Edinburgh Zoo Entry Tickets with Koalas & Penguins

Edinburgh Zoo on Corstorphine Hill

Edinburgh Zoo sits on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill, a short bus or car ride from the city centre. It is run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and combines animal displays with conservation work. Your entry ticket is valid for the day, so you can take your time exploring the park and see the animals at your own pace.

If you are searching for Edinburgh Zoo tickets, this page gives you the standard entry, including the family trail and dinosaur exhibition. Most visitors spend four to five hours, and some stay the whole day.

Koalas, tigers, penguins and more

Edinburgh Zoo is known for its koalas, the only Queensland koalas in the UK, and for its Sumatran tigers, meerkats and sloths. The penguin pool is the largest in Europe, with underwater viewing windows, and it hosts three species of penguins, including the famous King penguin Sir Nils Olav.

The zoo's residents come from all continents, and information boards explain their habitats and the threats they face. There are baby animals at certain times of year, and daily keeper talks let you learn more and ask questions. Spring and summer often bring the youngest arrivals, which makes the visit even more special.

The dinosaur walk-through and the family trail

The dinosaur exhibition is a walk-through where life-size models come to life against the backdrop of the Scottish capital. It is popular with children, and it is included in your ticket. The family trail is a simple activity that guides younger visitors around the park.

Beyond the animals, the zoo has children's play areas, restaurants and picnic spots, so it is easy to spend a full day. The site is hilly, so comfortable shoes are strongly recommended. Set aside time for the play areas if you are travelling with younger children, since they make a welcome pause between the animal houses, and the picnic spots let you rest before the walk back up the hill.

Getting there, best time and practical tips

The zoo is about 10 minutes from the city centre by bus or car, and buses run from Princes Street. If you are wondering how to get to Edinburgh Zoo, take a bus towards Corstorphine or use a taxi. Parking is available for an additional fee, and the ticket does not include hotel pickup.

The best time to visit is usually a weekday morning, when the animals are active and the paths are quieter. Bring a rain jacket in Scotland, as weather can change quickly, and allow time for the steep paths. The zoo is wheelchair-accessible in most areas, though some paths are steep.