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Plan Your Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood: Lodging, Travel & Tips
- Alyssa
- Oct 7, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: May 21
Los Angeles, California, home to movie stars, $30 smoothies, and some of the country’s most iconic theme parks. One of the top attractions in LA is Universal Studios Hollywood, a wildly popular park tucked into the Hollywood Hills and surrounded by a real, working film studio, some of which are even part of the tour!
The park features multiple themed lands, including The Simpsons, Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and Despicable Me, with over a dozen rides, shows, and attractions. One of the highlights is the hour-long Studio Tour, which takes you through real sets and behind-the-scenes movie magic. When we visited in July, Universal offered a BOGO promotion—two days in the park for just $109 per person!
Where to stay near Universal Studios Hollywood:
If you're planning to spend a full day (or two!) at Universal Studios Hollywood, staying nearby makes a huge difference. Universal City has two major hotel options just minutes from the park entrance: the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City and the Sheraton Universal Hotel. We've stayed at both and will break down what we liked—and didn’t—so you can decide which one is right for your trip.
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
The Hilton is located right across from Universal Studios and is a solid pick for those who value convenience. It’s about a 5–10 minute walk to the park entrance, and there are even walking directions painted onto the sidewalk to guide you. If you’d prefer not to walk, a complimentary hotel shuttle also runs frequently between the Hilton and the park gates.
The hotel itself is modern, clean, and has several dining options on-site, making it easy to grab food before or after your day in the park. There’s a pool with city views, a bar and restaurant, and a small grab-and-go market near the lobby. Check-in was quick and efficient, and we appreciated earning points through our Hilton membership. Parking is available but expensive (around $45–$55 per night, depending on self-park vs valet), which is pretty standard for L.A. hotels.
We felt the Hilton offered better overall amenities and service, and if the price is comparable, we’d choose it over the Sheraton.
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Just a few steps down the road from the Hilton, the Sheraton Universal Hotel is another popular lodging option for Universal Studios visitors. We stayed here on a separate trip and found it decent, though not quite as polished as the Hilton. The rooms were comfortable, and the proximity to the park is just as good—about a 10-minute walk or a quick shuttle ride.
While the Sheraton tends to be a little more budget-friendly, especially during promotions, some parts of the property felt a bit dated. Signage wasn’t great, and we got turned around more than once trying to find the gym or common areas. That said, if you're looking to save money and plan to spend most of your time at the park anyway, it’s still a perfectly reasonable and convenient place to stay.
There are also grab-and-go snacks available all day and a 24-hour front desk for late check-ins or early departures. Just be aware of the same steep parking fees ($45–$55 per night) as the Hilton.
A full review of the Sheraton is coming soon!
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood:
If you're flying in for a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll likely land at either Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Both have plenty of transportation options available, but each airport comes with its own pros and cons depending on your budget, location, and travel plans.
From Hollywood Burbank Airport/Bob Hope Airport:
Hollywood Burbank Airport (formerly Bob Hope Airport) is the closest airport to Universal Studios Hollywood, just 6 miles away. Travel time is typically under 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Here are the most common ways to get from BUR to the park:
Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are plentiful at BUR. Depending on the time of day and traffic, you can expect to pay between $35–$50 for a ride to Universal Studios. Pickup zones are marked outside the terminal.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport as well, but unlike Uber/Lyft, they run on a metered fare. Prices typically include mileage, a base fare (around $3), and additional airport fees. In most cases, taxi fares are comparable to Uber/Lyft but may be higher during peak traffic times.
Rental Cars
If you plan on exploring other areas of Los Angeles (like Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica, or Venice Beach), renting a car might be a smart move. Expect to pay around $500 for a five-day rental, not including insurance. Keep in mind that parking at Universal Studios costs $35–$70 per day, and most hotels in the area also charge nightly parking fees.
Tip: Universal Studios guests can get up to 25% off Budget rental cars. Check here for details.
Public Transportation (Most Budget-Friendly Option)
BUR’s Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC) makes it possible (though slower) to reach the park via public transit:
Step 1: Take the Metrolink from the airport to Downtown Burbank Station – $2 one-way.
Step 2: From there, take the Burbank Bus Pink Line to Universal City – $1 one-way.
This route is affordable ($3 total) but takes significantly longer than other options, especially if you're traveling with luggage.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
LAX is farther from Universal Studios Hollywood than Burbank Airport, which means higher travel costs and longer drive times. While the shortest route is about 16 miles, the drive can easily stretch to 26–29 miles depending on traffic and freeway routes. Fortunately, there are several transportation options to fit different budgets and needs.
Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft)
Ride-share services are abundant at LAX. An Uber ride to Universal Studios typically ranges from $70–$150, depending on traffic and the time of day. Peak traffic hours (7:00–10:00 AM and 4:00–7:00 PM) will significantly increase wait times and fares.
Tip: Scroll down in the Uber app — sometimes the cheapest ride option isn’t listed first!
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at LAX, but often come with extra airport pickup fees. The average cost for a taxi to Universal Studios is around $80, though this can vary depending on the company and how long you're stuck in traffic.
Rental Cars
If you're planning to explore LA beyond Universal — like visiting Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA a rental car may be worth it. Expect to pay around $500 for five days, not including insurance. Note that parking fees at the park range from $35 to $70 per day, and hotels near Universal also charge for parking.
Tip: Universal Studios guests can get up to 25% off Budget rental cars. Check here for details.
Shuttle Services
Private shuttles can be a fixed-rate option. LAX Airport Shuttle charges $85 for the first person, plus $10 per additional rider. This is a good alternative during high-traffic hours when ride-share and taxi prices surge.
Public Transportation (Budget Option)
Yes, you can take public transit — but expect a long and complicated journey. Most routes take about two hours and involve multiple transfers. While affordable, this option isn’t ideal with luggage or limited time. For detailed directions via Metro and public buses, check out this guide by Welcome Pickups.
Parking at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers multiple parking options based on location and proximity to the park entrance. Whether you're looking for the best value or the closest spot to the gate, here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Five Major Parking Garage Options:
Frankenstein Garage
Jurassic Parking Garage
ET Garage
Curious George Garage
Woody Woodpecker Lot
These garages are marked and easy to navigate once you enter the park’s main entrance.
Parking Rates:
Parking Type | Before 5:00 PM | After 5:00 PM |
General Parking | $35 | $10 |
Preferred Parking | $50 | $20 |
Front Gate Parking | $70 | $70 |
Valet (First 2 Hours) | $25 | $25 |
Valet (After 2+ Hours) | $60 | $60 |
Note: Prices may vary slightly during peak seasons or special events.
EV Charging Stations (Rate: $0.40/kWh):
If you're driving an electric vehicle, you’ll find charging ports in the following locations:
Frankenstein Garage – 4 ports (Levels 2 & 7)
Jurassic Garage – 8 ports (Level 1 & B1M)
ET Garage – 16 ports (Level B1)
Curious George Garage – 2 ports (Level 1)
Woody Woodpecker Lot – 1 port (near Front Gate Parking)
Tickets & Reservations for Universal Studios Hollywood
Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood can be purchased online or at the front gate. We strongly recommend buying your tickets online in advance — not only does it guarantee entry on your desired date, but Universal also advertises online prices as cheaper than gate prices (though they don’t always show the exact difference). We booked our tickets just a day or two before our visit and had no problem getting in. However, if you're planning to go during peak travel periods—like Christmas week, Halloween season, or long weekends like Memorial Day—don’t wait until the last minute. Those dates tend to sell out or rise significantly in price.
Pro Tip: Check for promotions!
When we visited, Universal was running a BOGO promotion — two days for the price of one at $109 per person. Even better, the second-day ticket didn’t have to be used consecutively. We were given up to four months to return! Generally, weekdays are more affordable than weekends or holiday weeks. For example, we visited on a Monday and got the BOGO tickets for $109, while prices for Friday and Saturday were closer to $140. Click here to check out the Universal Hollywood Studios website!
Universal Studios Hollywood Rides & Attractions
Universal Studios Hollywood features 12 rides, 2 play areas, and one immersive experience, offering a blend of thrills, shows, and family-friendly fun. However, 8 of the 12 rides are screen-based motion simulators, which means a lot of shaking seats, 3D glasses, and virtual effects. If you're sensitive to motion or looking for variety, this can feel a bit repetitive over a full day.
For visitors chasing more traditional thrills, there are three main physical rides:
Revenge of the Mummy – An indoor roller coaster in near darkness.
Jurassic World – The Ride – A boat ride with animatronics and a dramatic drop.
Flight of the Hippogriff – A short outdoor family coaster in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If you're a Harry Potter fan, don't miss Ollivander’s Wand Shop, where you can watch a wand "choose its wizard" in a live show. Interactive wands are also available for purchase and can be used at spell-casting locations throughout the Wizarding World.
Don’t Miss: The Studio Tour
By far, the Studio Tour is the must-do attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s a 45-minute to 1-hour guided tram tour through the working backlot and includes multiple immersive experiences like King Kong 360 3-D, Fast & Furious: Supercharged, and Earthquake: The Big One. We were lucky to visit during the 60th Anniversary celebration, which included a walk-through prop yard and photo ops with classic movie icons like the Jaws shark and King Kong’s giant hand. Even without the bonus experience, the Studio Tour is unlike anything you'll find at other theme parks and is worth your time and the hype.
Universal Studios Hollywood App Tips
Before your trip, download the Universal Studios Hollywood app — it's one of the best tools for navigating the park efficiently. With the app, you can:
Check real-time wait times for all rides and attractions
Make dining reservations and order food ahead at select restaurants
Find restrooms, ATMs, lockers, and guest services using the interactive map
View showtimes, character locations, and special events
Use the parking reminder feature to take a photo and note of your location
We found the app especially helpful for staying on top of ride closures and mobile food orders during lunch rushes.
Dining at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a wide variety of dining options, from immersive themed restaurants to convenient grab-and-go snack stands. Whether you're looking for a sit-down meal or just want something quick between rides, you’ll find something that fits your park-day pace.
Mobile Ordering
Many quick-service restaurants inside the park support mobile ordering through the official Universal Studios Hollywood app. This is a major time-saver, especially on crowded days. We highly recommend using it to skip the lines and stay on schedule.
Power-Up Cafe (Super Nintendo World)
One of our favorite themed spots was the Power-Up Cafe, a Super Mario-inspired eatery in Super Nintendo World. The menu is small but creative, and we were surprised by how good the food was. We tried the Super Mushroom Calzone, shaped like a red mushroom and served in a question mark box — it was both tasty and cleverly themed. For $13, it felt like a fun, memorable snack that added to the experience.
Other Themed Food Spots
Each area of the park has its culinary touches:
Springfield (The Simpsons) – Giant pink donuts, Krusty Burgers, and Duff Beer
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Classic Butterbeer (frozen or cold), pumpkin juice, and British pub fare
Jurassic Café – Island-inspired dishes like roasted chicken and tropical salads
Expect to pay around $15–$25 per person per meal for most quick-service spots. Full sit-down restaurants may cost more. Water bottles range from $5–$7, and soda and specialty drinks are similarly priced.
Snack Stands
There are also snack kiosks throughout the park offering popcorn, churros, pretzels, and beverages. Surprisingly, we found that lines for snack carts were sometimes longer than those at quick-service restaurants, especially since they’re often run by just one staff member.
Can You Bring Your Food?
Universal Studios Hollywood allows outside food and drinks, but there are a few rules:
✅ Up to 2 liters of water per person
✅ Small snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.)
❌ No glass containers
❌ No hard-sided coolers or bags with wheels
❌ No large coolers (soft lunch-sized bags are okay)
Check the official park policy on outside food and drink here.
What Is Universal CityWalk?
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a lively outdoor entertainment district located right next to the entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood. You don’t need a park ticket to explore it — it’s open to the public and packed with restaurants, shops, attractions, and nightlife, making it a great spot to visit before or after your day at the park.
What’s Inside CityWalk?
CityWalk features:
🍿 25+ restaurants including popular spots like Voodoo Doughnut, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, and Toothsome Chocolate Emporium (coming soon!)
🛍️ Dozens of retail shops ranging from big names like Sephora and Abercrombie to Universal Studios merch stores
🎥 A Universal Cinema with IMAX and 4D experiences
🪂 iFLY Indoor Skydiving, where you can try simulated skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel
🎶 Live music and street performances (especially in the evenings)
Whether you're staying nearby, just finished your time at the theme park, or are simply looking for things to do in Los Angeles without a park ticket, CityWalk is worth checking out. You can spend an hour or an entire evening there depending on your plans.
Tip: CityWalk is especially fun after dark — the neon lights come on, live music picks up, and it feels more like a nighttime attraction than just a shopping center.
Other Advice & Insider Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Arrive slightly after park opening: We entered around 11:00 AM instead of right at opening and were surprised to find no line at the entrance. We still had plenty of time to experience the rides, grab food, and shop before the park closed.
Skip early access to Super Nintendo World: In our opinion, paying an extra $20 for early entry into Super Nintendo World wasn’t worth it. The land is very small, there’s only one ride (Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge), and nearly everyone with early access heads straight for that same ride. The line was long regardless, and the ride itself didn’t meet expectations.
Use Mobile Ordering for meals: Save time by ordering food through the Universal Studios app. It lets you skip long lines at restaurants and grab quick bites without the hassle.
Do not miss the Studio Tour: If there’s one ride or experience you prioritize, let it be the World-Famous Studio Tour. It’s unique to Universal Hollywood and includes behind-the-scenes sets, interactive ride elements, and a peek into real working studios.
What to Bring to Universal Studios Hollywood
Packing smart will help you stay comfortable throughout the day:
Backpack or daypack – For carrying all your essentials, including snacks and souvenirs
Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially during the summer months (Note: Universal allows up to 2 liters per guest)
Light snacks – Small, non-perishable snacks are allowed and can help tide you over between meals
Poncho or change of shoes – The Jurassic World ride will likely leave you soaked; having dry flip-flops or a backup shirt helps
Sunscreen & hat – Shade is limited in some parts of the park, so sun protection is key
Portable phone charger – If you’re using the park app and taking lots of photos/videos, your phone battery may drain quickly
Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood at Christmas
If you're planning a winter visit, you're in for a treat. Universal Studios Hollywood transforms for the holidays with seasonal shows, themed decor, and festive experiences across the park. The celebration typically runs from late November through early January.
Grinchmas & Holiday Shows
During Grinchmas, you’ll step into a whimsical world inspired by Dr. Seuss. There’s a nightly tree lighting ceremony, plus meet-and-greets with the Grinch himself and other Who-ville residents. Over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, don’t miss the Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle a dazzling light projection show on the castle itself.
Seasonal Food, Merch & Atmosphere
You’ll find limited-time holiday treats throughout the park (like hot cocoa, pastries, and winter-themed meals), plus exclusive holiday merchandise at nearly every store—perfect for souvenir or gift shopping.
Hours & Tickets
Holiday season hours: Usually 10 AM – 6 PM on weekdays, and 9 AM – 6 PM on weekends.
Ticket prices: General admission typically starts around $109, but seasonal promos like BOGO tickets or discounted multi-day passes are often available.
Check Universal’s official holiday events page for current dates and prices.
Tips for Visiting During the Holidays
Arrive early to beat the crowds—the park gets much busier in the afternoon during the holiday season.
Bring layers: Mornings and evenings in LA can be chilly, even if it's warm midday.
The tree lighting and castle projection shows happen in the evening, so plan to stay later if you want to catch them.
Want to learn more about the full holiday experience? We’re working on a dedicated post with more Christmas tips, dining reviews, and event photos—stay tuned!
Summary:
Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience in Los Angeles, it is one of the only places where you can explore film lots in the city! Not only will you get up close and personal with some of the film's most famous towns, but you may even meet some of the residents! For just over $100, you can enjoy two days of access to Universal Studios Hollywood and enjoy the day surrounded by classic characters, immersed in your favorite towns, and screaming on some of Hollywood's most exhilarating rides.