Morning is a good time to ride Skyfari before queues build up. If you’re using it to move between the lower and upper sections of the Zoo, riding earlier can also help you save walking time for later in your visit.
Quick overview
Glide above the San Diego Zoo on the Skyfari aerial tram for a quick, elevated view of the zoo grounds, animal habitats, and surrounding landscape.
- What you’ll see: Look down over the zoo’s pathways, lush habitats, and exhibits as you travel between the two Skyfari stations.
- What makes it different: The aerial tram gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of the zoo while also helping you cover more ground without walking the entire route.
- Pro tip: Ride Skyfari earlier in your visit to get your bearings and save walking time between the zoo’s upper and lower areas.
How to embark on the Skyfari Aerial Tram at San Diego Zoo
- Skyfari access is included with San Diego Zoo admission, with no separate ticket required. Simply head to either Skyfari station during your visit and join the queue.
- The lower station is near the Zoo entrance, while the upper station is in the northern section of the Zoo near the Elephant Odyssey and Northern Frontier areas. You can board from either station depending on your route.
- Follow the signs for Skyfari Aerial Tram and allow time for the queue, especially during busy periods. Once aboard, the tram takes you across the Zoo, offering an elevated view of the grounds and helping you save some walking time.
How to best experience Skyfari at San Diego Zoo
Best time to ride
How long to spend
Allow around 10–15 minutes for the Skyfari experience itself, including boarding and the aerial journey. Add extra time if the queue is long or you want to pause at the station for views before continuing your visit.
Where it fits in your itinerary
Use Skyfari as a way to connect different parts of the Zoo rather than making a separate detour just for the ride. Boarding near the entrance can take you toward the upper Zoo, while the return journey can help you avoid retracing your route on foot.
Crowd patterns
Queues can be longer around midday and during peak visitor periods. Check the line before committing to the ride, and consider using Skyfari earlier or later in the day when fewer visitors are waiting.
What to prioritize if time is short
Queues can be longer around midday and during peak visitor periods. Check the line before committing to the ride, and consider using Skyfari earlier or later in the day when fewer visitors are waiting.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don’t treat Skyfari as a one-way shortcut without checking where you want to continue your visit. The two stations serve different parts of the Zoo, so check your route before boarding to avoid needing to backtrack.
Why the Skyfari is a must-ride experience at San Diego Zoo
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See the Zoo from above
Skyfari gives you a completely different perspective of San Diego Zoo, taking you above the pathways and habitats for an elevated view of the grounds. It’s a chance to appreciate how the Zoo’s different areas connect while seeing the landscape from a vantage point you can’t get on foot.
Turn a ride into a shortcut
Skyfari is more than a scenic attraction. It can help you move between different sections of the Zoo while giving your feet a break. Use the aerial tram as part of your route instead of walking back through areas you’ve already explored.
Spot the Zoo’s lush landscape
From the tram, you get a broad view of the Zoo’s landscaped grounds, tree-lined paths, and habitat areas. The changing perspective makes even familiar parts of the Zoo look different as you travel between the stations.
Add variety to a walking-heavy day
A day at the San Diego Zoo involves plenty of walking, so Skyfari offers a welcome change of pace. Sit back for the short aerial journey before getting off and continuing to explore the exhibits and animal habitats on foot.
Make it part of your Zoo adventure
Skyfari adds an aerial element to a visit that is otherwise experienced largely at ground level. Whether you ride early to reach another section or later for a break, it’s an easy way to add another dimension to your Zoo itinerary.
Know before you go
- Opening hours: Skyfari operates during San Diego Zoo’s daily hours, subject to availability and operational changes.
- Fall and Spring: 9am to 6pm
- Summer: 9am to 9pm (extended evening hours)
- Winter: 9am to 5pm
- Fall and Spring: 9am to 6pm
- Admission: Skyfari is included with your entry tickets; no separate ticket is required.
- Best time to ride: Earlier in the day can help you avoid longer queues and use Skyfari as a convenient way to reach another part of the Zoo.
- Operating conditions: Skyfari may be temporarily unavailable due to operational, weather, or safety considerations. Check current availability when you arrive.
- Stations: Skyfari operates between Skyfari East and Skyfari West, connecting different areas of the Zoo by aerial tram.
- Skyfari East: The eastern station is near the lower Zoo areas, close to the Reptile House, Hummingbird Habitat, and Elephant Odyssey.
- Skyfari West: The western station is near Treetops Plaza and the upper Zoo, making it useful for reaching areas around Lost Forest and Northern Frontier.
- Route planning: Use Skyfari as part of your overall Zoo route to avoid retracing your steps and to add an aerial view of the grounds and surrounding Balboa Park.
- Mobility access: The Zoo provides accessible experiences and pathways for guests with disabilities, although parts of the Zoo have steep grades.
- Wheelchair and ECV users: Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent near the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. For Skyfari-specific boarding requirements, check with Zoo staff before joining the queue.
- Strollers: Folded strollers can be taken on Skyfari if they are no more than 23 inches wide; staff assesses stroller size before boarding. Stroller parking is available near both Skyfari stations.
- Accessible routes: The Zoo has accessible pathways and elevators, while an on-call ADA shuttle is available for guests with mobility-related disabilities.
- Age requirement: Children younger than 8 must be accompanied by an adult when riding Skyfari.
- While riding: Do not stand, rock the tram, spit, or throw objects from the gondola. These actions are prohibited for safety reasons.
- Strollers: Strollers must be folded before boarding and must meet the 23-inch maximum width requirement; remove personal belongings and valuables before leaving a stroller at the station.
- Follow staff instructions: Boarding procedures and access may change for safety or operational reasons, so follow directions from Skyfari team members.
Frequently asked questions about the Skyfari Aerial Tram at San Diego Zoo
Yes. Skyfari is included with regular San Diego Zoo admission, so you do not need to purchase a separate ticket to ride it.
Skyfari connects two areas of the Zoo by aerial tram, allowing you to travel between the lower and upper sections without walking the entire route. You can board from either Skyfari station.
The aerial journey is relatively short (around 10 mins), making Skyfari easy to fit into a full day at the Zoo. Allow additional time if there is a queue at either station.
It can be a useful addition to a shorter visit because it combines transportation with an elevated view of the Zoo. If it fits your route, you can use it to save walking time while seeing the grounds from above.
Yes, children can ride Skyfari, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Follow staff instructions when boarding and during the journey.
Yes, but strollers must be folded before boarding and must be no more than 23 inches wide. Stroller parking is available near the Skyfari stations.
The tram gives you an elevated view across the Zoo’s landscaped grounds, pathways, and nearby habitats. You can also see parts of Balboa Park from above during the journey.
If Skyfari is operating and you have valid Zoo admission, you can generally use the tram as part of your visit. Riding it in both directions can give you different views and help you avoid retracing your walking route.
Skyfari may temporarily close because of weather, maintenance, or other operational and safety considerations. Check with Zoo staff on the day of your visit for the latest operating status.
Skyfari travels above the Zoo in an open-air aerial tram, so it may not be comfortable for everyone with a fear of heights. If you are unsure, consider the height and duration of the ride before boarding.
Either works depending on your itinerary. Riding near the beginning can help you reach another section quickly, while riding later gives you a relaxing break after several hours of walking.
