Delhi Zoo Guide 2026: Timings, Ticket Price, Online Booking & Nearest Metro Station
Tucked right next to the ancient walls of Purana Qila in the heart of New Delhi, the National Zoological Park — popularly known as Delhi Zoo — is one of the capital’s most visited family destinations. Spread across 176 acres, it houses more than 1,350 animals and birds from over 130 species, from the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger to the rare white tiger and Indian rhinoceros. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a school trip, or a quick escape between sightseeing stops, knowing the Delhi Zoo Guide, timings, ticket price, and the easiest way to reach it will help you plan a smooth visit. This guide covers everything you need before you head out.
About Delhi Zoo (National Zoological Park)
Delhi Zoo was inaugurated in 1959 and later upgraded to the status of a National Zoological Park in 1982, making it a model institution for zoos across India. It sits on Mathura Road, right beside the historic Purana Qila (Old Fort), which makes it easy to combine both attractions in a single day trip. The zoo’s layout is designed to mimic the natural habitats of its residents, with wide green enclosures for tigers, lions, leopards, elephants, deer, and an extensive collection of exotic birds and reptiles.
Delhi Zoo Timings
Delhi zoo timing changes slightly with the season, so it’s worth checking before you plan your trip:
- Winter (October to March): 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM / 5:00 PM
- Summer (April to September): 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM / 5:30 PM
- Weekly off: The zoo remains closed every Friday, along with national holidays such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
- Last entry is usually allowed about an hour before closing time, so arrive early if you want to explore unhurried.
Since the last entry cut-off and exact closing time can shift depending on the season and any special notifications, it’s a good idea to check the official zoo website on the morning of your visit.
Delhi Zoo Ticket Price
The Delhi zoo ticket price is budget-friendly and structured by visitor category:
| Category | Adults | Children (5–12 yrs) / Senior Citizens |
|---|---|---|
| Indian nationals | ₹80 | ₹40 |
| Foreigners (SAARC countries) | ₹200 | ₹100 |
| Foreigners (other countries) | ₹400 | ₹200 |
Children below 5 years get free entry. Cameras for personal use are generally allowed, but professional photography or filming requires prior permission from the zoo authorities. Ticket prices are revised from time to time, so it’s wise to confirm the current rate at the time of booking.
How to Book Delhi Zoo Online Ticket
To avoid queues at the counter, the zoo administration has made Delhi zoo online ticket booking available through its official portal. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the official National Zoological Park ticketing website.
- Enter your mobile number and verify it using the OTP sent to you.
- Select your visit date, number of visitors, and category (adult, child, senior citizen, or foreign national).
- Make the payment online and download your e-ticket.
- Show the digital ticket (or a printed copy) at the entry gate along with a valid ID if required.
Booking online not only saves time but also guarantees entry on days of heavy footfall, especially weekends and holidays.
Delhi Zoo Nearest Metro Station
For visitors relying on public transport, the Delhi zoo nearest metro station is Supreme Court Metro Station on the Blue Line. Depending on which exit you use, it’s roughly a 15–20 minute walk, or you can hop into a shared auto-rickshaw for a quicker ride to the zoo’s main entrance If you travel alone try to book Rapido or Uber Bike. Travellers coming from the Violet Line can also get down at Khan Market or ITO and take a short auto ride. If you’re wondering about the nearest metro station to Delhi Zoo while combining it with a Purana Qila visit, Pragati Maidan works perfectly for both, since the fort and the zoo share the same neighbourhood on Mathura Road.
Best Time to Visit Delhi Zoo
The most pleasant months to explore the zoo are between October and March, when Delhi’s weather is cool enough for a long walk around the enclosures. If you’re visiting in summer, arrive right at opening time, as animals are more active in the cooler morning hours and tend to rest in the shade later in the day.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Outside food is not permitted inside the premises; food stalls are available within the zoo.
- Wheelchairs and baby prams are available free of cost at the entry gate.
- A battery-operated cart service is available for a nominal fee for those who prefer not to walk the entire stretch.
- Plan for 3–4 hours to comfortably cover the major enclosures.
- Since the zoo is right beside Purana Qila, many visitors combine both stops — read our detailed Purana Qila Delhi guide to plan the rest of your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Delhi Zoo timings? The zoo is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in winter and 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in summer, with last entry about an hour before closing.
What is the Delhi Zoo ticket price? Indian adults pay ₹80, while children and senior citizens pay ₹40. Foreign nationals pay higher rates depending on their country of origin.
Is Delhi Zoo closed on any day of the week? Yes, the zoo remains closed every Friday and on select national holidays.
Can I book a Delhi Zoo online ticket? Yes, tickets can be booked in advance through the official National Zoological Park website using a mobile number and OTP verification.
What is the nearest metro station to Delhi Zoo? Pragati Maidan Metro Station on the Blue Line is the closest, roughly a 15–20 minute walk from the zoo entrance.
Can Delhi Zoo be visited along with Purana Qila? Yes, both attractions are located next to each other on Mathura Road, making it convenient to visit them together in a single trip. Check out our Purana Qila guide for details on timings and tickets there as well.