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The hotels near Busch Gardens Tampa line Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue in north Tampa, all within about 2 miles by road of the park’s main parking lot on McKinley Drive. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is roughly 69 to 76 miles from the Orlando theme park areas, so a night or two here turns a rushed day trip into an easy add-on to your Orlando itinerary.
We compared seven brand-name hotels by road distance, park shuttles, breakfast and parking. Two of them list their own free shuttle to the park, and Adventure Island, the water park next door, is on the same stretch of McKinley Drive.
Quick answer: For the shortest drive, book the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area, about 0.7 mile from the main lot, with breakfast and parking included. To skip the park’s parking fee, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens both list a free park shuttle. Families who want a kitchen should look at Home2 Suites, and budget travelers with a pet at Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Tampa.
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How we chose these hotels near Busch Gardens Tampa
We measured road distances from each hotel to the Busch Gardens main parking lot on McKinley Drive with OSRM, an open routing service. We picked seven brand-name hotels within about 2 miles by road whose official pages we could check, including three by the University of South Florida (USF), then compared shuttles, breakfast, parking and pet rules. It isn’t a list of every nearby hotel: a few closer properties on Busch Boulevard aren’t included.
Facts come from each hotel’s official page and the Busch Gardens website, checked in October 2026. Where a brand site blocked us, we used archived copies of its official pages (August 2025 to July 2026), marked “at last check.” Hotels often quote straight-line distances, so we note where they differ from the drive. We didn’t stay at these hotels, and we don’t publish scores or fixed prices.
Hotels near Busch Gardens Tampa compared
| Hotel | Drive to park lot* | Park shuttle | Breakfast | Hotel parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn & Suites Busch Gardens Area | 0.7 mi | Not listed | Free, hot | Free |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites USF-Busch Gardens | 1 mi | Free, daily | Free | Free |
| Home2 Suites Tampa USF | 1.5 mi | Not listed | Free, hot | $12 + tax |
| Embassy Suites Tampa USF | 1.7 mi | Free | Free, made to order | $13 |
| La Quinta Inn & Suites USF | 1.7 mi | Not listed | Free | Ask hotel |
| Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens | 2.1 mi | Unconfirmed | Free | Ask hotel |
| Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Tampa | 2.1 mi | Not listed | Not listed | Free |
*Road distance to the Busch Gardens main parking lot (OSRM, rounded, no traffic). Hotel parking is per day before tax from each hotel’s official page at our last check (March to October 2026). Shuttles and fees change often, so confirm them with the hotel. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
1. Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area
This Hampton sits at 3333 East Busch Boulevard, across the street from Busch Gardens; one of the hotel’s own room photos shows coaster track outside the windows. Hilton calls it a Busch Gardens Preferred Partner hotel with discounted park tickets available.
Hot breakfast, Wi-Fi and self-parking are included. There’s an outdoor pool and a fitness center, and Hilton lists connecting rooms and cribs.
- Why stay: The closest hotel on this list by road, with breakfast and parking included in the rate.
- Getting to the park: About 0.7 mile (2 minutes) to the main lot via Busch Boulevard and 40th Street. Hilton lists Busch Gardens at 0.1 mile, but the drive to the parking lot is longer. Hilton’s page doesn’t list a park shuttle, so ask the hotel, or plan to drive and pay for park parking.
- Good to know: At last check (May 2026), self-parking was complimentary, check-in was 3 p.m. and check-out 11 a.m. Up to two dogs or cats (75 pounds max) are welcome for a $75 non-refundable fee for 1 to 4 nights, or $125 for 5 nights or more.
Best for: Families and couples who want the shortest drive and free breakfast.
See prices and availability at Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens
At 2807 East Busch Boulevard, this Holiday Inn Express is the closest pick with a park shuttle. IHG’s page says the hotel runs a free daily shuttle to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island and pitches it as a way to save on park parking. The free Express Start breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10 a.m.
Room types include standard rooms, suites, and one- and two-bedroom suites. The heated outdoor pool is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There’s no restaurant, but there’s a 24-hour sundry shop and free lobby coffee.
- Why stay: A free park shuttle, free breakfast and free parking, plus two-bedroom suites for bigger groups.
- Getting to the park: About 1 mile (3 minutes) to the main lot by car; the hotel lists Busch Gardens at 0.5 mile. Ask the front desk for the shuttle schedule when you check in.
- Good to know: At last check (July 2026), parking and Wi-Fi were free, and you had to be 21 to check in. Dogs under 45 pounds are allowed in first-floor rooms only, for $50 per day; suites aren’t available as pet rooms.
Best for: Families who want to leave the car at the hotel on park day.
Check your dates for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens on Booking.com
3. Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
Home2 Suites stands at 11606 North McKinley Drive, across from the USF campus and on the same road as the Busch Gardens parking entrance. Hilton says its suites come with a fully equipped in-room kitchen, which helps with picky eaters or a longer stay.
Free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi are included, and there’s an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Hilton also lists connecting rooms and cribs.
- Why stay: A kitchen in your suite, free breakfast and a straight run down McKinley Drive to the park.
- Getting to the park: About 1.5 miles (4 minutes) to the main lot; Hilton lists Busch Gardens and Adventure Island at 1 mile. No park shuttle is listed.
- Good to know: At last check (March 2026), self-parking cost $12 a day plus tax. Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out noon. Pet rules match the Hampton: up to two dogs or cats, 75 pounds max, $75 for 1 to 4 nights or $125 for 5 or more.
Best for: Longer stays and families who want to cook some meals.
See available rooms at Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
4. Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
The Embassy Suites is in the USF Research Park at 3705 Spectrum Boulevard, built around an eight-story atrium. Hilton describes it as a Busch Gardens Preferred Partner with a free shuttle to the park, “five minutes away.” It’s an all-suite hotel, with two-room suites that have one king or two double beds.
Breakfast is free and made to order, and there’s a complimentary evening reception. Mangroves Grille in the atrium serves Floridian dishes (Hilton’s dining page said in December 2025 that it closes on Sundays), next to the Oak Tree Lounge. There’s an outdoor pool and a fitness center with a Peloton bike.
- Why stay: A separate living room, breakfast, an evening reception and a park shuttle in one stay.
- Getting to the park: About 1.7 miles (4 minutes) to the main lot by car; Hilton says the hotel is 1 mile north of Busch Gardens. Confirm shuttle times at the front desk.
- Good to know: At last check (March 2026), self-parking was $13 a day (no valet), and standard in-room Wi-Fi was listed at $9.95. Check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out 11 a.m. Up to two dogs or cats cost $75 for 1 to 4 nights or $125 for 5 nights or more.
Best for: Families who want more room and a hotel shuttle to the park.
Compare rates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens
5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham USF (Near Busch Gardens)
This La Quinta is at 3701 East Fowler Avenue, across from the University of South Florida and just off the Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive route that Busch Gardens recommends from I-75. Wyndham’s page lists a free Bright Side Breakfast, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and a 24/7 fitness center.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker and a desk, and you can book one with a microwave and mini-fridge. Wi-Fi is free for Wyndham Rewards members, and the hotel welcomes dogs and cats.
- Why stay: A simple, pet-friendly base with free breakfast and a hot tub.
- Getting to the park: About 1.7 miles (4 minutes) by car via Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive. Wyndham’s page doesn’t list a park shuttle.
- Good to know: Wyndham’s page didn’t show parking or pet fees when we checked in October 2026, so ask the hotel before you book. Request a microwave and mini-fridge room if you need one.
Best for: Budget-minded travelers and pet owners.
Check availability at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham USF on Booking.com
6. Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens
Hyatt Place sits at 11408 North 30th Street, “within two miles of Busch Gardens,” in Hyatt’s words. Hyatt calls it newly renovated, and rooms have the brand’s Cozy Corner with a sleeper sofa, which gives kids their own spot. One of the hotel’s own room photos shows coasters on the skyline.
Free breakfast is served daily at The Breakfast Bar, from eggs and waffles to fruit and yogurt, and there’s on-site dining, an outdoor pool, a fitness center with Peloton and free Wi-Fi.
- Why stay: Sleeper sofas in the rooms and a free breakfast every morning.
- Getting to the park: About 2.1 miles (5 minutes) to the main lot. Hyatt’s page description mentioned a shuttle at our last readable check (August 2025) but gave no details, and the hotel’s entry on Busch Gardens’ hotel-partner page doesn’t mention one. Call the hotel before you count on it.
- Good to know: Self-parking is listed, but we couldn’t confirm the current fee, so ask. At last check (August 2025), up to two dogs (50 pounds each, 75 combined) cost $100 per stay of 1 to 6 nights; tell the hotel ahead of time.
Best for: Families who need an extra sleeping spot without booking a suite.
7. Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Tampa
Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Tampa, at 11310 North 30th Street, is the budget pick. Red Roof says it’s “just blocks from Busch Gardens,” and PLUS+ is the chain’s upgraded tier. The hotel’s own photos show rooms set around a palm-shaded courtyard with an outdoor pool.
Free parking, free Wi-Fi and free lobby coffee are included, and there’s a coin laundry and EV charging. The hotel is 100% smoke-free, and room types include a Superior 2 Queen Suite.
- Why stay: Free parking and a free first pet keep the extras low.
- Getting to the park: About 2.1 miles (5 minutes) to the main lot. No park shuttle is listed.
- Good to know: At last check (May 2026), one dog or cat stayed free and a second cost $15 a night (up to $105 per stay), with an 80-pound limit. You must be 18 to check in, and the hotel takes a $50 refundable deposit. Breakfast isn’t listed, so plan to eat out.
Best for: Budget travelers and pet owners.
Driving from Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens says the park is “approximately one hour from Orlando via Interstate 4.” From the main Orlando resort areas, the drive is longer. These are OSRM road routes to the Busch Gardens main lot, rounded and without traffic:
| Starting point | Road distance | Drive time, no traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Springs | About 69 miles | About 1 hr 25 min |
| SeaWorld Orlando | About 72 miles | About 1 hr 30 min |
| Universal Orlando | About 76 miles | About 1 hr 35 min |
| Orlando airport (MCO) | About 84 miles | About 1 hr 45 min |
| Tampa airport (TPA) | About 15 miles | About 30 min |
The park’s directions from Orlando take I-4 west to I-75, then I-75 north to the Fowler Avenue exit (265). Head west on Fowler Avenue and turn left onto McKinley Drive for the parking entrance. Traffic on I-4 can add a lot of time, so leave early and check live traffic. From the Orlando airport, the fastest OSRM route uses the Central Florida GreeneWay; our guide to Orlando toll roads explains toll costs and rental-car toll programs.
Free Busch Gardens shuttle from Orlando
If you’d rather not drive, the Busch Gardens Shuttle Express, run by Mears Destination Services, offers free round-trip motorcoach rides from Orlando with any Busch Gardens admission ticket, Fun Card or annual pass. Children under 3 ride free.
- Reservations: Required, through the Mears shuttle website or at 1-800-221-1339; walk-ups can’t board. You need a credit card, and no-shows who don’t cancel by 5 a.m. on travel day pay $10 per person.
- Pickups: Four Orlando locations, from Universal Drive in the north to south of SeaWorld Orlando. Each coach may make up to three more stops.
- Timing: The target arrival is 10:30 to 11 a.m. The coach back leaves 30 minutes after a 5 or 6 p.m. park closing, or at 7:30 p.m. when the park closes at 7 p.m. or later.
That gives you about 6½ to 9 hours in the park. For evening events such as Howl-O-Scream (select dates from September 11 to October 31, 2026) or Christmas Town (select nights from November 13, 2026, to January 4, 2027), a hotel near the park is the easier plan; our Halloween in Orlando guide covers the Orlando side. If you’d rather stay near a pickup point, compare the best hotels near SeaWorld Orlando.
Busch Gardens tickets, Fun Card and SeaWorld combos
Prices are from the Busch Gardens tickets page in October 2026; they change often, so confirm them before you buy.
- Single-day ticket: Date-specific tickets started at $61.99 online at the time of writing. Children 2 and under don’t need a ticket, and parking is extra.
- 2027 Fun Card: Listed at $129.99 online when we checked, it covers unlimited visits to Busch Gardens through December 31, 2027, and Adventure Island through October 24, 2027, plus the rest of 2026. Blockout dates apply, and it doesn’t include parking or Howl-O-Scream.
- Two-Day Two Park Ticket: This is the SeaWorld combo. It covers two visits to any combination of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, from $53 a day ($106 total) at the time of writing. Use the first visit within six months of purchase and the second within 14 days of the first.
- Hotel packages: Busch Gardens sells packages with partner hotels; most include unlimited park visits during your stay and free parking. The Busch Gardens/SeaWorld Thrills Package adds SeaWorld Orlando and a one-time Quick Queue at each park. You can book online or call 407-401-8477.
For the Orlando half of a combo, our SeaWorld Orlando guide covers tickets, Quick Queue and the rides worth planning around.
Busch Gardens parking and Adventure Island
When we checked in October 2026, the park’s online parking page listed general parking at $35 plus tax and preferred parking near the entrance at $48. The park’s FAQs quote lower starting rates ($30 on one page; $32 plus tax for general and $35 for preferred on another), and pricing varies by season, so check the price for your date. Prepaying online speeds up entry. Silver, Gold and Platinum annual passes include free general parking, as do the park’s hotel packages.
Adventure Island, the Busch Gardens water park, is at 10001 North McKinley Drive, just north of Busch Gardens on the same road and about a mile by car from the Busch Gardens main lot. The park is seasonal, and its website showed it closed on the October weekday we checked, so look at its calendar before you plan a water day. For more options, see our Orlando water parks guide.
How to choose a hotel near Busch Gardens
- Skip park parking: Choose the Holiday Inn Express or the Embassy Suites, whose official pages list a free park shuttle. A Hyatt Place shuttle is unconfirmed, so ask.
- Shortest drive: The Hampton Inn & Suites is about 0.7 mile from the main lot.
- Room to spread out: Home2 Suites has an in-room kitchen, the Embassy Suites has two-room suites, and the Holiday Inn Express offers two-bedroom suites.
- Bringing a pet: Red Roof PLUS+ lets your first pet stay free, while the three Hilton hotels charge $75 for 1 to 4 nights.
- Adding the beach: Clearwater Beach is about 30 miles (roughly 50 minutes) from Busch Gardens, so you can split your Tampa nights; see the best hotels in Clearwater Beach.
- Staying in Orlando instead: The shuttle picks up between Universal Drive and south of SeaWorld; our guide to where to stay in Orlando compares those areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which hotels near Busch Gardens Tampa have a free shuttle?
At our last check, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens listed a free daily shuttle to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens listed a free shuttle to the park. Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens mentioned an unspecified shuttle in 2025, which we couldn’t confirm. Schedules can change, so confirm times with the front desk before you skip park parking.
Is there a free shuttle from Orlando to Busch Gardens?
Yes. The Busch Gardens Shuttle Express, run by Mears, offers free round trips from four Orlando pickup locations with any Busch Gardens ticket, Fun Card or annual pass. You must reserve ahead with a credit card, and there’s a $10 per-person no-show fee if you don’t cancel by 5 a.m. Coaches aim to arrive between 10:30 and 11 a.m.
How far is Busch Gardens Tampa from Orlando?
By road, Busch Gardens is about 69 miles from Disney Springs, 72 miles from SeaWorld Orlando and 76 miles from Universal Orlando, based on OSRM routes. That’s roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes without traffic, longer than the “approximately one hour” on the park’s directions page. Allow extra time for I-4 traffic.
How much is parking at Busch Gardens Tampa?
When we checked in October 2026, the park’s online parking page listed general parking at $35 plus tax and preferred parking at $48, while its FAQ pages quoted lower starting rates ($30 to $32 plus tax). Pricing is seasonal. Silver, Gold and Platinum passes and Busch Gardens hotel packages include free parking, and a hotel shuttle lets you avoid the fee.
Can you buy a SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens combo ticket?
Yes. The Two-Day Two Park Ticket covers two visits to any combination of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, from $53 a day at the time of writing. Your first visit must be within six months of purchase and the second within 14 days. Parking, taxes and fees are extra, and hotel packages can bundle both parks.
Is it worth staying overnight near Busch Gardens?
If you’re driving from Orlando, an overnight saves you about three hours of round-trip driving on park day. You can stay until closing or for an evening event, and a second day at Adventure Island or the Gulf beaches becomes easy. If you only want a few hours in the park, the free Orlando shuttle or a day trip works fine.
Bottom line
For most visitors, the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area is the easiest base, with the shortest drive and breakfast and parking included. To avoid park parking, choose the Holiday Inn Express or the Embassy Suites for their listed shuttles, and confirm the schedule when you book. Either way, a night near the park beats squeezing Busch Gardens into a long day trip from Orlando.
Check your dates at Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area
Sources checked in October 2026: Busch Gardens Orlando shuttle service, Busch Gardens tickets, Busch Gardens parking and add-ons, Busch Gardens directions, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-USF-Busch Gardens