Science City in Kolkata is open daily from about 9 AM, with closing reported at 8 PM or 9 PM depending on the source, and it is closed on Holi. General entry is Rs 80 per person on the official home page (older guides say Rs 50 to Rs 60), and shows and rides cost extra. Plan a full day if you want to see the galleries and a few shows.
Last checked October 2026. Prices and timings in Kolkata attractions change often, so confirm at the official counter or website before you leave home. Sources disagree on closing time and several ticket rates, so use the figures below as a budget guide.
Science City quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | J.B.S. Haldane Avenue, near the E.M. Bypass, Topsia, Kolkata |
| Opened | Main centre opened on 1 July 1997; run by the National Council of Science Museums |
| Size | About 49.6 acres |
| Timings | About 9 AM to 8 or 9 PM; ticket counters close earlier; closed on Holi |
| Entry | Rs 80 per person on the official home page (older guides say Rs 50 to Rs 60) |
| Phone on official site | (033) 2285 4343 |
| Time needed | 5 to 6 hours or a full day |
What to see inside
- Dynamotion Hall: hands-on physical science, optical illusions, Powers of Ten, a freshwater aquarium, a live butterfly enclosure and Science on a Sphere.
- Space Odyssey / Space Theatre: a planetarium dome, plus a 3D theatre and a Time Machine motion simulator.
- Earth Exploration Hall: a two-storey gallery on the northern and southern hemispheres.
- Maritime Centre: an exhibition on India’s maritime history built in the shape of a ship.
- Science Exploration Hall (2016): four sections including the evolution of life, new technology and human evolution.
- Science Park: outdoor exhibits and rides such as the caterpillar ride, gravity coaster, musical fountain, road train, cable cars and a maze.
Shows and rides: reported prices
Shows and rides are ticketed separately. Rates below come from two travel guides and the official page, and they do not match each other, so verify at the counter.
| Show or ride | Reported price range |
|---|---|
| 3D Space Theatre | Rs 150 on the official home page |
| Time Machine | Rs 20 to Rs 30 |
| Science on a Sphere | Around Rs 40 |
| Evolution of Life dark ride | Rs 50 on the official home page |
| Road Train | Rs 15 to Rs 20 |
| Ropeway / cable car | Rs 30 to Rs 60 |
| 3D Digital Show on human evolution | Official page lists general visitors at Rs 150 and lower rates for student groups |
The official ticket page lists digital show timings from 11 AM to 6 PM, mostly in Hindi, with Bengali at noon and English at 3 PM. Show times can change, so check on arrival.
How to reach Science City
- Metro: Barun Sengupta (Science City) station on the Orange Line is the nearest metro station according to Wikipedia, and the Orange Line currently runs from Kavi Subhash (New Garia) to Beleghata. Check the latest timetable.
- Train: Park Circus station on the Sealdah South lines is listed as the nearest railway station; Bidhan Nagar is another option from Sealdah.
- Bus: Wikipedia lists several routes, including AC12, AC47, EB3, KB21 and 42; check the latest route before you go.
- Cab: taxis and app cabs reach the gate easily from most parts of the city.
A sample full-day plan
- 9:30 AM: Enter and head to the biggest shows first, since they fill up. Book show tickets early.
- 10:00 AM: Dynamotion Hall and Earth Exploration Hall.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch break at the food area.
- 1:30 PM: Space Odyssey and Maritime Centre.
- 3:30 PM: Science Exploration Hall and the dark ride.
- 5:00 PM: Outdoor Science Park rides and the dinosaur photo spot as the heat drops.
Food and nearby places
There are eateries inside the campus, and you can carry water. Nearby attractions include the Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Mother House, Birla Mandir and Park Street area, according to Holidify. Salt Lake and Nicco Park are within cab distance for a second day.
Best time to go
Winter weekdays are the most comfortable, because the outdoor park and queues are easier. Sundays and school holidays are crowded. In summer, plan outdoor rides for the late afternoon.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
- Do not try to see everything in 3 hours; pick galleries by age and interest.
- Book the popular shows early in the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the campus is large.
- Carry ID if you plan to use any concession.
- Ask the office about school-group rates in advance.
- Do not rely on old blog ticket rates.
Which galleries suit which age group?
- Under 6: the butterfly enclosure, aquarium, optical illusions and the outdoor train.
- 6 to 12: Dynamotion Hall, Space Odyssey and the Science Park rides.
- Teenagers: Science Exploration Hall, Time Machine and human-evolution show.
- Adults and school groups: Earth Exploration Hall, Maritime Centre and the planetarium dome.
Group and school visits
Science City has special rates for school and student groups on its official page. Organisers should contact the ticket office in advance for slots, particularly for the digital show. Photocopies and ID rules apply for concession categories, so carry the documents mentioned on the official site.
Common questions on timing
Many visitors ask whether the whole campus can be done in half a day. It is possible only if you skip most shows. A smart plan is to choose one galleries block, two shows and one ride. The outdoor park is nicest in the late afternoon in winter, while indoor galleries are the better pick for midday in summer.
Conclusion
Science City is one of the most useful family days out in Kolkata. Choose two or three shows, add Dynamotion and Space Odyssey, and spend the evening in the outdoor park.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Science City Kolkata timings?
It generally opens at 9 AM and closes at 8 or 9 PM depending on the source. Ticket counters close earlier. Confirm before visiting.
What is the Science City entry ticket price?
The official home page lists Rs 80 per person for general entry (older guides say Rs 50 to Rs 60), with shows and rides charged separately.
What is the nearest metro station to Science City?
Wikipedia lists Barun Sengupta (Science City) on the Orange Line as the nearest metro station.
Is Science City closed on any day?
Guides say it is open every day except Holi. Check the official site for other holidays.
How long does it take to see Science City?
Allow at least five to six hours, or a full day if you want shows and rides.
