Free Offsite Parking

Paid onsite parking fills early and is not included with admission. On busy nights, consider parking at a free, nearby lot on Westgate Dr. From there, our free bus service will take you to ZooLights and safely back to your car.

From the Offsite Parking lot, you’ll get free bus service to and from ZooLights starting at 4:30 PM.

 

How to Use Offsite Parking

  • The Offsite Parking lot opens when the lots at the zoo are nearly full. Offsite Parking is located at 5319 SW Westgate Dr., one exit west of the Highway 26 Exit 72 entrance to Washington Park. As you enter the Park, look for signs about parking availability.

  • If the main zoo lots are full and the Offsite Parking lot is open, you can park for free and ride a free bus to and from the zoo. Allow a few extra minutes for travel time, and be prepared to wait outdoors for buses.

  • If the Offsite Parking lot is full, staff will direct you to TriMet’s Sunset Transit Center, which has 630 free parking spaces. From there, it’s just one quick MAX stop to Washington Park Station—right at the zoo entrance. LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIMET MAX

FAQs

  • Offsite Parking opens when the parking lots at the zoo are nearly full, or at the first ticket time on the busiest ZooLights nights. Signage will indicate that Offsite Parking is available.

  • First Student school buses transport guests to the zoo from the Offsite Parking lot. Buses drop off at the Washington Park MAX station (TriMet Plaza) in the pull-out nearest the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum. If this area becomes unavailable for drop-off, the loading zone will be moved to the Oregon Zoo Education Center at the Washington Park South Entry, just below the Oregon Zoo entrance.

  • Buses run as frequently as needed—they’ll go from the Offsite Parking lot to the zoo and back as long as there are guests ready to board.

  • There will always be at least one bus running that has a wheelchair lift.

  • Yes. We want to keep you safe, so please be aware of the following:

    • Pets are not allowed—service animals only.

    • Drivers will make stops at designated loading zones only.

    • Smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited.

    • Strollers and wagons must be folded up and stored in the front rows of the buses. 

    • Trash must be disposed of in trash receptacles. Please do not leave trash in the parking lots.

    • Parking in areas marked with “tenants only” or other “no offsite parking” signage is prohibited. Vehicles parked in these locations may be subject to towing by property management of the lots.

  • The last bus back to the Offsite Parking lot will depart ½-hour after the Oregon Zoo closes. The last bus time will be posted at the loading zone.