Overview
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay sits about 80 minutes west of Orlando, combining African-themed zoo habitats with one of the most aggressive roller coaster collections in the United States.
It's a sister park to SeaWorld Orlando and is usually included in SeaWorld multi-park ticket bundles — making it an easy and cost-effective day trip for coaster fans.
Why visit
- Nine major roller coasters including Iron Gwazi, SheiKra, Montu, and Kumba.
- 300+ animal species across one of the largest accredited zoological collections in the US.
- Significantly less crowded than Orlando parks.
- Usually included on SeaWorld multi-park tickets at no extra cost.
Key attractions & rides
North America's tallest hybrid coaster — 206 feet, 76 mph, 91-degree first drop.
Floorless dive coaster with a 200-foot vertical drop.
Inverted coaster with seven inversions.
65-acre African savanna habitat with zebra, giraffes and rhinos.
- Drive from Orlando is about 80 minutes — comfortable as a day trip with rental car.
- Combine with a SeaWorld multi-park ticket for the best value.
- Ride Iron Gwazi first — queues build aggressively throughout the day.
- Allow time for the Serengeti train tour — it's included with admission.
Weekdays outside US school holidays — Tuesday to Thursday are typically quietest.
Best for ages 8+. Strong thrill-ride focus; younger children have fewer options.
Typically 10:00 to 18:00 — shorter than Disney or Universal.
Live ticket pricing comparison coming soon. SeaWorld + Aquatica + Busch Gardens bundles via trusted partners will appear here as they become available.
Frequently asked questions
Is Busch Gardens worth the drive?
Yes for coaster enthusiasts — it has one of the strongest coaster line-ups in the Eastern US.
Can I get there without a car?
Yes, but coach transfers from Orlando hotels are limited; renting a car for the day is the easiest option.
Is it included in SeaWorld tickets?
Yes — most SeaWorld multi-park tickets and Discovery Cove packages include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
