Where is it? This is the main entrance to Schonbrunn Zoo, located on the west side near the Hietzing U-Bahn station. It is conveniently positioned near the Palm House, providing direct access to key attractions.
Who is it for? Ideal for visitors arriving via public transport (bus, tram, or metro) and those entering from the western side of Schonbrunn Palace Gardens.
How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 to the Hietzing station, or use bus lines 56A and 56B or tram lines 10, 58, and 60. From there, it’s just a short walk to the entrance.
Average wait time: The Hietzing gate tends to get busier during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid long lines, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Booking Vienna Zoo tickets online ahead of time can also save you some waiting.
Nearest parking: Parkgarage Hietzing (800m away)
Where is it? This entrance is located on the southern side of Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, near the iconic Gloriette structure, offering easy access to the Children’s Farm Zoo.
Who is it for? Best suited for families with young children looking to visit the Children’s Farm Zoo or visitors entering from the Gloriette area.
How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 or bus lines 8A and 56B to stops near the southern end of the palace gardens.
Average wait time: The Tyrolean Garden usually has shorter lines than the Hietzing gate, making it a great choice if you are visiting during busier times. That said, during peak tourist seasons, between June and August, you might still encounter a small wait here too.
Nearest parking: Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg Public Car Park (1.3km away, accessible via Elisabeth-Allee, offering designated spaces for disabled visitors and an electric vehicle charging station)
Where is it? This gate is situated near the Neptune Fountain within the Palace grounds. It provides access to the eastern side of the zoo, home to attractions like Polar Bear World, the Rainforest House, and the Aquarium and Terrarium House.
Who is it for? Perfect for visitors exploring Schonbrunn Palace and gardens before heading into the zoo or those interested in the eastern zoo exhibits.
How to reach? Take U-Bahn line U4 to the Schloss Schonbrunn stop or Hietzing, or use bus lines 10A, 10, or 60. Both stops are just a short walk from the gate.
Average wait time: This entrance is typically quieter in the mornings and late afternoons. Keep an eye on the palace's event schedule, as special events can draw more visitors and lead to longer wait times.
Nearest parking: APCOA Parking Lot (2.2km away)
The Hietzing gate, located close to the Hietzing U-Bahn station, is the most wheelchair-friendly entrance, offering smooth paths that lead directly to major attractions. The Tyrolean Garden gate is also accessible, but keep in mind that some of the nearby gardens have gentle slopes, so a bit of assistance might be needed. If you are driving, accessible parking is available near both the Hietzing and Neptune Gates.
The Vienna Zoo itself is well-equipped with ramps, accessible pathways, and restrooms to make your visit comfortable. Plus, you can borrow a wheelchair at the entrance if needed.
The Vienna Zoo has three entrances: Hietzing gate (main entrance), Tyrolean Garden gate (near the Gloriette), and Neptune gate (nearest to the Schonbrunn Palace).
The main entrance is the Hietzing gate, located near the Hietzing U-Bahn station and the Palm House. It provides direct access to major attractions like the Big Cat House and Giant Panda World.
Wait times vary by entrance and time of day. The Hietzing gate can have waits of 20 to 40 minutes during peak hours, while the Tyrolean Garden and Neptune gates typically have shorter waits, averaging 10 to 20 minutes.
Skip-the-line ticket holders can use any entrance, but the Hietzing gate is ideal due to its direct access to popular areas and facilities.
The Tyrolean Garden gate usually has the shortest wait time, as it is less crowded than the main Hietzing gate, even during busy periods.
The Hietzing gate is the closest entrance to the metro, just a short walk from the Hietzing U-Bahn station on the U4 line.
The Neptune gate is the closest entrance to Schonbrunn Palace, located near the Neptune Fountain within the palace gardens.
The Hietzing gate is the best option for visitors in wheelchairs, with smooth pathways, nearby accessible parking, and easy access to the zoo's key attractions.
To avoid long lines, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon and purchase your Vienna Zoo tickets online in advance. Opting for less busy entrances like the Tyrolean Garden gate can also help save time.