1 / 6Edinburgh Zoo is one of Scotland's most-loved family days out, home to more than 2,500 animals across 82 acres of wooded hillside just west of the city centre. It's a standard ticketed attraction with timed-entry admission, so a little planning goes a long way — especially on weekends and during school holidays. Here's what you need to know before you go.
🎟️See Edinburgh Zoo tickets on GetYourGuide →Where it is
Edinburgh Zoo sits at 134 Corstorphine Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 6TS — on Corstorphine Hill, roughly 3 miles west of the city centre. It's about 10 minutes from the middle of Edinburgh, making it an easy addition to any city trip.
What to see
- Over 2,500 animals, including the UK's only Queensland koalas and Scotland's only sloths.
- 82 acres of wooded hillside on Corstorphine Hill, with penguins, giraffes and big cats.
- A timed-entry ticket that lets you arrive any time after your slot and stay until closing.
- Seasonal highlights such as the Giant Lanterns event and Late Night summer entry, available as separate tickets.
Skip-the-line vs guided tour
It's worth being clear about what you're actually buying here. Edinburgh Zoo tickets are timed-entry admission — you book a date and time slot in advance, then arrive any time after it and stay until closing. The real value is guaranteed dated entry plus flexibility, rather than bypassing a separate official queue.
Pros of booking timed entry ahead:
- Guaranteed entry on your chosen date, even on busy peak days.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and reserve-now-pay-later options.
- Peace of mind on weekends, school holidays and good-weather days, when gate availability can sell out.
Good to know:
- This is entry admission, not a guided tour — you explore at your own pace.
- Edinburgh Zoo is not an official-site-only venue: third-party entry tickets are valid, so booking through a trusted platform is a legitimate option alongside the official site.
Book Edinburgh Zoo tickets & tours
Prefer to explore at your own pace?
A self-guided audio tour is the cheap, flexible alternative to a booked guided tour — you get the stories and history on your phone and walk Edinburgh Zoo in your own time, with no group to keep up with.
Visiting more than one Edinburgh attraction?
A Go City pass bundles dozens of Edinburgh attractions into one price — if you're doing two or three paid sights in a trip it usually works out cheaper than buying each ticket separately.
GetYourGuide has the widest choice for Edinburgh Zoo — GetYourGuide genuinely sells a real Edinburgh Zoo entrance/admission ticket (timed entry, e.g. product t148448, 4.5 stars from ~1,594 reviews), plus a Late Night entry ticket and seasonal Giant Lanterns event tickets. This is actual entry admission, not just an external walking tour. Free cancellation up to 24h and reserve-now-pay-later are offered., most with free cancellation. Check live prices:
Prices and availability change. Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports the site at no extra cost to you.
Insider tips
- Book a timed slot in advance for weekends, school holidays and sunny days — these sell out fastest.
- The zoo is set on a hillside, so wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to walk it all.
- Edinburgh Zoo is run by RZSS, a conservation charity — RZSS members get free entry and free parking.
- Watch for seasonal events like the Giant Lanterns and Late Night summer entry, which are ticketed separately.
Is it worth it?
For families and animal lovers, absolutely. You get a full day among 2,500+ animals — including koalas and sloths you won't find elsewhere in the country — across a scenic hillside setting. Because it's timed entry, the smart move is to book your date in advance so you're not turned away on a busy day. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, there's little risk in locking in your slot early.
FAQs
Do I need to book Edinburgh Zoo tickets in advance?
It's a timed-entry ticket, so booking ahead is strongly recommended — particularly for weekends, school holidays and good-weather days, when gate availability can sell out.
Are third-party tickets valid for Edinburgh Zoo?
Yes. Edinburgh Zoo is not an official-site-only venue, so genuine third-party admission tickets are valid for entry.
How do I get to Edinburgh Zoo?
It's about 10 minutes from the city centre. Lothian Buses 12, 26 and 31 stop right outside the front entrance, as does the 100 Airlink from Edinburgh Airport. By car, use postcode EH12 6TS (on-site parking £5). There's no direct train — take a bus from Waverley or Haymarket station.
🎟️ Top things to do in Edinburgh
Skip the queues with pre-booked tickets. Compare prices across GetYourGuide and Tiqets — both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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Where to stay near Edinburgh Zoo
Making a trip of it? Edinburgh hotels fill up fast in peak season — compare live prices and free-cancellation rooms near Edinburgh Zoo before you book.
Prices change daily. Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports the site at no extra cost to you.
