
How Many Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens? Complete Guide to Both Parks
Busch Gardens operates two major theme parks in the United States, each with its own impressive collection of roller coasters. Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia features 11 operating roller coasters, while Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida has 9 operating roller coasters (with Kumba closing in August 2026). Combined, the two parks offer 20 world-class coasters for thrill-seekers of all levels.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg: 11 Roller Coasters
Located in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is home to one of the most diverse coaster collections on the East Coast. The park's European theming creates an immersive experience as you journey through different lands and their signature attractions.
The 11 Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
1. Loch Ness Monster
The iconic centerpiece of Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Loch Ness Monster is the world's first interlocking-loop roller coaster. Celebrating its 46th year of operation, this classic wooden coaster underwent a full restoration in 2024, introducing new thematic and experiential elements. Riders experience two interlocking loops that create a unique and thrilling interaction between the two loops.
- Height: 68 feet
- Speed: 48 mph
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
- Type: Wooden coaster
2. Griffon
Griffon is the tallest roller coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, standing at an impressive 205 feet. This floorless dive coaster features a breathtaking 90-degree drop at 75 miles per hour. The sensation of having no floor beneath your feet creates an unforgettable experience as you plunge toward the ground.
- Height: 205 feet
- Speed: 75 mph
- Inversions: 1 (the dive drop)
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
- Type: Steel dive coaster
3. Alpengeist
Hurtle through six staggering inversions on one of the tallest and fastest inverted coasters in the world. Alpengeist combines speed, height, and intense airtime to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience that coaster enthusiasts crave.
- Height: 170 feet
- Speed: 60 mph
- Inversions: 6
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
- Type: Steel inverted coaster
4. Apollo's Chariot
A guest favorite and award-winning hypercoaster, Apollo's Chariot delivers the "free-flight" sensation that hypercoaster fans love. This coaster drops from 210 feet and features multiple airtime hills that create moments of weightlessness.
- Height: 210 feet
- Speed: 70 mph
- Airtime hills: Multiple
- Minimum height requirement: 52 inches
- Type: Steel hypercoaster
5. Pantheon
Inspired by Roman gods, Pantheon is a record-breaking multi-launch coaster that stands 180 feet tall with a top speed of 73 mph. This coaster features a 95-degree drop, 4 launches, 5 airtime hills, and 2 inversions, making it one of the most intense rides in the park.
- Height: 180 feet
- Speed: 73 mph
- Launches: 4
- Inversions: 2
- Airtime hills: 5
- Minimum height requirement: 52 inches
- Type: Steel multi-launch coaster
6. Verbolten: Forbidden Turn
A thrill so good it ought to be forbidden. Verbolten takes riders on an Autobahn race through the Black Forest. This coaster combines indoor and outdoor sections with unique elements that create an immersive experience.
- Type: Steel coaster with indoor/outdoor sections
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
7. InvadR
Race through airtime hills and a 74-foot drop on this high-speed coaster. InvadR combines speed with multiple moments of airtime that keep riders on the edge of their seats.
- Height: 74 feet
- Minimum height requirement: 46 inches
- Type: Steel coaster
8. Tempesto
You want inversions? Try this high-speed launch coaster to experience face turns at 63 mph and inversions at 154 feet in the air. Tempesto combines launch speed with intense inversions for a thrilling ride.
- Height: 154 feet
- Speed: 63 mph
- Inversions: Multiple
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
- Type: Steel launch coaster
9. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge
An exhilarating adventure through the German countryside awaits on this family-friendly inverted roller coaster. The Big Bad Wolf offers a more accessible thrill experience with a lower height requirement.
- Minimum height requirement: 42 inches
- Maximum height: 77 inches
- Type: Steel inverted coaster
10. DarKoaster
Escape the storm on DarKoaster, North America's first all-indoor straddle coaster. This unique attraction combines thrilling coaster action with immersive indoor special effects and storytelling.
- Type: Steel indoor straddle coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
11. Grover's Alpine Express
A kid-sized roller coaster in Sesame Street Forest of Fun, Grover's Alpine Express allows younger riders to experience coaster thrills in a family-friendly setting.
- Type: Steel junior coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 41 inches (to ride alone), 38 inches (with companion)
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: 9 Roller Coasters
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida offers a different collection of coasters with a focus on African theming and diverse ride experiences. The park features world-class attractions alongside its famous animal encounters.
The 9 Operating Roller Coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
1. Iron Gwazi
Plunge from a 206-foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reach top speeds of 76 miles per hour on this award-winning wood and steel hybrid coaster. Iron Gwazi combines the classic feel of a wooden coaster with modern steel engineering for a unique experience.
- Height: 206 feet
- Speed: 76 mph
- Type: Hybrid (wood and steel) coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
2. Tigris
Experience looping twists with forward and backward motion and breath-taking drops designed to mimic the awe-inspiring agility of a tiger. Tigris is the world's largest and most powerful cat-inspired coaster.
- Type: Steel multi-directional coaster
- Inversions: Multiple
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
3. Cheetah Hunt
Celebrating the world's fastest land mammal, Cheetah Hunt is a thrilling triple-launch roller coaster and the park's longest thrill ride attraction at 4,400 feet. Multiple launches create sustained excitement throughout the ride.
- Length: 4,400 feet
- Launches: 3
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches
- Type: Steel triple-launch coaster
4. Montu
With seven inversions including a Batwing and an Immelmann's loop (simultaneous loop and roll), it's no mystery why Montu is one of Florida's favorite coasters. This inverted coaster has received a #3 Golden Ticket Award.
- Inversions: 7
- Type: Steel inverted coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
5. SheiKra
Climb 200 feet to the edge of a 90-degree drop and wait to speed over the edge at up to 70 mph. SheiKra is an extreme dive coaster that delivers heart-pounding thrills.
- Height: 200 feet
- Speed: 70 mph
- Type: Steel dive coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches
6. Cobra's Curse
Experience a new ride every time on Florida's first family spin roller coaster. Each train spins randomly, with frequency and direction determined by rider weight distribution, making every ride unique.
- Type: Steel family spin coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 48 inches (to ride alone), 42-48 inches (with companion)
7. Phoenix Rising
There's nothing more exhilarating than a ride on the wings of the phoenix. Enjoy a flight above the Serengeti Plain on this family-friendly coaster that reaches up to 44 miles per hour.
- Speed: 44 mph
- Type: Steel family coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 42 inches
8. Air Grover
A Sesame Street junior coaster located in Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area. Kids can ride alone or with a parent for their first coaster experience.
- Type: Steel junior coaster
- Minimum height requirement: 38 inches
9. Kumba (Closing August 2, 2026)
After thrilling guests for 33 years, Kumba will close at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on August 2, 2026. This iconic inverted coaster has been a fan favorite and will be replaced with new attractions in the future.
- Height: 143 feet
- Speed: 60 mph
- Inversions: 3
- Type: Steel inverted coaster
Comparing the Two Parks
Both Busch Gardens parks offer distinct coaster experiences. Williamsburg features more variety in coaster types, including the iconic Loch Ness Monster and the record-breaking Pantheon. Tampa Bay emphasizes themed experiences with African wildlife integration and family-friendly attractions like Phoenix Rising and Cobra's Curse.
Williamsburg's coasters tend to focus on classic and innovative designs, while Tampa Bay's collection includes some of the most technologically advanced coasters like Iron Gwazi and Tigris.
Planning Your Coaster Adventure
If you're planning to visit Busch Gardens for the coasters, consider which park best matches your thrill level. Williamsburg offers slightly more intense experiences with Griffon, Alpengeist, and Pantheon, while Tampa Bay provides a good balance of extreme and family-friendly options.
Both parks offer Quick Queue passes to skip regular lines on popular coasters, allowing you to maximize your rides during your visit. The parks are located in different regions, so plan accordingly based on your location and travel preferences.
Conclusion
Whether you're a coaster enthusiast seeking the latest innovations or a family looking for thrilling adventures, Busch Gardens' combined 20 roller coasters offer something for everyone. From the world's first interlocking loops to record-breaking multi-launch coasters, these parks deliver world-class thrills in beautifully themed environments.




