Guide to Busch Gardens Tampa

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay encourages you to take a walk on the wild side! Between the park's rides and thousands of animals, you’ll find that Busch Gardens Tampa has something for everyone.

The entire park is themed after Africa, and you’ll love the Serengeti Plain where you watch as African wildlife wanders free. The 335-acre park is also home to some of Florida’s most thrilling roller coasters, and the park just keeps adding more.

Use this guide to Busch Gardens Tampa to plan the perfect trip to this exciting theme park.

Busch Gardens Tampa basics

Address: 10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612

Hours: 10 am – 6 pm

Cost: Single Day Tickets – $89.99

Single Day + All Day Dining – $124.98

Busch Gardens + Adventure Island – $117.99

Busch Gardens + Adventure Island + All Day Dining – $167.99

Getting to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about an hour from Orlando, Florida. It’s incredibly easy to add this park to any Central Florida Trip. The closest airport is Tampa (TPA) which is only 8 miles from Busch Gardens, and Orlando (ORD) is only about an hour from the park.

There is public transportation available, including a bus that will take you from the airport to the park. You can use the Netpark Transfer Center, the ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs $4.00.

If you decide to rent a car then you will also have to pay parking at Busch Gardens Tampa, but it also affords you more freedom while in the area.

If you are staying at a hotel near the park, ask about shuttle service to and from. Many of the hotels offer a free ride since they know so many are there to attend the park. It's usually free, but it's nice for you to tip the driver.

Cheetah coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Ticket options

There are several options for tickets at Busch Gardens. Tickets are now date specific so make sure to pay attention to the date when purchasing tickets. A single day Busch Gardens ticket is $89.99 and children under 3 are not required to have a ticket. For just $35 more you can add an All Day Dining Pass to your single day ticket, $124.98.

All Day Dining Passes include 1 entree, 1 side or 1 dessert, and 1 regular sized beverage (non-alcohol), you can go through the line up to once per hour. This is good for the entire day until 30 minutes before the park closes. A photo ID is required when redeeming All Day Dining Passes, and only the person listed on the pass can redeem. The passes do not include alcoholic beverages, take out, and are not valid at any specialty dining establishments.

You can also purchase Busch Gardens and Adventure Island tickets together for $117.99. Adventure Island is the waterpark that is affiliated with Busch Gardens Tampa and it’s a great value. You can add an All Day Dining Pass to this package as well for a total of $167.99.

You can purchase tickets in advance here. And remember to register for a free Preschool Pass for kids ages 3-5.

Parking options

There are nearly 5,000 parking spaces at Busch Gardens Tampa and you can purchase parking in advance here.

$30 – cars, campers, motorcycles and trucks

$35+ – preferred parking

Cobras Curse roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Sunny Day Guarantee policy

If your day in the park is ruined by rain, you are eligible for a complimentary visit to the park. The complimentary visit must be made within 1 year of your original visit. You can redeem this by visiting Guest Services, but be aware that enactment of the rain guarantee is at the discretion of Guest Services.

Locker rentals

You’ll find all day locker rental in Morocco, near the entrance of the park. These are great for families because riders are not permitted to have any loose articles on any of the major attractions. You can pay for these at self-service kiosks that accept both cash and cards. There are 3 different sizes including:

Standard – 7.5h x 13w x 18 d – $15 per day

Large – 10.5h x 16.5w x 18 d – $20 per day

Jumbo – 15.5h x 22.5w x 18 d – $25 per day

Lion and cub in the park - Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Rules at Busch Gardens Tampa

Guests must wear face coverings indoors. These face coverings must fit within the CDC guidelines.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased by any guests over 21 years of age. Each guest must present a valid form of photo ID in order to purchase alcohol inside the park.

Each ride has safety warning signs, make sure to read these before entering each attraction.

There are designated smoking areas throughout the park, but all indoor areas remain smoke free.

You are not permitted to bring outside beverages, food or coolers into the park. You may bring an empty refillable water bottle.

Security procedures

You’ll need to budget additional time to get through security at Busch Gardens. All bags and backpacks may be searched, and all people will either walk through a metal detector or have a hand held wand used prior to entering the park. You are not permitted to bring sharp objects including knives, disposable straws, coolers of any kind or hazardous items into the park.

Lands of Busch Gardens Tampa

You can use the maps around the park or get their app on your phone.

Egypt
Congo
Birds Garden
Jungala
Morocco
Nairobi
Pantopia
Cheetah Hunt Area
Sesame Street Safari of Fun
Stanleyville

Busch Gardens is the perfect family vacation in Central Florida. It’s got something for the whole family, including exhilarating roller coasters, amazing African animals and a waterpark. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Tampa!