Frequently asked questions
Here you will find an overview of frequently asked questions to Diergaarde Blijdorp and the corresponding answers.
We are open every day. During the winter season from 09:00 AM to 5:00 PM and during the summer season until 6:00 PM.
Parking at the Diergaarde Blijdorp parking lot costs €12.50, and it's €8.50 for season ticket holders. Parking tickets can be obtained from the ticket machines at the main entrance.
Weekends and Wednesdays are often busy. The weather and holidays also play a significant role. For an estimate of crowd levels, please check our agenda.
We kindly ask you to smoke as little as possible within the zoo, and if you do smoke, please use the designated "cigarette butt bins" that are distributed throughout the park. Please note: as of January 1, 2024, Diergaarde Blijdorp will be entirely smoke-free
You can find a quiet spot or use the changing room/adapted restroom for visitors with disabilities where you can lock the door. Use the free Blijdorp app for directions to these locations. For heating baby food or bottles, there are microwaves available in our restaurants. In the restaurant De Lepelaar, there are two separate rooms that can also be used as prayer rooms or quiet spaces.
Day tickets
Diergaarde Blijdorp uses four pricing categories that vary by day. The 2025 ticket prices per category are as follows:
- Category A: €27.50 for ages 13 and up, and €22.50 for children aged 3 to 12
- Category B: €29.50 for ages 13 and up, and €24.50 for children aged 3 to 12
- Category C: €30.50 for ages 13 and up, and €25.50 for children aged 3 to 12
- Category D: €31.50 for ages 13 and up, and €26.50 for children aged 3 to 12
The exact price depends on the season, the day of the week, and expected crowd levels. In the ticket shop, you can easily check which rate applies to your chosen visit date.
We operate with two seasons:
- Low season (November 1 to March 31)
Includes Category A and Category C - High season (April 1 to October 31)
Includes Category B and Category D
The exact pricing category for each day is shown in the online ticket shop, so you'll always know in advance which rate applies.
Diergaarde Blijdorp aims to offer a fair price for every type of visit. By adjusting ticket prices based on expected crowd levels, holidays, and seasons, we can:
- Better spread visitor flows
- Keep the park accessible and enjoyable
- Align pricing more closely with the experience of a day at Blijdorp
If you haven’t chosen a specific visit date yet, you can opt for a flexible ticket. This ticket is valid for one year from the date of purchase and grants access on a day of your choice.
The prices for a flexible ticket are:
- €32.50 for visitors aged 13 and older
- €27.50 for children aged 3 to 12
With this ticket, you don’t need to worry about daily price differences or reserving a date in advance. Perfect if you’d like to keep your plans flexible!
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In our online ticket shop, you'll find a clear calendar showing which price category applies to each day. This makes it easy to choose the best time for your visit.
You can purchase a subscription on our website every day of the year. After purchase, you will have immediate access to My Subscription. Your subscription passes can be collected at the Visitor Service at the main entrance (Blijdorplaan 8). Your pass will be provided with a photo there. You can then start using your subscription right away.
The subscription is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
You can easily do this online through My Subscription, by emailing abonnement@diergaardeblijdorp.nl, or in person at the ticket counter/Visitor Service of Diergaarde Blijdorp. It is not possible to cancel a subscription over the phone
A subscription with Rotterdampas discount can only be purchased at the ticket counter.
Please note: everyone added to the subscription with a discount must possess a Rotterdampas.
Click here for all information regarding subscriptions (and day passes) with the Rotterdampas.
You can bring a maximum of 4 people at the discounted rate to Blijdorp per day (the subscription holder must be present). During ticket inspection, the subscription must be presented along with these tickets.
Diergaarde Blijdorp is accessible for wheelchair users and mobility scooter users. There are also plenty of benches in scenic spots along the route. You can charge your mobility scooter at the exterior wall/entrance of the De Lepelaar restaurant.
For a relaxed exploration with younger children, you can rent strollers at the entrance for €3.50.
Yes, wheelchairs can be reserved by phone at 0900-1857. A cash deposit of €50 is required. Wheelchairs are also disinfected before issuance.
Visitors who wish to bring an assistance dog into the zoo must notify us at least one day in advance by phone. Call 0900 1857 (no extra charges). There are certain conditions for the safety of assistance dogs and our animals. Click here for the conditions >.
Blijdorp offers a special guided tour for visually impaired visitors. This tour aims to make the experience of the wildlife as "visible" as possible, both individually and in small groups, by using the sense of touch.
On the free Blijdorp app, you can see which catering locations are open today.
The "Zee van ZOOvenirs" and the "VriendenBazaar" are open during regular hours. Also, take a look at our online store. Please note: parking tickets are not available for purchase at the "Zee van ZOOvenirs."
No, the sale of souvenirs is reserved for visitors of the Diergaarde. After a visit to the Diergaarde, you might want to take a nice souvenir home as a memory for yourself or as a gift.
General
Expedition Blijdorp is an interactive and free experience that makes your visit to the zoo even more fun and educational. Through the Blijdorp app, you can participate in various expeditions throughout the park. You collect badges, complete challenges, and learn about animals and nature in a playful way. The program combines adventure, education, and gaming elements, turning every visit into a personal adventure.
The app is your guide during your visit. You can:
- Choose expeditions and follow personalized routes through the park.
- Answer questions and take on challenges at various animal enclosures.
- Earn points and badges to level up.
After your visit, you can continue using the app to discover exclusive content, such as DIY projects and nature updates. The app is free to download and works on smartphones and tablets.
No, Expedition Blijdorp is free for everyone visiting the park. Day visitors can enjoy interactive expeditions and collect badges during their visit.
As a member, you get extra benefits, such as:
- Starting at Level 2 when linking your membership to the app.
- Annual loyalty badges and access to exclusive content, such as live webcams and staff interviews.
You can see your current level in Expedition Blijdorp by logging into your account. Your level is determined based on the number of activities you have completed within the program. If you don’t have an account yet, create one now to start at Expedition Blijdorp Level 1!
In Expedition Blijdorp, achieved levels are always retained – your level will never decrease. Make sure you are logged into your account to see the correct level.
Pins
Questions about the physical pins
Expedition Blijdorp pins are exclusive collectibles available only to participants of the loyalty program. They are designed to reward your visit to Blijdorp and serve as a keepsake of your progress. You can only purchase the pins if you can prove that you have obtained the corresponding badge in the park. And be quick, because the edition of these exclusive pins is limited. A unique collector's item from Blijdorp!
The pins can only be purchased online with a pre-order on our online webshop. You will receive access to the pre-order page once you have achieved the corresponding achievement in the Expeditie Blijdorp app. As soon as the pins are available, you can pick them up at the souvenir shop Zee van ZOOvenirs in Diergaarde Blijdorp.
The price of each pin is €4.50. This amount contributes to species restoration and nature conservation projects.
Each participant can purchase a maximum of four pins. This limit ensures that the pins remain unique and exclusive to Expedition Blijdorp participants.
No, the pins are exclusively available to members of the loyalty program and Expedition participants.