Zip to the Zoo with Us

Enjoy a Day at the Columbus Zoo for Under $10

Your safari starts with the Zoo Bus! For a safe, easy and affordable ride to the Columbus Zoo, take COTA’s Zoo Bus — it’s just $2 each way and available from May to October. The best part? Admission to the Zoo is $5 per person when you ride. Or, you can get $10 off Zoombezi Bay tickets.

How to Ride

Cash is best

The Zoo Bus Is $2 per Person Each Way

Buses cannot make change, so bring exact cash for each leg of your trip and you’re ready to go.

Riding with a herd? Due to fare capping, each digital payment method such as Tap to Pay or the Transit app can only be used for one rider. Exact cash is recommended for groups and families.

Prefer to pay digitally? COTA Smartcards offer a family account option, allowing you to register multiple Smartcards within one account and pay for all your riders with the same payment method. Visit COTA.com/Smartcard to get started.

Receiving Your Discount

When you board the Zoo Bus, kindly ask your Operator for a Zoo Bus coupon. They will distribute one per customer. Once you arrive at the Zoo, head to the admission window to present the coupon to verify your discount eligibility. If you are a COTA Mainstream customer, show your COTA-issued Mainstream ID Card at the window instead. It’s that easy!

Reminder: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a cashless venue. Visit ColumbusZoo.org/Know-Before for everything you need to know before your visit.