London Zoo, officially known as ZSL London Zoo, isn’t just any zoo it’s the oldest scientific zoo in the world and one of the UK’s most iconic attractions. Set in the leafy heart of Regent’s Park, it’s home to more than 15,000 animals, from lions and tigers to penguins, lemurs, and even the tiniest invertebrates.
For families, school groups, or curious travelers, a trip here is both fun and educational. But before you can meet the animals, you’ll need to figure out the best way to get there. Thankfully, being in central London means you’ve got plenty of options. Whether you want the speed of the Tube, the convenience of a taxi, or a scenic walk through the park, getting to London Zoo is simple once you know the choices.
This guide breaks down all the ways to reach the zoo by Tube, train, bus, car, taxi, or on foot—along with some handy tips to make your day go smoothly. If you’ve ever wondered how to get to London Zoo without the stress, this section covers every option clearly so you can plan your visit with ease.
Getting to London Zoo by Tube
The London Underground is usually the quickest and easiest way to reach the zoo. There are three main stations people use, and which one works best for you depends on your starting point.
Camden Town (Northern Line)
Camden Town is the go-to station for many visitors. It’s about a 10–15-minute walk to the zoo, with clear signs pointing the way. The route takes you through Camden’s buzzing streets before you enter the calmer surroundings of Regent’s Park.
One of the perks of this option is Camden itself. The area is famous for its market, food stalls, and quirky shops, so you can easily combine your zoo trip with a wander around.
Tip: Camden Town gets very crowded, especially on weekends. If you’re travelling with little ones or pushchairs, you may want to avoid the hustle and bustle and head for Regent’s Park station instead.
Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line)
Regent’s Park station is about a 15-minute walk away. This route is far more peaceful, as it takes you straight through Regent’s Park. The paths are wide and stroller-friendly, and in spring or summer, the gardens are in full bloom. It’s the most scenic approach and perfect if you’d like a calmer start to your zoo day.
Baker Street (Multiple Lines)
If you’re travelling on other Underground lines, Baker Street station might be the most convenient. Served by the Metropolitan, Circle, Jubilee, Bakerloo, and Hammersmith & City lines, it’s one of London’s major interchanges. From here, you can either walk (about 20 minutes) or take a short taxi ride (around 10 minutes).
Baker Street is also handy if you plan to visit nearby attractions like Madame Tussauds or the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Getting to London Zoo by Train
Although London Zoo doesn’t have its own train station, several nearby hubs make onward travel easy. From St Pancras, Euston, or Camden Road, you can hop on a bus, walk, or grab a Bridge Station taxi for a quick and convenient ride straight to the zoo.
Euston Station
If you’re coming in from the Midlands or the North West, chances are you’ll arrive at Euston Station. It’s the closest major railway station to the zoo. From here, you can hop in a taxi and be at the gates in about 5–10 minutes. Buses also run regularly, or if you’re up for a stroll, walking takes around 25 minutes.
King’s Cross & St Pancras
Travelling from the North East, Scotland, or even abroad on the Eurostar? You’ll most likely arrive at King’s Cross or St Pancras International. Both stations are well connected to the zoo. A taxi ride takes about 10–15 minutes, and several bus routes make the journey simple too. This is the route most international visitors find easiest.
Getting to London Zoo by Bus
If you’d prefer a slower but more scenic journey, London’s buses are a good choice. They’re also cheaper than taxis and free for children when travelling with a paying adult.
The main routes serving London Zoo and Regent’s Park are:
- Route 88 – Runs from central London towards the zoo.
- Route 274 – A very useful route that stops near the zoo entrances.
- Route C2 – Connects to various central locations.
- Route 29 – Passes through Camden Town, handy if you want to stop there too.
Most London buses are stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Just bear in mind that traffic in central London can be unpredictable, especially during rush hours, so give yourself some extra time if you go this way.
Getting to London Zoo by Car
Driving is possible, but it’s not always the easiest option.
Parking: There is a small car park right by the zoo, but spaces are limited and tend to fill up quickly on weekends, school holidays, and sunny days. Parking fees apply.
Congestion Charge: The zoo falls inside London’s Congestion Charge Zone, so if you’re driving on a weekday (07:00–18:00), you’ll need to pay the daily fee.
Traffic: Central London traffic can be stressful and slow. Unless you really need to drive (e.g., travelling with a big group or lots of luggage), public transport is usually more straightforward.
Getting to London Zoo by Taxi
For comfort and convenience, nothing beats a taxi. Many travellers choose taxi transfers London services for a smooth, stress-free ride that gets them to their destination on time.
- From Euston, Baker Street, or Camden, it’s just 5–10 minutes by cab, costing around £7–£12.
- From central London hotels, expect the ride to take 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.
The best part? Taxis drop you right at the zoo gates—ideal for families with small children, visitors with mobility challenges, or groups carrying picnic baskets and bags. If you’re travelling as a larger group, you can book a 7-seater or MPV taxi, which often works out cheaper than multiple Tube fares.
Walking to London Zoo
Walking can be one of the most enjoyable ways to get there if the weathers on your side. Regent’s Park is beautiful, with lakes, gardens, and tree-lined avenues, so the walk feels more like part of the day out.
From Camden Town station, it’s about 10–15 minutes through lively market streets before you reach the park.
From Regent’s Park station, the 15-minute walk is calm and green—perfect if you’ve got kids with you.
From Baker Street, it takes around 20 minutes, passing through classic London streets.
Walking is best for those travelling light and wearing comfy shoes. Not so great in heavy rain, so always check the weather before committing.
Tips for Visitors
- Travelling with Kids? A taxi may be worth the extra cost if you’re dealing with pushchairs, bags, or tired little legs.
- Avoid Rush Hours: The Tube is busiest 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–18:30. If you can, travel outside these times for a smoother ride.
- Book Ahead: Buy zoo tickets online in advance—you’ll save time and skip the long queues.
- Accessibility: The zoo offers wheelchair access, carer tickets, and other support. Check their website for full details before you go.
- Make a Day of It: Bring snacks, enjoy a picnic in Regent’s Park, or take a detour to Camden Market for food and shopping after your zoo trip.
FAQs
1. Which is the nearest Tube station to London Zoo?
Camden Town (Northern Line) and Regent’s Park (Bakerloo Line) are both around a 10–15 minute walk away.
2. How much is a taxi from Euston Station to the Zoo?
It’s a short 5–10 minute journey costing roughly £7–£12.
3. Is there parking available near London Zoo?
Yes, there’s a small car park on-site, but it fills up fast. Parking fees apply.
4. Which bus routes go directly to London Zoo?
Bus routes 88, 274, C2, and 29 serve the zoo area.
5. Is walking from Camden or Regent’s Park Station suitable for families?
Definitely. Both walks take about 10–15 minutes and are stroller-friendly. The Regent’s Park route is quieter and greener, while the Camden route is livelier and full of things to see.
Conclusion
A day at London Zoo is always special—whether you’re going with kids, friends, or simply indulging your inner animal lover. And thanks to its central location, getting there couldn’t be easier.
If you want speed, the Tube is usually your best bet. If you’d rather travel stress-free, grab a taxi. For budget-conscious families, buses are a solid option, while walkers can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Regent’s Park. Drivers should plan ahead for parking and congestion charges.
Whichever way you travel, the journey is simple—and the reward is worth it. With lions, lemurs, penguins, and more waiting inside, you’ll soon forget about the commute and lose yourself in one of London’s most loved attractions.
