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How to get to São Paulo Zoo? Practical Tips & Parking

Getting to São Paulo Zoo at a glance

The São Paulo Zoo is located in the Água Funda district in São Paulo’s southern zone, around 12km from the historic centre. Taking the metro to Saúde or São Judas Station and continuing by bus is usually the fastest and most reliable option during heavy traffic hours. Families often prefer driving since official parking is available directly outside the entrance.

Address: Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP, 04301-905, Brazil | Find on Google Maps

Closest landmark: São Paulo Botanical Garden, directly beside the zooNeighbourhood pointers:

  • 25 mins from Vila Mariana by bus
  • 30 mins from Paulista Avenue by metro and bus
  • 40–50 mins from São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport depending on traffic

Compare your travel options

Mode of transportTravel timeEstimated costBest forDirections

Metro + bus

35–60 mins

$ (R$8.90)

Fastest during heavy traffic

Metro + bus route

Direct bus

25–50 mins

$ (R$5)

Cheapest direct option

Direct bus route

Car

20–60 mins

$$

Families and flexible travel

Car route

Taxi or ride-hail

20–50 mins

$$ to $$$

Door-to-door convenience

Taxi route

Official zoo transfer

15–25 mins from Jabaquara

$ (R$4.55–9.10)

Easy metro connection

Zoo transfer route

Getting to São Paulo Zoo by public transport

Woman at Metro station platform with camera, waiting for train using Osaka Metro Tourist Pass.

Travel time: 35–60 mins
Closest stations: Saúde and São Judas, Line 1-Blue
Closest stop: Avenida Miguel Estefano, outside the entrance
Metro timings: Around 4:40am to 12am daily
Fare: Around R$8.90 integrated fare with Bilhete Único
Accessibility: Saúde and São Judas stations have lifts and step-free access.

Take Metro Line 1-Blue toward Jabaquara and exit at Saúde or São Judas Station. From there, board a connecting bus toward Água Funda and the zoo entrance. This combination is usually faster and more predictable than driving during São Paulo’s peak traffic periods.

Pro tip: Use a Bilhete Único card for integrated metro and bus fares within the transfer window.

Couple boarding a bus for a city tour.

Travel time: 25–50 mins
Closest stop: Avenida Miguel Estefano, directly outside the zoo
Fare: R$5 single ride
Accessibility: Most SPTrans buses are low-floor with wheelchair ramps.

Official bus routes serving the zoo include:

  • 4742-10 Jardim Clímax
  • 475R-10 Jardim São Savério
  • 4491-10 Zoológico (from Terminal Parque Dom Pedro II)

Buses connect easily from the Saúde and São Judas metro stations, making them the most direct public transport option for the final part of the journey.

Important: Check the SPTrans or your preferred transit app for updated schedules and routes before travelling.

Entrance ticket counter at São Paulo Zoo with visitors in line.

Departure point: In front of the zoo ticket office at Jabaquara Terminal
Operating days: Daily during zoo operating hours
Fare: R$4.55 one-way, R$9.10 round-trip
Ticketing: Available online with zoo tickets or directly at Jabaquara Terminal
Accessibility: Boarding areas at Jabaquara are accessible, though assistance may be needed during busy periods.

The official zoo transfer is one of the easiest ways to reach the attraction from the metro network. Jabaquara Terminal connects directly to Metro Line 1-Blue, eliminating the need to navigate city buses independently.

Pro tip: The transfer ticket office closes one hour before the zoo closes, so avoid leaving purchases until late afternoon.

Getting to São Paulo Zoo by car

Driving route

Travel time: 20–60 mins from central São Paulo
Distance: About 12km
Peak traffic: Weekdays, 7–10am and 5–8pm
Best route: Avenida 23 de Maio toward Água Funda
Scenic route: Avenida Ricardo Jafet via Vila Mariana and Ipiranga
Restrictions: No congestion charge or restricted zones apply
Accessibility: Accessible parking bays and step-free entrance access available

Pro tip: Arrive before 9:30am on weekends for easier parking and more active animals.

São Paulo Zoo & Simba Safari parking

Both attractions have the same official parking space for up to 2,000 vehicles directly in front of the zoo entrance.

Address: Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP, 04301-905
Arrival hours: 8:30am–4pm
Vehicle collection: Until 6pm
Pre-booking: Not available, subject to availability
Accessibility: Accessible bays available close to the entrance

Parking rates

  • Cars: R$50
  • Motorcycles: R$40
  • Vans and minibuses: R$70 (should park at Rua Etruscos, 52, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP, 04301-902)
  • Buses: R$100

Botanical Garden parking

Address: Avenida Miguel Estefano, 3031, Água Funda, São Paulo, SP, 04301-905
Capacity: The third-party parking lot near the entrance has around 500 vehicles
Hours: Daily, 6am–5pm

Official parking at Rua Etruscos, 52 operates:

  • Monday–Friday: 8am–6pm, R$35
  • Saturdays, Sundays & holidays: 9am–5pm, R$50
  • Vans/minibuses: R$70
  • Buses: R$100
  • Early morning parking (6am–8am): R$10
  • Monthly parking: R$150

Getting to São Paulo Zoo by taxi or ride-hailing apps

By taxi

Closest drop-off point: Main entrance on Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241
Travel time: 20–50 mins from central São Paulo
Estimated fare: Around R$30–60 from Paulista; R$80–120 from Guarulhos Airport
Accessibility: 99 Acessível offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Ride- hailing apps

With São Paulo's traffic, ride-hailing has become the go-to for most zoo visitors. All three major apps drop off directly on Avenida Miguel Estefano outside the entrance.

Available apps:

  • 99: Most popular local ride-hailing app
  • Uber: Widely available with multiple ride categories
  • inDrive: Often cheaper during off-peak hours

Airport pickups at Guarulhos and Congonhas use designated app pickup zones separate from taxi ranks.

São Paulo traffic and travel tips

Man boarding a blue city bus with a backpack.

São Paulo traffic can add significant delays, especially during rush hours and rainy-season storms.

  • Morning rush: 7–10am weekdays
  • Evening rush: 5–8pm weekdays
  • Busiest tourist hours: 9:30–11:30am weekends
  • Worst congestion: Carnival weekend, school holidays, and long public holidays
  • Rain impact: December–February storms regularly slow traffic across southern São Paulo

Best alternative during congestion: Taking the metro to Saúde Station and continuing by bus is usually the fastest and most reliable way to reach the zoo during peak traffic hours.

Frequently asked questions about getting to São Paulo Zoo

Taking Metro Line 1-Blue to Saúde or São Judas Station and continuing by bus is usually the fastest and most reliable option during heavy traffic periods.