The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of the biggest animal days out in Southern California. It sits in the San Pasqual Valley near Escondido, well north of downtown San Diego. Many visitors are surprised by the drive. This guide covers the address, how far it is from San Diego, hours, tickets, parking, the Africa Tram and the paid safaris, and how to plan a full day with kids.
Quick answer: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027. It is about 33 to 35 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), usually 45 minutes to 1 hour on I-15 without heavy traffic. A 1-day ticket is $78 for adults (12+) and $68 for children (3–11), and it includes the Africa Tram. Parking is $20 per car. Hours change by date, so check the park calendar. A private SUV takes up to 6 passengers door to door, so nobody has to drive the freeway home after a long day.
Book Your RideWhere is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
The Safari Park is in North County San Diego, east of the city of Escondido. It is a different park from the San Diego Zoo. Both are run by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, but they are about 35 miles apart.
- Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027.
- Freeway exit: I-15, Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27). Then follow the signs east to the park.
Safari Park or San Diego Zoo?
The San Diego Zoo is in Balboa Park, a few minutes from downtown and the airport. It has winding paths, an aerial tram and many smaller habitats. The Safari Park is the place for herds on open plains, giraffes, rhinos and safari-style vehicles. If you want to know more about the city park, read our San Diego Zoo guide.
The two parks are too far apart to enjoy both in one day. Plan them on separate days if you want to see both.
How far is the Safari Park from San Diego?
The park website gives 35 miles between the Zoo and the Safari Park and advises 45 minutes to 1 hour of travel time. Here are rough driving times from common starting points. They assume normal traffic. Weekday rush hours on I-15 and I-5 can add a lot.
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego airport (SAN) | 33–35 miles | 45 min – 1 hour |
| Downtown San Diego | 33–35 miles | 45 min – 1 hour |
| Del Mar | About 27 miles | 40–50 min |
| Carlsbad (LEGOLAND area) | About 21 miles | 35–45 min |
Driving directions in short
- From the airport or downtown: take SR-163 north to I-15 north. Exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27) and follow the signs east.
- From Carlsbad, Oceanside or the coast: take SR-78 east to I-15 south. Exit at Via Rancho Parkway (Exit 27).
Ways to get to the Safari Park
Most guests arrive by car. The park is far from the main tourist areas, and public transit takes much longer than driving.
Driving yourself
Driving works well if you know the freeways. The downside is the drive home. After a full day in the sun, a tired driver faces 45 minutes or more on I-15, often in afternoon traffic. Visitors who flew in also need a rental car and a parking fee on top.
Bus and train
The park points visitors to North County Transit District (gonctd.com) or the 511 line for bus and train schedules. Expect transfers and a long trip. It is the cheapest option but the slowest.
Taxi
A taxi from central San Diego is a long, metered ride. The return trip is harder: the park is far from most taxi stands, so finding a car for the ride back can take a while.
Private SUV with a chauffeur
A private black SUV picks you up at your hotel, home or the airport and drops you near the park entrance. You skip the parking fee and the drive home.
- Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon XL or Chevrolet Suburban.
- Up to 6 passengers and 5 large bags per SUV.
- Fixed price per vehicle, shown before you book. It covers the vehicle, chauffeur, fuel and tolls.
- Child seats are $20 each, up to 2 per vehicle.
- Gratuity is not included and is up to you.
One-way rides or an hourly booking?
Two one-way rides
Book a ride to the park in the morning and a second ride back at a set time in the afternoon. This works when you know when you will leave. Pick a return time close to closing so you are not rushed.
Hourly service
Book the SUV and chauffeur by the hour on our hourly booking page. The minimum is 3 hours. A full Safari Park day, with the drive both ways, usually runs 6 hours or more. Hourly is the better fit when:
- You are not sure when the kids will be ready to leave.
- You want to keep bags, jackets or spare clothes in the car.
- You want a stop on the way, such as lunch or a hotel check-in.
- You are coming from the airport on arrival day and want the luggage handled.
Safari Park hours
Hours change by date and season. The park shows the hours for each day on its website, with a search for future dates. In late October 2026 the park lists a 5 p.m. closing time.
- Check the hours for your exact date a few days before you go, and again that morning.
- The Africa Tram starts 30 minutes after the park opens.
Safari Park tickets in 2026
These are the prices listed on the park website in October 2026. Check the ticket page before you buy, as prices and offers change.
| Ticket | Adult (12+) | Child (3–11) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass, Any Day | $78 | $68 |
| 1-Day Pass, Value Days (online only, select dates) | $73 | $63 |
| 2-Visit Pass (Zoo and/or Safari Park) | $130 | $120 |
- The 1-Day Pass includes the Africa Tram, subject to availability.
- Children 2 and under are free.
- The 2-Visit Pass covers two visits by the same person, in any mix of the Zoo and the Safari Park.
Safari Park parking
Parking is paid. The park lists these rates for 2026:
- General parking (cars and motorcycles): $20 per vehicle per day.
- Oversized vehicles: $55.
- Preferred parking: from $45.
- First come, first served. No in-and-out privileges.
- Adult members of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance park free with a valid membership card.
With a car service you do not pay for parking. The chauffeur drops you off and either waits (hourly) or comes back at your set time (one-way rides).
Africa Tram, Wildlife Safari and Cart Safari
Africa Tram (included)
- A guided ride of about 25 minutes through the large savanna habitats.
- Included with the 1-Day Pass, subject to availability.
- Starts 30 minutes after park opening, in the African Outpost area. No reservation needed.
- Busiest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on peak days. Ride early to avoid long lines.
Wildlife Safari (extra cost)
- A 1-hour guided ride in an open-air safari truck into a savanna habitat.
- From $98 per person, ages 3 and up. Admission and parking are separate.
- Children 15 and under must be with a paid adult, up to 3 children per adult.
- A 1.5-hour Deluxe Wildlife Safari starts at $124 per person, ages 6 and up.
Cart Safari (extra cost)
- A guided ride in an open cart. The Asia cart is 1 hour from $64 per person; the Deluxe cart is 1.5 hours from $94 per person.
- All ages. Children 0–2 sit on an adult’s lap.
- Strollers and child car seats are not allowed on the cart.
- Guests using a wheelchair or mobility device should call the park at 619-718-3000 to book an accessible cart.
- Changes are allowed up to 3 days before; late cancellations are not refunded.
The park also lists other paid experiences, such as the Flightline Safari (ages 8 and up), overnight Roar & Snore stays and behind-the-scenes tours. Book these ahead, and tell us the start time so we can plan your pickup.
How long to spend at the Safari Park
Plan a full day. The park is large and hilly, and the Africa Tram line can be long at midday. Most families spend 5 to 7 hours inside. Add the drive both ways and your day is usually 6 to 9 hours door to door.
- Half day (3–4 hours inside): Africa Tram, one or two main areas and lunch.
- Full day (5–7 hours inside): Africa Tram early, the walking trails and one paid safari.
- Arrive near opening. Mornings are cooler and the animals are often more active.
Tips for families and accessibility
- Car seats: add child seats when you book ($20 each, up to 2 per SUV). For 3 or more young children, book a second SUV.
- Strollers: the park rents single and double strollers near the entrance, first come, first served. You can also bring your own; it fits in the SUV.
- Wheelchairs and scooters: manual wheelchairs and ECVs are rented near the entrance. Rental ECVs cannot go on the park shuttles or the Africa Tram.
- ADA shuttle: a free shuttle runs inside the park for guests with mobility disabilities. Some paths have steep grades.
- Sun and heat: bring hats, sunscreen and water. Inland Escondido is often warmer than the coast.
From North County hotels: Carlsbad, Del Mar and LEGOLAND
If you are staying on the coast, you are closer to the Safari Park than downtown visitors are. From Carlsbad it is about 21 miles via SR-78. Many families combine a stay near LEGOLAND with a Safari Park day. Our LEGOLAND car service page covers the theme park rides, and our Carlsbad car service page covers hotel pickups in the area.
Flying in? Our airport car service meets you at San Diego International Airport and can take you straight to your North County hotel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the address of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park?
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027. Use Exit 27, Via Rancho Parkway, off I-15.
How far is the Safari Park from San Diego?
About 35 miles from downtown San Diego and the airport. Plan 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, more in rush hour.
Is the San Diego Zoo Safari Park the same as the San Diego Zoo?
No. They are two separate parks. The Zoo is in Balboa Park in central San Diego. The Safari Park is near Escondido in North County.
Is the Africa Tram included in the ticket?
Yes. The 1-Day Pass includes the Africa Tram, subject to availability. The Wildlife Safari truck tour and Cart Safaris cost extra.
How much is parking at the Safari Park?
$20 per car per day for general parking in 2026. Preferred parking starts at $45. There are no in-and-out privileges.
How long should I spend at the Safari Park?
Most visitors need 5 to 7 hours inside, plus the drive each way.
Can you provide car seats for the drive?
Yes. Child seats are $20 each, up to 2 per SUV. Add them when you book.
Can the chauffeur wait for us all day?
Yes, with an hourly booking (3-hour minimum). Or book two one-way rides with a set return time.
Book your Safari Park ride
Enter your pickup address, the Safari Park and your time to see the fixed price for each vehicle before you pay. For a full day with the chauffeur on call, use the hourly booking page. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
Book Your RideQuestions about your Safari Park day? Call us at (858) 413-8888.