Zoo Parking Lots

Driving is a convenient way to visit the Saint Louis Zoo! All-day parking is available on the Zoo’s North Lot on Government Drive and South Lot on Wells Drive. See below for pricing.

Which parking lot is best for your visit? The North Lot leads to the Zoo’s North Entrance in The Living World, which is near Grizzly Ridge and Insectarium. The South Lot leads to the Zoo’s South Entrance, which is near River’s Edge and Historic Hill.

Winter Hours for Certain Amenities

Jan. 7 through Feb. 27, 2025

North Entrance and Parking Lot Open Daily

The North Entrance and North Parking Lot, located on Government Drive, are open for guest entry and parking every day of the week.

South Entrance and Parking Lot Closed Monday-Thursday

The South Entrance and South Parking Lot on Wells Drive at Tamm Avenue near I-64 are closed to guests Monday through Thursday. This includes the South Welcome Desk, Rentals and Safari Gift Shop. Guests should park in the North Parking Lot and enter through the North Entrance on these days.

Open Friday through Sunday and on holidays: Monday, Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Monday, Feb. 17 (Presidents Day).

Attractions and Amenities

The Zooline Railroad, Conservation Carousel, Wild Explorer VR Experience and 4D Theater operate weather permitting. They do not operate during inclement weather or low temperatures. Please check at a Welcome Desk on the day of your visit to see what attractions are open.

Cafe Kudu, the restaurant in The Living World, is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends and favorable weather days during fall and winter. Lakeside Cafe is open daily.

These are general guidelines and are subject to change, especially for special and private events and other weather conditions.

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

Parking in South Lot Only

Buses and oversized vehicles under 24 feet are allowed to park in the South Lot only. See pricing listed above.

Vehicles that are over 24 feet long are not permitted to park at the Zoo and must obtain a City permit (see below) to park elsewhere within Forest Park. Click here to see a map for bus staging, drop-off and pick-up.

Parking Within Forest Park

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.

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.