Directions, Parking and Accommodations
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Directions
The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067, at the northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road (I-696).
Driving to the Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, Michigan, at the northwest corner of Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road (I-696).
Guests may enter the Zoo from either Woodward Avenue or 10 Mile Road — just look for the Detroit Zoo Water Tower.
Get Driving Directions
Construction Updates
Please be aware of ongoing construction impacts near the Zoo, including the complete closure of eastbound I-696 between Lahser Road and I-75. Guests are encouraged to plan extra travel time and review current detours before visiting.
MI DriveParking and Transportation
On-Site Parking
Inside the Zoo, guests can park inside the parking structure or in of our three surface lots — follow posted signage to the Woodward, Water Tower and10 Mile Road lots. Zoo parking is limited and may fill early during peak visitation periods, holidays and special events. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternative parking and transportation options when possible.
During busy periods, Zoo parking entrances may temporarily close to help manage traffic flow and allow vehicles to safely exit parking lots. Guests with pre-purchased tickets or member reservations will still be able to visit using alternative parking and shuttle options.
Parking Fees:
- $8 per car
- $12 per van or bus
Off-Site Parking
On weekends, guests can park in downtown Royal Oak and take the free shuttle from the Oakland Community College (OCC) campus to the Zoo. Shuttle service to the Zoo is available on select Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with return service available throughout the afternoon. The final shuttle departs from the Zoo at 4:30 p.m.
Free parking is available on select Saturdays and Sundays in the OCC parking structure, which closes at 5 p.m. If the garage is full, guests may park elsewhere in downtown Royal Oak and walk to the shuttle pickup location. Parking rates may vary by location.
Please note: OCC garage parking and shuttle service are not available on holidays. Only available on select Saturdays and Sundays.
Rideshare
$5 off gate-price admission:
Skip the parking search and take a rideshare service to the Zoo. Guests who present a same-day Uber or Lyft receipt at entry receive $5 off gate-price admission per person.
Rideshare drop-off is available in the Zoo’s 10 Mile Road parking lot. When onsite parking reaches capacity, parking entrances may temporarily close to help reduce congestion. During these times, rideshare drivers may drop guests off in the LA Fitness parking lot across Woodward Avenue. Guests can then safely cross the street and enter through the Zoo’s pedestrian entrances on Woodward Avenue or 10 Mile Road.
Drop Off & Pick Up Areas
Convenient drop-off and pick-up areas are available in front of the main admission gates. Please follow posted signage upon arrival.
Public Transportation
Guests can also visit the Zoo using SMART bus routes serving the Royal Oak area.
From the north/south: Routes 461/462 or 450/460
From the east/west: Routes 730 or 740 (Sundays only)
Bike Parking
Guests arriving by bicycle can take advantage of convenient bike parking located near the Zoo entrance.
Pedestrian Entrances
Pedestrian entrances are available on Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road for guests arriving to the Zoo on foot or via alternative transportation.
Accommodations
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or planning a staycation, metro Detroit has a variety of accommodations close by the Zoo.
Hyatt Place Detroit/Royal Oak
422 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Distance: 1.9 Miles from the Zoo
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites
25100 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48075
Distance: 5.1 Miles from the Zoo
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Westin Southfield Detroit
1500 Town Center, Southfield, MI 48075
Distance: 5.5 Miles from the Zoo
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Comfort Suites Southfield
24977 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI
Distance: 6 Miles from the Zoo
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Courtyard Detroit Southfield
27027 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48174
Distance: 6.5 Miles from the Zoo
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Accessibility & Resources
The Detroit Zoo welcomes guests of all abilities. From wheelchair rentals to sensory-inclusive resources and accessible guest amenities, we are committed to helping everyone enjoy their visit comfortably.