Rent A Charter Bus To The Phoenix Zoo

How To Travel To The Phoenix Zoo With A Group

Exploring the wonders of the Phoenix Zoo is easy with its close proximity to downtown and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The 5.2 mile, 12-minute drive along E Sky Harbor Blvd from the airport, gives you direct access to the Phoenix Zoo.

You’ll find free parking in the main Papago Park parking lot off of Galvin Parkway. If that parking lot is full, you can find more free parking at Sun Devil Municipal Stadium at the southwest corner of Van Buren and Priest, which is only a 15-minute walk to the zoo. Keep in mind that it is illegal to park on Galvin Parkway, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Planning to explore the Phoenix Zoo with a group? Luckily, the Phoenix Zoo welcomes groups with open arms, making it easy to plan and coordinate a group visit. A loading zone near the entrance is available for drop-off and pick-up. A parking attendant will coordinate with your bus driver to direct your group to the loading zone.

If you’re with a school group, there is a specific entrance to make the drop-off and pickup location seamless for drivers, teachers, students, and zoo staff. The Nina Mason Pulliam Children’s Trail Entrance is a student-focused entrance open through the months of October- May, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Your driver can enter from Galvin Parkway and park in the Zoo’s School Bus Parking Lot, right before the main parking lot.

For more information, check out this map from The Phoenix Zoo

Traveling to the Phoenix Zoo with National Charter Bus

Make your group travel experience completely stress-free with bus rentals through National Charter Bus. Our nationwide services do all the legwork for you by working with our extensive network of charter bus rentals, varying from a selection of compact minibus rentals to full-sized, 56-passenger motorcoaches. We’ll work with your group’s specific needs to build a custom fleet to ensure every passenger has a safe, comfortable, and worry-free ride.

Each state-of-the-art bus rental you book through us can come with a variety of amenities to enhance your group’s overall riding experience. Relax in plush, reclining seats, keep cool in an air-conditioned cabin, stay entertained with TVs and speakers, and diminish the amount of pit stops with clean, on-board restrooms.

When you work with National Charter Bus, you’ll be paired with a local, qualified driver who knows the most efficient routes throughout the city to ensure you arrive on-time. They’ll plan the routes and coordinate with zoo staff for drop-off, pickup and parking, giving you more time to focus on your trip and spending quality time with your group.

The Phoenix Zoo Hours & Admissions

Like many tourist attractions, the Phoenix Zoo has varied hours and prices depending on the season, group type, and desired itinerary.

General admission for visitors 14+ years old is $24.95 and children between the ages of 3-13 is $16.95, while kids 2 years and under are completely free. Booking online saves you time and money, reducing the prices to $22.95 and $14.95. You can also find a variety of packages that include different activities online.

Hours vary by the season. Make sure your group plans accordingly based on the time of year you plan to visit:

June 1 – August 31

7 a.m. – 2 p.m. (daily)

September 1 – October 31

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily)

November 1 – January 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (daily)

January 14 – May 31

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily)

School trips are provided extensive options depending on the age groups and purpose of the visit. The Phoenix Zoo is an inspiring outdoor classroom, offering specific programs at the zoo itself and the option to bring the activities to you! When visiting the zoo on a field trip, the entire group, including adults, is $8 per person with a minimum of 15 people.

School groups are required one adult per 10 children. In order to plan your field trip, you will need to fill out a reservation form. The Phoenix Zoo does limit school reservation each day to ensure maximum enjoyment for all guests in the zoo, especially during their busiest times. It’s best to plan ahead, and the zoo recommends visiting earlier in the week or during slower months for a less-crowded experience. From guided tours to a variety of hands-on programs, your children will never run out of educational activities while visiting.

Exploring The Phoenix Zoo With A Group

The Phoenix Zoo welcomes groups of all kinds with an array of educational, interactive activities that inspire you to care for animals and the environment around them. To make the experience enjoyable for all, follow these guidelines:

- The busiest times are during February, March, and April. Plan your trip around these peak seasons to get the best out of your visit.

- Because you’ll be spending a majority of your time walking around outside, bring plenty of sunscreen, water, comfortable walking shoes, a hat or sunglasses to block out the sun, and breathable clothing.

- If your group includes young children, consider bringing swimsuits so they can splash in the Yakulla Caverns or Leapin’ Lagoon.

- If you want to explore all 125 acres of the zoo grounds, plan your visit to be approximately three hours long, give or take depending on the size of your group.

- Coolers, ice chests and your own food are allowed at the zoo; however, glass containers and alcohol are not permitted. Read the zoo’s FAQs to learn more about prohibited items.

- Arrive as early as possible to avoid large crowds. Plus, the animals are most active when the zoo opens, so you’ll be more likely to catch some amazing sights.

- Take advantage of the knowledgeable zoo staff and get a unique view of the glimpse with a guided tour. The Phoenix Zoo offers several types of tours, so we recommend booking one that fits your group’s specific taste.

Flock To The Phoenix Zoo With National Charter Bus

Don’t wait to see all that the Phoenix Zoo has to offer! Let National Charter Bus help you plan this magical journey through different ecosystems of the world. We work with groups of every kind, from school field trips, personal tours, corporate gatherings, wedding celebrations, and more. We’re available 24/7 to help you plan your trip, so call us at (480) 626-4711!