of Corstorphine Hill on which the Zoo stands. Then you can take a leisurely stroll back down throughout your day.

It’s quite a good idea to take a picnic with you as this keeps the cost of the trip down, and is usually a favourite option for young children. There are plenty of picnic benches and grassy areas throughout the Zoo where you can picnic. But don’t worry if you haven’t brought your picnic with you, there are places where you can buy a picnic, or cafés and restaurants throughout the Zoo park too. You’ll find further information about Eating at the Zoo by following the link.

Don’t forget your camera – if it’s a clear day you’ll get wonderful views over Edinburgh and particularly towards the Pentland Hills to the south.

Please note that the Pandas have now returned to China

Book your Tickets online by Clicking this link

By buying your tickets online you avoid wasting time standing in a queue.

Getting there:

The most frequent bus service which passes the Zoo is the Lothian Buses 26 which you can catch (if you are based in the city centre) on Abbeyhill, London Road, Princes Street, Shandwick Place or Haymarket.  The journey takes around twenty minutes to half an hour dependent on traffic.

Timetables for Buses to Edinburgh Zoo:

Edinburgh Zoo, located on Corstorphine Road, is well serviced by public transport. With bus stops located directly outside the Zoo, it makes it easily accessible by the following buses;

All the following Lothian Buses go from Princes Street, Edinburgh city centre;

26 – Tranent – Princes Street – Clerwood. Timetable link: here

31 – Polton – Princes Street – East Craigs. Timetable link: here

Bus fares can be paid by cash or credit card Adult fare £2.00.  Recently introduced Tap Tap Cap get the cheapest Adult fare using the same contactless card or device all day. For more details on prices click this link

If you don’t want to use public transport there is a large car park at the Zoo with a daily charge.

See our blog Things to do on a break to Edinburgh for details of other top visitor attractions.

Any top tips for future visitors?

Did you visit Edinburgh Zoo during your trip to Edinburgh? We’d love to hear what you enjoyed. If you have any top tips gained from your visit. Just leave a comment below.

If you found the information in this blog useful and would like to read more of our blogs then click on the link www.2edinburgh.com which will take you back to our front page.

Revised: October 2024