Where to buy parking tickets for San Diego Zoo Safari Park
You can buy parking tickets for San Diego Zoo Safari Park in three ways: at the parking booth when you arrive, online before your visit through the zoo's website, or through the zoo's mobile app. Buying ahead online or through the app is faster on the day you visit, since you skip the booth line and can drive straight to your assigned lot.
The parking booth is staffed during all operating hours, so you can always purchase a ticket there if you did not buy one in advance. However, during peak times — weekends, school holidays, and summer months — the booth line can add 10 to 15 minutes to your arrival. Online and app purchases let you pay before you leave home and display your confirmation on your phone or windshield.
Parking is not included with zoo admission, so you will pay separately for parking no matter which purchase method you choose. The price is the same across all three options.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park charges a separate parking fee that you can pay at the booth, online before your visit, or through the zoo's mobile app.
- Online and app purchases let you skip the parking booth line and proceed directly to your lot, which saves time on busy days.
- Parking prices are the same whether you buy at the booth or in advance, and the price varies by vehicle type (standard car, oversized vehicle, or motorcycle).
- You will need your confirmation number or QR code to enter the lot, so keep your phone or printed ticket with you when you arrive.
- Preferred parking and valet parking are available for an additional fee if you want a closer spot or full-service parking.
Purchasing parking tickets online before your visit
Go to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park official website and look for the parking section under "Plan Your Visit" or "Tickets." You will enter your visit date, vehicle type, and whether you want standard or preferred parking. The system will show you the price and let you choose your payment method.
You can pay with a credit card or debit card. After payment goes through, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code or confirmation number. Save this email or take a screenshot of the QR code, because you will show it to the parking attendant when you arrive. Some visitors print the confirmation, but a photo on your phone works just as well.
Online purchases typically close a few hours before the zoo closes for the day, so if you are planning a last-minute visit, the booth is your backup option. Check the website for the exact cutoff time, as it may vary by season.
Using the San Diego Zoo Safari Park mobile app to buy parking
read the official San Diego Zoo Safari Park app on your phone. Open the app, tap "Parking" or "Plan Your Visit," and select your visit date and vehicle type. The app will show available parking options and prices, and you can complete payment right there without leaving the app.
After you pay, your confirmation appears in the app with a QR code. When you arrive at the parking booth, open the app and show the attendant the QR code on your phone — they will scan it and direct you to your lot. This method is the fastest because you do not have to dig for an email or printed ticket.
The app also lets you add your parking purchase to your zoo admission ticket if you bought that through the app, so everything is in one place. If you lose cell service on the way to the zoo, the QR code stays visible in the app even without internet, so you can still show it at the booth.
Buying parking at the booth when you arrive
Drive to the parking booth entrance when you arrive at the zoo. Have your driver's license or ID ready, and let the attendant know your vehicle type and whether you want standard or preferred parking. The attendant will tell you the price, process your payment, and give you a parking pass or direct you to your lot.
Payment methods at the booth include cash, credit cards, and debit cards. The attendant will give you a physical pass to display on your dashboard or a verbal confirmation with a lot number. Keep this pass visible while you are parked, as parking enforcement checks for valid tickets.
Booth lines move quickly on most days, but expect a wait during peak hours. If you are visiting on a Saturday, Sunday, or during school breaks, arriving early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) will get you through the booth faster than arriving mid-day.
Understanding parking prices and vehicle types
San Diego Zoo Safari Park charges different rates based on your vehicle type. Standard passenger cars have one rate, oversized vehicles (SUVs, trucks, vans) have a higher rate, and motorcycles have a lower rate. The zoo may also offer discounts for members or for purchasing multiple days of parking at once.
Preferred parking costs extra but puts you in a closer lot to the entrance, which saves walking time. Valet parking is available for an additional fee if you want the attendant to park your car for you. Both options must usually be purchased in advance through the website or app, though the booth attendant can tell you if valet is available on your visit day.
Prices change seasonally and may vary based on special events or high-demand dates. Check the website or app for the exact price on your specific visit date, since rates are not fixed year-round.
What to do if your parking ticket does not work
If you bought a ticket online or through the app and the QR code will not scan at the booth, tell the attendant your confirmation number. They can look up your purchase in the system and let you through. Keep your confirmation email or screenshot as backup proof of purchase.
If you bought a physical pass at the booth and lost it, return to the booth and explain the situation. Bring your ID and the credit card you used to pay if possible. The attendant can search their records by your name or card and issue you a replacement pass.
If you believe you were charged twice for parking — for example, if you bought a ticket online but the booth attendant also charged you — contact the zoo's guest services within a few days with your receipts and confirmation numbers. They can review the transaction and issue a refund if an error occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy parking for multiple days at once?
Yes. When you purchase online or through the app, you can select multiple dates and buy parking for each day in one transaction. This is faster than buying each day separately and may may have access to you for a multi-day discount depending on the zoo's current offers.
Do I need to buy parking if I have a zoo membership?
Membership typically covers zoo admission but not parking. Check your membership details on the zoo's website or call guest services to confirm whether parking is included with your membership level. Some premium memberships do include parking, but most do not.
What happens if I arrive after the parking booth closes?
The parking booth is open during all zoo operating hours, so it will not close before you leave. However, if you arrive very late in the day, the booth may have a line. Buying your parking ticket online or through the app before you arrive avoids this issue entirely.
Can I get a refund if I do not use my parking ticket?
Refund policies vary depending on when you purchased and how far in advance your visit was. Check the zoo's cancellation policy on the website, or contact guest services with your confirmation number to ask about a refund or credit toward a future visit.
Is there free parking anywhere at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
No. Parking is paid only at San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There is no free lot or alternative parking area. The parking fee is separate from your zoo admission ticket and applies to all visitors regardless of membership status.