San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass Ticket

Two zoos in one pass can feel like a mini safari of logistics. This combo ticket lines you up for San Diego Zoo plus the Safari Park, with lots of included transport inside each site.

I like that it’s set up for real exploring: the Zoo side includes unlimited Skyfari aerial tram rides and the guided bus tour, and the Safari Park side includes unlimited Africa Tram rides. And I also like that the pass is flexible, since your date is for reference and the ticket works for a year.

One consideration: don’t try to cram both parks into a rushed day. Even though you can manage it, the two sites are about 35 miles apart, and you’ll walk more than you expect at both.

Key things to know before you go

• Direct entry: scan at the turnstiles, no Will Call swap
• Unlimited Zoo extras: Skyfari aerial tram + guided bus tour at the Zoo
• Africa Tram included: unlimited rides at the Safari Park (30-minute tram tour)
• Big walking factor: Safari Park has miles of trails, including the Heart of Africa route
• Elephant Odyssey focus: fossil-dig style exhibit tied to real conservation learning
• Valid for 1 year: pick your timing instead of locking yourself into one day

What this 2-Visit pass is really worth

At $130 per person, you’re not just buying a normal gate ticket. You’re paying for admission plus the park transport that many people end up adding separately when they tour solo. At the Zoo, that means unlimited Skyfari Aerial Tram rides and an unlimited guided bus tour. At the Safari Park, you get unlimited Africa Tram rides.

That matters because both parks are designed to help animals live in large spaces, not crowded pens. The transport pieces cut down backtracking and help you see more of the animals that would be hard to reach on foot alone.

This pass is also built for planning like a grown-up. Your travel date on the ticket is for reference only, and you can use it within one year from purchase. That makes it easier to avoid peak crowds or to pair your visit with good weather.

Zoo day at a walkable pace: Elephant Odyssey and Skyfari views

Your Zoo portion is about 4 hours on paper, but plan for more if you enjoy slow browsing and extra stops. The star feature here is the Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. It’s not just an elephant habitat. You’ll step into a fossil-dig style area, then move through learning zones tied to prehistoric evidence and how conservation works today.

This is the kind of exhibit that gives you two wins in one stop:

• You get modern wildlife viewing in the same flow as the learning experience.
• You get context that connects why certain species decline, and how conservation changes the outcome.

From there, you’ll move along the Zoo’s walking trails to see other animals that match the exhibit flow. You’re also getting two included “helper” modes that make a big difference. Skyfari Aerial Tram can save your legs when you want an aerial shortcut and broad views across Balboa Park. The guided bus tour at the Zoo helps you get your bearings fast—especially useful if you’re visiting for the first time.

Practical note: Skyfari doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. If that affects your group, you’ll want to plan on walking for those segments.

Safari Park day: Africa Tram, Heart of Africa trails, and Nairobi Village breaks

The Safari Park portion is also listed at about 4 hours, and again, that’s a starting point. This place is big—1,800 acres. Your pass includes unlimited Africa Tram rides, which is a huge value because that tram is one of the easiest ways to get wide-angle viewing of the animals in open-field settings.

The Africa Tram is about a 30-minute loop past herds of elephants, zebras, and several endangered species. It’s a great “first look” option when you’re trying to decide where to focus your walking time.

After the tram, you’ll likely spend your energy in Heart of Africa, a 32-acre safari trail with dense forests and grassy savannas. Expect miles of walking trails and several overlooks where you can catch lions, tigers, and special encounters. You’ll spend more time moving here than at the Zoo, but that’s the point: the setting is meant to feel like animals in habitat, not animals in a tight indoor exhibit.

For a breather, Nairobi Village is built in for shopping and dining. It’s a convenient place to reset, especially if you’ve already done the tram and you’re committed to walking the trails.

Two parks, one trip: how to plan your timing and avoid the cram-fail

Here’s the smart approach: treat the Zoo and the Safari Park like two half-days that happen to be in the same city area. The distance between them is about 35 miles, and drive time is typically 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic.

If you try to do both parks in a single day, you can do it, but you’ll feel rushed. The Safari Park in particular involves more walking and more “go find the next view” energy.

A better flow is:

• Zoo in the morning when animals are often easier to spot and you have cooler temps for walking.
• Safari Park on a separate day when you can slow down at overlooks and not sprint between animal stops.

Also, know that at least some attractions and food options can be limited on specific days. So if a must-see feature closes during your visit, you’ll want time in your plan to swap it for another habitat you find open.

Included rides and tours: what you should take advantage of first

Your pass includes a set of included animal viewing plus included transport. At the Zoo, that means:

• Unlimited use of Skyfari Aerial Tram
• Unlimited use of the Guided Bus Tour

At the Safari Park:

• Unlimited rides on the Africa Tram (subject to availability)

Here’s the order I’d use if you want maximum payoff:

1. Zoo guided bus tour first to learn the layout.
2. Skyfari next as your aerial shortcut and for the wide views.
3. At the Safari Park, do the Africa Tram early so you know which habitats you want to revisit by walking.

This isn’t just comfort. It changes your strategy. Once you understand where the best animal viewing clusters are, your walking route stops feeling random.

Value check: what the pass includes, and what costs extra

The pass covers admission to all animal exhibits and shows, plus the included tram and bus tours described above. It’s also valid for a year from the original purchase date.

What’s not included: special ticketed exhibits, experiences, and events do not apply to this pass. That matters if you’re the type who likes to add premium add-ons. If you see something labeled as special-ticketed when you arrive, assume it’s extra.

Food and drink are also not included. Zoo food options can range from casual venues to full-service like Albert’s Restaurant, while the Safari Park has options such as the Watering Hole at Kijamii Overlook. Plan on spending for meals. If you’re trying to keep costs down, you can bring your own food in small containers, but you can’t bring coolers or glass containers.

Entry and mobile tickets: keep this from turning stressful

The pass is designed as direct entry: you scan at the turnstiles and you don’t exchange at Will Call. That’s great on paper, and usually it’s smooth.

Still, mobile tickets are one of those modern systems that can fail if your phone battery dies or your ticket doesn’t load in time. A few buyers have reported issues like the ticket not displaying correctly on their phone or scan problems when the ticket identifier didn’t behave as expected at the gate.

My practical checklist before you walk up:

• Screenshot your ticket or make sure you can load it fast without internet.
• Keep your ticket accessible from the ticket scan screen, not buried in an email thread.
• Bring a backup plan in your group, like another device with the ticket if possible.

If you run into trouble at the entrance, don’t argue with the gate. Ask staff for help immediately and stay calm. The Zoo and Safari Park staff are there to get you through.

Parking, travel time, and the real-world cost surprises

Parking is a mixed bag depending on which park you’re at.

• Zoo parking is described as free in the FAQ, but Balboa Park has a stated plan for a flat rate of $16 per vehicle per day starting January 5, 2026. So if you’re traveling after that date, check before you commit.
• Safari Park parking is privately owned and has a fee, and it can change.

Also remember that the Zoo side is in Balboa Park, so you’ll want to account for the parking situation there. And if you’re driving an RV, the FAQ notes that the Zoo lot in front of the Zoo doesn’t have RV or bus spaces, while the Safari Park does have dedicated spaces for large vehicles during normal business hours.

Who should buy this pass (and who might not)

This pass is a strong fit if you:

• Want both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park without buying separate admissions.
• Like guided context plus independent wandering.
• Are traveling with kids and want a flexible animal-filled day structure.
• Appreciate animal viewing with included transport.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Plan to do everything in one day with tight timing. This combo works better when you can split it up.
• Are hoping to avoid all extra spending. Food is extra, and special ticketed experiences are not included.
• Depend on Skyfari access for mobility needs, since Skyfari doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs or strollers.

One more fit check: the Parks recommend a moderate physical fitness level, and the Zoo has steep grades in parts. Wheelchair rentals and electric scooters are available for a nominal fee, but you’ll need the right documentation (a valid driver’s license or membership card) for rentals.

Should you book the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park 2-Visit Pass?

I’d book it if you’re set on doing both parks and you want the included transport value—especially the Zoo’s Skyfari tram and guided bus tour, plus the Safari Park Africa Tram.

I’d hold off or at least rethink the plan if you only have one day and you hate walking. If you can split the visit into separate days, this pass becomes a much more relaxed win.

If you do book, give yourself one job: test your mobile ticket loading before you reach the gate. It’s the easiest way to keep your day focused on the animals, not the scanner.

FAQ

How do I redeem my San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Combo Ticket?

It’s direct entry. Take your mobile ticket to the turnstiles for admission, and there’s no exchange needed at Will Call.

Do I need to exchange my ticket at Will Call?

No. This is a direct entry ticket.

Can I use the ticket on a different date than what’s shown?

Yes. The travel date is for reference only, and tickets are redeemable within one year from the original purchase date. An amendment/date change is not required for travel within that year.

Where is the San Diego Zoo located?

2929 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101.

Where is the San Diego Safari Park located?

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027.

How far apart are the two parks?

They’re approximately 35 miles apart, with drive time about 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic.

What’s included with the Zoo and Safari portions?

The Zoo portion includes admission, all exhibits and shows, children’s zoo admission, and unlimited use of the Kangaroo Bus, Skyfari Aerial Tram, and the Guided Bus Tour (subject to availability). The Safari Park portion includes admission, all exhibits and shows, and unlimited rides on the Africa Tram.

Are special ticketed exhibits or events included?

No. Special ticketed exhibits, experiences, and events do not apply to this pass.