Parking Blijdorp, Rotterdam

If you’re looking for parking Blijdorp for your visit, you’ll mainly choose between on-site zoo parking, the P+R next to Blijdorp (free only with conditions), street parking, or a pre-booked private spot. Using the right option matters because availability and day rates can change quickly on busy days.

Pre-book private parking in Blijdorp with Mobypark

Mobypark gives drivers access to bookable private parking spots in Blijdorp—places owners don’t actively use (think unused hotel parking, office-building spaces, private driveways, and empty garage bays). For many drivers, that means less time circling for an open space and fewer surprises when the most convenient public lots are full.

To match your trip, enter your dates in the search bar on this page and compare available private spots with the public options below.

On-site parking at Diergaarde Blijdorp (P1)

Diergaarde Blijdorp has its own parking area (P1) in front of the main entrance at Blijdorplaan 8. For a day visit, the published parking cost is €12.50, and parking cards are available at the ticket machines near the main entrance.

Because this parking is popular on zoo days, it’s smart to plan for peak-time pressure. If you want to avoid last-minute searching (especially around weekends), it can be worth comparing P1 parking with a pre-booked Mobypark spot in the Blijdorp area.

P+R Blijdorp: free only if you continue with OV (up to 24 hours)

Rotterdam has introduced a P+R next to Diergaarde Blijdorp. Parking at P+R Blijdorp can be free for up to 24 hours if you continue your journey with public transport (or with shared mobility like a scooter/bike). If you park there but don’t continue by OV/deelvervoer, a day tariff of €12.50 applies—and if you stay longer than 24 hours, the day tariff also applies.

If your plan doesn’t include an immediate OV/deelvervoer connection after parking, booking a private spot via Mobypark can be a simpler alternative than paying the full day rate at the P+R.

Street parking in Blijdorp: watch the signs and time limits

Street parking near Blijdorp can be paid and may include time limits, plus permit-related rules depending on the exact street. The most practical approach is to check every sign (zone, payment method, and maximum duration) before leaving your car.

When public lots fill up, drivers often end up paying for an extra-long stay or rushing to find a valid spot. If you’re arriving later in the day, or you don’t want to risk timing pressure, pre-booking a private space on Mobypark is often the more predictable move.

Hotel-area parking and EV charging (availability-based)

Some hotel parking areas around the Blijdorp side may offer free places, but they’re typically based on availability. If those nearby spots are full, drivers may be directed to use the zoo parking area behind the barrier under a reduced arrangement that depends on the hotel’s process (for example, paying via an exit card at reception).

If you drive an electric car, check charging options in the area (both the zoo site and nearby facilities can have charging points). And because these “free nearby” options can run out, it’s smart to compare them with a Mobypark booking if you need certainty for arrival and departure.

How to choose the right parking for your Blijdorp visit

• If you’ll continue by OV/deelvervoer right after: consider P+R Blijdorp (free is limited to 24 hours with conditions).
• If you want one clear plan without depending on transport connections: compare against a pre-booked private spot on Mobypark.
• If you prefer street parking: only use spaces where the signs clearly match your duration—then consider booking a private backup for busy days.

Once you know your arrival time and how long you’ll stay, use Mobypark to compare availability and book a private parking option that fits your dates.