Patna Zoo, officially called Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, is one of the most visited weekend spots in Bihar. Families from Patna and nearby towns like Danapur, Phulwari Sharif and even Hajipur head here for a day out with the kids, and honestly, it is one of the few places in the city where you can spend a whole afternoon walking under green cover, watching animals, and not feel like you are stuck in traffic or a crowded market. If you are planning a trip and searching for the exact Patna Zoo ticket price, timings, and everything else you need to know before buying a ticket, this guide covers it all in one place.
Patna Zoo Ticket Price in 2026
Let’s get straight to the number most people are searching for. As per the official rates listed on the zoo’s own booking portal, here is what you will pay at the counter or online.
| Ticket Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (18 years and above) | ₹50 |
| Child (3 to 17 years) | ₹20 |
| Children below 3 years | Free |
| School group (10 or more students) | ₹10 per person |
| College group (10 or more students) | ₹30 per person |
| 1st January special entry, Adult | ₹150 |
| 1st January special entry, Child | ₹60 |
The regular entry fee has stayed pretty affordable compared to zoos in bigger metro cities, which is one reason it remains packed on weekends and holidays. Do keep in mind that the 1st January rate is a separate, higher slab because that day sees the heaviest footfall of the entire year, with thousands of Patna residents making it their New Year outing tradition.
A quick note on what your ticket actually gets you. The basic entry fee covers the general zoo grounds, the children’s park, the aquarium, the botanical garden and the open animal exhibits. Anything beyond that, such as boating on the lake, the toy train ride, golf cart rentals or the 3D theater, is billed separately at the respective counters inside the park.
What Your Entry Ticket Includes
Since a lot of visitors ask what exactly falls under the standard ticket, here is a simple breakdown so there are no surprises once you are inside.
- Access to the main animal enclosures including big cats, elephants and rhinos
- Entry to the aquarium and the snake house
- Walk through the botanical garden with its rose section and plant collection
- Use of the children’s play zone, locally known as Shishu Udyan
- General walking trails and viewing points across the park
Things like boat rides on the lake, the miniature train, and the golf cart service for those who don’t want to walk the entire stretch are add on experiences. If you are visiting with elderly family members or very young kids, budgeting a bit extra for the golf cart or toy train can genuinely make the visit smoother, since the park spreads across more than 150 acres and covering it fully on foot does take a few hours.
Patna Zoo Timings
Timings shift slightly depending on the season, so it helps to check before you leave home.
Summer season, 1st March to 31st October Gates open around 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM and the park stays open until 6:00 PM.
Winter season, 1st November to 28th February The park opens a bit later, around 6:00 AM, and closes by 5:00 PM.
Regular ticketed entry window Most casual visitors enter between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM, with the last entry allowed at 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM depending on the season.
Morning walk pass For local joggers and walkers who just want to use the park trails early, there is a separate morning walk window from around 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM under a pass system, which is different from the regular sightseeing ticket.
One thing to remember without fail: Patna Zoo stays closed every Monday for maintenance and animal care. If your trip is falling on a Monday, it is worth shifting the plan by a day, otherwise you will end up standing outside a locked gate.
How to Book Patna Zoo Tickets
You have two simple options here.
Buying at the counter The ticket counter sits right outside the main entrance near Bailey Road. This is still the most common way people enter, especially on weekdays when the crowd is manageable.
Booking online The zoo now runs its own official booking portal where you can select your visiting date, choose the number of adults and children, and pay online in advance. Once booked, you get a digital ticket that can be downloaded and shown at entry, which saves you from standing in a queue during peak hours like weekends, festivals, and winter holidays when the rush is noticeably heavier.
If you are travelling from outside Patna and have a tight schedule, booking online ahead of time is a smart move so your whole day doesn’t get eaten up waiting in line.
Location and Address
Address: Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Bailey Road, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar, 800001
Patna Zoo sits right on Bailey Road, one of the busiest and most well connected roads in the city, close to landmarks like the Patna High Court and the state secretariat. Because of this central location, it is fairly easy to find even if you are visiting Patna for the first time. Just search “Patna Zoo” or “Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park” on Google Maps and it will guide you straight to the main gate, which also has clear signage along Bailey Road itself.
The surrounding Rajbansi Nagar and Bailey Road stretch is a well developed part of the city, so you will find shops, eateries and ATMs within walking distance of the entrance, which is handy if you need to grab something before or after your visit.
How to Reach Patna Zoo
- By road: Auto rickshaws, cabs and city buses run frequently along Bailey Road, so reaching the zoo from most parts of Patna rarely takes more than 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
- By rail: If you are coming from outside the city, Patna Junction is the nearest major railway station, roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by road, and from there it is a short cab or auto ride to the zoo.
- By air: Jay Prakash Narayan Airport is the closest airport, again just a short drive of around 20 minutes from the zoo.
- Metro: Patna’s metro network is still under construction, so for now road transport remains the practical option for reaching the zoo.
There are ATMs available near the entrance and along Bailey Road, so carrying only cash is not something you need to worry too much about, though it is always handy to have a bit on you for small purchases inside.
Best Time to Visit Patna Zoo
Best time of day: Early morning, right after opening, is when the zoo is at its calmest and the animals are at their most active. Big cats, elephants and most mammals tend to move around more in the cooler hours before settling into the shade once the sun climbs higher, so an 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM visit usually gives you the best sightings.
Best days of the week: Weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday, see noticeably thinner crowds compared to weekends. If you want a relaxed walk without jostling for space near the aquarium or the children’s play area, a weekday morning is your safest bet. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays bring in families in large numbers, so expect longer queues at the ticket counter and more crowded pathways.
Best season: Winter, from around November through February, is generally the most comfortable time weather wise for a long walk through the 150 plus acre park. The cooler air makes it easier to cover the entire grounds without feeling worn out. Monsoon season brings a fresh, green look to the park, though occasional rain can interrupt outdoor plans, so keep an eye on the forecast. Summer visits are still very doable if you go early in the day and carry water, caps and sunscreen, since Patna afternoons can get quite hot and humid.
Days to avoid: Mondays, since the zoo is closed. 1st January is also worth avoiding if you dislike crowds, as it is traditionally the busiest day of the year with a separate, higher entry fee to match the rush.
Facilities Inside the Zoo
Beyond the animal enclosures, the park has built up a fair number of amenities over the years.
- Mayur Canteen for food and light refreshments
- A souvenir shop near the entrance
- Boating on the lake
- A toy train that loops through parts of the park
- A 3D theater
- Golf carts for those who prefer not to walk the whole distance
- A dedicated children’s zone with rides and play equipment
- Clean restrooms and seating areas spread across the grounds
- Parking space near the main gate, though it can fill up fast on weekends
Rules Worth Knowing Before You Go
A few practical points that visitors often miss and end up asking about at the gate.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. A valid government photo ID is required, and tickets are issued to a named individual, so they cannot be transferred or resold. The zoo is a plastic restricted zone, meaning if you carry plastic bottles inside, a small refundable security deposit of around ₹50 applies at entry. Feeding animals, teasing them, or carrying any kind of weapon or inflammable item is strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, and violations can lead to legal action, so it is best to just enjoy watching the animals from the designated viewing areas.
Also worth noting, bookings once confirmed are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so double check your visiting date before you complete the payment, whether online or at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current adult ticket price at Patna Zoo?
The standard adult entry ticket costs ₹50, applicable for anyone aged 18 and above.
How much does a child’s ticket cost?
Children between 3 and 17 years pay ₹20 for entry. Kids below 3 years old get in free of cost.
Is Patna Zoo open every day?
No, it remains closed on Mondays for maintenance. It is open all other days of the week.
Can I book Patna Zoo tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be booked in advance through the zoo’s official online booking portal, and the ticket can be downloaded digitally for entry.
Does the entry ticket cover boating and the toy train?
No, these are separate paid activities and are not included in the basic entry fee.
Is there a special rate on New Year’s Day?
Yes, on 1st January the entry fee goes up to ₹150 for adults and ₹60 for children due to the exceptionally high visitor turnout on that day.
How long does it take to see the whole zoo?
Most visitors need anywhere between 3 to 5 hours to comfortably walk through the major sections, depending on how many add on activities like boating or the toy train they choose to include.
Conclusion
Patna Zoo remains one of the most budget friendly and rewarding day trips in the city, whether you are taking your kids out for the weekend, showing visiting relatives around Patna, or just looking for a quiet green space to unwind in. At ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children, it is genuinely one of the cheaper full day outings you can plan in the city, and with over 800 animals across roughly 110 species, a proper botanical garden, and enough add on activities to keep a full family entertained, it is easy to see why it stays busy through the year. Just remember to skip Mondays, book ahead if you are visiting on a weekend, and carry the basics like water and a hat if you are heading out during the summer months.
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