Everything about Vienna Zoo tickets, prices, what to expect

Vienna Zoo (locally known as Tiergarten Schonbrunn) is the oldest zoo in the world. 

The zoo is located within the Schonbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Vienna Zoo houses over 700 animal species, including koalas, elephants, giant pandas and lions. 

Consistently voted Europe’s best zoo, over two million guests visit Vienna Zoo annually. 

In this article, you can learn everything about Vienna Zoo tickets, prices, hours, how to reach and what to expect. 

Top Vienna Zoo Tickets:

– Skip-the-line Tickets for Vienna Zoo
– Vienna Zoo + Danube Tower
– Vienna Zoo + Belvedere Palace
– Vienna Zoo + Children Museum + Transfer

Tickets to Vienna Zoo

Age	Ticket price
Adult ticket (19 to 99 years)	€26
Child ticket (6 to18 years)	€15
Infant ticket (0 to 5 years)	Free

Same-day Vienna Zoo ticket prices

The same-day online ticket price for Vienna Zoo admission costs the same – €26 for adults and €15 for kids aged 6 to 18. 

Even if you are already in the Zoo and face a long queue at the counter, you can still purchase the Vienna Zoo last-minute admission tickets. 

Vienna Zoo ticket discounts

Vienna Zoo gives discounted admission tickets to children up to 18 years. 

Children below 5 years can enter the zoo for free, while Children between 6 to 18 get almost 50% discount on the general admission ticket. 

They need to pay only €15. 

There are no discounts for senior citizens, students and military officials at the zoo. 

However, disabled visitors can claim their discount by presenting their disability certificate. 

💡Tip: Vienna Pass offers free entry to Vienna Zoo. 

Vienna Zoo hours

The Vienna Zoo opens at 9 am daily, including public holidays. 

The closing time varies depending on the season and is usually between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm. 

The last entry to the zoo is 30 minutes before the closing time. 

The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the zoo closes.

Specific areas within the zoo have their closing times. 

The seasonal opening hours of Vienna Zoo is given below. 

Months	Timing
January	9 am to 4.30 pm
February	9 am to 5 pm
March	9 am to 5.30 pm
April to September	9 am to 6.30 pm
October (until daylight saving time ends)	9 am to 5.30 pm
October to December	9 am to 4.30 pm

The Aquarium-Terrarium House and the Tyrolean farmhouse close at the end of the general visiting hours. 

The Bird House closes an hour before the zoo’s official closing time. 

All other animal houses close half an hour before the zoo closes.

The Desert House is a special botanical garden in the Vienna Zoo and has different opening hours. 

From January to September, Desert House at Vienna Zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm and from October to December, it closes at 5.30 pm. 

Best time to visit Vienna Zoo

To make the most of the visit to Vienna Zoo, arrive when it opens at 9 am 

During the early hours, many animals are active and easily visible. 

The animals may retreat to shaded areas as the day progresses and temperatures rise.

Additionally, the morning hours offer a moderate temperature.

It allows visitors to explore most outdoor areas comfortably. 

Going early can avoid larger crowds and unnecessary queues. 

An early start provides ample time to explore the zoo without feeling rushed.

How long does it take to visit the Vienna Zoo?

If visiting the Vienna Zoo with family and kids and intending to see all animal enclosures and attend feeding sessions, you need four to five hours.

If visiting with a group of adults, most animal enclosures and other exhibits can be covered within two to three hours.

💡Tip: If you purchase the Vienna Zoo admission ticket in advance, you can skip the line and save time.

How to get to Vienna Zoo?

Vienna Zoo is situated between Meidling and Hietzing.

Address: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien, Austria. Get Directions.

It’s slightly outside the Vienna City Center, owing to its origins as hunting grounds. 

However, accessing the zoo is convenient due to the excellent public transport connections.

By Bus or Tram

Trams passing by Schönbrunn Palace include: 

• No. 60 (Westbahnhof – Liesing) 
• No. 10 (Hernals – Hietzing)
• No. 52 (Penzing – Speising)

Buses departing from Hietzing Station are designed to serve areas not covered by the metro or trams. 

These buses include lines 56A, 56B, 58A, and 58B.

By Metro

The most convenient way to reach the Vienna Zoo is using the U4 metro line.

It provides easy access to the zoo through two nearby stations: Schönbrunn and Hietzing. 

Many visitors prefer starting their journey from the Hietzing side and exiting through the other.

It allows them to explore Schönbrunn Palace and its beautiful gardens before leaving.

The U4 metro line also offers convenient connections with other metro lines at various stations. 

These include U1 at Karlsplatz and Schwedenplatz, U2 at Karlsplatz and Schottenring, U3 at Landstrasse Wien Mitte, and U6 at Längenfeldgasse and Spittelau.

💡Pro tip: With a Vienna City Card, you can enjoy free access to Vienna’s public transport system. It includes the metro and a discount when visiting the Vienna Zoo.

By Car

Vienna Zoo is near the city exit to the A1 highway, which connects Vienna and Salzburg. 

Schönbrunn Palace, where the zoo is located, can be easily accessed from this highway. 

Visitors can refer to the map to locate the available parking lots near the zoo.

Parking at Vienna Zoo

Vienna Zoo visitors can use a public car park located at Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg.

They offer limited parking spaces. 

Vehicle access to the car park is available via Elisabeth-Allee. 

They also have disabled parking spaces and a charging point for electric vehicles. 

The route from the parking area leads to the Tirolergarten entrance of Vienna Zoo.

The Vienna Zoo is 3 minutes away from the parking lot. 

Vienna Zoo Map

When heading to Vienna Zoo, don’t forget to grab the Schönbrunn Zoo map for an incredible on-road experience. 

This handy map provides clear directions and highlights the best routes to reach the zoo from various locations in Vienna. 

It ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey, allowing you to focus on the excitement of the upcoming wildlife adventure.

Things to do in Vienna Zoo

There are plenty of exciting things to do at the Vienna Zoo. 

Start by exploring the animal exhibits, where you can observe different species. 

Stroll through the rainforest or marvel at the underwater world in the aquarium. 

Don’t miss encountering rare and endangered animals like Siberian tigers and orangutans. 

Enjoy interactive experiences like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours. 

For younger visitors, there are play areas, a petting zoo, and fun Kumpf bronze statues to enjoy. 

Make sure to catch the zoo train for a scenic ride. 

With so much to see and do, a visit to Vienna Zoo promises a day filled with wonder and discovery.

Morning Experience at Vienna Zoo

Vienna Zoo offers an early-morning experience, granting you virtual solitude. 

This special tour grants you access to your favorite animals.

It provides a glimpse behind the scenes of either the rainforest or aquarium house. 

Afterward, you can indulge in a delightful breakfast at the Kaiser Pavilion. 

It’s hard to imagine a better way to start your day than with this extraordinary opportunity at Vienna Zoo.

Duration: 1.5 hours, followed by breakfast. Daily, by arrangement

Timing: 8 am

Price: €295 for two people, each additional person €118

Themed Tours at Vienna Zoo

Themed tours at Vienna Zoo are special guided experiences that offer visitors a deeper and more focused exploration of the zoo’s attractions. 

Each themed tour is designed around a particular theme or topic.

It provides a unique perspective on the animals, their habitats, and the conservation efforts undertaken at the zoo.

Suggested themes: Highlight Tour, Giants, On the Brink of Extinction, Babies and their Mothers, Africa Safari, Our Relatives in the Zoo – the Great Apes

Duration: 1.5 hours daily.

Timing: by arrangement

Price: €105 per tour, plus admission

Participants: max. 20

These special tours are offered in English and German. 

Please indicate your preferred language when making your booking. 

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking far in advance. 

Backstage Tours

Embark on an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Vienna Zoo! 

Discover the secrets of creating a tropical climate in the rainforest house.

Explore the fascinating world of squid breeding.

Uncover the cooling techniques used in the Polarium for the penguins. 

This backstage tour offers a choice between the aquarium terrarium house, the Polarium, and the rainforest house.

Get ready for an insider’s look into the inner workings of Vienna Zoo’s remarkable exhibits.

Duration: 1.5 hours daily

Price: €175,- per tour of the aquarium terrarium house, plus admission,

€120,- per tour of the Polarium or rainforest house (currently not offered), plus admission

Participants: max. 10

These special tours are offered in English and German. 

Please indicate your preferred language when making your booking. 

To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking far in advance. 

You can book it by contacting the zoo directly.

Panorama Train in Vienna Zoo

The Vienna Zoo lies within the Schonbrunn Palace premises and occupies over 160 hectares of land. 

The Schonbrunn Panorama train is the best way to explore this huge park. 

You can board this train shuttle from 10 am to 6 pm and explore the palace park.

The Panorama train tour has nine stops and takes 50 minutes. 

It passes through various spots of the zoos like the Emperor’s Breakfast Pavillion, Elephant House and the Tirolerhf. 

Each interval lasts around 45 minutes. 

If you want to board this train, you can get tickets to the zoo. 

The Vienna Zoo Panorama train ticket costs €2 for adults and €1 for kids. 

If you wish to sit through the entire tour and visit the Palace Park, you must purchase the Panorama train tickets in advance. 

The Tirolerhof

Vienna Zoo extends uphill from the main entrance, with a wooded slope leading to the Tirolerhof. 

It has a farmhouse, enclosures housing rare breeds, a restaurant, and an organic farm shop. 

The pathway through the woods features educational and themed trails and a wood ant nest. 

It’s a scenic and enriching experience for visitors exploring this part of the Vienna Zoo.

Playgrounds and Petting Zoo

Vienna Zoo offers several small play areas scattered throughout the premises.

The central area boasts a large playground with climbing frames and tunnels. 

Next to the playground, you’ll find a petting zoo where friendly rabbits, pygmy goats, and Ouessant sheep live.

Look out for the fire salamander mini-climbing walls near the rainforest house. 

Moreover, there’s a small square in front of the rainforest house.

There are water-driven installations that kids always enjoy playing with

Feeding Times

The feeding activity is popular at the Vienna Zoo, drawing visitors of all ages. 

Between 10 am and 4 pm, approximately every 30 minutes, you can witness animals being fed throughout the zoo. 

This allows you to plan your visit around these feeding and training times.

You will get a glimpse of the animal’s natural behaviors.

Time	Feeding
10 am	African Elephant (training/no feeding session, daily)
10.30 am	South American sea lion (daily, except Tuesday)
11 am	Humboldt penguin (daily, except Tuesday)
11.30 am	Northern rockhopper penguin (daily, except Tuesday)Arctic wolves (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
1 pm	Northern bald ibis (daily)
1.30 pm	Barbary sheep & Barbary Macaque (daily)
2 pm	Indian Rhino (daily, April-October)
2.30 pm	Animals of the South America park: anteater, capybara, vicuna, rhea, seriema (daily, April-October)
3 pm	Siberian tiger (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays)Western black-and-white Colobus (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
3.30 pm	South American sea lion (daily, except Tuesday)
4 pm	Queensland Koala (daily)

Note: Feeding shows can be canceled last minute. 

You can get access to feeding shows with the Vienna Zoo admission tickets.

Kumpf Animals

The Kumpf bronze statues found throughout the Vienna Zoo are a favorite among children.

Gottfried Kumpf, an Austrian artist, has created these statues with distinctive animal figures.

They are reminiscent of characters from enchanting children’s picture books. 

His artistic contributions include the beloved Frog Prince and the Three Wise Monkeys. 

These statues captivate young visitors and serve as photo opportunities throughout the zoo.

Wagons for hire

North of the hippo house at Vienna Zoo is a booth where visitors can rent small pull-along open-top wagons.

They cost around €2 during a recent visit and a refundable deposit of €10. 

These wagons provide a fun and convenient way to transport little ones around the zoo. 

If you plan to explore the woods and go up to the Tirolerhof, climbing with a wagon in tow can be challenging. 

The rental station may not be open during less popular times of the year.

Animals at Vienna Zoo

Vienna Zoo is home to a variety of animals from orangutans and giraffes to marine life. 

Here are some of the must-visit animals in the Vienna Zoo. 

Giant Pandas

Vienna Zoo has played a crucial role in conserving giant pandas.

It serves as the international symbol for animal conservation. 

A recent survey of the natural habitat reported that only 1,864 individuals remain in the wild. 

Vienna Zoo has been collaborating with the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) to protect these animals since 2003.

Vienna Zoo has achieved notable success in breeding giant pandas naturally.

This includes the well-known twins Fu Fang (Happy Phoenix) and Fu Ban (Happy Companion). 

The mother of all the baby pandas born at Vienna Zoo is Yang Yang (Sunshine), who is 20. 

Unfortunately, their father, Long Hui (Dragon Sign), passed away at 16. 

Vienna Zoo supports the giant panda conservation program financially and scientifically. 

The firstborn, Fu Long (Happy Dragon), is Europe’s first naturally bred male giant panda baby.

Orangutans

Visiting the Vienna Zoo will evoke responsibility towards the cause when meeting the orangutans. 

It is a place to understand these incredible creatures better. 

The orangutans residing here have the power to evoke both joy and sadness.

As our third-closest living relatives worldwide, orangutans have much to communicate.

Vienna Zoo is currently home to five orangutans.

This includes Vladimir (male), Mota (female), Sol (female), Sari (female), and Surya (female). 

The latter two are young and arrived at the zoo during last year’s pandemic lockdown. 

The zookeepers hope introducing these newcomers will bring a positive change.

It will lead to the birth of an orangutan offspring at Vienna Zoo. 

Rhinoceros

Vienna Zoo is home to two rhinoceros, Sundari (female) and Jange (male), affectionately known as Beauty and Strong. 

These rhinoceros were brought to the Vienna Zoo from Nepal under the guidance and support of the Royal Chitwan National Park.

It had been caring for them since they were rescued from poachers. 

Tragically, both Sundari and Jange experienced a similar heartbreaking story in their early lives.

They became orphans when poachers killed their mothers.

Fortunately, local rangers could rescue Sundari and Jange.

They provided them with the necessary care and healing for their physical wounds. 

However, the rhinoceros struggled to find companionship within their species despite their recovery. 

Seeking solace, they formed connections with humans. 

Recognizing the need for a safer environment, they were kept at Vienna Zoo.

Since then, Sundari and Jange, along with other Asian mammals, have resided in Rhino Park.

It’s a spacious 6,000m² area within Vienna Zoo, offering a suitable living habitat.

Giraffes

Vienna Zoo is home to three giraffes in its Giraffe Park. 

Giraffes are well-known for their natural habitat, which spans throughout sub-Saharan Africa. 

Giraffes have been considered as Giraffa Camelopardalis. 

But, recent studies have identified up to eight different species.

These animals are social and use infrasonic communication.

Seven giraffe species have become extinct.

The remaining species are vulnerable due to human-induced changes to their natural habitat. 

The Giraffe Park at Vienna Zoo is a testament to blending modern architecture with the baroque style. 

The park’s building is energy and heat-self-sufficient.

Giraffe Park received the City of Vienna’s Environmental Award in 2016.

Asian Big Cats

Vienna Zoo is home to Ina (female), the sole Siberian tiger currently residing there. 

Ina was born in June 2008 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EPP) at the zoo. 

While Siberian tigers may not appear as large as lions, they are the largest cat species in the world. 

In May 2021, a 2-year-old Siberian tiger named Pepe joined Ina at Vienna Zoo.

Pepe is taller than Ina due to his age, although male Siberian tigers can grow to the same weight as females.

200 Siberian tigers live in zoos as part of a conservation program. 

This includes Ida (female) and Piotr (male), who welcomed two cubs into the world at Vienna Zoo in 2018. 

Plans for reintroducing these rare cats to their natural habitat are underway. 

This highlights the dedication to conserving and protecting this endangered species.

African Big Cats

Cheetah populations, despite their evolutionary successes, are currently threatened. 

The threat to them is the loss of their natural habitat due to human competition for land. 

Vienna Zoo is among the few institutions that have bred these remarkable animals. 

But, a concern arises from the cheetah’s natural lifestyle necessitates vast land areas. 

And it is impossible to provide within the confines of a zoo. 

Nonetheless, Vienna Zoo has demonstrated commendable expertise in breeding cheetahs.

They contribute to conservation efforts for this endangered species.

Koalas

Vienna Zoo is currently home to three koalas.

It includes the Wirri Wirri (male), Bunji (female), and baby koala, Millaa Millaa (female). 

In 2017, Koala Mama was brought to Vienna Zoo from Lisbon.

It was bought as a suitable partner for the male koala residing there.

It took four years for Vienna Zoo to welcome its first koala baby.

They remain vulnerable despite efforts to reintroduce koalas to their original Australian habitats. 

While hunting of koalas has ceased, their natural habitat, the eucalypt woodlands, is shrinking.

Vienna Zoo took the initiative to establish a eucalypt plantation within Vienna. 

The funds generated from purchasing koala souvenirs at the zoo support this project.

It contributes to the conservation of koalas and their natural habitat.

Monkeys

Vienna Zoo houses various primate species, with most monkeys residing in the affenhaus, or monkey house. 

However, other primate species like white-handed gibbons, Barbary macaques, and ring-tailed lemurs can be found outside this designated area. 

Originally serving as a facility for swimming and wading, the building was reconstructed in 1841 to become the Monkey House. 

Since 2009, when the orangutans were relocated to the larger ORANGerie facility, affenhaus, has been transformed to accommodate six monkey species and other animals.

White-handed gibbons, like their primate relatives, are an endangered species. 

Inhabiting the lush evergreen forests of Southeast Asia, they face constant threats from human-induced deforestation, which infringes upon their natural habitat. 

These stunning animals are also subject to significant poaching due to their distinctive appearance. 

In recognition of their conservation needs, Vienna Zoo named white-handed gibbons the “Zoo Animals of the Year” in 2019. 

Vienna Zoo and its partners contributed over €115,000 through a campaign to raise funds.

This fund helped establish protected areas in Laos and Vietnam and support rangers combating poaching.

In 2019, a baby gibbon was born, and visitors to Vienna Zoo can still observe the interactions between the young gibbon and its father. 

The area dedicated to white gibbons is often considered a favorite spot among visitors at Vienna Zoo.

Aquarium

The first section of Vienna Zoo’s aquarium and terrarium features a spacious open-water area.

It houses crocodiles, fish, and various free-living birds and butterflies. 

Along the sides of this area, glass butterfly breeding containers are found.

Here you can observe rows of chrysalises and freshly-emerged butterflies.

In the second section, visitors can explore the aquarium tanks.

They showcase a diverse array of sea creatures. 

One notable highlight is the large 80,000-liter reef aquarium.

It’s teeming with brightly-colored fish, anemones, and corals. 

This underwater display offers a captivating glimpse into marine life.

Hippopotamus

Vienna Zoo welcomed its first hippos in 1909.

Since then, the living conditions for these creatures have improved. 

They now have access to a spacious 200,000-liter indoor pool and a 400,000-liter outdoor pool. 

Both pools are equipped with modern and eco-friendly filtering systems.

They effectively reduce water and electricity consumption.

This showcases Vienna Zoo’s commitment to sustainability.

Vienna Zoo is home to two hippos: Arca (female) and her son Kimbuku (male). 

Sadly, Ali (male), Kimbuku’s father, passed away in 2019. 

Ali had been a beloved part of Vienna Zoo since 1967.

Restaurants near Vienna Zoo

Near the Vienna Zoo, visitors can find various restaurants offering delicious dining options. 

There’s something for everyone from the Tirolergarten Tavern to the Emperor’s Pavilion. 

Café Restaurant ORANG.erie provides a modern flair, while Café Hietzing is perfect for a coffee break. 

The Jumbo Buffet, Rhino Bar Ice Cream Parlor, and Beer Garden offer quick bites and refreshing drinks.

Tirolergarten Tavern: Rustic Coziness Surrounded by Greenery

It’s located on the upper level of Vienna Zoo next to the historic Tyrolean Haidachhof.

The Tirolergarten Tavern offers beautiful sitting rooms and a shaded outdoor dining area. 

Guests can indulge in Tyrolean and grilled specialties while enjoying the greenery.

Location: Maxingstraße 13B, 1130 Wien

Opening Time: 10 am to 7 pm

Emperor’s Pavilion: Historic Ambience in the Heart of the Zoo

Experience the historic ambiance of the Baroque era at the Emperor’s Pavilion.

It’s situated in the heart of Vienna Zoo. 

Diners can savor Viennese and international specialties here.

The terrace provides a perfect vantage point for observing the zoo’s diverse wildlife.

Location: Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Wien

Opening Time: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Café Restaurant ORANG.erie: Modern Flair with the Orangutans

Enjoy a light-suffused café-restaurant experience at Café Restaurant ORANG.erie.

It’s next to the children’s playground. 

The menu offers a range of Austrian, Asian, and vegetarian specialties.

They also have an extensive selection of teas. 

Guests can dine on the terrace while observing the orangutans.

Location: Maxingstraße 13a, 1130 Wien

Opening Time: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Café Hietzing: Cakes, Pies, and Coffee

Situated near the Hietzinger Gate, Café Hietzing is a delightful spot for a coffee break. 

Guests can indulge in a selection of cakes, pies, and coffee, providing a perfect pick-me-up during their visit to Vienna Zoo.

Location: Maxingstraße 13B, Vienna

Opening Time: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Jumbo Buffet: Snacks and Refreshments

The Jumbo Buffet offers a pleasant outdoor dining area with views of penguins, sea lions, and elephants. 

Guests can enjoy a range of snacks.

This includes hot dogs and other refreshments while seeing the animals.

Location: Schönbrunner Tiergarten 1130, 1130 Wien

Opening Time: 9 am to 6.30 pm

Rhino Bar Ice Cream Parlor: Enjoy Ice Cream on the Sun Terrace

On hot days, the Rhino Bar Ice Cream Parlor offers a refreshing oasis near the Neptune Fountain entrance. 

Visitors can relax on the sun terrace and savor fruity ice cream specialties.

Location: 1130 Vienna

Opening Time: 10 am to 6.30 pm every day

Beer Garden [Schweizerhaus]: Beer Specialties in the Shady Outdoor Dining Area

Nestled next to the lion pen, the Beer Garden provides a cozy outdoor dining experience. 

Guests can enjoy a selection of beer specialties.

Their menu includes smoked pork chops, grilled dishes, fresh salads, etc.

Location: Prater 116, 1020 Wien

Opening Time: 11 am to 11 pm every day

Vienna Zoo tickets: FAQs

Other Zoos in Europe:

• Amsterdam Zoo
• London Zoo
• Paris Zoo
• Madrid Zoo
• Zoom Torino
• Loro Parque
• Valencia Bioparc
• Barcelona Zoo
• Vienna Zoo (Schonbrunn Zoo)
• Lisbon Zoo
• Rotterdam Zoo
• Whipsnade Zoo 
• Bioparco Zoo
• Alpine Zoo Innsbruck 
• Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura Spain
• Jungle Park Tenerife 
• Zoo Parc De Beauval 
• Colchester Zoo
• Copenhagen Zoo
• Zoo Leipzig 

Featured Image: Facebook.com(Zoovienna)