Maryland Zoo Parking Lot Renovation
After a decade of planning and in response to understandable complaints, the Zoo is making long-anticipated improvements to parking at the Main Gate. The work will completely resurface multiple parking lots and should be completed sometime in 2024.
The parking lot renovation will provide:
- A better experience for pedestrians
- A smooth ride for strollers and wheeled carts
- An ADA-compliant surface from the car to the gate
- A more bike-friendly entrance
- Dramatically improved stormwater water runoff controls
Plan Your Visit
Like any major construction project, this will be disruptive. We’ve held community engagement sessions to let the neighborhood know what’s coming. Our staff is working to minimize any inconvenience. This page is here as a resource for planning your visit and our team is available daily between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm to answer any questions at tickets@marylandzoo.org or 410-396-7102.
ADA Parking
Updated, accessible parking spaces are located near the Zoo’s Main Gate at 1 Safari Place and available on a first come first serve basis.
General Parking
Zoo guests should park at 1 Safari Place. Lots B and C are open for both guests and Zoo members.
Rideshares and Taxis
The main gate is still the best place for passenger drop-off. Instruct rideshares or taxis to take you to 1 Safari Place.
Bus Drop-Off and Parking
Groups arriving by bus will be dropped off and picked up at our drop-off zone in Lot C by Eagle Gate. Buses will be able to drop off and pick up only. We will not have bus parking near the gate during the parking project.
Please note your bus number and pickup time before entering the Zoo so your group members board the correct bus at the end of their stay. Adults driving separately will also need to park at the Main Gate and enter with the school. If chaperones arrive by bus, please make sure they are seated near the students. There will be a limited assembly area to organize your group when exiting the bus.
Parking attendants will be strategically positioned to guide your group. Please see the driving directions for drop off location at the Eagle Gate, as well as the exit location when leaving the Zoo.
Additional drop-off instructions will be emailed directly to your group leader.
Thank You For Your Patience!
We recognize the temporary closure of the lots will be inconvenient to members, guests, and staff, and have worked with the contractors on expediting the construction schedule wherever possible.