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Free Shuttle from Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa:
Everything You Need to Know
If you’re visiting Orlando and want to spend a day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, you don’t need to rent a car or navigate I-4 traffic.
Through May 31, 2026, Busch Gardens offers a free daily round-trip motorcoach shuttle from multiple Orlando locations. The service — operated by Mears Destination Services — is designed to make getting to Tampa easy, affordable, and stress-free for park guests.
This post walks you through exactly how it works, where to board, what to expect, and how to book.
Who Can Ride the Free Shuttle?
The shuttle is free for anyone who has one of the following:
- Any Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission ticket
- A Busch Gardens Fun Card
- A Busch Gardens Annual Pass
If you meet one of these, your transportation from Orlando to Tampa and back is included — no additional shuttle fee.
Important:
Children under 3 receive free park admission and also ride the shuttle for free.
Do You Need a Reservation?
Yes.
Reservations are highly recommended and strongly encouraged to guarantee your seat.
You can book your shuttle online here:
https://buschgardens.mears.com/
Same-day walk-ups are not guaranteed a seat.
Where Do You Catch the Shuttle in Orlando?
There are four primary pickup locations across Orlando. These are spread out so visitors from different areas can board conveniently.
Based on the current pickup map, you can board at:
- ICON Orlando
8401 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 - SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 - Publix – Vineland Avenue
8145 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821 - DoubleTree by Hilton Universal Orlando
5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
The northernmost stop is near Universal Drive.
The southernmost stop is just south of SeaWorld.
How Many Stops Does the Shuttle Make?
Each shuttle can make up to three additional stops beyond the main pickup locations.
The exact number of stops is decided the morning of departure, based on how many reservations are booked and where passengers are coming from.
This means:
- Your ride may be direct
- Or you may stop to pick up other guests
Either way, your target arrival time remains the same.
What Time Will You Arrive at Busch Gardens?
The goal is to reach Busch Gardens Tampa Bay between:
10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
However, arrival time can vary depending on:
- Traffic
- Road conditions
- Number of shuttle stops
Mears makes every effort to keep this window accurate.
What Time Does the Shuttle Leave Tampa?
Your return time depends on park closing time that day.
Because Busch Gardens hours can change, your pickup time from Tampa may shift.
If the park closes early or changes its schedule:
- Contact Mears Customer Service to confirm your return time.
You can reach Mears 24/7 at:
1-800-221-1339
Do You Need to Get Yourself to the Pickup Location?
Yes.
The shuttle only picks up at the designated Orlando locations.
If you need a ride to your pickup stop, you can use:
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Hotel shuttle
- Taxi
Mears Taxi services are also available locally at a minimal charge by calling:
(407) 422-2222
Is the Shuttle Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes — but you must notify Mears in advance.
If wheelchair assistance is required, call:
1-800-221-1339 (24/7)
Why This Shuttle Is a Great Option for Orlando Visitors
For many travelers, this shuttle is one of the easiest ways to visit Tampa from Orlando because it:
- Saves you the cost of a rental car
- Avoids toll roads and navigation
- Lets you relax instead of drive
- Includes round-trip transportation
- Works with your park ticket
It’s especially useful for:
- International visitors
- Families
- First-time Orlando travelers
- People staying on International Drive or near SeaWorld
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shuttle really free?
Yes — if you have a Busch Gardens ticket, Fun Card, or Annual Pass.
Can I ride without a reservation?
You can try, but seats are not guaranteed. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
How long is the ride?
Typically around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Where does the bus drop you off in Tampa?
At the main entrance of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
What if Busch Gardens closes early?
Call Mears Customer Service to confirm your new pickup time.
Can kids under 3 ride free?
Yes — both park entry and shuttle transportation are free for children under 3.
Free Shuttle from Orlando to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- Free shuttle runs daily through May 31, 2026
- Free with any Busch Gardens ticket, Fun Card, or Annual Pass
- Four Orlando pickup locations
- Target arrival: 10:30–11:00 a.m.
- Return time depends on park closing
- Book in advance at https://buschgardens.mears.com/
- Call Mears 24/7 at 1-800-221-1339 for questions or wheelchair assistance
