San Diego Zoo - Address & Directions

How to Get to the San Diego Zoo?

Address:
2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

The San Diego Zoo is situated inside Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego. The main parking lot entrance and guest drop-off zones are accessible directly from Park Boulevard via Zoo Drive.

Directions

Driving Directions
Public Transportation
Rideshare or Taxi
On-Site Parking

Driving Directions

From the North (Southbound via I-5): Take Interstate 5 South toward downtown San Diego. Exit at Pershing Drive and follow the signs toward Balboa Park. Turn left onto Park Boulevard and head north. Turn left onto Zoo Drive to enter the main parking grounds.
From the North (Southbound via I-15 or SR-163): Take State Route 163 South into the Balboa Park area. Exit at Park Boulevard/I-5 South. Turn left onto Park Boulevard and continue north. Turn left on Zoo Drive.
From the South (Northbound via I-5 or SR-163): Take Interstate 5 North or State Route 163 North. Exit at Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) or Park Boulevard. Follow the directional signage to Park Boulevard, turn north, and enter via Zoo Drive.
From the East (Westbound via I-8): Take Interstate 8 West to State Route 163 South. Exit at Park Boulevard. Turn left onto Park Boulevard and head north. The zoo entrance is located on the left at Zoo Drive.
From San Diego International Airport (SAN): Exit the airport onto North Harbor Drive eastbound. Turn left onto Laurel Street and continue eastbound into Balboa Park. Laurel Street transitions into El Prado and intersects with Park Boulevard. Turn left onto Park Boulevard, then left onto Zoo Drive. Driving time is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

FAQs about Getting to the San Diego Zoo

Where is the San Diego Zoo located?

The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, directly accessible via Park Boulevard.

How do I drive to the zoo from the airport?

Exit San Diego International Airport onto North Harbor Drive, turn left on Laurel Street into Balboa Park, turn left on Park Boulevard, and turn left onto Zoo Drive.

Which public transit buses provide direct access to the zoo?

MTS Route 7 and MTS Rapid 215 run frequently between downtown San Diego and the dedicated Balboa Park/Zoo bus station on Park Boulevard.

Can I connect to the zoo via the San Diego Trolley or regional trains?

Yes, riders taking the Trolley Blue or Orange Lines can disembark at City College Station, while Amtrak and COASTER riders can connect at Santa Fe Depot to transfer directly to Route 7 or Rapid 215.

Where can rideshare vehicles drop off and pick up passengers?

Dedicated passenger drop-off and pickup areas are located along Zoo Drive right near the main entrance turnstiles.

What should I enter into my GPS for rideshare or navigation apps?

Set your destination directly to "San Diego Zoo Main Entrance" or use the address 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101.

Is parking available at the venue and how do I pay?

Parking is available in the dedicated surface lot adjacent to the entrance, with standard vehicle rates paid upon entry, via self-service kiosks, or mobile portals.

Is overflow parking available if the main lot fills up?

During peak travel periods, overflow parking operates at Balboa Park's Inspiration Point lot, which offers a complimentary shuttle directly to the zoo's main gate.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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