Easy Guide To Parking At Busch Gardens Williamsburg (2024)

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Visiting the world’s most beautiful theme park?

It comes at a cost–beyond the single-day ticket–the parking lots cost.

So, we’re going to talk about the types of parking options at Busch Gardens, the cost of each parking tier, the details on free general parking, and the tips we local pass holders recommend to our friends.

Because between membership benefits, carpooling, hotel amenities, and rideshare services, you can snag a deal on the cost of parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.

Let’s get to it!

Parking Options At Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Parking ought to not be overlooked when planning the costs of visiting Busch Gardens VA.

There are four types of parking available:

General Parking: Costs $32-$37 per vehicle. The main lots include Germany, Italy, and Ireland which can be accessed by walking or tram service. Overflow lots across the street include Scotland and Bavaria, accessible by tram service only.
Preferred Parking: Costs $42-$53 per vehicle. The two lots include France and England, both accessible by walking only due to their proximity.
VIP Parking: Costs $53-$68 per vehicle. This is for a reserved parking space and a special entrance to the park.
Multi-Day Parking: Costs $55 per vehicle. This option covers general parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for up to seven consecutive days after your first visit.

Each option has its own benefits and costs, so it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

When you arrive at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, you will need to go through the parking toll booth to purchase a parking pass and receive a receipt that you’ll need to stick on the dashboard.

And yes, there are ways to get parking for low prices, if not for free, or included through hotel amenities (we’ll talk about below).

Pro Tip: Prices vary depending on the crowd level Busch Gardens is anticipating. So if it’s a summer Saturday, it’ll be $37 for general. But if it’s a Monday in February, general will be $32.

Use the price points to plan when you’re going–not just for a cheaper rate, but for shorter lines in the park and less congested pathways.

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General Parking At Busch Gardens

General Parking is the standard parking option at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The cost for General Parking starts at $32 per vehicle and includes up to five parking lots.

If you choose this option, you’ll likely need to take a tram to the park entrance. But, some lots are close enough that you can walk to the main entrance (namely the Germany lot, where you can walk through the France lot to the entrance).

Keep in mind that parking spaces can fill up quickly in the closest lots to the park, so it is best to arrive early to ensure a spot with walkability.

Pro tip: Try for the Germany parking lot as it’s the closest General parking lot to the entrance.

Preferred Parking At Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Preferred Parking is a higher-cost option that allows you to park closer to the park entrance in one of two lots.

The England lot puts you closer to the security checkpoint and admission gate while the France lot puts you closer to the ticket booths and guest services.

The cost for Preferred Parking starts at $42 per vehicle. But, if you choose this option, you will not need to take a tram to the park entrance.

This option is ideal for those who want to save time and avoid the hassle of taking a tram.

Pro Tip: Try to go on a slow, “off” day (like a weekday, rainy day, or outside of the vacation season) because sometimes they offer free Preferred Parking with the cost of General Parking.

If they anticipate low crowds that day, they often use the France, England, and Germany parking lots. So, you might get routed to a preferred lot without an extra charge.

VIP Parking

VIP Parking is the highest-cost option and allows you to park in the closest area to the park entrance.

The cost for VIP Parking starts at $53 per vehicle and prior notice, at least 24 hours in advance, is needed for booking VIP spots.

If you choose this option, you will not need to take a tram to the park entrance. So, this option is ideal for those who want the most convenient parking option and are willing to pay extra for it.

Pro Tip: If you or your group have needs where the closest parking possible will be beneficial, this is that option. Otherwise, Preferred Parking suffices just as well if you arrive early for a good spot near the front of the lot.

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Multi-Day Parking Pass

Multi-Day Parking is a cost-effective option for those who plan to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg or Water Country USA (a nearby water park & sister property of SeaWorld Parks) multiple times.

The cost for Multi-Day Parking is $55 per vehicle and is valid for up to seven consecutive days.

This option is ideal for those who plan to visit the parks for an extended period and want to save money on parking.

Pro Tip: Even if you plan on visiting Busch Gardens once and Water Country once, buying the Multi-Day Parking option saves you more since it applies to both parks.

Water Country’s parking prices are the same as Busch’s, so $55 beats $60+.

Free Parking At Busch Gardens Williamsburg

There are a few ways to alleviate the $30+ charge for parking:

Season Pass: Unlimited visits (depending on the tier) and free guest tickets aren’t the only perks for pass holders. Complimentary General Parking is also provided. And, premier and platinum memberships get a free parking upgrade to Preferred.
Carpooling: If you don’t have a season pass but know someone who does, go to the park with them! You’ll have to carpool to enjoy the benefit because pass holders must show their ID with their season pass at the parking toll booth.
Drop Off: If you know someone in the area, ask them if they could give you a ride to the park. Drop-offs don’t cost anything and the drop-off point is right at the front of the France parking lot by the entrance.
Rideshare: Likewise, if you don’t know anybody nearby or they’re not available, Uber, Lyft, etc can drop you off at the park. They’ll drop you at the same spot as regular drop-offs.
Hotel Shuttle: Some hotels near Busch Gardens Williamsburg offer shuttles that run to the park. One such hotel is the Doubletree by Hilton. It’s also the closest hotel to the park.

Park Upgrades & Add-Ons

Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers other park upgrades and add-ons that can make for a better visit.

They’re not always necessary but can provide an experience that can add value and fun benefits to your trip.

You can purchase add-on experiences and upgrades online or at the park.

Here are some of the most popular options.

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Quick Queue

If you want to skip the lines and enjoy fast access to your favorite rides and attractions, then Quick Queue is the perfect upgrade for you.

With Quick Queue, you can bypass the regular ride lines and get on your favorite attractions (*drumroll*) quick.

This add-on experience is available for purchase online or at the park, starting at $29.99 for an all-day pass.

Different options are available for Quick Queues, like:

Quick Queue: One-time use for one ride. $20+
Quick Queue Unlimited: All-day use for most rides. $30+
Quick Queue Unlimited Plus: All-day use for all rides. $40+
Quick Queue All Year: All-year use for all rides. $600

Pro Tip: Please, do not buy a Quick Queue for a rainy Monday in February! There aren’t going to be any lines to bypass. Opt for a Quick Queue on a sunny October Saturday instead.

Dining Plans

All-day dining plans are available for purchase and provide you with the convenience of enjoying unlimited meals, special food, and snacks at select restaurants throughout the day.

With the dining plan, you can enjoy a meal every 90 minutes at participating locations, which include the main dining spots (Das Festhaus, Marco Polo’s Marketplace, and Trapper’s Smokehouse) and snack favorites (Les Frites and German Pretzels & Beer).

This is a nifty option if you plan on spending the entire day at the park and want to save money on meals. You can find more tips on saving money on dining at Busch Gardens through my Busch on a budget guide.

Special Tours & Experiences

Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers a variety of special tours and experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with the park’s animals and attractions.

Some of the most popular experiences include the Wolf Training Up-Close Tour, Roller Coaster Insider Tour, and Railroad Tour.

And no, they don’t cost an arm and a leg compared to the parking prices. With each tour starting at $23, $63, and $22 respectively.

These tours and experiences provide a unique perspective on the park and are a great way to enhance your park adventure.

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Planning Tips For Visiting Busch Gardens Williamsburg

When planning your visit to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, there are a few things you can do to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

Buying Tickets In Advance

One of the best things you can do to save time and money is to buy your tickets in advance.

Not only will you save money by purchasing online, but you will also avoid waiting in long lines at the park entrance.

You can purchase tickets directly from the park’s website or get up to $25 off of Busch Gardens Williamsburg tickets when you purchase them from Get Your Guide.

These tickets are good for one year from the date of purchase and can be fully refunded with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your trip.

This exclusive deal is available to anyone through the link provided.

Using The Park’s Mobile App

The Busch Gardens Williamsburg mobile app is a great tool to help you view and navigate the park. Especially since they’ve done away with the old printed paper maps.

You can download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

The app will provide you with real-time information about park hours, showtimes, and ride wait times.

You can also use the app to purchase tickets, view park maps, and plan your day at the park.

Arrival & Timing

To make the most of your day at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, it’s important to arrive early.

The park opens at different times depending on the day of the week, so be sure to check the park calendar before you go.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less crowded than other days of the week, so consider visiting on those days if possible.

And if you can avoid going on Saturdays, you’ll be better off for it. Even choosing a Sunday or Friday instead will make a difference.

Family & Accessibility

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a family-friendly park, with many popular rides and roller coasters suitable for guests of all ages.

If you are traveling with young children, be sure to check out the park’s Sesame Street Forest of Fun, which features rides and activities designed for younger guests.

The park is also accessible for guests with disabilities, with wheelchair rentals available at the park entrance and a Ride Accessibility Program.

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General Park Information

If you’re planning a trip to Busch Gardens Williamsburg, it’s important to know the basics of the park before you go.

Don’t forget to plan ahead for your visit!

Check the park’s official website for information on pricing, height requirements, locker rentals, and more.

And if you’re a frequent visitor, consider a membership for exclusive benefits like free parking and discounts on food, merchandise, and more.

Here’s what you need to know.

Park Hours & Showtimes

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is open seasonally, typically from March through December.

The park hours vary depending on the day of the week and time of year, so be sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Busch Gardens offers a variety of live shows throughout the day, including stage entertainment, animal shows, and more.

Showtimes are subject to change, so be sure to check the park map or the official app for the most current schedule and upcoming shows.

Accessibility Options

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is committed to providing a fun and accessible experience for all guests.

The park offers a variety of accessibility options, including wheelchair rentals, service animal relief areas, and more.

Additionally, a Ride Accessibility Program is offered and includes a kennel at the station of most coasters for service animals to wait while you ride.

Events & Attractions

In addition to its thrilling rides and attractions, Busch Gardens Williamsburg offers select special events throughout the year.

From the Food & Wine Festival to Howl-O-Scream, Christmas Town, and more, there’s always something exciting happening at the park.

Be sure to check the park website for information on upcoming events and attractions.

Whether you’re looking for thrilling roller coasters like Griffon and Verbolten, family-friendly rides at the Forest of Fun, or water rides like Escape from Pompeii, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a lot of novelty attractions.

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Wrap Up

Busch Gardens VA is the perfect place for a fun family vacation, friend trip, or solo excursion regardless of the parking costs.

Now that you know how to save on parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, be sure to also check out other budgeting and planning advice for visiting the park.

It doesn’t need to break the bank or be a headache, so take advantage of all the BGW resources I’ve created.

I hope you have a great time at the world’s most beautiful theme park!

For more Busch Gardens Williamsburg on the blog, you can also check out:

Thanks for reading!

Parking At Busch Gardens Williamsburg FAQs

Do I have to pay for parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

Yes, you do have to pay for parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. The cost of parking is $32 per vehicle, per day.

What time does parking open at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

The parking lot at Busch Gardens Williamsburg typically opens one hour before the park’s scheduled opening time. However, this may vary depending on the season and park hours.

It is recommended that you check the park’s website or call ahead to confirm the parking lot opening time for the day of your visit.

How do I get free parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

There are a couple of ways to get “free” parking at Busch Gardens Williamsburg: get a season pass for complimentary parking, carpool with a pass holder, have a local friend or family member drop you off at the park, take a rideshare service to the park, or take advantage of complimentary shuttles to the park when you stay at a nearby hotel.

How many parking spots are at Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has seven parking lots with plenty of spaces for guests. While it is unclear exactly how many parking spots there are, the lots can accommodate thousands of vehicles.

The park’s top capacity is about 38,000, so while there might not be 38,000 parking spaces, the number will be way up there.

Can you take Uber to Busch Gardens Williamsburg?

Yes, you can take Uber to Busch Gardens Williamsburg. They will drop you off and pick you up at the designated rideshare area at the front of the France parking lot.