Parking and Maps
The Zoo is located in Forest Park next to US 40/I-64.
Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Find specific directions by searching the Zoo’s address in Google Maps.
STL ZOO MAP
Get ready to explore the Saint Louis Zoo like never before with the STL ZOO MAP, a first-of-its-kind mobile experience that brings the Zoo to life in a whole new way. This interactive map combines real-time location tracking, stunning 3D visuals, and smart search features to help you explore the Zoo with ease, discover more of what you love and uncover delightful surprises along the way.
Guest Alert
From approximately 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 14-May 23, 2025, Wells Drive will change to one-way vehicle traffic — from east to west — between Hampton Ave. and Tamm Ave. to allow school buses to safely drop off and pick up students at the Zoo. Access to the South Parking Lot is available only from Hampton Ave. during this time.
Please follow posted signage when entering Forest Park. Guests exiting the South Parking Lot will be able to exit east and west on Wells Drive. This schedule is subject to change.
Driving Directions
Driving is a convenient way to visit the Saint Louis Zoo! The Zoo is located next to US 40/I-64. Find specific directions by searching the Zoo’s address in Google Maps.
NEW: Pay-Upon-Exit Parking
To help alleviate traffic congestion around the Zoo and provide the best experience for guests, we are implementing a pay-upon-exit system in our parking lots. All parking transactions are now cashless.
How to park
Non-members:
Pull into the entry lane at a Zoo parking lot and pull a ticket; the parking arm will go up, and you can enter the lot. Please save this ticket; it will have a QR code that you can scan to pay (this can be done any time before exiting the Zoo). If you’re unable to use the QR code, a walk-up kiosk is available within the parking lots.
Parking fee is $20 per car; oversized vehicles (over 24 feet) are not permitted on Zoo parking lots.
Zoo members (Explorer, Navigator and Protector levels):
You receive unlimited $5 parking. To redeem your parking benefit, scan your membership card at the entry lane of a Zoo parking lot. You’ll receive a ticket with a special QR code with your $5 parking benefit. Please save your ticket; you can scan the QR code and pay any time before exiting the Zoo.
Click here to see a step-by-step video.
Zoo members (Champion and Benefactor levels; Marlin Perkins Society):
You receive free unlimited parking for the year that your membership is active. No payment is needed; simply scan your card at the parking lot to enter and exit.
Click here to see a step-by-step video.
Zoo members (Member levels prior to March 1, 2025):
Members at our prior levels will continue to receive free parking until their annual membership expires. No payment is needed; simply scan your card at the parking lot to enter and exit.
Pay-Upon-Exit Parking FAQs
$20/car
Prices are subject to change. No oversized vehicles (over 24 feet) allowed on Zoo parking lots.
The Metro Forest Park Explorer is a bus that runs from the spring through fall, giving individuals visiting Forest Park a convenient method of navigating the Park. Learn more about this resource: Forest Park Explorer
Pull a ticket to enter the lot, then please visit either the North or South Welcome Desk upon entering the Zoo, where you can pay for parking with cash. You will be given a validated parking ticket; you will need to use your entry ticket and your validated ticket to exit the lot.
Guests can ride the MetroLink to the Forest Park/DeBaliviere station, then take MetroBus route #90 Hampton south (or Forest Park Trolley). The bus and Trolley both stop within a short walking distance of the Zoo's North Entrance on Government Drive.
Upon exit, there is a "lost ticket" button. Please press that button, and you will be issued a new ticket.
The #90 Hampton MetroBus stops within a short walking distance from the Zoo's North Entrance on Government Drive. Learn more: MetroLink
You will still need to pull a ticket to enter the lot. Please visit either the North or South Welcome Desk upon entering the Zoo, and a team member can assist you in redeeming your parking benefit. You will be given a validated parking ticket; you will need to use your entry ticket and your validated ticket to exit the lot.
Street Parking
Limited street parking for personal vehicles is available in Forest Park. Occasionally, Forest Park entrances and roads are closed due to events in the park. Please check ForestParkForver.org for the latest information.
Oversize, Bus and Commercial Vehicles
Vehicles that are over 24 feet long are not permitted to park at the Zoo. Buses, RVs and commercial vehicles must obtain a permit through the City of St. Louis Department of Parks to park in Forest Park. There is a parking permit fee per bus, RV or commercial vehicle. Parking permits are obtained by calling the Forest Park Permits Office at (314) 289-5330 or by completing an online application. Find detailed information and the link to the application on the Forest Park Forever website. Please request your permit at least two weeks before your scheduled field trip.
See a map for bus staging, drop-off and pick-up.
Vehicles under 24 feet are allowed to park in the Zoo's north and south parking lots. See pay-upon-exit info listed above.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The Saint Louis Zoo has two electric vehicle charging stations in the South Parking Lot. They are available to guests for free.
Zoo Map
Free paper maps are available at the North and South Entrances at the Zoo. Download a map in advance and use it on your mobile device during your visit. Maps written in various languages are available online and at Zoo.