Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.