In-Park Tram and Bus Service
Our in-park transportation service helps Guests travel between major areas of the Zoo and connect through Junction Plaza, the Park’s central transportation hub. Please note that animals are not visible from the trams or buses.
There are three tram stops inside the Park:
- North America
- Africa
- Junction Plaza
See Park Map for details.
Transportation operates on two routes:
- North America Loop: North America ↔ Junction Plaza
- Africa Loop: Africa ↔ Junction Plaza
For the most efficient visit, we recommend beginning in the section closest to where you parked and using Junction Plaza to continue your day.
- Parked in North America? Travel to Junction Plaza, explore Africa, then enjoy the walk back through North America to your vehicle.
- Parked in Africa? Make your way to Junction Plaza, explore North America, ride transportation back to Junction Plaza, then finish your visit by walking through the rest of Africa on your way back.
If your day ends on the opposite side of the Zoo from where you parked, the parking lot shuttle is the easiest way to return to the other parking lot.
Trams and buses arrive approximately every 30 minutes, though wait times may be longer during busy periods.
Service from the North America and Africa tram stops ends 30 minutes before closing. Service from Junction Plaza continues until all Guests have exited the Park.
Trams and buses accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Wheelchair ramp and lift weight limits vary by vehicle from 600 to 1,000 pounds. Strollers must be emptied and folded before boarding, and wagons must be collapsible and foldable to be accommodated.
Parking Lot Shuttle Service
This service runs outside the Park between the North America and Africa parking lots from March 15 - November 15.
The shuttle stops are located a short distance outside the ticket booths at both the North America and Africa entrances. Use this service if you finish your visit at the opposite entrance from where you parked your car. It is faster to use the parking lot shuttle than the in-Park tram or bus.
Parking lot shuttle service operates from 11:00 a.m. until 30 minutes after closing.
Shuttle buses do accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Weight limits for wheelchair ramps and lifts on the vehicles vary between 600-1,000 lbs. Strollers must be emptied and folded for storage before boarding. Buses can only accommodate wagons if they collapse and fold.
FAQ's
Where does the in-Park tram service take me?
The in-Park tram service connects Guests between three stops inside the Zoo: North America, Junction, and Africa. Service operates on two routes: the North America Loop travels between North America and Junction, and the Africa Loop travels between Africa and Junction. Junction is the central connection point between the two routes.
How can I avoid having to transfer routes at Junction?
For the most efficient visit, we recommend starting in the area closest to where you park and using the tram as part of a suggested route through the Zoo.
- If you park in North America: travel to Junction, explore Africa, then walk back through North America to return to your vehicle.
- If you park in Africa: make your way to Junction, explore North America, take the tram back to Junction, then walk through the section of Africa you did not see at the beginning of your visit.
If you end your day on the opposite side of the Zoo from where you parked, the parking lot shuttle is available to take you back to the other parking lot.
Why did the routes change?
The routes were updated to make in-Park transportation more efficient, easier to navigate, and better able to support Guest needs across the Zoo. By operating as two separate routes (North America to Junction and Africa to Junction) the system helps improve route reliability and support a smoother Guest experience.
This updated route structure also better supports accessibility and future growth of the transportation system, including additional stops as service expands. While Guests can still use transportation to help experience both North America and Africa, the service is designed to support a recommended route through the Zoo rather than direct end-to-end travel across the entire Park.
Do I have to take all of my belongings out of the stroller/wagon before folding?
For the safety and comfort of all Guests, strollers must be emptied and folded before boarding. Wagons may only be brought on board if they are collapsible and can be folded.
This policy helps keep boarding areas clear and allows our team to load Guests safely, including those using mobility devices. We appreciate your understanding and recommend keeping essential items easy to access when planning to use in-Park transportation.
Is there a separate charge for the trams or parking lot shuttles?
There is no charge for Guests to use the in-Park tram or parking shuttle services.
Are the trams and buses accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, all of the in-Park trams and buses, as well as the parking lot shuttles, are wheelchair accessible. Weight limits for wheelchair ramps and lifts on the vehicles varies between 600-1,000 lbs.
Ramps on trams - 600lb maximum weight (including the wheelchair/ECV)
Lifts on Buses - varies 800-1,000 lb maximum weight depending (including the chair/ECV)
Can I see any animals from the in-Park tram route?
The in-Park trams and buses do not provide a tour of the animal habitats. The animals are only seen from the walking trails.
How long is the wait time between trams or buses at each stop?
You may experience wait times of up to 30 minutes. Wait times may vary depending on attendance figures or operational constraints.
Will my double stroller fit in the queuing line?
Most strollers - including the Zoo's rental strollers - fit in the queue at each of the tram stop locations within the Park.
Instead of taking the shuttle, can I walk from one parking lot to the other?
Yes, the Zoo provides a Connector Trail (open March 15 - November 15, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) that allows guests to walk between both parking lots. This is a gravel trail through deep woods that is approximately 1.4 miles long. Walking time varies from 15 to 40 minutes between the Africa ticket booths and the North America ticket booths.
For your safety, please do not walk on the sides of the Connector Road. This paved roadway between parking lots is open for vehicle traffic only.