Book ahead via the official site for savings, arrive by 10am, and plan 4-6 hours for top attractions like Tiger Tracks and Penguin Rock.
Jump to key sections: Tickets & Pricing | Hours | Must-See Attractions | Location Map | FAQ
Key Takeaways for Your Visit
- Save 10% booking online: Adults £30 vs. £32.50 gate price (RZSS Edinburgh Zoo official tickets).
- Prime time: Weekends for Wee Waddle penguin walks at 2:15pm.
- Home to the UK’s only koalas and Scotland’s sloths, plus over 1,000 animals.
- 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor from 9,000+ reviews praising family fun and hilly views.
- Stay nearby via Booking.com or Agoda.
How to Get Edinburgh Zoo Tickets: Prices and Booking Tips
When I first visited Edinburgh Zoo back in a crisp Scottish spring, I learned the hard way that gate prices sting more than a Highland midge.
Booking online through the official Edinburgh Zoo website slashed my adult ticket from £32.50 to £30, including a voluntary 10% conservation donation. Children aged 3-15 pay £22.50 online (£24.50 walk-up), under-3s enter free, and concessions like students or seniors get £27.
Family bundles make sense for groups, but always check for seasonal promos on sites like GetYourGuide.
Online Booking Card
- Adult: £30 (save vs gate)
- Child 3-15: £22.50
- Concession: £27
- Pro Tip: Print or save e-tickets; kids must be with adults 16+.
Why Book Ahead?
During peak summer, queues snake up Corstorphine Road. I skipped them entirely, heading straight to the pandas. Integrate with nearby stays on TripAdvisor or Expedia for bundles.
Edinburgh Zoo Opening Hours and Best Visit Times
Edinburgh Zoo swings open daily from 10am, but closing varies: 4pm November-February, 5pm March/October, and 6pm April-September.
Last entry is 90 minutes before close, so I always aim for morning arrivals to beat crowds and catch animals at their friskiest. “Arriving at opening let us see the penguin feed without elbowing tourists,” shared a fellow visitor on TripAdvisor forums.
Seasonal Hours Stack
- Winter (Nov-Feb): 10am-4pm
- Spring/Fall: 10am-5pm
- Summer: 10am-6pm
- Check visitor updates for holidays.
Must-See Attractions at Edinburgh Zoo
Sprawling over 82 acres of hilly parkland, Edinburgh Zoo packs over 1,000 animals into immersive habitats. My standout was the Giant Panda enclosure, where Tian Tian and friends lounge amid bamboo groves, a rarity in the UK since 2011.
Then there’s Koala Territory, the UK’s only spot for these eucalyptus munchers; I spent 45 minutes watching one nap upside-down, perfectly mimicking their Aussie wilds.
Penguin Rock and Wee Waddle
World-famous for breeding penguins first in 1914, watch Gentoo, Rockhopper, and King penguins parade daily around 2:15pm. “The Wee Waddle brings them walkway-close,” per zoo CEO David Field. It’s pure joy, especially on rainy days when they waddle with purpose.
Tiger Tracks and Sloth Sanctuary
Sumatran tigers prowl a massive enclosure with a walk-through tunnel; sloths hang lazily in Scotland’s only habitat. Hilltop Safari rides (free) conquer the slopes, revealing 2,500+ animals total.
Pros and Cons Cards
- Pros: Stunning views, keeper talks, Dino exhibit, and play areas for kids.
- Cons: Hilly terrain tiring for some; weather-dependent outdoor views.
Real talk from my trip: “The koala’s unhurried gaze reminded me why zoos like this fund global conservation, protecting species on the brink.” Ratings hover at 3.9-4.0 on TripAdvisor, with families raving about interactive feeds.
Getting to Edinburgh Zoo: Location and Directions
Situated at 134 Corstorphine Road, EH12 6TS, it’s a quick 10-minute bus from the city center or drive from Edinburgh Airport. Public transport via Lothian Buses 12, 20, and 26. Contact: 0131 334 9171, info@rzss.org.uk, Instagram.
Book hotels nearby on Hotels.com, Kayak, or Vrbo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh Zoo
Are Edinburgh Zoo tickets cheaper online?
Yes, online adults pay £30 versus £32.50 at the gate, with kids at £22.50. Book via the official site for instant access.
What are the must-see animals at Edinburgh Zoo?
Giant pandas, koalas, sloths, Sumatran tigers, and penguins top the list. Don’t miss the 2:15pm penguin waddle.
Is Edinburgh Zoo worth visiting with kids?
Absolutely, with play areas, Dino exhibits, and talks. 4+ star family reviews praise the engagement.
How long to spend at Edinburgh Zoo?
4-6 hours covers highlights; a full day for keeper events and rides.
Does Edinburgh Zoo have giant pandas?
Yes, featuring Tian Tian and Yang Guang since 2011, a UK highlight.