Zoo Aquarium Madrid is one of the largest zoos in Spain, set within the 49-acre Casa de Campo park west of the city centre. Home to over 6,000 animals from more than 500 species — including giant pandas, Iberian lynxes, gorillas, koalas, elephants, and dolphins — it also houses a 2,000 sq metre tropical aquarium, dolphin and sea lion shows, virtual reality experiences, and IrenIA, a pioneering AI virtual assistant. Ticket prices vary by day — typically from €19 (children) to around €26 (adults). Open daily from 11 am.
Zoo Aquarium Madrid has a history stretching back to 1770, when King Carlos III commissioned the original Casa de Fieras (House of Wild Animals) in Retiro Park — the second zoo ever to open in Europe. In June 1972, the modern Zoo Aquarium opened at its current location inside Casa de Campo, and has been continuously renovating and expanding ever since. Today it is a leader in conservation, home to one of the largest panda populations in Europe and internationally recognised breeding programmes for endangered Iberian lynxes.
For families planning a full day of wildlife in Madrid, the Zoo Aquarium pairs naturally with Faunia Nature Park — a combo ticket covering both parks is available and the two experiences complement each other beautifully. If your children are especially interested in marine life, the Atlantis Aquarium Madrid (20 km from the zoo) offers a more intimate aquarium-focused experience as an alternative or addition.
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Zoo Aquarium Madrid Ticket Prices 2026
Zoo Aquarium Madrid uses a dynamic pricing model — ticket prices vary by date and demand. As a guide: adult tickets (140 cm+) typically range from approximately €22–€26; child tickets (100–140 cm) range from approximately €19–€23. Children under 100 cm enter free. Prices are cheapest when booked online well in advance. Weekends and school holidays carry premium pricing.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adult (140 cm and above) — from | approx. €22 – €26 |
| Child (100–140 cm) — from | approx. €19 – €23 |
| Child (under 100 cm) | Free |
| Senior / Reduced — from | approx. €19 – €23 |
Note: Zoo Aquarium Madrid uses height-based ticketing rather than age — adult price applies to visitors 140 cm or taller; child price applies to those between 100 cm and 140 cm. Children under 100 cm do not require a ticket. Prices are confirmed at checkout and vary by date.
Buy This TicketZoo Aquarium Madrid Combo Tickets
Faunia Nature Park + Zoo Aquarium Madrid
Distance: 21 km (about 30 minutes by car). The combo ticket covering both the Zoo Aquarium and Faunia Nature Park is Madrid’s best wildlife day-out package. Faunia’s 15 ecosystem zones and Faunia’s educational focus complement the Zoo Aquarium’s broader species collection and spectator-style live shows perfectly. Both skip-the-line tickets are included and can be used on different days.
- Combo ticket price: €38
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour + Zoo Aquarium Madrid
Distance: 11 km (20 minutes by car). Combine the Zoo Aquarium with a Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour — a full behind-the-scenes experience at Real Madrid’s iconic 80,000-seat stadium, including the trophy room, dressing rooms, pitch-side access, and the spectacular Bernabéu Experience immersive tunnel. A superb pairing for football fans.
- Combo ticket price: €43
Zoo Aquarium Madrid + Museum of Illusions
Distance: 6 km (14 minutes by car). An excellent family day combining the Zoo Aquarium with the Museum of Illusions Madrid — a mind-bending world of optical illusions, 3D puzzles, and interactive perception exhibits in central Madrid.
- Combo ticket price: €32
For a wider pass covering multiple major Madrid attractions, the Madrid Pass includes the Royal Palace of Madrid and Prado Museum with audio guides plus a panoramic bus tour.
Save time & money! Buy the Madrid Pass and visit the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Prado Museum with a comprehensive audio guide. Learn interesting facts about Madrid’s rich history and famous landmarks. Take a panoramic bus tour of the city’s top sights!
What to Expect at Zoo Aquarium Madrid
Zoo Aquarium Madrid covers 20 hectares with five zoogeographic zones (Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas, Oceania), a 2,000 sq metre tropical aquarium across two floors with 35 tanks and 2 million litres of water, dolphin and sea lion shows, a birds-of-prey aviary, a petting zoo, gorilla virtual reality experiences, IrenIA AI guide, and a zoo train and bus. A full visit takes 4–5 hours.
The zoo is organised into five zoogeographic continental zones, each housing animals from that region:
- Africa: White rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, African elephants, zebras, meerkats, chimpanzees, and gorillas — including Tierra de Gorilas, a new virtual reality experience that places you inside a gorilla habitat.
- Asia: Giant pandas (one of the largest populations in Europe), orangutans, red pandas, Asian rhinos, tigers, and snow leopards.
- Europe: Iberian lynx, wolves, bears, deer, and eagles — including conservation displays for some of Spain’s most endangered native species.
- Americas: Jaguars, tapirs, bald eagles, giant tortoises, and South American primates.
- Oceania: Kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras, and Australasian birds.
Beyond the animal zones, the zoo offers:
- Tropical Aquarium: 2,000 square metres across two floors, with 35 tanks containing 2 million litres of water. Home to sharks, rays, sea turtles, seahorses, clownfish, and marine species from seven oceanic regions. Spain’s first tropical marine aquarium, opened in 1995.
- Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Show: The zoo’s most popular live performances, staged in a purpose-built amphitheatre. Check times at the entrance on arrival.
- Bird of Prey Show and Exotic Bird Show: Spectacular aerial demonstrations with eagles, falcons, and parrots.
- Petting Zoo: A dedicated area where children can interact with gentle domestic animals.
- IrenIA: A pioneering AI virtual assistant — cloned from an animal keeper — that provides real-time information about species, helps plan your visit, and can be addressed by voice throughout the park. One of the most innovative uses of AI in any European zoo.
- Gorilla VR Experience (Tierra de Gorilas): A virtual reality attraction within the gorilla zone that immerses visitors in the gorilla’s natural African habitat.
- Zoo Train and Bus: For visitors who prefer not to walk the full 20 hectares — a paid zoo train and bus circuit covers the main zones.
How to Book Zoo Aquarium Madrid Tickets Online
Online booking is strongly recommended for the Zoo Aquarium:
- Dynamic pricing rewards early booking — the further in advance you book, the lower the price.
- Skip-the-line access is included — no waiting at the ticket counter on busy days.
- E-ticket delivered instantly — show on your smartphone at the turnstile.
- Weekend and school holiday sessions sell out — especially for the dolphin show and gorilla VR.
Zoo Aquarium Madrid Opening Hours 2026
Zoo Aquarium Madrid is open daily from 11 am. Closing times vary by season and day of the week. Weekday closing is typically 6 pm; weekend closing is typically 7 pm. Check the official Zoo Aquarium website or purchase calendar for your specific visit date, as hours change seasonally and on public holidays.
- Monday–Friday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm (approximate; varies seasonally)
- Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (approximate; varies seasonally)
- Open 365 days a year — check the official website for your specific date
- Last admission: 1 hour before closing
How to Get to Zoo Aquarium Madrid
Address: Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid — within the vast Casa de Campo park, west of the city centre. Get Directions!
By Bus (Recommended)
Bus line 33 from Príncipe Pío drops off at the zoo entrance — the most direct public transport option. Bus line 65 also serves the Zoo Bus Stop.
By Metro
Take Line 5 or Line 10 to Casa de Campo Subway Station. From the station, it is approximately a 10–15 minute walk to the zoo entrance through the park. Google Maps
By Car
The zoo offers free parking garages directly at the entrance. Take the A-5/N-V motorway and exit at junction 5A. GPS: Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid.
Best Time to Visit Zoo Aquarium Madrid
The best time to visit Zoo Aquarium Madrid is on a weekday in spring (April–May) or early autumn (September–October). Arriving at opening time (11 am) allows you to see the most popular animals before crowds build and to reach the first dolphin or sea lion show of the day. Summer weekends and August are the busiest periods — arrive early and book online well in advance.
- Quietest: Weekday mornings in spring and autumn — animals most active, shows accessible without queuing
- Busiest: Summer weekends (July–August), school holidays, and bank holidays
- Animal activity: Early morning is when most species are at their most visible and energetic — pandas, big cats, and primates in particular
- Dolphin and sea lion shows: Popular sessions fill quickly — check the day’s timetable as soon as you enter and plan your visit accordingly
- For the best experience in summer, visit on a weekday and arrive at 11 am — Madrid heat peaks in the afternoon, and many animals retreat to shade
How Long Does the Zoo Aquarium Visit Take?
A full visit to Zoo Aquarium Madrid — covering all five zoogeographic zones, the tropical aquarium, and at least two live shows — takes approximately 4–5 hours. Families who stop for lunch, visit the petting zoo, and ride the zoo train may need a full day. Visitors focusing on specific zones and one or two shows can complete a satisfying visit in 3 hours.
Tips for Visiting Zoo Aquarium Madrid
- Download the Zoo Aquarium app before your visit: It includes an interactive map, show schedules, real-time animal feeding times, and the ability to order food in advance.
- Check show times at the entrance immediately on arrival: The dolphin show and sea lion show are the most popular and fill quickly — plan your route around their scheduled times.
- Bring your own water and snacks: The zoo has multiple restaurants and cafés, but these can be busy and expensive during peak hours. Picnic areas are available, and outside food is generally permitted in designated areas.
- Mobility: Free manual wheelchairs are available from the medical service (subject to availability, no advance booking). Electric scooters are available with a refundable deposit from the Information Office.
- Combine your visit with Faunia Nature Park using the combo ticket — two very different wildlife experiences for one discounted price.
- Giant pandas: Madrid’s giant pandas are one of the highlights of any visit — they are most active in the morning. The zoo participates in international panda conservation and breeding programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions — Zoo Aquarium Madrid
How much do Zoo Aquarium Madrid tickets cost?
Ticket prices are dynamic and vary by date. As a guide: adults (140 cm+) pay approximately €22–€26; children (100–140 cm) approximately €19–€23; children under 100 cm enter free. Book online well in advance for the lowest prices.
What are the Zoo Aquarium Madrid opening hours?
The zoo opens daily at 11 am. Closing time varies by season — approximately 6 pm on weekdays and 7 pm on weekends. Check the official Zoo Aquarium website for your specific visit date. Open 365 days a year.
Does Zoo Aquarium Madrid have giant pandas?
Yes — Madrid’s Zoo Aquarium is home to one of the largest giant panda populations in Europe. The zoo has been internationally recognised for its conservation and breeding programmes. Pandas are typically most active in the early morning.
Can I bring food to Zoo Aquarium Madrid?
Outside food and drinks are generally permitted in designated picnic areas within the zoo. The zoo also has multiple restaurants, cafés, and snack bars throughout the grounds. Food cannot be taken into the aquarium building or live show areas.
Is Zoo Aquarium Madrid wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the zoo is designed for accessibility with ramps and wide pathways throughout. Free manual wheelchairs are available from the medical service (subject to availability). Electric scooters are available with a refundable deposit. Not all terrain within the park is fully paved — contact the zoo in advance for specific accessibility advice.
What is IrenIA at Zoo Aquarium Madrid?
IrenIA is the zoo’s pioneering AI virtual assistant, cloned (digitally) from a real animal caretaker. She provides real-time information about species, helps plan your visit, answers questions, and can be spoken to by voice throughout the park — one of the most innovative visitor technologies in any European zoo.
Is there parking at Zoo Aquarium Madrid?
Yes — free parking is available directly at the zoo entrance. Additional paid parking garages are nearby within the Casa de Campo park if the main car park is full.
Related guides:
- Faunia Nature Park Visitor Guide
- Atlantis Aquarium Madrid Visitor Guide
- Parque Warner Madrid Tourist Guide
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Visitor Guide
- Museum of Illusions Madrid Tourist Guide
- Wax Museum Madrid Visitor Guide
- Madrid Fly Indoor Skydiving Visitor Guide
- Sweet Space Museum Madrid Visitor Guide
