The Bronx Zoo, a renowned wildlife sanctuary in New York City, offers visitors two main entrances to access its vast and diverse collection of animals and exhibits. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo enthusiast, understanding the Bronx Zoo’s entrance options can help you plan your visit and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Navigating the Southern Boulevard Entrance
The Southern Boulevard entrance, located at 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, is the primary access point for the Bronx Zoo. This entrance is recommended for visitors using GPS, as it provides a large parking lot and convenient access to the zoo’s main attractions.
Driving Directions to the Southern Boulevard Entrance
Visitors coming from various locations can follow these driving directions to reach the Southern Boulevard entrance:
- From Manhattan’s Eastside: Take FDR Drive North to the RFK Bridge, then follow signs to the Bronx and the Bruckner Expressway.
- From Manhattan’s Westside: Take Henry Hudson Parkway North to the Cross Bronx Expressway East (I-95) to Exit 4B, then follow signs to the Bronx River Parkway North.
- From Westchester: Take the Taconic State Parkway into the Sprain Brook Parkway South to the Bronx River Parkway South, or the Saw Mill River Parkway or I-87 to the Cross County Parkway East to the Bronx River Parkway South.
Parking and Arrival
The Southern Boulevard entrance offers a spacious parking lot, making it a convenient option for visitors arriving by car. Once parked, follow the signs to the zoo’s main entrance, where you can purchase tickets and begin your adventure.
Exploring the Bronx River Entrance (Gate B)
The Bronx River entrance, also known as Gate B, is located at Exit 6 off the Bronx River Parkway. This entrance provides an alternative access point for visitors, particularly those coming from certain directions.
Driving Directions to the Bronx River Entrance
Visitors from various locations can use the following driving directions to reach the Bronx River entrance:
- From Connecticut: Take I-95 South to the Pelham Parkway West or the Merritt Parkway South to the Hutchinson River Parkway South to the Pelham Parkway West.
- From New Jersey: Take the George Washington Bridge to the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) to Exit 4B, then follow signs to the Bronx River Parkway North.
- From Brooklyn, Queens, or Long Island: Take the Whitestone Bridge to the Hutchinson River Parkway North to the Pelham Parkway West.
Arrival and Ticketing
The Bronx River entrance provides an alternative access point for visitors, but the zoo recommends using the Southern Boulevard parking lot for the best arrival experience. Regardless of the entrance used, visitors can purchase tickets and plan their visit in advance to take advantage of the zoo’s flex pricing options.
Flexible Pricing and Entry Times
The Bronx Zoo offers a flexible pricing model, allowing visitors to plan their visit and purchase tickets at a lower price during non-peak times. This helps to spread out attendance and make the zoo more accessible to all audiences.
Ticket Options and Entry Times
- Visitors can select an entry time slot, with the last entry 45 minutes prior to park closing.
- Animal exhibits close 30 minutes before the park closes, and exhibit lines may close earlier if there is a wait.
- Guests must arrive within one hour of their selected entry time (e.g., a 10:00 AM time slot means they must enter between 10:00 and 11:00 AM).
By understanding the Bronx Zoo’s entrance options, driving directions, and flexible pricing, visitors can plan their visit to the zoo with ease and ensure a memorable experience exploring the diverse array of animals and exhibits.