How many zoo entrances are there?

The Vienna Zoo has **three entrances**: Hietzing gate (main entrance), Tyrolean Garden gate (near the Gloriette), and Neptune gate (nearest to the Schonbrunn Palace).

What is the main Vienna Zoo entrance?

The main entrance is the **Hietzing gate**, located near the Hietzing U-Bahn station and the Palm House. It provides direct access to major attractions like the Big Cat House and Giant Panda World.

What is the average wait time at Schonbrunn Zoo entrance gates?

Wait times vary by entrance and time of day. The Hietzing gate can have waits of **20 to 40 minutes** during peak hours, while the Tyrolean Garden and Neptune gates typically have shorter waits, averaging 10 to 20 minutes.

What is the best entrance for skip-the-line ticket holders?

Skip-the-line ticket holders can use any entrance, but the **Hietzing gate** is ideal due to its direct access to popular areas and facilities.

Which gate has the shortest wait time?

The **Tyrolean Garden gate** usually has the shortest wait time, as it is less crowded than the main Hietzing gate, even during busy periods.

Which is the closest entrance to the metro station?

The **Hietzing gate** is the closest entrance to the metro, just a short walk from the Hietzing U-Bahn station on the U4 line.

Which entrance is closer to the Schonbrunn Palace?

The **Neptune gate** is the closest entrance to Schonbrunn Palace, located near the Neptune Fountain within the palace gardens.

Which entrance offers faster access for disabled visitors?

The **Hietzing gate** is the best option for visitors in wheelchairs, with smooth pathways, nearby accessible parking, and easy access to the zoo's key attractions.

How can I avoid standing in long lines at the zoo entrance?

To avoid long lines, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon and purchase your <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="pc78JFHn" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="67c92f421ce088f5e260be93" text="Vienna Zoo tickets" uid="www.wien-tickets.com.schonbrunn-palace-vienna.schonbrunn-zoo" /> online in advance. Opting for less busy entrances like the Tyrolean Garden gate can also help save time.

Vienna Zoo Entrance Details | Visitor Information & Tips

Your guide to Vienna Zoo entrances and directions

Where is it? This is the main entrance to Schonbrunn Zoo, located on the west side near the Hietzing U-Bahn station. It is conveniently positioned near the Palm House, providing direct access to key attractions.

Who is it for? Ideal for visitors arriving via public transport (bus, tram, or metro) and those entering from the western side of Schonbrunn Palace Gardens.

How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 to the Hietzing station, or use bus lines 56A and 56B or tram lines 10, 58, and 60. From there, it’s just a short walk to the entrance.

Average wait time: The Hietzing gate tends to get busier during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid long lines, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Booking Vienna Zoo tickets online ahead of time can also save you some waiting.

Nearest parking: Parkgarage Hietzing (800m away)

Tyrolean Garden entrance of the Vienna Zoo

Where is it? This entrance is located on the southern side of Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, near the iconic Gloriette structure, offering easy access to the Children’s Farm Zoo.

Who is it for? Best suited for families with young children looking to visit the Children’s Farm Zoo or visitors entering from the Gloriette area.

How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 or bus lines 8A and 56B to stops near the southern end of the palace gardens.

Average wait time: The Tyrolean Garden usually has shorter lines than the Hietzing gate, making it a great choice if you are visiting during busier times. That said, during peak tourist seasons, between June and August, you might still encounter a small wait here too.

Nearest parking: Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg Public Car Park (1.3km away, accessible via Elisabeth-Allee, offering designated spaces for disabled visitors and an electric vehicle charging station)

Neptune Fountain entrance of the Vienna Zoo

Where is it? This gate is situated near the Neptune Fountain within the Palace grounds. It provides access to the eastern side of the zoo, home to attractions like Polar Bear World, the Rainforest House, and the Aquarium and Terrarium House.

Who is it for? Perfect for visitors exploring Schonbrunn Palace and gardens before heading into the zoo or those interested in the eastern zoo exhibits.

How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 to the Schloss Schonbrunn stop or Hietzing, or use bus lines 10A, 10, or 60. Both stops are just a short walk from the gate.

Average wait time: This entrance is typically quieter in the mornings and late afternoons. Keep an eye on the palace's event schedule, as special events can draw more visitors and lead to longer wait times.

Nearest parking: APCOA Parking Lot (2.2km away)

Which Schonbrunn Zoo entrance should I choose?

Choosing the best entrance to the Vienna Zoo depends on your priorities and when you are visiting. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Hietzing gate (main entrance): If you are coming by public transport or want quick access to major attractions like the Big Cat House, this entrance is your best bet. However, it’s the busiest, especially on weekends and holidays.
Tyrolean Garden gate (Gloriette entrance): This entrance is usually quieter and has shorter queues, even during busier times.
Neptune gate (Palace entrance): If you are already visiting Schönbrunn Palace or exploring the gardens, this entrance is a convenient option. It’s less crowded during the mornings but might get busier if there is an event at the palace.

For the shortest wait times, the Tyrolean Garden Gate is a solid choice. If you are visiting during off-peak hours or have a specific zoo attraction in mind, any entrance will work. Booking tickets in advance and planning your visit during quieter times (early mornings or late afternoons) can make a big difference regardless of the entrance you choose!

Additional tips:

Take advantage of Vienna’s well-connected public transport system to avoid parking hassles. The U4 subway line services both the Hietzing and Schönbrunn stations, providing convenient access to the zoo.
Please note that Vienna enforces a two-hour short-stay parking zone from Monday to Friday. Parking permits are required and can be purchased from tobacconists or online.

Plan your visit to the Vienna Zoo

Wheelchair-friendly entrances to the Vienna Zoo

The Hietzing gate, located close to the Hietzing U-Bahn station, is the most wheelchair-friendly entrance, offering smooth paths that lead directly to major attractions. The Tyrolean Garden gate is also accessible, but keep in mind that some of the nearby gardens have gentle slopes, so a bit of assistance might be needed. If you are driving, accessible parking is available near both the Hietzing and Neptune Gates.
The Vienna Zoo itself is well-equipped with ramps, accessible pathways, and restrooms to make your visit comfortable. Plus, you can borrow a wheelchair at the entrance if needed.

Vienna Zoo map