Frankfurt Zoo wheelchair accessibility
Largely step-free grounds, lift in the Great Ape House, wheelchair rental at the entrance, 6 EUR reduced ticket for qualifying disabled visitors, free companion entry when the companion mark is on the pass.
Frankfurt Zoo, founded in 1858, is Germany's second-oldest zoo and sits in the Ostend district close to the city centre. The 11-hectare site is home to around 4,500 animals representing about 450 species, including Asiatic lions, lowland gorillas, Sumatran tigers, and spectacled bears.
The zoo is largely accessible for wheelchair users. The paths are mostly level and firm, though some areas have natural-surface paths that are not perfectly even. Ramps are installed at the Rhinoceros House and the upper level of the Cat Jungle. A lift in the Great Ape House (Borgori-Wald) provides upper-level access. Wheelchair rental is available at the entrance for a refundable deposit.
Below is the structured accessibility detail, the reduced-ticket policy, and tips for planning a comfortable visit.
Accessibility at a glance
| What | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Largely step-free grounds with ramps and a lift at key enclosures | The zoo's published accessibility information confirms the site is largely accessible for prams, visitors with mobility impairments, and wheelchair users. Ramps are installed at the Rhinoceros House and at the upper level of the Cat Jungle. A lift in the Great Ape House (Borgori-Wald) provides step-free access to the upper viewing level. The petting zoo is fully accessible. Some paths have natural surfaces that are not perfectly even. | Confirmed accessible |
| Upper floor of the historic Exotarium not wheelchair accessible | The published accessibility information confirms that the upper floor of the over-100-year-old Exotarium building cannot accommodate wheelchair users. The ground floor of the Exotarium is accessible. Most of the main enclosures and visitor attractions are not affected by this limitation. | Confirmed accessible |
| Wheelchair rental available at the entrance | The zoo's published accessibility information confirms wheelchair rental is available at the entrance for a refundable deposit. Stock is limited; arriving at opening time on busy days gives the best chance of availability. | Confirmed accessible |
| Accessible toilets in two locations | The published accessibility information confirms accessible toilets in two locations: the Zoo Society Building directly behind the entrance, and the Great Ape House (Borgori-Wald). Both are on the accessible route through the main visitor path. | Confirmed accessible |
| 6 EUR reduced ticket for qualifying disabled visitors | The published day-ticket tariff lists a reduced rate of 6 EUR for visitors with a disability rating of 50 or above on presentation of the valid disability pass. The valid proof must be shown at entry. Present the German disability pass or European Disability Card at the entrance cashier. | Confirmed accessible |
| Free admission for a companion when the companion mark is on the pass | The published tariff confirms that a companion enters free when the companion mark appears on the disability pass. Present the cardholder's disability pass at the entrance; the companion's free ticket is issued on the spot without extra documentation. | Confirmed accessible |
| U-Bahn U6 and U7 (Zoo station, step-free) and tram 18 | The U-Bahn station Zoo on lines U6 and U7 is at the zoo's main entrance on Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee. Frankfurt U-Bahn stations are step-free with lifts to the platform. The zoo entrance is on the same level as the U-Bahn exit; there are no steps between the station and the ticket gates. Tram 18 also serves the zoo area. | Confirmed accessible |
Accessibility through the zoo
The main paths through the zoo are paved and largely level. The zoo's own description notes that some paths are designed to feel natural, which means occasional uneven or compressed-gravel surfaces. The main visitor route connecting the entrance, Borgori-Wald, lion enclosure, and Exotarium is on firm, navigable surfaces.
Ramps at the Rhinoceros House and at the upper level of the Cat Jungle allow wheelchair users to reach viewing areas that would otherwise involve steps. The lift in the Borgori-Wald (Great Ape House) is the key piece of infrastructure for upper-level access at the most popular enclosure.
Guide dogs and recognised assistance animals are permitted on proof. Other dogs are prohibited.
Ticket and companion policy
The 6 EUR reduced day ticket for visitors with a disability rating of 50 or above requires presenting the valid disability pass at the cashier desk at the entrance. The zoo's published rules state that the pass must be shown at entry without being asked.
A companion enters free when the companion mark appears on the disability pass. Present the cardholder's pass at the entrance; the companion's free ticket is issued on the spot without extra documentation.
Getting there
U-Bahn lines U6 and U7 stop at Zoo station, which is directly at the main entrance on Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1. The station is step-free with lift access to the platform. The exit from the U-Bahn leads directly to the zoo entrance level with no steps or ramps on the approach.
Disabled parking bays are signed on the approach roads on the east side of the main entrance. Accessible taxis can drop off at the main entrance directly.
Tips for wheelchair visitors
Start at the Borgori-Wald (Great Ape House) early in the morning. The gorillas and chimpanzees are most active in the first two hours after the zoo opens, and using the lift to the upper level is easiest before the queues build.
Wheelchair rental is available at the entrance for a refundable deposit. Stock is limited on busy school-holiday weekends; arrive at opening for the best chance of availability.
The zoo is open every day of the year. Weekday mornings in spring and autumn are the quietest times for the most popular enclosures.
Quick facts
Address: Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1, 60316 Frankfurt am Main. Opening hours: daily 09 to 19 in summer (29 March to 24 October 2026); daily 09 to 17 in winter. Open 365 days a year.
Admission: 6 EUR reduced for qualifying disabled visitors (disability rating 50+); companion free when companion mark is on the pass. Children under 6 free. Check the zoo website for standard adult rates and family tickets.
Accessibility highlights: largely step-free grounds, ramps at Rhinoceros House and Cat Jungle, lift in Borgori-Wald, wheelchair rental at entrance (refundable deposit), two accessible toilet locations, U-Bahn Zoo station (U6, U7) directly at entrance.
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