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Cheap Tickets for the London Zoo

Updated: November 15, 2023
 By Margaret

This post covers how to get cheap London Zoo tickets, including discounts, coupons, and deals.

It will also help you plan your visit to the London Zoo, including when you should go and what to expect.


TICKET PRICES

Ticket prices tend to fluctuate during peak times, such as the summer months, so you should look at their pricing table to double-check.

If you purchase a ticket at the gate, you will pay approximately £3 more.

TIP: There are several ways to save a lot of money on tickets. Check our discount section for more information.

Standard Prices

  • Adults (16+): £33.00
  • Children (3-15):  £21.45
  • Seniors (65+): £29.70

Peak Prices

  • Adults (16+): £35.50
  • Children (3-15): £23.10
  • Seniors (65+): £31.95

Off-Peak Prices

  • Adults (16+): £30.50
  • Children (3-15): £19.85
  • Seniors (65+): £27.45

Click here to purchase.

Note: Students and disabled adults receive the Senior concession price. Essential carers of adults are free.


2 FOR 1 TICKETS AND OTHER DISCOUNTS

You can find multiple ways to save money on your visit to the London Zoo!

This section will include both discounts that are currently available and those that could be offered in the future.


1. London 2 for 1

2 for 1 London lets you buy one ticket and get one ticket free when you use the National Rail to get to the Zoo.

This is a great way to save on admission if you're going with a friend.

If you're coming in groups of 4, 6, or even 8, you could also group up in twos to take advantage of this discount.

You'll need to download a voucher and bring it with you to get the discount.

There are usually certain days during peak seasons when this 2 for 1 offer is not valid, so we recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons if you want to take advantage of this deal.

For more information about how this works, check our guide to the 2 for 1 deal.


2. Tourist Discount Passes

Tourist discount passes are easy ways to get into most of London’s top-rated and popular attractions for free or at a discount.

For one up-front ticket fee, you’ll get access to bundled discounts all over the city.

In addition to covering the cost of visiting the London Zoo, these passes also provide access to notable landmarks and activities like these:

  • Royal Mews
  • Kew Gardens
  • Tower Bridge
  • Tower of London
  • Cartoon Museum
  • View from the Shard
  • London Wetland Centre
  • London Bridge Experience
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
  • And more!

The London Pass 

The London Pass is an all-inclusive attraction discount pass that includes entry to the London Zoo.

You can purchase this pass to be active for 1 - 10 days and visit as many attractions as you can that are included in the pass.

The London Zoo is one of the most popular options for this pass. 


The Explorer Pass

The Explorer Pass allows you to choose 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 attractions to visit with one bundled discount, which can save you up to 50% of your total ticket costs. 

The London Zoo is one of the attraction options on both of these passes. 

Learn more about how tourist discount passes work.


3. Combination Ticket

If you’re interested in visiting Madame Tussauds, there is a combo package that includes admission to both that attraction and the London Zoo.

With this combination ticket, you’ll save approximately 5% off of the combined cost if you get the London Zoo’s online ticket price.


4. Groupon and Living Social Coupon Sites

Check out discount websites, such as Groupon and Living Social, which often offer 50% off the listed entry price.

In addition to the deals they have, these sites usually also provide additional coupon codes which could save you an extra 10% - 20% off local activities.


5. Off-Peak Tickets

If you buy tickets during the fall and early spring months, you might be able to save some money by getting off-peak tickets.

These prices are usually only offered during weekdays.


6. Saver Tickets

During the least popular times to visit (November, December, January, and February), the London Zoo offers what they call saver tickets.

These are essentially off-peak tickets, but they are even more affordable. Here are the current saver ticket prices:

  • Adults: £28.50
  • Children: £18.55
  • Senior: £25.65

Saver prices are almost always for weekend tickets and holiday hours.


7. Super Saver Tickets

Much like the saver tickets, super saver tickets are also typically offered during the most unpopular times to visit the zoo.

Here are the current Super Saver ticket prices:

  • Adults: £26.50
  • Children: £17.25
  • Senior: £23.85

These ticket types are typically offered during weekdays in the winter months.


8. Senior Discount

Visitors over the age of 65 are eligible for a discount of between £3 - £4 depending on whether they are peak, standard, off-peak, saver, or super saver tickets.


9. Student Discount

University students are eligible for the same discount as seniors, which is £3 - £4 less than the adult ticket price depending on which type of ticket you choose.


10. Children's Discount

Children's tickets are around £10 - £12 less than an adult ticket depending on which type of ticket you're purchasing.

Admission is free for kids under 3.


11. Military Discount

The London Zoo does not currently offer a military discount, but that may change in the near future.


12. Become a Member

Members of the ZSL London Zoo are eligible for free entry to the zoo, as well as discounts at the shops, restaurants, and special activities on the grounds.

You'll also receive fast-track entry and free off-peak parking. 

Here are the current yearly membership prices:

Gold Membership

  • Adults: £105.50
  • Children: £70.00'
  • Seniors/Students: £94.95

Silver Membership

  • Adults: £80.50
  • Children: £70.00
  • Seniors/Students: £72.45

This might be a good way to save money on tickets for anyone who plans to visit the London Zoo at least 2-3 times per year.

TIP: For more ways to save money in the city, check out our post on free things to do in London or take a free walking tour.


13. Kellogg's Promo (Valid until June 2023)

If you purchase participating Kellogg's products between now and June 30th, you might be able to get a free ticket to London Zoo!

All you have to do is find the 10-digit code printed inside the packaging and go to www.merlinfun.com to book and print out your tickets.

Currently, the products participating in this promotion are either cereal boxes or snack packs.

This promotion ends on June 30th, 2023. Learn more here.


14. Community Access Tickets

If you are from a low-income household, have a disability, or are over the age of 60, you could be eligible for what London Zoo calls Community Access tickets.

Depending on your scenario, you can expect ticket prices to range from just £3 - £6.50 per person.

For more details about how to qualify and obtain these tickets, please read the official Community Access website.


15. Promo Codes

As of November 2022, there are no promo codes being offered by the London Zoo.

That said, if they ever do offer any coupon codes, you'll likely find them on the official London Zoo website or official London Zoo social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter).


PLAN YOUR VISIT

The information in this section includes hours, directions, and ways to make your visit a fun one!


How to Get There

The London Zoo is located in Regent’s Park at Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY.

By Underground

  • Camden Station
  • Baker Street Station
  • Regent’s Park Station
  • Great Portland Street Station

By Bus

  • Routes 274 and C2

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus

  • Baker Street

TIP: Several routes, such as the Big Bus Tours Orange Route, make stops within easy walking distance of the London Zoo. Take a look at our Hop-On-Hop-Off bus comparison post to see which one will work best for you.

Other Transportation

  • Nearest Rail Station: Euston Station
  • Bike: The Zoo has two Barclay Cycle Hire stations
  • Waterbus: The London Waterbus Company runs a scheduled service between Camden, Little Venice, and Soho

Use this Google link to get directions from your exact location. If you’re taking the Underground, don’t forget to read our tips on mastering the Tube.


Hours

The London Zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas day. However, the opening hours depend on the time of year.

We suggest checking their timetables to be certain, as they occasionally close early for special events and galas.

  • April - August from 10:00 am - 18:00 (6:00 pm)
  • September - late October from 10:00 am - 17:00 (5:00 pm)
  • Late October - February from 10:00 am - 16:00 (4:00 pm)

NOTE: Last entry is admitted one hour before closing, and some animal exhibits may close 30 minutes before the park does.


When is the best time to go?

Since the London Zoo is such a popular activity for local families as well as visitors, your best bet for smaller crowds will be while school is in session.

This means weekday mornings are the least busy year-round, but especially from September to May.

Weekends are especially busy, so if you must go on a Saturday or Sunday try to arrive right around the 10:00 am opening time.


How much time will I need to see everything at the Zoo?

Some visitors can make it through the London Zoo in 1 hour, but most people spend 2 - 3 hours walking through the animal exhibits, riding the train, and watching zookeeper talks and demonstrations.


Can I take photographs and videos?

Feel free to take all the non-commercial and non-flash photos and videos you like.

Animals at the London Zoo
This photo of the London Zoo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Will children enjoy this attraction?

Yes! Kids of all ages - and even adults - will enjoy the London Zoo.

There are fun and exotic animals in their habitats, a fun train to ride, and talks with the zookeepers at various points throughout the day.


Are there dining options in the Zoo?

Yes - the London Zoo has The Terrace Restaurant which offers full meals such as sandwiches, pizzas, and salads, as well as an Aquarium Kiosk with drinks, pastries, and snacks.

Both dining options offer vegetarian and vegan menu items.


Is there a gift shop?

Yes! There is a gift shop with souvenirs, toys, shirts, and other trinkets.


Can I bring my backpack or pram/stroller?

The London Zoo allows you to bring purses, backpacks, prams (strollers), and picnics. However, all of these will be subject to a search for safety upon entering the park.

If you want to store bags or luggage while visiting, they have a few lockers for hire on the premises which are monitored by CCTV cameras.

However, they only accept coins, do not issue change, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you want a convenient way to store your bags while enjoying the Zoo, check out some Airbnb-style luggage storage options in London.


WHAT TO EXPECT

Opened in London on 27th April 1828, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.

Originally, it was created to be used as a collection strictly for scientific study for those belonging to the London Zoological Society.

The zoo was later opened to the general public in 1847.

Within the past decades, huge improvements works and new environments for countless animals have been expanded.

This has made the London Zoo one of the largest, most diverse, and most enjoyable zoos in the entire world.


Animal Exhibits

Currently, the London Zoo is home to over 19,000 animals of over 806 different species.

The layout is carefully organized into individual habitats where animals are grouped together in geographically similar environments.

Here are a few of the popular exhibits you can find:


Rainforest Life/Nightlife

This is a walk-through exhibit that houses several species of rainforest animals such as marmosets and sloths.

Housed here are also a number of nocturnal animals such as bats, scorpions, giant rats, and chinchillas.


Into Africa

Holding animals from the African continent, this area includes a high-level viewing platform to bring guests face-to-face with the giraffes housed here.

Lion Exhibit at the London Zoo
This photo of the London Zoo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Another interesting animal species included in the African exhibits are lions.


The Outback

An Australian-themed exhibit dating originally from 1913, housing wallabies, kangaroos, and emus.


Gorilla Kingdom

Opened within the past few years, in 2007, the Gorilla Kingdom is made up of a large, moated island with an indoor gym for use by the gorillas.

As of today, London Zoo owns four gorillas – one male and three female! Other species of monkeys are housed in the Gorilla Kingdom, as well.


Aquarium

Originally the aquarium at London Zoo was the world’s first public aquarium!

London Zoo Aquarium
This photo of London Zoo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

In fact, it is believed that the word ‘aquarium’ originated here at London Zoo – having previously been referred to as an “aquatic vivarium.”


Meet the Monkeys

A walk-through enclosure that houses a troop of black-capped squirrel monkeys, this exhibit is unique in that there are no boundaries between the visitors and the monkeys themselves.


B.U.G.S.

Standing for Biodiversity Underpinning Global Survival, the B.U.G.S. exhibition holds over 140 species of animal, primarily made up of invertebrates.


Butterfly Paradise

Displaying different species of butterflies and moths from throughout the world, there is also a caterpillar hatchery here on public view!


Reptile House

Housing creatures such as snakes, frogs, and crocodiles, the Reptile House is one of the most famous areas of the Zoo – partially thanks to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone which filmed a scene in the actual reptile house itself!


Animal Adventure

A part of the zoo designed for children, the exhibit here features a playground and numerous domestic animals such as rabbits and chickens, and exotic species such as porcupines and prairie dogs.

London Zoo Animal Experience for Kids
This photo of London Zoo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Kids can even pet some of the calmer animals such as goats.


Komodo Dragons

Opened by Sir David Attenborough himself, the Komodo dragon enclosure houses two dragons and is designed to resemble their natural habitat: dry riverbeds.


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About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries. Read More...
Updated: November 15th, 2023
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