The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is a zoological and botanical park located in City Park, Budapest. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips. This guide was updated in April 2026 and includes the current adult admission price of 5,900 HUF and details on the zoo’s 160-year jubilee anniversary events.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | Weekdays 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; Weekends 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (seasonal variations apply) |
| Ticket prices | Adult: 5,900 HUF, Child (2-18): 4,200 HUF |
| Address | 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 6-12. |
| Nearest public transport | M1 Metro (Széchenyi Bath station) or Trolleybus 72 |
| Typical time needed | 3 to 4 hours |
Budapest Zoo opening hours
The Budapest Zoo is open every day of the year, including national and religious holidays. The gates open at 9:00 am daily.
Opening hours vary depending on the season. During the winter months, the zoo typically closes earlier, around 4:00 pm. In the spring and summer, closing times extend to 5:30 pm on weekdays and 6:00 pm on weekends. The indoor animal houses and pavilions generally close 30 minutes before the main zoo gates.
Budapest Zoo ticket prices
Standard adult tickets cost 5,900 HUF, while child tickets (ages 2 to 18) and student tickets are priced at 4,200 HUF. A baby ticket for children under two is available for 400 HUF, and group or family passes offer additional entry options.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. The attraction is included in the Budapest Card city pass scheme, which provides a discount on the admission fee, alongside other included attractions such as St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Dohány Street Synagogue, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Why book the Budapest Card?
- Unlimited public transport: Use buses, trams, metro and suburban trains across Budapest for the validity of your card.
- Free entry to museums and attractions: Enjoy complimentary access to many of the city’s leading cultural sites, galleries and historic locations.
- Discounts on tours and experiences: Receive reduced prices on river cruises, baths, walking tours and selected partner experiences.
- Flexible validity options: Choose from 24, 48 or 72 hours of sightseeing flexibility to match your travel plans.
- Useful city guide included: Your card comes with a guidebook or digital guide to help you make the most of your time in Budapest.
How to get to Budapest Zoo
The site is highly accessible by public transport. The primary route is taking the M1 Metro (Millennium Underground) to the Széchenyi Bath (Széchenyi Fürdő) station, which requires a short walk to the main entrance.
Visitors can also reach the zoo by taking Trolleybus 72, which stops at the Kós Károly promenade, or by taking Tram 1 to the Kacsóh Pongrác road stop.
Parking at Budapest Zoo
Visitors driving to the zoo can use the Parkoló ZOOna parking lot, which is located immediately to the right of the Biodome entrance.
Alternatively, public parking spaces are available on the surrounding roads in the Városliget (City Park) area. These streets operate as a paid parking zone, so standard municipal parking fees apply.
How long to spend at Budapest Zoo
A typical visit to the Budapest Zoo requires three to four hours. This timeframe allows visitors to view the main animal enclosures and walk through the botanical displays.
Those planning to attend scheduled animal feedings, explore large indoor zones like the Magic Mountain, or visit seasonal exhibitions should allocate an additional hour.
Accessibility at Budapest Zoo
The entire visitor area of the zoo is generally accessible for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. The pathways connecting the animal habitats and botanical zones are flat and paved.
Accessible restrooms are provided at multiple locations across the site, including purpose-built facilities in the Biodome lobby.
Inside / what to see at Budapest Zoo
The zoo houses over 8,000 animals alongside a botanical collection. The park is divided into zones representing different continents and global ecosystems.
The Magic Mountain (Varázshegy), built inside the Great Rock, is an indoor complex featuring interactive educational exhibits and an aquarium.
The Palm House, built in 1912, displays tropical flora and fauna. Nearby, the Japanese Garden features a dedicated pavilion housing the Hungarian National Bonsai Collection.
The Biodome and its surrounding areas act as a venue for seasonal programmes, including light art shows and nature photography exhibitions.
Visitors can observe large mammals such as gorillas, elephants, and rhinoceroses, with structured feeding sessions running throughout the day.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive when the gates open at 9:00 am to view the animals before the afternoon. |
| Crowds | Weekdays and early mornings generally experience fewer visitors than weekends and public holidays. |
| Layout | Pick up a physical map at the entrance or download the digital map to navigate the site’s pathways. |
| Entry process | Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass the queues at the main ticket office. |
| On-site logistics | Wear comfortable walking shoes, as navigating the park requires extensive walking. |
Frequently asked questions about Budapest Zoo
| Question | Answer |
| Is Budapest Zoo suitable for children? | Yes, the zoo features playgrounds, petting areas, and interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Budapest Zoo? | Advance booking is not strictly required, but it is recommended to avoid queuing at the ticket desks. |
| Is Budapest Zoo open on Sundays? | Yes, the zoo is open every day of the year, including Sundays and national holidays. |
| Are bags allowed at Budapest Zoo? | Yes, day bags and rucksacks are permitted, and coin-operated lockers are available on-site. |
Things to do near Budapest Zoo
- Széchenyi Thermal Bath: A large thermal bath complex located a short walk from the zoo entrance.
- Heroes’ Square: A major public square featuring statues of historical Hungarian figures.
- Museum of Fine Arts: An art museum situated on Heroes’ Square, housing collections of international and classical art.
- Vajdahunyad Castle: A castle in City Park built to showcase different architectural styles from Hungary’s history.
- City Park Ice Rink and Boating Lake: A recreational lake beside Vajdahunyad Castle that offers boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
More Budapest travel
Other Budapest travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How to do Budapest in May with children.
- Why the Vasarely Museum is Budapest’s best art museum.
- 11 best things to do on a 3 day Budapest city break.
- 7 Budapest accommodation recommendations.
- See Hungarian art in a palatial setting at the Hungarian National Gallery.
