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 – $99.99
Busch Gardens + Adventure Island Fun Card – $138.99
Busch Gardens + Adventure Island + 2 Meals Daily – $139.99
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.
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 $99.99. Remember that children 2 and under do not a ticket.
You can add on an All Day Dining Pass for $49.99. The pass includes 1 entree, 1 side or 1 dessert, and 1 regular sized beverage (non-alcohol), you can go through the line up to once every 90 minutes. 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 $138.99. Adventure Island is the waterpark that is affiliated with Busch Gardens Tampa and it’s a great value. This pass offers 2 free entrees during each visit.
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
Busch Gardens Weather-or-Not Assurance policy
If your day in the park is ruined by adverse weather (like a hurricane), you may be eligible for a complimentary return visit to the park. This does not apply to certain types of tickets, so be sure to read all the fine print.
This policy applies year-round, but you must fill out the form within one week of your visit. You can also complete the form ahead of your visit, should your flights and other travel be impacted.
Locker rentals
You’ll find all day locker rentals 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
Rules at Busch Gardens Tampa
You are not permitted to bring outside beverages, food or coolers into the park. You may bring an empty refillable water bottle.
Each ride has safety warning signs, make sure to read these before entering each attraction.
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.
There are designated smoking areas throughout the park, but all indoor areas remain smoke-free.
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!
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