An aerial view, looking down at Melbourne Zoo's Main Gate.

Getting here

Getting to Melbourne Zoo by public transport is the easiest, most convenient and eco-friendly way to go!

Travelling by public transport

By Tram

Route 58 between West Coburg and Toorak runs via William Street in the city centre every day, with services as often as every 6 minutes, stopping directly outside Melbourne Zoo at Stop 26. Make sure you travel safely on board.

By Train

Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield line every day, stopping at Royal Park Station - just across the road from Melbourne Zoo's rail gate entrance. Please see above advice about planned disruptions on the Upfield line due to the Level Crossing Removal Project.

By Bus

Bus route 505 from Moonee Ponds to Melbourne University stops outside Melbourne Zoo.

 

Travelling from Regional Victoria

V/Line trains run from Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Maryborough, Ararat, Bendigo, Swan Hill, Echuca, Seymour, Shepparton and Albury, Traralgon, Sale, and many other rural destinations, into the CBD.

The V/Line Family Traveller ticket allows each adult to take up to two children aged between five and 18 at no extra cost.

Timetable information

Visit PTV for up-to-date tram, train and bus times. (Tip: Use their Journey Planner for public transport directions from anywhere in Victoria. Enter your starting address in the “From” box and enter “Melbourne Zoo” as a landmark in the “To” box).

Public Transport Victoria journey planner

Travelling by car

Melbourne Zoo is located only minutes north of the city centre at Royal Park and is 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). 

Car parking is $2 for a five hour ticket and is run by Melbourne City Council.

To use a parking bay reserved for people with disabilities, ​you will need to display a valid parking permit for people with a disability. Don't forget to display your parking ticket on your dashboard, as the area is regularly monitored by parking officers. Download the EasyPark App from the App Store or Google Play in advance to skip the queue and pay for parking from your phone.

During peak times, like school and public holidays, we do our best try to get you parked and into the zoo as quickly as possible. Please follow instructions from our parking attendants when it's busy.

Other parking options

If needed, there are other parking options within walking distance to the zoo. 

  • Melbourne Sport Centre Parkville
    Located at 10 Brens Drive, Parkville VIC 3052. Access to Brens Drive via Elliot avenue. Parking subject to availability.
    Approximately an 8 minute walk to Melbourne Zoo's Rail Gate entrance.
  • Local Street parking
    Several local streets surrounding Melbourne Zoo have on-street parking; most are located on The Avenue and Royal Parade. 
  • Ikon Park
    Located at 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC 3054. Limited parking subject to availability.
    Approximately a 15 minute walk to Melbourne Zoo's Main Gate entrance.