Save $10+ Per Ticket For Universal Studios Hollywood (Limited Time Offer)

The Ultimate Busch Gardens Parking Guide: All You Need to Know

When you pull up to the parking lot, you'll realize there are multiple options available when parking at Busch Gardens.

In this page, we'll explain all of the parking options that are available, why you'd consider other parking options, and how they stack up against each other.

busch gardens entrance to the parking lot

TYPES OF PARKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE

There are two types of parking options at Busch Gardens including:

  1. Preferred Parking: $45-$55
  2. General Parking: $30

Preferred Parking is a higher cost than General Parking, as you're parked closer to the entrance, in a closed-off area.

General Parking will park you in the regular Busch Gardens parking lot.

1. Preferred Parking

busch gardens preferred parking

Preferred Parking puts you as close to the front entrance of the park as possible at your time of arrival, at a higher cost than General Parking ($15 to $25 more).

This means a much shorter walk to the park when you begin your day, and even more importantly, a shorter walk back to your car after a long day at the park. 

busch gardens preferred parking spot

It's important to know that Preferred Parking can have different prices depending on what day of the week you're visiting, and in which season.

busch gardens preferred parking prices

Typically, Preferred Parking prices are more expensive on the weekends and during the Summer season.

Visitors who purchase Preferred Parking will receive a colorful paper slip that they can place on their dashboard, to signify to park staff that they've paid for this parking privilege.

busch gardens preferred parking paper slip on dashboard of car

Where to Purchase a Parking Pass

Visitors can purchase a parking pass when they arrive at the parking toll booth, or they can also purchase it online directly from the Busch Gardens site.

2. General Parking

busch gardens parking toll booth

General Parking is going to be your most basic and cheapest option when parking at Busch Gardens.

With this parking option, visitors will park in the general parking area of the park, on a first-come, first-served basis.

As the park fills up throughout the day, the parking spots will as well, which means the later that you arrive at the park on a busy day, the farther you'll be parked from the park entrance.

busch gardens general parking

General Parking will be $30 consistently in person at the parking toll booth every day of the year for cars.

Upgrade From General Parking to Preferred Parking

Visitors can also pre-pay for General Parking from the Busch Gardens site, and then upgrade to Preferred Parking at the parking toll booth when they arrive at the park.

Is there Free Parking at Busch Gardens Tampa?

Free General Parking is given to Busch Gardens Annual Pass members, specifically Silver Pass holders. However, Gold & Platinum Pass holders can receive Free Preferred Parking.

Related Articles

Busch Gardens Lockers Guide: All You Need to Know

What is the Busch Gardens Bag Policy?

What is the Busch Gardens Rain Policy? | Explained

What to Wear to Busch Gardens

Can I Change the Name on a Busch Gardens Ticket?