The Bronx Zoo is one of the largest city zoos in the United States, spread across a big wooded section of Bronx Park in the north of New York City. It is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which has its headquarters here, and it has been open since 1899. A visit to the Bronx Zoo is a full day out rather than a quick stop: the grounds are large, the paths are hilly in places, and the exhibits are spread out across forest, river and open meadow.
Why visit the Bronx Zoo
Most city zoos feel like a set of enclosures squeezed between buildings. Here you spend a lot of time walking under trees, crossing the Bronx River and looking into large habitats that try to recreate whole landscapes rather than single cages. Gorillas live in a big rainforest exhibit, there is an indoor tropical forest, and the African plains area puts lions, giraffes and zebras within sight of each other. For families it is one of the best days out in the five boroughs, and for adults it is a surprisingly calm escape from Manhattan.
How to get to the Bronx Zoo by subway
The nearest station in the Around the Metro listing is Bronx Park East on the 2 and 5 lines. From there it is a walk of roughly 10 to 15 minutes west to the zoo's eastern entrances. Another common option on the same lines is West Farms Sq-E Tremont Av, a little further south, which is closer to the Asia gate on Boston Road. Both stations are on elevated tracks, so you will be walking at street level through residential blocks to reach the gates.
A few practical points:
- The ride from Midtown Manhattan on the 2 or 5 takes a while, often around 45 minutes to an hour, so leave early.
- Check the MTA service notices before you travel, because weekend works on the 2 and 5 are common.
- Express buses also serve the area from Manhattan if you prefer to avoid changes.
Bronx Zoo tickets and opening hours
Admission is paid, and there are usually two levels: general admission to the grounds, and a bundled ticket that adds some of the extra attractions inside the park. Seasonal rides and exhibits have their own charges or are included only in the higher ticket type, so read what is covered before you pay. The zoo has offered reduced or pay-what-you-wish general admission on certain days in the past, but the details change, so check before planning around it.
Opening hours vary by season and are shorter in winter. For current prices, timed entry rules and hours, use the official website, bronxzoo.com, and book ahead on busy weekends and school holidays.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Arrive close to opening. Many animals are most active in the cooler part of the morning, and the paths are emptiest before school groups and families arrive. Weekdays outside school holidays are calmer than weekends. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking, while summer afternoons can be hot and humid, and some outdoor animals rest in the shade.
Plan on four to six hours to see the main areas without rushing. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and pick up or download a map when you arrive, because the site is large and the signposting can feel spread out.
Highlights at the Bronx Zoo
Congo Gorilla Forest
A large rainforest habitat with western lowland gorillas, monkeys and other African species, with viewing windows that bring you close to the gorilla troop.
JungleWorld
An indoor Asian rainforest with gibbons, tapirs and other animals. It is a good place to warm up in cold weather or shelter from rain.
Tiger Mountain and Wild Asia
Tigers are among the most popular animals here, and the Wild Asia area covers species from across the continent. Some parts of Wild Asia are seasonal.
African Plains and the Bronx River
Open views across a savanna-style landscape, plus the walk along the Bronx River, which is one of the prettiest parts of the park.
Nearby in Bronx Park
- New York Botanical Garden: just north across Fordham Road, and an easy pairing for a second day in the Bronx.
- Arthur Avenue: the Little Italy of the Bronx, west of the zoo, known for bakeries, delis and Italian restaurants.
- Bronx Park paths: the parkland along the river outside the zoo is pleasant for a walk on a fine day.
To see what else is good near this station, open the Bronx Zoo on Around the Metro, or browse more stops on the New York subway map.