Bronx Zoo – Plan Your Visit

The park opens daily at 10 AM. Closing times vary based on the time of year and day of the week:

Winter (November 2 – April 1): The park closes daily at 4:30 PM.

Spring/Summer Weekdays (April 2 – October 31): The park closes at 5 PM.

Spring/Summer Weekends & Holidays: The park closes at 5:30 PM.

Note that last entry to the park is permitted until 45 minutes before closing.

To ensure you see the wildlife, please be aware that animal exhibits close 30 minutes prior to the park’s scheduled closing time.

Best Time to Visit

To maximize your experience, consider the following timing tips:

Early Arrival: Arriving right at 10 AM allows you to see many animals at their most active and beat the mid-day school groups and crowds.

Weekday Visits: Tuesdays and Thursdays generally see lower attendance than weekends.

Holiday Closures

The Bronx Zoo is closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Bronx Zoo is located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. Because the park spans 265 acres, there are multiple entrances depending on your mode of transport.

By Subway

Subway travel is a direct and efficient way to reach the park from Manhattan or other boroughs.

Line 2 or 5: Take the uptown train to West Farms Square-East Tremont Ave. From the station, walk north on Boston Road for two blocks to the zoo’s Southern Boulevard entrance (Gate C).

Line 2 (Alternate): You may also take the 2 train to Bronx Park East. This station is approximately a 7-minute walk from the Bronx River Parkway entrance (Gate B).

By Express and Local Bus

Buses provide several drop-off points near the various park gates.

BxM11 Express Bus: This MTA service runs from Madison Avenue in Manhattan (between 26th and 99th Streets) directly to the zoo’s Bronx River entrance (Gate B). It operates daily and offers a comfortable, limited-stop alternative to the subway.

Local Bronx Buses: The Bx9 and Bx19 lines stop at 183rd Street and Southern Boulevard, which is directly adjacent to the Southern Boulevard entrance (Gate C).

Other Routes: The Bx12 and Bx22 also serve the vicinity, stopping near the Fordham Road Gate on the north side of the park.

By Train (Metro-North)

Visitors traveling from Westchester County or Connecticut can use the Metro-North Railroad.

Take the Harlem Line to the Fordham Station.

From the station, you can take the Bx9 bus eastward to 183rd Street and Southern Boulevard, or walk approximately 15–20 minutes along Fordham Road to the zoo’s northern entrance.

By Car

The Bronx Zoo is easily accessible via major highways. There are two primary parking areas:

Southern Boulevard Lot: Best for GPS navigation using 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460. This lot is recommended for those requiring level access and electric convenience vehicle (ECV) rentals.

Bronx River Parking: Located off the Bronx River Parkway. Use the intersection of Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road for GPS. Take Exit 6 off the Parkway to reach this gate.

The Bronx Zoo provides a comprehensive range of amenities designed to accommodate guests throughout their full-day visit.

Restrooms are located at every major exhibit hub, including the Dancing Crane Cafe, the Southern Boulevard entrance, and near the Bug Carousel.

To assist with navigation across the 265-acre property, the Zoo Shuttle operates seasonally, transporting guests between the main exhibit areas for a nominal fee.

First Aid stations are staffed by certified emergency medical technicians and are located near the Bronx River entrance and the Dancing Crane Cafe.

For families with infants, nursing stations and diaper-changing facilities are integrated into most major restroom locations.

Lost and Found services are handled at the Admissions booths at each main gate, where guests can also find information regarding daily schedules and park updates.

The Bronx Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors and is largely compliant with ADA standards.

Most of the park’s 265 acres are accessible to guests with mobility impairments, though some areas feature natural terrain with varying inclines.

Wheelchair and ECV Rentals: Manual wheelchairs are available for rent at the Southern Boulevard (Gate C) and Bronx River (Gate B) entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are also available for rent at the Southern Boulevard entrance, though advance reservation is recommended during peak periods.

Shuttles and Transport: The Zoo Shuttle and Wild Asia Monorail are equipped to accommodate standard manual wheelchairs. Please note that certain oversized motorized scooters may not fit on these transport systems due to weight and size constraints.

Pathways: While the majority of the zoo features paved pathways, some areas, particularly near the Mitsubishi Riverwalk, may have steeper grades or uneven surfaces.

Sensory Bags: Through a partnership with KultureCity, the zoo provides sensory bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards. These can be checked out at the Guest Relations booths.

Quiet Zones: Designated quiet zones are located throughout the park for guests who may need a break from sensory stimulation. These are typically situated in lower-traffic areas such as the Mitsubishi Riverwalk.

Aide Admission: The Bronx Zoo offers complimentary admission for one personal care attendant (PCA) accompanying a guest with a disability.

Policy: Only ADA-compliant service animals (dogs or miniature horses) are permitted. These animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

Restricted Areas: For the safety of the zoo’s resident wildlife, service animals may be restricted from entering specific sensitive habitats, including the Butterfly Garden, JungleWorld, and certain areas of the Congo Gorilla Forest.

The Dancing Crane Cafe is the park’s primary year-round dining facility, offering a variety of hot and cold meals including burgers, salads, and vegetarian options.

It features a large indoor seating area as well as an outdoor patio overlooking a natural marsh.

For a more casual experience, seasonal food stands and snack bars are positioned throughout the park, serving quick items like hot dogs, pretzels, and ice cream.

Visitors are also permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park.

Designated picnic areas are available at the Bronx River entrance and near the Dancing Crane Cafe.

Please note that for the safety of the animals, glass containers and straws are strictly prohibited throughout the zoo.

The Bronx Zoo features several retail locations, with the Bronx Zoo Store near the Southern Boulevard entrance serving as the flagship destination.

This shop offers a wide selection of apparel, plush animals, and educational books.

Many items sold in the store are sustainably sourced, reflecting the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society to protect global biodiversity.

In addition to the main flagship store, smaller themed gift shops are located at the exits of major exhibits such as the Congo Gorilla Forest and JungleWorld.

These shops offer specialized merchandise related to the specific animals housed in those habitats.

For convenience, guests can also find kiosks throughout the park selling essential items like hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas.