Skip to main content
‌‌‌‌
‌

Berlin Zoo transport guide

Getting to Berlin Zoo | A quick overview

  • Travel by: S-Bahn (S3, S5, S7, S9), U-Bahn (U2, U9), bus, regional train, or car.
  • Nearest station: Zoologischer Garten, served by S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, is just a short walk from the zoo's Löwentor entrance. You can also use Kurfürstendamm station (U1, U9).
  • Good to know: Public transport is the easiest option. Berlin Zoo has no dedicated visitor parking, though paid parking is available near Hardenbergplatz and in nearby garages.
  • Nearby: Located in Berlin's Tiergarten district, the zoo is close to Kurfürstendamm, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and Bikini Berlin.
  • Look out for: Berlin Zoo has two main entrances: Löwentor (Lion Gate) at Hardenbergplatz 13, near the train station, and Elefantentor (Elephant Gate) at Budapester Straße 34, recognizable by its ornate red-and-gold arch and elephant sculptures.
  • Accessibility: Both entrances are accessible, and most zoo pathways are barrier-free, although some cobblestone sections may be uneven.

​Plan your visit to the zoo.

Where is Berlin zoo located?

Berlin Zoo is located in the Tiergarten district of central Berlin, near the Zoologischer Garten railway station and the popular Kurfürstendamm shopping street.

Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin, Germany

Its central location makes it easily accessible by public transport, with restaurants, shops, and attractions like Bikini Berlin and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church nearby.

💡 Interesting fact: Opened in 1844, Berlin Zoo is Germany's oldest zoo. Its historic Elephant Gate, featuring two large elephant sculptures, is one of its most recognizable entrances.

Nearest landmark: Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (approx. 500 m)

Getting to the Berlin zoo by public transportation

  • Travel time: Approximately 5–10 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station).
  • Lines: S3, S5, S7, and S9.
  • Nearest station: Zoologischer Garten station (3–5-minute walk).
  • From Berlin Hauptbahnhof, take the S3, S5, S7, or S9 westbound and alight at Zoologischer Garten.
  • From Alexanderplatz, take the S3, S5, or S7 westbound directly to Zoologischer Garten.
  • Pro-tip: Follow the signs for Hardenbergplatz to reach the zoo's Löwentor (Lion Gate) entrance.
  • Travel time: Approximately 10–15 minutes from Potsdamer Platz.
  • Lines: U2 and U9 to Zoologischer Garten; U1 and U9 to Kurfürstendamm.
  • Nearest station: Zoologischer Garten (3–5-minute walk).
  • From Potsdamer Platz, take the U2 towards Ruhleben and alight at Zoologischer Garten.
  • From Wittenbergplatz, take the U2 towards Ruhleben for a direct connection.
  • Pro-tip: If you're visiting the Elephant Gate on Budapester Straße, Kurfürstendamm station is another convenient option.
  • Travel time: Approximately 25–40 minutes from Alexanderplatz, depending on traffic.
  • Bus routes: 100, 200, 109, 110, 204, 245, M45, M46, M49, and others.
  • Nearest stop: S+U Zoologischer Garten (approximately 3–5-minute walk).
  • From Alexanderplatz, take Bus 100 towards Zoologischer Garten, passing landmarks such as the Reichstag and Victory Column.
  • From Potsdamer Platz, Bus 200 provides a connection towards Zoologischer Garten.
  • Pro-tip: Bus 100 doubles as a sightseeing route through central Berlin, making it a good choice if you're not in a hurry.

Getting to Berlin Zoo by car

Driving route

  • From Berlin Hauptbahnhof: Drive west towards Tiergarten, then follow Straße des 17. Juni and Hardenbergstraße towards Zoologischer Garten.
  • From Alexanderplatz: Head west through central Berlin towards Tiergarten and follow signs for Zoologischer Garten.
  • From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): Take the A113 towards central Berlin, then follow the A100 towards Charlottenburg and Zoologischer Garten.
  • Pro-tip: Set your navigation to the Löwentor (Lion Gate) entrance at Hardenbergplatz rather than the zoo's general location.

Parking

  • On-site parking: Berlin Zoo has no dedicated visitor parking facilities.
  • Closest parking: Paid public parking at Hardenbergplatz, directly outside the Lion Gate entrance. Spaces are limited.
  • Nearby parking garage: Parkhaus am Zoo, Kantstraße 10, has 515 spaces and is open 24/7. Rates are €3 per hour, with a €25 daily maximum.
  • Pro-tip: On weekends and school holidays, use a nearby parking garage rather than relying on street parking. Public transport is generally more convenient.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Berlin zoo

Yes, Berlin Zoo is centrally located in western Berlin, close to Kurfürstendamm, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and Bikini Berlin.