All admission prices for Cologne Zoo at a glance
Cologne Zoo admission prices generally include access to all zoo areas and the aquarium. Special events such as the China Light festival or Halloween experiences may require separate tickets. The prices listed here are based on the official Kölner Zoo tariff information and are subject to change.
💡 Quick summary: the essentials
- Adults: 23,00 € (incl. Artenschutzeuro)
- Children (4–12 years): 11,00 €
- Online tickets: Including a free VRS travel pass!
- Book ahead: Recommended at weekends
Day tickets: prices for individual visitors
Day tickets allow single admission to Cologne Zoo and the aquarium on the same day. The Artenschutzeuro included in the ticket price goes directly to conservation projects worldwide.
Standard day tickets
Feierabendticket: save on afternoon visits
If you would like to visit the zoo later in the afternoon, the Feierabendticket offers a discount. These reduced tickets are only available at the on-site ticket offices and are valid Monday to Friday—not on public holidays.
Feierabendticket
The Feierabendticket is my personal insider tip for people who work during the day. From 4 p.m. the zoo is noticeably quieter, animals become active for evening feeds—and you save money. On a mild summer evening, having the zoo almost to yourself is priceless.
Group rates: better value together
From 15 people upwards, Cologne Zoo offers attractive group discounts. Groups may mix adults and children. Group tickets are valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Group rates (from 15 people)
School classes and nurseries: education at a low price
Educational institutions benefit from especially favourable conditions. These prices apply Monday to Friday only (excluding public holidays and school holidays) and are not available in advance sales.
School classes & nurseries
KölnPass: social concession
Holders of the KölnPass receive significantly reduced admission. The KölnPass is a social benefit provided by the city of Cologne for residents on a low income.
With KölnPass
Annual passes: for regular visitors
If you plan to visit Cologne Zoo several times a year, an annual pass is better value. Passes are valid for 365 days from the date of issue and allow unlimited entry during regular opening hours.
🧮 Is an annual pass worth it?
Example for adults: 95 € ÷ 23 € = about 4.1 visits. From your fifth visit in the year, the annual pass saves you real money.
Standard annual passes
Concession annual passes
Family annual passes: save as a household
Family annual passes offer a clear price advantage compared with buying separate individual passes.
Family annual passes
Guided tours: prices and options
Cologne Zoo offers a range of tours—from private group tours to public Sunday tours. Current prices:
Group tours
Evening tours
Children’s birthdays at the zoo
Cologne Zoo offers supervised children’s birthdays with animal-themed highlights. The celebration is led by trained zoo guides.
Children’s birthdays
Online tickets: the smart way in
Online tickets offer several advantages over buying at the gate:
- Free VRS ticket: Return travel on public transport across the entire VRS region included
- No waiting: Straight to entry without queuing at the counter
- Peace of mind: Especially recommended on busy days
- Eco-friendly: Use tickets on your phone; printing optional
🎫 How to use the free VRS ticket
- Buy your online ticket
- Note your ticket code and order number
- Personalise it at printathomeplus.derticketservice.de
- Print your VRS travel pass
- Travel by bus and train to the zoo free of charge
Frequently asked questions about prices
Yes—if you buy an annual pass at the counter on the same day, your day ticket can be credited. This must be done no later than 30 minutes before the counters close, and you may need a printed ticket.
Cologne Zoo admission vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Exceptions apply to special promotions such as “Schnupperkarten” or Groupon-style offers.
No—for events such as the China Light festival, Halloween programmes or the Long Night at the Aquarium, separate tickets are required. Annual pass holders often receive discounts on these events.
Standard admission covers the whole zoo including the aquarium, terrarium and animal houses. Special exhibitions such as DINOWORLD require separate tickets.
There are no special family day tickets. For larger families, a group ticket from 15 people or a family annual pass may work better if you plan several visits.
Extra benefits for annual pass holders
Your Cologne Zoo annual pass includes more than unlimited daytime entry:
- NRW partner zoos: Reduced admission at over 15 zoos and wildlife parks in NRW
- Special events: Discounted tickets for events such as China Light
- Evening tours: 6 € discount per person
- Zoo shop: Occasional exclusive offers for pass holders
All prices are based on the official information from Cologne Zoo (as of 2026). For binding, up-to-date prices please visit the official Cologne Zoo website.