Edinburgh Zoo is on Corstorphine Road in the west of the city, off the A8. It has its own car park behind the hotel, but as a city zoo its spaces are limited and fill early on busy days.
The zoo car park
It's a surface car park behind the hotel, barrier-controlled — take a ticket on the way in and validate it to exit. There's no height barrier, and there are Blue Badge bays. It costs £5 per day for visitors, and is free for RZSS members. Because it's a city zoo the car park is small for the crowds, and it can be full by late morning on a busy day.
If the car park is full
There's some residential parking in the streets nearby, but it's limited — and mind the yellow lines, bus lanes and greenways (those are council tickets), and don't block driveways. When in doubt, check the signs before you leave the car.
Getting there without driving (often easier)
Buses 12, 26 and 31 plus the Airlink 100 stop right outside the entrance, from Haymarket, Waverley and the city centre. The tram stops at Murrayfield, a short walk away.
And if a ticket beat you to it on the streets nearby — the Corstorphine side roads are enforced — my pay-or-appeal guide explains the 14-day rule and whether yours is worth challenging (I review tickets personally, verdict free).
Quick recap
- Zoo car park: £5/day visitors, free for members.
- First-come, first-served — fills early on busy days.
- Buses 12, 26, 31, Airlink 100 stop right outside.
- Mind yellow lines if you park in nearby streets.
Parking in nearby streets?
If the car park's full, check what the surrounding streets allow first.
Check your street →