Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The Basics

Purchase tickets to Busch Gardens in advance to save money over gate prices—and save time waiting in line. Ticket options include single-day admission to Busch Gardens, combo admission to Busch Gardens and other Tampa hot spots such as SeaWorld, and all-day dining. The Tampa Bay CityPASS gives you access to five attractions, including Busch Gardens, at a deep discount, while other packages roll in admission to area water parks. On extra busy days at Busch Gardens, it may pay to purchase Quick Queue to bypass lines for the most popular rides.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Busch Gardens is ideal for families with children visiting the Tampa area.

• A dining pass saves money—and time—if you plan to eat at least two meals at the park.

• There are several dining options available throughout the park, from grab-and-go snacks to buffets and sit-down dining.

• An air-conditioned kennel is available for pets at the front of the park for $10 per day.

• The park is accessible to wheelchair users. Strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters are available to rent.

How to Get There

Busch Gardens is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) northeast of downtown Tampa, about a 20-minute drive; approximately one hour from Orlando via I-4; and 30 minutes east of Tampa area beaches and the Tampa International Airport. Paid parking is available on-site. An advance-purchase ticket includes free round-trip transportation, through Mears Destination Services, to Busch Gardens from several Orlando area locations.

When to Get There

Busch Gardens is open every day of the year. The most crowded days tend to track with American school holidays—namely summer and spring break. Beat the crowds by visiting the park on a weekday, and arrive at or close to the park’s opening time.

How to Use Child Swap

Like many other major theme parks, Busch Gardens offers Child Swap for parents who are with a child too small to ride an attraction. This allows one adult to ride alone or with an older child, while the other adult waits with the small child; then they swap so the waiting adult can ride, relieving both adults from having to wait in line.

How long does it take to walk through Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

It takes the best part of a full day to walk through Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, especially if you plan to stop at every attraction, garden, and animal exhibit. While exploring over two days is recommended, you can see the best of the park in just a day.

How much does it cost to park at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

It costs $30 to park for the entire day at Busch Gardens. You can guarantee your spot among the 5,000 spaces by pre-booking your parking on the park’s website, saving you time on the day of your visit. Annual Pass members receive a discount.

What is the best month to go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

The best month to go to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is February when you’re almost guaranteed sunny weather without the risk of high humidity or hurricanes. This is also when the American school holidays have finished, so you’ll experience fewer crowds. Visiting during the week will mean less time waiting in line.

Can you do everything at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in one day?

Yes, you can do everything at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in one day, but you’ll need to plan ahead. To maximize your time in the park, you should download the free app, which tracks ride wait times and helps you navigate. You could also buy a Quick Queue pass, that lets you sail past the lines and get straight on the rides.

Does it cost extra to see the animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

No, seeing the animals at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay doesn't cost extra. You can take a train ride or walk through the Serengeti Plain section, which is home to zebras, giraffes, and ostriches. You’ll also find bright birds at Lory Landing and a macropod family at Walkabout Way.

Are backpacks allowed at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?

Yes, you can take medium-sized backpacks into Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, but they’ll be subject to a security check. You can use three lockers to store your bag—all-day lockers, ride lockers, and a locker that follows you through the park.

Ways to explore

Purchase tickets to Busch Gardens online to save money over gate prices—and to avoid waiting in line. Choose between general admission for Busch Gardens only or a multi-day combo ticket that also includes attractions such as SeaWorld® Orlando. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay CityPASS® gives you access to five hot spots, including Busch Gardens and ZooTampa at Lowry Park, at a discount.

There’s a lot to do at Busch Gardens, so map out your day of coaster rides, behind-the-scenes zookeeper tours, and live performances in advance. On busy days, it may be worthwhile to purchase a skip-the-line pass for popular rides.

Accessibility

With the exception of certain rides, most visiting areas of Busch Gardens are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available to rent for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis.

Age limits

Though some rides have minimum height requirements, the zoo and theme park have attractions for all ages.

What to pack

Only bring your essentials—outside food and beverages (besides a bottle of water) aren’t allowed, and there’s a fee to rent lockers.

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as you’ll do lots of walking between Busch Gardens’ outdoor attractions.

Not allowed

Smoking, non-service animals, selfie sticks (on rides)

Amenities

Dining options, gift shops, paid locker and kennel services

Ways to explore

Busch Gardens is about a 15-minute drive northeast of downtown Tampa, or 90 minutes west of Orlando. Drive yourself or, if you’re coming from the Orlando area, take Busch Gardens’ round-trip shuttle service that’s included with admission (reservations highly recommended).

Driving

Whether you’re coming from Tampa or Orlando, it’s best to take I-75 north and exit on Fowler Avenue. You’ll find the park’s paid parking area at the entrance on McKinley Drive.

Public transportation

From downtown Tampa, take Route 5 on the HART bus to McKinley Drive at Busch Boulevard; from there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the park. You can pay using the Flamingo Fares app, credit card, or mobile wallet.

Best times to visit

Crowds—and temperatures—are lowest in the morning, so consider getting to the park right when it opens.

Best days to visit

Busch Gardens is open daily, with most visitors arriving on weekend afternoons. Go on a weekday to experience the park with shorter lines.

Best months to visit

September–December is the ideal time to visit this Tampa theme park, as you’ll enjoy balmy daytime temperatures and bypass the city’s summer and winter tourist crowds.

Special events

Busch Gardens hosts events throughout the year. Highlights include the Real Music concert series and limited-edition food, decor, and activities for holidays such as Halloween and Mardi Gras.