Woodland Park Zoo Directions: How To Get There

Woodland Park Zoo has two main entrances, each with dedicated parking areas. The West Entrance (5500 Phinney Ave N) is accessed via Phinney Avenue and connects to the Otter and Penguin parking lots, with additional access via N. 59th Street (Bear lot).

The South Entrance (750 N. 50th Street) is reached via N. 50th Street and is served by the Lion parking lot, located near the African Savanna exhibit.

On-site parking is available at all main lots, with hourly rates and a daily maximum fee. Designated accessible parking spaces are available, and parking is free for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard. Overnight parking is not permitted, and bus/RV parking is limited to the Lion lot.

The zoo is well connected by Seattle’s public transport network. Several King County Metro bus routes, including lines 5 and 44, stop within walking distance of the zoo, with frequent services from downtown Seattle. Travel time from central Seattle is typically around 15 - 30 minutes.

For light rail users, the nearest station is U District Station, followed by a short walk or bus connection to the zoo. This makes public transport a convenient and cost-effective option for visitors without a car.

Cycling to the zoo is a practical option, especially given Seattle’s bike-friendly infrastructure. The zoo provides free, covered, and secure bicycle parking at the West Entrance, making it easy to arrive by bike and explore without worrying about storage.

If you are staying nearby in neighborhoods like Phinney Ridge, Green Lake, or Fremont, the zoo is accessible on foot. Walking routes connect through surrounding parks and residential areas, making it a pleasant option, especially on clear days. The zoo is located about 5 miles from downtown Seattle, so walking from the city center is less common but possible for those who enjoy longer walks.