How Much Does It Cost to Build a 2 Lane Bowling Alley? | Flying
How Much Does It Cost to Build a 2-Lane Bowling Alley? An In-Depth Guide
In recent years, bowling has experienced a resurgence as people of all ages have embraced this fun, social sport. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to open a bowling venue or a homeowner wanting to add a unique feature to your entertainment space, it's important to understand the costs involved in building a two-lane bowling alley. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the components, considerations and expenses associated with this project, providing you with expert insights to help you make an informed decision.
Initial Considerations
Before diving into the numbers, you need to evaluate the purpose and scope of your project. Are you aiming for a commercial setup or a private home installation? The intended usage significantly impacts the cost and design decisions. Consider the following factors:
- Usage: Commercial alleys require more robust features compared to residential ones, affecting overall cost.
- Space Availability: Adequate space is crucial. Typically, a 2-lane bowling alley requires about 1,200 square feet to ensure ample player area and ball return.
Breakdown of Construction Costs
Building a 2-lane bowling alley involves multiple cost components. Here's how these break down:
1. Design and Planning
Architectural and engineering designs can range from $5,000 to $15,000, accounting for site surveys, building plans, and mechanical systems integration.
2. Site Preparation
Site preparation includes clearing, foundation work, and utilities setup. Costs may vary based on location and existing site conditions, generally ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
3. Lane Construction
Building the lanes themselves is a significant investment. Quality materials for lanes, such as synthetic overlays or traditional maple wood, can vary. Typically, expect costs between $20,000 and $40,000.
4. Bowling Equipment
This segment includes the machinery for pinsetters, ball return machines, and scoring systems. At Flying, we specialize in providing top-quality bowling alley equipment:
- Bowling String Pinsetters and Ball Return Machines: Our advanced equipment starts at $25,000.
- Scoring Systems and Monitors: Integrating automated scoring can add $5,000 to $10,000 to your budget.
5. Installation and Labor
Labor is a critical component, encompassing everything from lane assembly to machine setup. Depending on locale and scope, installation fees can range from $15,000 to $30,000.
6. Finishing Touches
Don’t forget ambience and furnishings—lighting, seating, and decor can add another $5,000 to $20,000.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Besides obvious expenses, be mindful of potential hidden costs:
- Permits and Inspections: Required legal compliances might cost $2,000 to $5,000.
- Maintenance and Operations: Regular maintenance is crucial for efficiency and longevity. Budget around $2,000 annually.
Choosing the Right Partner
Partnering with a reputable company can streamline the process and ensure quality outcomes. Flying, founded in 2006, stands out for its innovative and comprehensive approach to building and equipping bowling alleys. Over the years, we’ve successfully built ideal bowling venues for over 3,000 clients worldwide, offering competitive prices without compromising on quality often synonymous with European and American manufacturers.
FAQs
Q: Can I customize the design of my bowling alley?
A: Absolutely! Flying offers bespoke design services to meet your needs, ensuring your project stands out.
Q: Are there eco-friendly options available?
A: Yes, we provide energy-efficient equipment options and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact.
Q: How long does construction typically take?
A: Building timelines vary, but a typical 2-lane alley can take 3 to 6 months to complete, from planning to launch.
Conclusion
Building a 2-lane bowling alley is a rewarding investment, combining fun, recreation, and a unique experience for users. By understanding the various cost components and partnering with industry experts like Flying, you can build a facility that not only fits your budget but also exceeds expectations in terms of quality and functionality. Whether attracting bowling enthusiasts or creating memorable moments for family and friends, your new bowling alley is bound to be a striking success.
Recommended products

Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling

Flying Ultra Standard Bowling String Pinsetter

Brand New String Pinsetter Mini Bowling Equipment Small Ball And Pin

Complete Set Of String Pinsetter Bowling Lane Equipment

Indoor Medium Duckpin Bowling Lane Equipment For Bowling Alley
Bowling Equipment
How many feet is a bowling lane?
We have a total of four different sizes of bowling lanes. The length of a standard bowling lane is 84 feet. The length of Duckpin Bowling Lane is 39.4 feet. The Mini Bowling Lane size is 39.7 feet. The size of the children's bowling lanes is 14.1 feet. In addition, the length of our standard bowling lanes and duckpin bowling lanes can be customized.
Who makes new bowling equipment?
Flying specializes in manufacturing brand new bowling equipment. All the equipment, fairway boards, balls, and pins we provide are brand new. Including the scoring and management systems of our bowling lanes, they are all unique and developed by ourselves.
How wide is the bowling lane?
We have four types of bowling lanes. The width of the 4 standard bowling lanes is 6.9 meters. The width of the 2 duckpin bowling lanes is 3.48 meters. The width of the four mini bowling lanes is 5.66 meters. The width of a single children's bowling lane is 0.9 meters.
How much does bowling alley equipment cost?
Building a bowling alley may seem very expensive to many people. But you don’t need to spend too much money on Flying bowling. Our prices are very affordable. You can get high-quality bowling equipment at an extremely competitive price from us.
Product
How a bowling ball return machine works?
A bowling ball return system uses a combination of gravity, belts, and sometimes lifts to bring your ball back to you after your roll. Here's a breakdown of the typical process:
-
Ball Exit: After rolling down the lane, the ball exits into a channel at the end. This channel might have a slight incline to help guide the ball towards the return mechanism.
-
Transfer Tray: The ball rolls into a shallow tray or trough. This tray might have a diverter at the end to ensure balls from adjacent lanes don't collide.
-
Elevator or Incline (optional): In some setups, the ball might be lifted to a higher level before entering the return system. This creates a steeper decline for the ball to travel down, helping it gain momentum.
-
Belt Conveyor: The ball reaches a conveyor belt with a textured surface to prevent slipping. This belt carries the ball up an incline.
-
Gravity Channel: Once at the top of the incline, the ball is released onto a long, U-shaped channel. Gravity takes over, pulling the ball down through the channel.
-
Ball Deflector: At the end of the channel, there might be a deflector that diverts the ball slightly towards your lane. This ensures the ball ends up in the correct return slot.
-
Ball Return Tray: The ball finally reaches a tray or cradle positioned in front of your lane, ready for your next roll.
Here are some additional points to note:
- Modern systems might have sensors to detect the presence of a ball and activate the return mechanism accordingly.
- Some higher-end systems use quieter materials and designs to minimize noise during ball return.
You may also like

Flying Smart Duckpin Bowling (FSDB) innovative design, standard 9.2-meter short lane, can be shortened in length, compact layout suitable for small spaces. The game rules are simple but challenging, attracting players of different ages to actively participate.
Suitable for social entertainment venues such as bars, billiard halls, and game centers, it not only enhances interactivity but also increases the popularity and consumption frequency of the venue. The fun and competitive nature of FSDB will make it a new focus of social activities.

Flying Classic Standard Bowling (FCSB) is designed according to international competition standards and equipped with an accurate automatic scoring system, providing bowling enthusiasts with a pure professional experience. Whether it is for competitions or leisure entertainment, FCSB can meet high-level needs.
Suitable for family entertainment centers, luxury resorts, private villas, or clubs, it is an ideal choice for customers who pursue high-end quality and professional experience. Its classic design and excellent performance will add lasting appeal to the venue.

Flying Cute Mini Bowling (FCMB) is a mini bowling experience designed for children and families. The lane length is fixed at 12 meters, equipped with lightweight balls without finger holes (only 1.25kg) and small pins, specially designed for children and family fun.
It can not only help children feel the fun of bowling, but also stimulate their interest and competitive consciousness. Suitable for children's playgrounds, theme parks and parent-child centers, it is the best choice for places focusing on the children's market.

Flying Social Medium Bowling (FSMB) is tailored for small venues, with flexible lane lengths (customizable from 9.6 meters to 18 meters), a small ball design suitable for players of all ages, and light pins that are easier to knock down, increasing participation and fun.
Whether it is a gathering of friends or a casual social, FSMB can easily create a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Its efficient space-utilization design is particularly suitable for cafes, bars and community entertainment venues, allowing people to fall in love with bowling in a relaxed interaction.
Contact Flying
Start your bowling alley project
If you contact us now for more details, we can provide you with a custom bowling alley service. Our service team will get back to you within 24 hours normally!
© 2025 Flying BOWLING. Designed by gooeyun.
FOLLOW US:
Flying Bowling
Flying Bowling
Flyingbowling
Flyingbowling