The Norfolk Cruise Terminal is Norfolk’s downtown cruise embarkation building, and is the building referenced throughout this page.
The Virginia Zoo — locally called the Norfolk Zoo — sits about three miles north of the cruise terminal on Granby Street. It’s a 53-acre AZA-accredited zoo with around 700 animals across mostly outdoor exhibits. For cruise passengers traveling with kids, it’s the highest-energy option in town. For adults without kids, it’s pleasant but probably not the most efficient use of your day.
Getting there from the cruise ship
The zoo is not walkable from the terminal — it’s about a 10 to 12 minute ride.
- Ride-share (Uber/Lyft): Typically $12-18 each way depending on time of day. Easiest and fastest.
- Taxi: Available at the terminal stand. Similar cost to ride-share, sometimes higher.
- Drive: If you have a rental car, free parking is available at the zoo.
- HRT bus: Possible but slow and requires a transfer. Not recommended on a tight cruise schedule.
Allow at least 15 minutes for the return trip in case ride-share is slow. Build buffer time before all-aboard.
Hours and admission
The zoo is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last admission around 4:00 p.m. Hours are extended in summer. Adult admission is in the $20-22 range; children and seniors pay less. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Verify hours and any closures on virginiazoo.org before your visit.
What’s worth your time
Africa – Okavango Delta
The largest and most popular section. Lions, white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and African painted dogs across naturalistic enclosures. The elevated boardwalk gives good viewing angles. Allow 45 minutes here.
Asia – Trail of the Tiger
Malayan tigers, orangutans, siamangs, and a tropical bird walk-through aviary. The aviary is a highlight — birds fly freely around visitors. About 30 minutes.
World of Reptiles
Indoor reptile house — a good break if the weather is hot, cold, or rainy. Includes Komodo dragons, anacondas, and various venomous snakes. 15 to 20 minutes.
Australia Walkabout
Kangaroos in a walk-through enclosure where they roam right next to the path. Kids love this section. About 15 minutes.
Zoo train
A small narrated train ride loops part of the zoo for an extra fee (a few dollars). Pleasant with small children; skip it if your time is tight.
Time budget
A focused visit hitting the major sections takes about two hours. A relaxed visit with snack breaks and the train ride is closer to three. Add 30 minutes round-trip transit. Plan on roughly three to four hours total from leaving the ship to returning to the terminal.
If your ship is in port a typical 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can comfortably do the zoo and be back with time to spare. If you’re in port for a shorter window, consider a closer attraction.
Accessibility
The zoo’s main paths are paved and accessible. Some side paths have gentle slopes. Wheelchair rentals are typically available at the entrance for a small fee — call ahead to confirm availability. Service animals are welcome in most areas but restricted near certain exhibits.
Food
The zoo has a café with sandwiches, hot dogs, and snacks, plus a few concession carts. Pricing is typical zoo-food markup. If you’re particular about lunch, eat downtown before or after the zoo visit rather than relying on the on-site options.
Should cruise passengers without kids go?
— the zoo is fine, but it’s not Norfolk-distinctive the way the Battleship Wisconsin or the Chrysler Museum are. Adults traveling without children usually get more out of those waterfront options. The Virginia Zoo shines for families.
Practical tips
- Most of the zoo is outdoors — dress for the weather.
- Bring water; summer humidity in Norfolk is significant.
- Sun protection is essential between May and September.
- Strollers are welcome; rentals available at the entrance.
- The zoo is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day — relevant for late-season cruises.
Related guides
- Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin — closer to the terminal.
- Chrysler Museum of Art — closer alternative.
- All Norfolk cruise port guides
Hours, admission prices, and exhibit details change. Verify on virginiazoo.org before your visit.
Planning a longer walk? Pair this stop with the Norfolk Botanical Garden and Ocean View Beach for a fuller Norfolk port day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Virginia Zoo from the Norfolk cruise terminal?
The zoo sits about three miles north of the terminal on Granby Street and is not walkable. By car or rideshare it is roughly a 10 to 12 minute ride each way, so budget time for the return trip before all-aboard.
Is the Virginia Zoo worth it for cruise passengers without kids?
It is the highest-energy option in town for families with children. For adults without kids it is pleasant but not the most efficient use of a port day, since the round-trip transit eats into limited time ashore.
How much time should I budget for the zoo on a port day?
A focused visit hitting the major sections takes about two hours, and a relaxed visit with breaks runs closer to three. With round-trip transit, plan on roughly three to four hours total from leaving the ship to returning.
Is the Virginia Zoo accessible?
The zoo is AZA-accredited with mostly outdoor exhibits and main paths that are generally walkable, though it covers 53 acres. Confirm current accessibility details with the zoo if mobility is a concern.