Getting the train to London Zoo: Closest station & routes

Joshua Pearson

Published: Aug 10, 2026

Updated: August 28, 2026

Getting the train to London Zoo: Closest station & routes

Opened in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo, and it’s welcomed generations of visitors through its gates. It’s grown into one of London’s most popular family attractions, where visitors can discover everything from lions and penguins to gorillas, reptiles and conservation projects.

So, where is London Zoo? It’s located in Regent’s Park in North London, just a short distance from Camden, Baker Street and Marylebone. Though it feels like an escape from the city, it’s actually within easy reach of London's main transport hubs. If you’re wondering how to get to London Zoo by train, the journey is easier than you might expect, with several stations nearby and simple links from across the UK.

Below, we’ve taken a look at everything you need to know about how to get to London Zoo, including the nearest train station to London Zoo and tips to help you enjoy a smooth journey.

What is the nearest station to London Zoo?

Underground stations

1: Nearest Underground station: Camden Town

Onwards travel: After leaving Camden Town station, follow signs towards Regent’s Park and London Zoo, and walk for around 15 minutes. There are also several buses running nearby if you prefer not to walk.
Station facilities: Ticket machines, customer information points and step-free access to platform level. There are no toilets at Camden Town Station.

2: Nearest Underground station: Chalk Farm

Onwards travel: Walk towards Regent’s Park Road, before joining the routes towards the zoo entrance. The walk takes around 15 minutes.
Station facilities: You’ll find ticket machines and customer assistance points, but there are limited facilities inside the station itself.

Train stations

Nearest train: London Euston
Onwards travel: Take the Northern Line to Camden Town, then walk the remaining distance to London Zoo. Another option is to take a local bus, with routes including the 274 bus stopping nearby.
Station facilities: Toilets, cafés, shops, waiting areas, ticket machines and step-free access throughout much of the station.

How to get to London Zoo from popular London stations?

From London Euston to London Zoo

London Euston is around 1.5 miles from London Zoo, and the quickest way to get there is usually to travel by London Underground. Take the Northern Line towards Edgware or High Barnet, and get off at Camden Town. From there, London Zoo is around a 15-minute walk away.

From London King’s Cross St Pancras to London Zoo

London King’s Cross St Pancras is another popular arrival point into London, especially if you’re travelling from the North of England, Scotland or arriving via Eurostar. The station is only a few miles from London Zoo, and there are several simple routes to get from one to the other.

The quickest public transport option is to take the Northern Line from King’s Cross to Camden Town. From Camden Town, London Zoo is a 15-minute walk away. You can also take the 214 bus from King’s Cross St Pancras towards Camden Town, then get on the 274 bus towards London Zoo. You could also walk from King’s Cross to London Zoo, which takes around 45 minutes.

From London Victoria to London Zoo

London Victoria is a key station for visitors arriving from south London, Kent, Brighton and Sussex. Though it’s further away than London Euston or London King’s Cross, it’s still easy to get to London Zoo. Get on the Victoria Line and change to the Northern Line at Euston, heading towards Camden Town. After arriving at Camden Town, follow signs to the zoo. You can also get a taxi from London Victoria to London Zoo, and the journey will take around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

From London Paddington to London Zoo

If you want to get from London Paddington to London Zoo, you can take the Bakerloo Line to Baker Street, then continue by bus or on foot. From Baker Street, you can either walk through Regent’s Park for around 25 minutes, or take the 274 bus. A taxi from Paddington is another option, usually taking around 10 minutes depending on traffic, though it’s more expensive.

Getting to London Zoo from major UK cities by train

From Manchester

Departing station: Manchester Piccadilly
Journey time: From 2 hours and 7 minutes to London Euston, plus 15 minutes on the tube.
Cheapest ticket price: From £41.50
First train to London Euston: 05:04
Last train back to Manchester: 22:03
Connection to London Zoo: Northern Line from London Euston to Camden Town, then a 15-minute walk to London Zoo.
Provider(s): Avanti West Coast
Is First Class available?: Yes
Buy your tickets from Manchester to London to access London Zoo here

From Birmingham

Departing station: Birmingham New Street
Journey time: From 1 hour 19 minutes to London Euston, plus 15 minutes on the tube.
Cheapest ticket price: From £11.00
First train to London Euston: 05:30
Last train back to Birmingham: 23:30
Connection to London Zoo: Northern Line from London Euston to Camden Town, then a 15-minute walk to London Zoo.
Provider(s): Avanti West Coast
Is First Class available?: Yes
Buy your tickets from Birmingham to London to access London Zoo here

From Edinburgh

Departing station: Edinburgh Waverley
Journey time: From 4 hours and 10 minutes, plus 20 minutes on the tube.
Cheapest ticket price: From £44.50
First train to London King’s Cross: 05:37
Last train back to Edinburgh: 20:03
Connection to London Zoo: Get the Northern Line from London Euston to Camden Town, then walk 15 minutes to London Zoo.
Provider(s): LNER
Is First Class available?: Yes
Buy your tickets from Edinburgh to London to access London Zoo here

From Leeds

Departing station: Leeds
Journey time: From 2 hours and 11 minutes, plus 20 minutes on the tube.
Cheapest ticket price: From £31.10
First train to London King's Cross: 05:00
Last train back to Leeds: 21:08
Connection to Borough Market: Get the Northern Line from London Euston to Camden Town, then walk 15 minutes to London Zoo.
Provider(s): LNER
Is First Class available?: Yes
Buy your tickets from Leeds to London to access London Zoo here

How to find cheap train tickets to London Zoo?

Use Trip.com to book tickets

You can save money on your train to London Zoo journey by booking your tickets as early as possible. Once you know how to get to London Zoo, don’t delay snapping up advance train tickets, as these are often cheaper than buying on the day. Use Trip.com to compare departure times, routes and tickets to the best London Zoo tube station.

Find Off-Peak tickets

If your travel dates are flexible, try to travel to the nearest station to London Zoo outside of the busiest commuter periods. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets can be handy if you’re heading to London for a day out and can avoid commuter times.

Use Railcards

You can use Railcards to reduce the cost of your journey. Railcards offer around one-third off a lot of train fares, helping you save on trips to London Zoo.

Why visit London Zoo?

There’s no shortage of things to see and do at London Zoo, and it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the busy streets of the city and hello to a world of wildlife. Set within the beautiful Regent’s Park, the zoo provides a unique mix of education and entertainment, making it a popular destination for families, couples and visitors exploring London for the first time.

With almost 200 years of history behind it, you can expect a lot from London Zoo, including face-to-face time with some of the world’s most fascinating species, from lions and penguins to endangered monkeys and colourful reptiles. London Zoo is a memorable day out where children can discover wildlife up close, and adults can enjoy a change of pace from London’s historic buildings and busy shopping streets.

The zoo’s location also makes it easy to team with other popular attractions nearby, including Regent’s Park, Camden Market and Primrose Hill. The closest station to London Zoo is either Camden Town or Chalk Farm, making it easy to include a visit into your London itinerary.

Flamingos with clear reflections on the water at London Zoo

FAQs for visiting London Zoo

Where is London Zoo?

London Zoo is in Regent’s Park, close to Camden, Baker Street and Marylebone. The nearest tube stations are Camden Town and Chalk Farm, both of which are around a 15-minute walk away.

What animals are at London Zoo?

London Zoo is home to thousands of animals, including lions, tigers, gorillas, penguins, giraffes, reptiles and birds.

How do you get to London Zoo?

The easiest way to reach London Zoo is by public transport, with Camden Town and Chalk Farm being the closest Tube stations.

Does London Zoo have elephants?

No, London Zoo does not currently have elephants. The zoo previously had elephants but now focuses on conservation and specialist habitats for other species.

How much is London Zoo?

Ticket prices vary depending on the date and ticket type, but booking online in advance is usually the cheapest option.

How big is London Zoo?

London Zoo covers around 36 acres within Regent’s Park, so you can expect to spend several hours exploring its exhibits, animal habitats and attractions.

What are London Zoo’s opening hours?

London Zoo usually opens from 10 am, with closing times varying throughout the year.

Tips for your London Zoo visit

Book tickets in advance

Booking your London Zoo tickets online before you visit can help you to find your preferred date, and it often leads to better prices than buying at the entrance.

Travel off-peak to avoid crowds

London Zoo can get busy during weekends, school holidays and in the summer months. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help you to avoid queues and enjoy a quieter experience.

Check the weather before visiting

As much of London Zoo is outdoors, it’s worth checking the forecast before setting off. Bring suitable clothing, comfortable shoes and an umbrella or waterproof jacket in case it rains.

Check bag and item restrictions

Before your visit, check any restrictions on what you can bring into the zoo. Large bags and bulky items can be difficult to carry around, so a small backpack with essentials is usually the best option.

Plan your route around the zoo

London Zoo covers a large area, so planning which exhibits you want to see beforehand can help you make the most of your day. This will ensure you see everything you want to see.

Where to stay near London Zoo?

The Landmark London

For a luxury stay close to London Zoo, The Landmark London offers a five-star experience near Marylebone. The hotel features stylish rooms, several dining options, a spa, swimming pool and a glass atrium, making it a memorable choice for a special London break. It’s located around 1.5 miles from London Zoo.

Holiday Inn London - Camden Lock by IHG

A great mid-range option for visitors is Holiday Inn London Camden Lock, which sits beside Regent’s Canal and is around a 15-minute walk from London Zoo. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, bar, family-friendly facilities and views over the canal. Prices are generally mid-range, offering a good balance between location and value.

Mason & Fifth, Primrose Hill

For something a little different, Mason & Fifth in Primrose Hill provides a boutique stay within walking distance of London Zoo. The property offers apartment-style rooms with kitchen facilities, modern interiors and a more residential feel. Located close to Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park, it is ideal if you want a quieter neighbourhood while remaining close to London’s attractions.

Hilton London Euston

Hilton London Euston is a convenient choice thanks to its location. The hotel is around a 20-minute walk from London Zoo, or just a short tube or taxi journey via Camden Town, making it especially useful for travellers arriving at London Euston. With comfortable rooms, a restaurant, bar and business facilities, it offers a reliable option for a central London getaway.