Schönbrunn Zoo Tickets Vienna
- Duration4 hours
- Open onEvery day
- Meeting pointThe Hietzing entrance of Schönbrunn Zoo at Maxingstrasse 13B
- Skip the line
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
A fast-track entry ticket to Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna's zoo in the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and widely described as the oldest zoo in the world. Founded in the imperial menagerie of the eighteenth century, it combines Baroque pavilions with modern habitats for polar animals, rainforest species, elephants, giant pandas and more. Fast-track entry saves time at the gate, so you can spend your day with the animals. A good half-day for families and animal lovers on a Vienna trip.
Highlights
- Fast-track entry to Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world
- Set in the grounds of the UNESCO-listed Schönbrunn Palace
- Rainforest house, polar house, aquarium and terrarium under one ticket
- Baroque Imperial Pavilion beside modern animal habitats
- Suitable for all ages, with playgrounds and feeding demonstrations at set times
- Easy to combine with the palace and its gardens on the same day
Full Description
Tiergarten Schönbrunn, the world's oldest zoo
Tiergarten Schönbrunn began in 1752 as the imperial menagerie of Emperor Franz Stephan, Maria Theresa's husband, and it is still in its original site in the palace grounds. It is generally described as the world's oldest zoo still operating. If you are searching for Schönbrunn Zoo tickets, this fast-track ticket is the practical way to get in and start exploring without waiting at the gate.
The zoo sits within the Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the setting is unusual: Baroque pavilions and manicured paths stand next to enclosures designed for the animals' welfare. It is a mix of history and modern conservation that suits families and adult visitors alike.
Rainforest, polar house and the big animals
Highlights include the rainforest house with tropical plants and animals, the polar house for cold-climate species, the aquarium and terrarium, and outdoor areas for elephants, big cats and Asian animals. The zoo is also known for its work with giant pandas, which have been a special attraction for many years.
Feeding demonstrations run at set times through the day, so ask at the entrance for the schedule. Is Schönbrunn Zoo worth visiting? For most families, yes, especially combined with the palace, because the routes are shaded and the animal areas are well laid out.
The Imperial Pavilion and the setting
At the centre of the zoo stands the octagonal Imperial Pavilion, built in the eighteenth century for the imperial family's breakfasts and now a café. Around it the paths spread like the spokes of a wheel, which makes the zoo easy to navigate without getting lost.
The historic buildings give the visit a special feel compared with a modern zoo, and the well-kept gardens provide places to sit between animal areas. Bring a camera for the mix of baroque architecture and animal life, and take your time in the gardens between enclosures.
Planning your visit: opening hours and how to get there
The zoo is open every day of the year from the morning, with closing time changing through the seasons, so check the opening hours for your date. Allow three to four hours for a comfortable visit, longer if you have small children who like the playgrounds.
To get to Schönbrunn Zoo, take the U4 to Hietzing and walk a few minutes to the zoo gate, or take tram 10 or 60 to Hietzing. The zoo is on the west side of the palace grounds, so you can combine it with a walk through the gardens or a visit to the palace itself. A fast-track ticket helps most in busy summer and school-holiday periods.
Itinerary
- Arrival at the zoo entrancePresent your fast-track ticket at the gate on your chosen date.
- Imperial PavilionStart at the central pavilion and choose your route along the paths.
- Rainforest and polar housesSpend about 60 minutes with tropical and cold-climate species.
- Elephants, big cats and Asian animalsVisit the outdoor areas and any feeding demonstration on offer, about 60 minutes.
- Gardens or palaceLeave time to walk in the palace gardens or continue to the palace.
What's included
- Fast-track entry ticket to Schönbrunn Zoo
- Valid for one day
Not included
- Transport to and from the zoo
- Food and drinks
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
- Travellers short on time — skip-the-line entry
- A half-day plan — about 4 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Not suitable for
- Visitors with animal allergies
- Anyone who prefers a guided experience; this is a self-paced entry ticket
Meeting point
There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is the zoo entrance on the west side of the Schönbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna's Hietzing district. Show your fast-track ticket on your phone or printed at the gate on the date selected.
Important information
- Choose your date in the booking panel; the ticket is valid for the day you select
- Opening and closing times change by season
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat or umbrella according to the season
- Feeding demonstrations run at set times; ask at the entrance for the schedule
- Do not feed the animals or climb barriers
- Food and drink can be bought inside; check the signs for the rules on bringing your own
- Strollers and wheelchairs can use the main paths
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Schönbrunn Zoo ticket cost?
The price depends on the option you choose and on the age category. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children, so you can compare before you book.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup is not included. The zoo is easy to reach by U-Bahn (U4 to Hietzing) or tram, and the gate is close to the station.
How long does a Schönbrunn Zoo visit take?
Most visitors spend three to four hours. Families with small children often stay longer, especially if they use the playgrounds.
Is Schönbrunn Zoo suitable for children?
Yes. It is one of the best family outings in Vienna, with playgrounds, feeding demonstrations and a wide range of animals.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a hat and water in summer and a warm jacket in winter.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Yes, as long as there is still availability. Pick your date in the booking panel and it will show which dates and time slots are open. Fast-track tickets are useful on busy days, so choose your date early in summer and school holidays.
What is the difference between the options?
This page offers the fast-track entry ticket, which lets you enter the zoo without queueing to buy a ticket at the gate.
Is Schönbrunn Zoo really the oldest zoo in the world?
It is widely described as the oldest zoo still operating in the world, dating back to the imperial menagerie founded in 1752.
How do I get to Schönbrunn Zoo?
Take the U4 to Hietzing and walk to the zoo gate, or tram 10 or 60 to Hietzing. From the city centre the journey takes about twenty minutes.
Can I combine the zoo with Schönbrunn Palace?
Yes. The zoo is inside the palace grounds, so many visitors visit the palace and gardens in the morning and the zoo in the afternoon, with separate tickets.
More in Vienna
