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Getting to the zoo


Find us

By car

Belfast Zoo is well connected to the motorway and roads network and you will see Belfast Zoo signposted on your route. For satellite navigation please use postcode BT36 7PN.

We have free car parking onsite: over 300 spaces in the upper car park, including accessible bays, and 80 spaces in the lower car park.

We have an electronic vehicle charge point close to the Visitor Centre entrance.

  • From the north
    • Approach Belfast on the M2 motorway.
    • Leave the motorway at junction four (Glengormley/Larne) and take the third exit off the roundabout.
    • Follow this road through Glengormley for one mile.

    The zoo is on the right, just past the motorway bridge.

  • From the south or west
    • Approach Belfast on the M1 motorway. Follow the directions for the M2 over the Westlink.
    • Leave the motorway at junction two (Greenisland/Whitewell/Rathcoole). The zoo is signposted from here.
    • Take the extreme left slip road and follow the signs for the zoo.
  • From Belfast city centre or Co Down
    • Follow directions for the M2 motorway. Stay on the M2 until you reach the second junction.
    • Leave the motorway at junction two (Greenisland/Whitewell/Rathcoole). The zoo is signposted from here.
    • Take the extreme left slip road and follow the signs for the zoo.
  • From Belfast International Airport
    • Follow directions for the M2 motorway. Stay on the M2 until you reach the second junction.
    • Leave the motorway at junction two (Greenisland/Whitewell/Rathcoole). The zoo is signposted from here.
    • Take the extreme left slip road and follow the signs for the zoo.

By taxi

If you need a taxi, try phoning Value Cabs (028 9080 9080) or fonaCAB (028 9033 3333). We are happy to organise a taxi for your return journey, just ask our staff in the Visitor Centre for assistance. Prices for a taxi to or from Belfast Zoo may vary.

By public transport

There are lots of bus routes to Belfast Zoo with a stop on the Antrim Road. Metro services 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1J, 2A and 2B (for Antrim Road or Bellevue) depart from Upper Queen Street in Belfast city centre and stop on the Antrim Road opposite the zoo entrance.

When you get off the bus, you must walk approximately 500 metres to get to our Visitor Centre.

Plan your journey

By train

The nearest train station is Mossley West. It is approximately three miles from the zoo. You can order a taxi to the zoo from this station, or take the Metro 1D bus. 

Please ensure you check the most up-to-date information before travelling. Belfast Zoo takes no responsibility for any change to the public transport information as listed above. Call Translink on 028 9066 6630, find out more about Translink's routes and timetables, visit www.translink.co.uk or Download the Translink app to plan your journey.

By foot or bike

The zoo is located on the side of Cave Hill, at the top of Antrim Road, approximately seven miles from Belfast. Walking from the city centre takes at least 90 minutes. Cycling takes around 30 minutes.

From Belfast city centre, follow the signs for Donegall Street and Clifton Street until you reach Carlisle Circus. Turn right onto Antrim Road and continue along the road, past Belfast Castle. The zoo is clearly signposted from here.

You can find more walking or cycling directions to Belfast Zoo on Google Maps - just enter your starting location before you begin your journey.

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