Unleash Your Inner Explorer at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Highlights

Explore over 300 acres filled with thrilling rides and a diverse array of animals.

Skip regular lines with the optional Quick Queue to maximize your time.

Discover the world’s tallest and fastest hybrid coaster, Iron Gwazi.

Enjoy family-friendly attractions, including exotic wildlife exhibits.

Benefit from all-day dining deals by selecting this option during booking.

Experience the Thrills of Busch Gardens

Get ready for the ultimate Florida adventure where world-class thrill rides meet incredible wildlife encounters. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers an unforgettable experience for the entire family, featuring record-breaking roller coasters, a state-of-the-art zoo with over 200 animal species, and live seasonal entertainment. Whether you are looking to plunge down a 200-foot drop or get up close with exotic animals, you will find it all right here. View park schedule, map your route, and secure your entry today.

About Busch Gardens

Since opening its gates on March 31, 1959, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has grown from a local tropical garden and bird sanctuary into one of North America’s premier family entertainment destinations. Spanning 335 beautifully landscaped acres, the entire park is designed around immersive themes of the African continent, combining pulse-pounding thrill rides with a world-renowned zoological institution. Today, the park welcomes millions of visitors annually, standing as a vital cornerstone of Florida tourism and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Tampa Bay or Orlando areas.

Why Visit Busch Gardens

Ride Record-Breaking Coasters: Challenge your limits on an elite collection of thrill rides.

Encounter Thousands of Exotic Animals: Step away from the tracks and immerse yourself in an AZA-accredited zoo. The park safely shelters over 200 distinct species, giving you the chance to observe majestic lions, cheetahs, elephants, and primates in beautifully designed habitats.

Explore the Massive Serengeti Plain: Step onto a 65-acre replication of the African savanna. You can view free-roaming herds of zebras, rhinos, and ostriches from the park train, or book an open-air safari trek to feed towering giraffes right from your hands.

Enjoy All-Ages Family Entertainment: Fun at the park goes far beyond extreme thrill rides. Families with younger children can explore the interactive play areas, catch seasonal live performances, or try the family-friendly coasters.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: Timings & Tips

Opening Hours

Standard Operating Hours: The park consistently opens daily at 10:00 AM. Standard closing time is typically 6:00 PM on weekdays during off-peak seasons.
Weekend Hours: On select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the park often extends its operations, closing at 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, or 9:00 PM.
Summer Nights Hours: From late May through early August, you can take advantage of extended night rides with park hours running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Special Holiday & Event Hours: During major autumn and winter events, such as Howl-O-Scream or Christmas Town, closing times can extend as late as 11:00 PM or midnight on select nights.
Performance timings vary by show, with most evening performances beginning between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Opening hours may change during public holidays, festivals and special events

Best Times to Visit

Best Time of Day (The Morning Drop): Arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:00 AM opening. Heading straight to the major thrill coasters in the back of the park right at park opening lets you beat the largest midday crowds.
Best Days of the Week: Visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Midweek days see significantly lower local attendance compared to weekends and major holidays.
Best Season for Low Crowds: Plan your trip during the shoulder seasons—specifically September through November (excluding holiday weekends) or January through February.
Best Season for Weather: Central Florida weather is most comfortable from late October through April, offering cooler afternoon temperatures and the lowest probability of seasonal afternoon rain showers.

Directions to Busch Gardens

Address

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is located at:
10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612

Plan Your Route

By Car
By Bus
By Rideshare

Driving offers the most flexibility for your day, with the park easily accessible right off I-275 or I-75. Secure on-site parking accommodates all vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, and RVs. You can choose between standard parking or preferred parking, which puts you closest to the front gates.

For local travelers within the city of Tampa, the affordable HART public bus system provides direct service right to the park property via Route 39.

Using rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft provides seamless, door-to-door transportation without the hassle of navigating traffic or paying for parking. The park features a dedicated, clearly marked drop-off and pick-up zone located right next to the main entrance plaza for quick access. To avoid peak pricing and wait times, consider heading out a few minutes before the park closes or waiting for the initial rush to clear.

Dining Options at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The park features a diverse culinary selection designed to satisfy every palate, from slow-smoked barbecue meats and fresh-baked pizzas to fresh garden salads, customized rice bowls, and authentic Latin-inspired dishes. Alongside classic theme park staples like burgers and chicken tenders, guests can find unique local flavors and comfortable, shaded environment to rest and recharge.

Park Accessibility

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is designed to be accessible for all guests, offering paved walkways, accessible ramps, and designated seating areas across all theaters, restaurants, and animal viewing exhibits. Standard manual wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent right inside the main entrance plaza to assist visitors with mobility needs. All major pathways and the Serengeti Express train accommodate mobility devices, ensuring smooth navigation throughout the entire 335-acre property.

Know Before You Go

Cashless Park Policy: The venue operates entirely card-only. All restaurants, retail shops, and ticket booths accept only major credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments like Apple Pay.

Bag Policy and Security: All bags, backpacks, and coolers are subject to security screening at the main entrance. Large hard-sided coolers, glass containers, and outside meals are not permitted inside the park.

Ride Locker Requirements: For safety reasons, loose articles like bags, cameras, and phones cannot be taken into the lines or onto major roller coasters. Daily or single-use lockers are available for rent near the entrance of each thrill ride.

Inclement Weather Policy: Central Florida experiences sudden afternoon rain and thunderstorms. While indoor shows, shops, and restaurants stay open, outdoor rides and animal habitats may temporarily close if lightning is detected nearby.

FAQs

What is the park's policy on outside food and drinks?

Outside meals, snacks, and large hard-sided coolers are not permitted inside the park gates. Visitors are allowed to bring in one factory-sealed bottle of water or an empty, reusable water bottle per person. Exceptions are routinely made for guests with specific dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or baby formula.

What is the most popular roller coaster at the park?

The top attraction is Iron Gwazi, the world's fastest and steepest hybrid coaster featuring a 91-degree drop. Other favorites include Cheetah Hunt and SheiKra.

Can you see animals without paying extra?

Yes. General admission includes full access to all standard animal habitats, walking trails, and the Serengeti Express train ride through the 65-acre savanna.

How much time do you need to experience the park?

Plan to spend a full day (6 to 8 hours) to comfortably experience the major roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live shows across the 335-acre property.

Is the park completely cashless?

Yes. The venue only accepts card and mobile payments like Apple Pay. Free Cash-to-Card kiosks are available near the entrance to convert cash into prepaid cards.

What happens to the rides and animals if it rains?

The park operates rain or shine. Outdoor rides and animal habitats close temporarily for lightning, while indoor shops and theaters remain open.

Are there height restrictions for the roller coasters?

Yes, every ride has distinct height requirements established by the manufacturers to ensure guest safety. Major thrill coasters like Iron Gwazi and SheiKra require riders to be at least 54 inches tall, while family-oriented coasters like Cheetah Hunt have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.

Is this the venue’s official website?

No. This website offers official tickets to Busch Gardens but is not the venue’s official website.