Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission

Theme parkTampa, FL

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission, photo 1

Photos: Photo: Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Our take

By Matt Spaulding, Founder and writer

Busch Gardens pairs a serious coaster lineup with one of the country's top zoos on a single 300-acre map, a combination no Disney or Universal gate offers. The animal side runs deep: 12,000-plus animals across an African-themed safari layout. The coasters are what pull thrill-seekers across the state, headlined by Iron Gwazi (one of North America's tallest and fastest hybrid coasters) and backed by SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Kumba, and Montu, all in one place. Your single-day admission covers every ride, animal exhibit, and live show, and the e-ticket lands on your phone instantly. The geography is the catch. Despite the Orlando marketing, the park sits in Tampa, about 85 miles and 75 to 90 minutes west, so budget a full day and plan on a rental car to get there. The ticket is strictly non-refundable and can't be changed or cancelled, so only lock in a date you're sure of. Late-July visitors should plan around brutal midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms, and expect the occasional ride or show to be down. Parking and food both cost extra on top of admission. It suits coaster fanatics, zoo lovers, and Orlando families ready to trade one Disney day for a change of scenery. Combo tickets bundling Adventure Island water park or SeaWorld Orlando turn up if you want to stretch the drive into more than one park.

Quick facts

Best for: Coaster fans and zoo lovers
How long: Full day
Where: Tampa, ~85 mi west of Orlando
Getting there: Rental car realistically needed
Parking: $35 general, $48 preferred, per vehicle per visit. The park states the rate moves with the season.
Included: All rides, exhibits, live shows
Cancellation: Non-refundable, no changes

Where it is

10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Admission FAQ

Is Busch Gardens in Orlando?

No, it's in Tampa, about 85 miles and 75 to 90 minutes' drive west of Orlando. Plan on a full day and a car to get there.

Can I cancel or change my ticket?

No. The admission is non-refundable and can't be changed or cancelled, so only book a date you're locked into.

What's included with admission?

Everything inside the park: all rides, animal exhibits and live shows, on a single-day mobile e-ticket. Parking and food cost extra.

What roller coasters does Busch Gardens Tampa have?

Five headliners: Iron Gwazi, one of North America's tallest and fastest hybrid coasters, backed by SheiKra, Cheetah Hunt, Kumba and Montu. Every one of them is covered by single-day admission, along with the animal exhibits and live shows.

Is parking included at Busch Gardens Tampa?

No. Parking costs extra on top of admission, and so does food inside the park. Since you will realistically drive the 85 miles from Orlando, count that parking charge as part of the day's cost before you compare it to a park closer to home.

How long do you need at Busch Gardens Tampa?

A full day, plus 75 to 90 minutes of driving each way from Orlando. It is a 300-acre map holding both the coaster lineup and 12,000-plus animals, so a half-day visit means writing off one side of it. Expect the occasional ride or show to be down, and plan around midday heat and afternoon storms in summer.