How to Buy Discount Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets for Cheaper Than Gate Prices

Learn how to buy discount Busch Gardens Tampa tickets so that you can save money on visiting this and other SeaWorld Parks with the cheapest deals.

Last updated: December 18, 2025 

By

Katie Dillon

Katie Dillon is the founder of La Jolla Mom and a trusted travel advisor based in San Diego for over three decades. A former Four Seasons resident, she shares unmatched hotel insight, certified San Diego expertise, verified theme park discounts, and VIP hotel privileges worldwide through her industry connections.

We can help you save on tickets, tours, and hotels. If you purchase through some of the links below, we may be compensated. Our editorial guidelines.

The best way to buy discounted Busch Gardens Tampa tickets depends on several factors. These include whether you intend to visit any other nearby SeaWorld Entertainment Parks, how long you expect to stay in the park, and what you plan to do once inside.

I’ve scoured the internet and consulted trusted sources within my network to find the most affordable offers, so you can avoid testing promo codes, deals, and coupons that don’t work. We fact-check this post regularly to help bring you the most up-to-date tips for saving money.

Why visit? This African-themed park features 9 roller coasters and is Tampa’s largest zoo, home to over 200 animal species.

We’ve found that many visitors to Orlando theme parks also visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Getting there is easy, thanks to a free shuttle service from SeaWorld Orlando and other stops throughout Orlando.


Busch Gardens Tampa Ticket Prices, Reservations & Upgrades

A giraffe walks across a field at Busch Gardens in Florida.
Giraffe at Busch Gardens in Florida

Kids ages 0–2 are always free. You can purchase tickets online. Although most tickets are e-tickets, you will still need to bring your reservation, a photo ID, and your physical ticket to the park.

For comparison purposes, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ticket prices at the gate for ages three and older usually are:

  • Single Day Ticket: $153.35
  • Choose Your Adventure – Two Visits: $228.96
  • Choose Your Adventure – Three Visits: $244.94

Multi-park tickets include admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando (the water park adjacent to SeaWorld), Busch Gardens Tampa, and Adventure Island Tampa (open seasonally).

It’s essential to read all terms and conditions before purchasing Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tickets. Ensure that they do not expire before your visit, and verify refund or transfer policies.

Ways to Upgrade Your Day

If you plan to spend a whole day at this Tampa theme park, consider upgrading your experience by skipping the lines or purchasing a dining package. Yes, they can be added to discounted Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tickets. Here’s how they work.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers five different Quick Queue pass options to minimize wait times. This entitles guests to express entry to top rides and priority seating at shows.

Eligible thrill rides and attractions include:

  • Tigris
  • Falcon’s Fury
  • Cheetah Hunt
  • SheiKra
  • Montu
  • Kumba
  • Cobra’s Curse
  • Scorpion
  • Stanley Falls Flume
  • SandSerpent
  • Congo River Rapids.

You can purchase single express entry, unlimited entry, or year-round entry.

There is also an option for a Quick Queue Junior pass, an inexpensive upgrade for expedited access to kid-friendly rides, including Cobra’s Curse, Stanley Falls Flume, Congo River Rapids, Scorpion, SandSerpent, and Air Grover.

You can upgrade discount Busch Gardens Tampa tickets to include All Day Dine. The way all-day dining works is that you’ll pick up a wristband at the park.

You’ll be entitled to one entree, one side item or dessert, and one regular-size non-alcoholic beverage once per hour on the day of your visit. Sharing is prohibited.

Participating restaurants include Zagora Café, Serengeti Overlook Café, Sheikra Eats, Bengal Bistro, Dragon Fire Grill, and Zambia Smokehouse. Some food and beverage restrictions apply. For example, it does not include baby back ribs as an entree, and it isn’t valid during special events like Howl-O-Scream.

Typically, the All Day Dine addition costs around $35 for adults, and during some periods, the add-on can increase to $59.99. For children, the add-on can cost up to $29.99.


1. Special Offers From Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Online

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers various admission ticket options on its website. Please note that they charge a $9.99 service fee and tax on every online order. Therefore, depending on how taxes and service fees affect your group, option #2 below may be more sensible.

Multi-Park tickets include these SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment theme parks: SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Adventure Island Tampa (open seasonally).

  • Single Day Tickets
  • Two Park Tickets
  • Three-Day, Three-Park Tickets
  • Four Parks: Unlimited Visits + Free Parking
  • Upgrades
  • Safaris and tours

2. Discount Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Only and Multi-Park Tickets

I can offer discounted tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, powered by aRes Travel, an authorized ticket seller to major attractions across the United States. 

These tickets are issued in print-at-home or mobile formats, allowing you to head straight to the gate without needing to redeem a ticket voucher.

Two-, Three-, and Four-Park ticket options include SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Adventure Island Tampa (which are open seasonally).

Note: Taxes are included; however, a $2 service fee per ticket applies.

Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets

Save up to $208 on select tickets and dates!

  • Single Day Ticket
  • Single Day Ticket with All Day Dine
  • Single Day Ticket + Meal Voucher
  • Choose Your Adventure – Two Visits
  • Choose Your Adventure – Two Visits With All Day Dining
  • Choose Your Adventure – Three Visits
  • Choose Your Adventure – Three Visits with All Day Dine
  • Choose Your Adventure – Unlimited Visits Plus Parking
Families ride a Busch Gardens Tampa roller coaster.

3. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Cards

Fun Cards are very popular tickets for guests who plan to visit more than once a year. Experience endless complimentary entry to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Tampa Bay for the rest of 2025 and the entire year of 2026! Offer valid through December 31, 2026. Comes with a one-time parking pass. Blockout dates apply! Price: $99.99. You can also add Adventure Island to your Fun Card for $139.99 total.

Some blockout dates apply that include:

  • 2025 Busch Gardens Blockout Dates: 3/15, 3/22, 6/28, 7/5, 11/22, 12/25, 12/27, 12/28
  • 2026 Busch Gardens Blockout Dates: 3/14, 3/21, 6/27, 7/4, 11/21, 12/24, 12/26, 12/27

Fun Cards are not valid for all-year parking, meals or drinks, or admission to select special events. Please read the fine print for details.

A female lion at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Passes

If you plan to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay more than once, a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Annual Pass may be a better option, as it includes member perks and additional discounts.

There are four different annual passes. Annual pass members are also required to make park reservations.

Bronze Annual Pass

The Bronze Annual Pass is valid for unlimited visits to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay over 12 months, with blackout dates. You’ll also receive admission to popular events, 5% off merchandise purchases, and other savings. Price:
$159.

Silver Annual Pass

The Silver Annual Pass also includes unlimited visits for 12 months and free admission to popular events. You’ll also receive free General Parking and two free Guest Tickets. Discounts for Silver Annual Pass members include 5% off dining, 10% off merchandise purchases, 20% off Quick Queue, and more benefits. Price: $183.

Gold Annual Pass

Gold Annual Pass holders enjoy unlimited visits for 12 months, free admission to events, free Preferred Parking, four free Guest Tickets, 10% off of dining, 20% off merchandise purchases, 30% off of Quick Queue, and other perks. Price: $204.

Platinum Annual Pass

This is the annual pass for amusement park enthusiasts. You’ll receive unlimited admission to 11 SeaWorld Entertainment parks across North America, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, for a 12-month period.

It also includes free admission to events, free Preferred Parking, six free Guest Tickets, 15% off dining, 30% off merchandise purchases, 50% off Quick Queue, and many other exclusive benefits. Price: $333.


5. CityPASS Tampa Bay

Do you plan to combine a visit to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with visits to other Tampa attractions?

The Tampa Bay CityPASS can save you up to 54% off of admission to five top things to do in Tampa Bay, including:

  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
  • Florida Aquarium
  • Zoo Tampa at LowryPark
  • Clearwater Aquarium or Chihuly Collection
  • Museum of Science & Industry or Tampa Boat Tours

All you need to do is buy your pass in advance and get it on a mobile device or print it at home. Show the pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in for free.

Tampa Bay CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days from the date of first use. As with any sightseeing pass, make sure the attractions you’d like to visit are included.


6. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Tickets and Vacation Packages

You will save money with a vacation package or special, cheap Busch Gardens Tampa ticket packages. Current promotions include:

  • Kids Free Package: Free child admission with every paid adult admission.
  • Enjoy a complimentary package with one free All-Day Dine per person.
  • Buy 2 Nights, Get 1 Free at various hotels.
  • SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Combo Package.
  • CityPASS Tampa Bay Packages that include a hotel stay and a Tampa Bay CityPASS.
An adult and girl look at a cheetah through glass at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

7. AAA Discounts for Florida Residents

Florida residents who are AAA members are entitled to purchase discount Busch Gardens Tampa tickets, in addition to other promotional offers.

However, note that it may be less expensive to use one of the other discount options outlined above.


8. Military Discounts

Admission Offers – Active Military

Waves of Honor Free and Discounted Tickets
Active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members, as well as up to three direct dependents, are eligible for one complimentary admission per year through the Waves of Honor program. Military members can also save 50% on Busch Gardens Tampa Bay single-day tickets for themselves and up to five guests. This limited-time offer allows up to six discounted tickets per service member. Additionally, active-duty military members are now eligible for Silver Annual Passes for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island.

Special Ticket Pricing – Veterans Only

Military Passes
To honor those who have served, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is offering U.S. veterans a Military Silver Annual Pass to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay & Adventure Island.


FAQs About Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets

Aerial view of Busch Gardens in Florida.
Roller coaster fun.

Is Busch Gardens Tampa open?

Yes, the theme park is open daily. Check the park calendar before purchasing your discount Busch Gardens Tampa tickets, as hours and days are subject to change.

How Far Is Tampa Bay from Orlando?

It’s roughly 65 miles from Orlando to Tampa Bay. The drive should take just over an hour.

Is there a free shuttle from Orlando?

Yes. Call 1-800-221-1339 to make free shuttle reservations on the Busch Gardens/SeaWorld Shuttle Express if you have purchased a multi-park ticket.

The list of departure locations includes SeaWorld Orlando, but you can call for other pick-up points. The shuttle departs from Orlando in the morning and returns from Tampa at the end of the day.

Is there a Busch Gardens Student discount?

No, Busch Gardens is not currently offering any student discounts. 

Is there a Busch Gardens teacher discount?

Busch Gardens is not currently offering teacher discounts directly through its website. However, there are specific Busch Gardens Programs for Teachers that are catered toward educators for those interested. 

Is there a Busch Gardens first responder discount?

No, Busch Gardens is not currently offering any discounts for first responders. However, Busch Gardens has previously offered first responder discounts, so make sure to check the official site for any updated deals and discounts. 

How do you buy discount Busch Gardens Tampa tickets?

Learn how to buy other discounts:

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