Los Angeles Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets and Visits

Learn the secrets behind the great movie productions that once took your breath away with a visit to Universal Studios in Hollywood.
Los Angeles Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets and Visits

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Universal Studios Hollywood is a renowned studio and theme park that offers a series of attractions and shows to the thousands of people who visit it every year. There you can have fun while learning about the world of movies.

Without a doubt, visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. Therefore, when planning your itinerary you should incorporate this activity and purchase tickets online to save time and money.

The best option

Los Angeles Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets

Avoid the lines to visit Universal Studios in Hollywood

With this ticket you will be able to access the park for a full day, with priority access to all attractions and shows.

When you book tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood you will see thematic areas of Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, The Simpsons, among others. In each one of them you will feel part of the movies or series. It is also possible to enjoy several mechanical games with 3D and 4D technology, which will give you a unique experience.

You will also find shows inspired by the movie WaterWorld and others where you can learn about the special effects used in Hollywood. You can also have fun watching some of the favorite movie and TV mascots, buy souvenirs in the show stores and eat in the park's restaurants.

Recommended if... you want to spend a different day, visiting several attractions and shows inspired by your favorite movies.

How to buy tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood?

Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok
Booking online| ©Porapak Apichodilok

Buying tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood is not a complicated task. The best option is to do it online and in advance. This way you save time because you will not have to queue at the entrance.

You can choose between tickets or passes. It all depends on how long you intend to stay in the city and the budget you have available for this activity. In any case, whatever the desired option (ticket or pass), I recommend you avoid buying directly at the box office, as the price is usually a little higher.

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How much do tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood cost?

Money in Euros| ©Pixabay
Money in Euros| ©Pixabay

You can buy general admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood from around 102 €. In addition, there are the express tickets, whose value is around 186 €, while the price of admission for the VIP experience is 344 €.

Also, at Universal Studios Hollywood you have at your disposal the annual passes, classified as silver, platinum and gold. This modality has an estimated price per month of between 139 € and 269 €, depending on the services included.

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What types of tickets are there? Are there skip-the-line tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer
Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer

At Universal Studios Hollywood you will find several types of general admission tickets, which give you access to the entire park. In addition, there are tickets that incorporate express passes, whose main benefit is to give you priority access so you can get on the attractions and attend events without queuing.

Among the general admission tickets, you will find a full day ticket and two consecutive or staggered days during the span of a week. Both tickets give you the chance to enjoy all the attractions, but they don't get you out of the queue.

When it comes to express pass tickets, you have a couple of options:

  • Universal express: this is a ticket that gives you priority access to every show and attraction in the park.
  • VIP Experience: with this ticket you will get unlimited priority access to all shows and attractions in the park. You will also have valet parking, free refreshments and snacks, as well as access to Universal Studios Hollywood's VIP dining room to enjoy a gourmet lunch.

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Are tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood included in any tourist pass?

Waterworld, Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer
Waterworld, Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Mathieu Marquer

Yes, tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood are available in one of the city's tourist passes, the Go City. This is an electronic card that allows you to save money and time when purchasing tickets. In addition, with this pass you will not have to plan your visit in advance, since it allows you to enter any day.

When you arrive at Universal Studios Hollywood you will be able to forget about the lines, since this electronic pass allows you direct access to the attractions and shows. You only have to scan the QR code from your cell phone to enjoy all the fun that the park has prepared for you.

In addition, you should know that when you purchase the card you will not only enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood, because the pass also includes admission to Warner Bros. Studio and the Hop On Hop Off bus tour, among others.

Buy your Los Angeles Explorer Pass

Are there tickets that include the guided tour to Universal Studios Hollywood, are they worth it?

Touring Universal Studios Hollywood| ©vagueonthehow
Touring Universal Studios Hollywood| ©vagueonthehow

When you book tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood the park offers a tour of approximately 60 minutes that is really worth it. During the tour you will live a unique experience aboard a small bus that travels through the film sets of emblematic movies of the big screen. In addition, you will learn the secrets behind the scenes.

The tour takes place in the company of a specialized guide, who will tell you the history of the studio. You are sure to be amazed when celebrities such as "Jaws" make their impressive appearance just a few inches away from you or when you come face to face with King Kong in 3D. You will also explore the set of "Fast and Furious and The War of the Worlds.

This guided tour is usually available at various times throughout the day, in both English and Spanish. Therefore, my recommendation is that you go to the digital screens located in some strategic points of the park to verify this information before going up.

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Are there discounted tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood?

Day at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Clotee Pridgen Allochuku
Day at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Clotee Pridgen Allochuku

Yes. Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets for:

  • College students.
  • Tour groups or local groups with a minimum of 10 participants.
  • City educational programs.
  • Active or retired military.

Of course, in each of the above mentioned cases it is necessary to prove the respective status.

How to get the discount for Universal Studios Hollywood

For example, if you are a college student, you must register at Student Beans on the official Universal Studios Hollywood website. After filling out the form you will immediately get the discount. In fact, for more information you can email college@nbcuni.com or call 818-622-1550.

But, if you want to give your students (of any age) a real educational experience to learn about the magic of special effects, technological aspects and much more, you will have to email educational.programs@nbcuni.com or call directly 1-800-436-8802.

On the other hand, if you want to take a group tour with a discount, you will have to fill out the application form. Finally, if you are active or retired military, you must go to one of the military ticket offices in the city. There, you will be able to purchase tickets in advance.

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Are there special tickets for children?

Enjoying the Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Jeremy Thompson
Enjoying the Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Jeremy Thompson

When booking tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood there are none that are specifically geared towards children. Therefore, you will have to purchase any of the general admission or VIP options for them.

On the other hand, if you have an annual pass, the little ones of the house will be able to enjoy all its benefits.

Certainly, Universal Studios Hollywood is a park that the little ones will enjoy from the very first moment. Therefore, this visit should not be missing among the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles with kids.

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Why is it worth buying tickets online instead of at the box office?

Afternoon at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Peter & Joyce Grace
Afternoon at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Peter & Joyce Grace

Buying tickets online for Universal Studios Hollywood is worth it because it gives you a significant savings over the box office price. In addition, this is a way to plan your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, as you can determine the exact day to visit the park.

You can save approximately 20 ¤ per person, depending on the day of the visit and the type of ticket purchased. This is quite convenient, especially if you buy, for example, five tickets. In this case, you will have a saving of 100€.

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What are the opening hours of Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Justin Lai
Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Justin Lai

At Universal Studios Hollywood opening hours vary depending on the dates.

  • Opening: every day of the year from 8 or 9 am.
  • Winter season closes: usually at 6 pm.
  • Closing time summer season: extends until 10 pm.

But ideally, you should check this information on the calendar on the official Universal Studios Hollywood website before purchasing your tickets.

In any case, keep in mind that a visit to this park is usually an activity that you can do at any time, regardless of the weather season. Thus, you can include it among the things to do in Los Angeles in winter, summer, spring or fall.

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Is 1 day enough to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?

Walking around Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Ana Paula Hirama
Walking around Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Ana Paula Hirama

If you want to visit the different attractions and shows offered in the park, you will have to dedicate a full day of your itinerary, since this park is quite large and has a high tourist influx, especially during the high season, that is, between April and August.

When visiting Universal Studios Hollywood you must take into consideration that the waiting times to access any of the attractions will vary constantly. Normally, you will have to wait between 30 and 55 minutes.

Therefore, a good option is to buy two-day tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood and take your time to visit the park. Afterwards, you can include other activities in your daily schedule such as joining one of the best tours of Hollywood, visiting celebrity homes, taking a boat ride in Los Angeles or enjoying the nightlife.

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How many attractions are there at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood has a wide variety of attractions to suit all tastes, including everything from roller coasters to interactive and themed experiences. The number and range of attractions can change depending on the time and season.

Here are my favorites:

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: this is one of the park's favorite attractions and consists of a motion simulator that will allow you to live your own adventure through the most emblematic scenarios of the saga, such as Hogwarts Castle.
  • Flight of the Hippogriff: this is a roller coaster designed for the youngest members of the family.
  • Jurassic World - The Ride: you will be immersed in a journey through the Jurassic World island where dinosaurs come to life through animatronics and special effects. The ride will end with a confrontation with the most terrifying T-Rex.
  • Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride: a roller coaster with twists and turns inspired by the movie TheMummy.
  • The Simpsons Ride: a virtual roller coaster that consists of a 3D simulator based on The Simpsons.
  • Transformers: The Ride 3D: this 3D simulator, known for its visual effects, will immerse you in an epic battle within the Transformers universe. You will ride with the Autobots and fight against the Decepticons.
  • Studio Tour: aboard a streetcar, you will visit the sets of major film productions such as King Kong's Cave 360 3-D or the dinosaur attack in Jurassic Park.
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: in this 3-D attraction you will join the Minions for a fun adventure, ideal for families and those who enjoy My Favorite Villain.
  • WaterWorld: based on the movie WaterWorld, this spectacular live show with action scenes, aerial acrobatics and shootouts, is one of the park's most popular attractions.
  • Kung Fu Panda Adventure: an interactive attraction with 4D technology, where you will enter the world of Kung Fu Panda.
  • Fast & Furious - Supercharged: this is a high-speed simulator with action scenes and special effects, inspired by Fast & Furious.

If you plan to enjoy the most popular attractions, such as Harry Potter and Jurassic World, you have to calculate that in each of them you will have to reserve between 3 and 4 hours for the waits and the experience. To make the most of the day:

  • Arrive first thing in the morning: this way, you can partly avoid the long lines at the main attractions.
  • Download the park's app: you will be able to see the waiting times in real time to make your visit as efficient as possible.

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When is the best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?

Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Jeremy Thompson
Roller Coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood| ©Jeremy Thompson

The best time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood is usually in low season, that is, in January, February and November. During this period you will find a smaller number of tourists in the park.

This way, you can enter the different attractions and shows without spending a long time waiting in line. In short, it is the best time to go to Los Angeles and visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

  • April to August: these are usually the busiest times, both on weekdays and weekends.
  • December: is considered high season, due to the Christmas season.
  • September, October and March: considered mid-season, you will find fewer visitors inside the park.

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How to get to Universal Studios Hollywood?

Los Angeles Metro| ©Alvee
Los Angeles Metro| ©Alvee

Universal Studios Hollywood theme park is located at 100 Universal City Plaza and you can easily access it either by:

  • Bus: you have the 240, 222 or 155 Cahuenga Universal Studios Hollywood lines available.
  • Bus: you can hop on the B LINE (RED), as it will drop you off just a few minutes walk from the park.
  • In your own car: if you are in Anaheim or San Diego, you will have to take the 5 Golden State Freeway North, while from LAX airport in Los Angeles, you will have to take the 105 freeway to the 110 Harbor Freeway North.

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How to save on parking at Universal Studios Hollywood?

There are several options to save on parking at Universal Studios Hollywood. My recommendation is to book the VIP experience at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles which includes valet parking.

Another option is to arrive early in the morning to get a spot in the cheapest and closest parking garages or consider taking public transportation. You can also consider reserving your parking space in advance to find a cheaper rate. Here are the different parking options available:

  • General Parking: located at the Universal City Garage, this is the cheapest option, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during high season. The price ranges from $30-$40 per day, around 28-38 € depending on the exchange rate. I recommend you arrive early to get a spot nearby.
  • Preferential parking: an ideal option if you want to save time, as well as avoid a long walk or having to take the streetcar, as it is closer to the park. However, the price is higher, around $50-$60 per day, that is, 46-55 €.
  • VIP parking: this is the least economical option, but it is the most comfortable, since it is located next to the park entrance. A perfect option if you are looking for speed and comfort. The price is around $80-$100 per day, which at the exchange rate would be between 74-92 € approximately.
  • Public transportation: another option, if you are staying in a nearby hotel or if you live in Los Angeles, is to go by public transportation. To do so, you can take the subway to Universal City station, which is next to the park and connects to Universal CityWalk. From there, you can walk or take a free shuttle train directly to the park.

Also, some nearby hotels offer free shuttles to the park, which would allow you to park there and avoid paying for parking at Universal Studios Hollywood. If you stay at one of these hotels you can take advantage of the guest parking rates.

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What you can't miss at Universal Studios Hollywood

Harry Potter at Universal| ©Ansel Adams
Harry Potter at Universal| ©Ansel Adams

Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. It has a series of attractions and shows divided into different themed areas with which you can enjoy different scenarios, set in major film productions, 3D simulators and 4D experiences, among other attractions.

The thematic areas

  • Springfield: there you will see coffee shops and stores decorated like in The Simpsons.
  • The Mummy: you will ride a virtual roller coaster to observe fearsome mummies and a gloomy atmosphere.
  • Harry Potter: you will visit Hogwarts Castle thanks to 4G technology.
  • Jurassic Park: a roller coaster that offers a very realistic experience. You will come out wet from head to toe.
  • Walking Dead: you will enjoy a house of terror with the characteristic zombies of the TV series.
  • Transformers: you will be in constant tension during the ride, since thanks to the 3D simulator you will see the autobots fighting against the deceptions.

The different shows at Universal Studios Hollywood

  • Special effects: you will learn about a series of tricks used in major Hollywood productions.
  • Animal actors: you will see a show of the iconic mascots that have shone on the big screen and in some series.
  • Waterworld: this is a show inspired by the famous movie.

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Tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Ben and Jerry Ice Cream at Universal| ©Ansel Adams
Ben and Jerry Ice Cream at Universal| ©Ansel Adams
  • Buy tickets online. This way, you will save some money compared to the price available at the box office.
  • Visit in low season and enjoy a less crowded park. This way, you will not have to wait more than 30 minutes to access each attraction or show, as it usually happens in other months.
  • Use the Single Rider to get on the rides without wasting a lot of time waiting in line. Of course, if you don't mind being separated from your companion, since this mode is to fill empty seats.
  • Always carry a bottle of water with you, especially in the summer season. Although you will find where to buy drinks, you should keep in mind that they are a bit expensive.
  • Avoid bringing food, as this is forbidden to enter the park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many parks does Universal Studios Hollywood have?

    Universal Studios Hollywood has 2 parks, divided between the Upper and Lower levels. One thing that makes the park unique is that it is also used as a movie studio, so you will have the opportunity to see how and where Universal movies and TV shows are made. If you're lucky you'll even get the chance to see some filming in progress.

  • Are express tickets worth it before standard tickets?

    Since it only has 9 attractions in total, the lines at Universal Studios can be quite long, especially after 10:00 am, when most visitors start entering the park. Of those 9 attractions, Transformers and Harry Potter are the ones that generate the longest lines, so if you are particularly interested in them it might be a good idea to buy an express ticket to save a lot of waiting time.

  • How much time should I spend visiting Universal Studios Hollywood?

    To make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, we recommend that you spend a full day to discover and explore all the attractions. Keep in mind that you will have to wait to ride each attraction, as after 10:00 a.m. lines can form for up to 3 hours.

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 53 Reviews
  • E
    E.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The VIP experience was a real luxury, it makes you feel like a Hollywood star. What really blew me away was the queue-free access to the attractions, it was amazing!
  • A
    A.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The VIP experience at Universal Studios was amazing, really worth it to avoid the long queues and enjoy it to the fullest.
  • V
    V.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    What a great experience! The studies are incredible and the VIP treatment is on another level. I give it a 9 because nothing is perfect, right?
  • S
    S.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    The exclusive access to the attractions and the VIP treatment were amazing, but the price might be a little high for some pockets.
  • T
    T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The VIP experience at Universal Studios Hollywood is amazing! I went with my brother and we felt like real movie stars.