Universal Studios Hollywood

Learn the secrets behind the great movie productions, stunts and special effects that once took your breath away with a visit to Universal Studios in Hollywood.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles | ©Aditya Vyas

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 Tickets

Avoid the queues 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.

During the tour to 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 at the park's restaurants.

Recommended if... you want to spend a different day, visiting different 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, especially by not having 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

The price of general admission tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood can vary between 109€ and 150€.

In addition, there are the express tickets, whose value usually ranges between 179€ and 189€, while the price of admission for the VIP experience is 379€.

Also, at Universal Studios 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€.

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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 provide the possibility to enjoy all the attractions, but they do not free you from waiting in line.

As far as express pass tickets are concerned , 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 the Universal Studios VIP dining room to enjoy a gourmet lunch.

Perhaps you may find these pass modalities a bit confusing regarding the purchase process. However, it is a fairly straightforward transaction with many benefits.

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Are tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood included in any of the city's tourist passes?

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 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.

Also, you should know that when you purchase the Go City Card you will not only enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood.

Thus, 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, is it worth it?

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

Universal Studios Hollywood 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 and the different places observed during the tour.

You are sure to be amazed when celebrities such as "Jaws" make their striking appearance just inches away from you or when you come face to face with the legendary "King Kong" in 3D. You will also explore the "Fast and Furious" and "War of the Worlds" sets.

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?

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

Yes, Universal Studios Hollywood offers discounted tickets for college students and tour groups or locals with a minimum of 10 participants.

In addition, discounted prices also apply to the city's educational programs and active or retired military. Of course, in each of the aforementioned cases it is necessary to prove the respective status.

For example, if you are a college student you must register at Student Beans on the official website of Universal Studios Hollywood. After filling out the form you will immediately get the discount. In fact, for more information you can email [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.

Are there special tickets for children?

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

Among the tickets offered by Universal Studios Hollywood there are none that are specially designed for children. Therefore, you will have to buy for them any of the general admission or VIP options.

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 10 things to do in Los Angeles with children.

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

Universal afternoon| ©Peter & Joyce Grace
Universal afternoon| ©Peter & Joyce Grace

Buying tickets online is worthwhile 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 save $100.

Opening hours of Universal Studios Hollywood

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

At Universal Studios in Hollywood the opening hours vary depending on the dates. The park opens every day of the year from 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, the park usually closes at 6:00 p.m. during the winter season, while in the summer months, the hours are extended to 10:00 p.m.

In fact, it is best to check this information on the calendar of the official website of Universal Studios Hollywood, before purchasing tickets.

In any case, keep in mind that the 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.

How much time do you need to visit Universal Studios Hollywood?

Walking around Universal Studios| ©Ana Paula Hirama
Walking around Universal Studios| ©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 should take into consideration that the waiting times to access any of the attractions will vary constantly. Typically, you will have to wait between 30 and 55 minutes.

Therefore, it can be quite complicated to determine the time needed to visit the park. In fact, a good option is to buy a two-day ticket so that you can take your time to visit the park.

Afterwards, you can include other activities in your daily schedule. For example, join one of the best tours of Hollywood to taste the city's gastronomy, visit the homes of celebrities, take a boat ride in Los Angeles or enjoy the nightlife, among others.

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Best time to visit Universal Studios in Hollywood

Roller Coaster| ©Jeremy Thompson
Roller Coaster| ©Jeremy Thompson

The best time to visit Universal Studios in Hollywood is usually during the low season, since 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 wasting a long time waiting in line.

In this regard, it is important to know that the months from April to August are usually the busiest, both on weekdays and weekends. Also, December is considered high season, due to the Christmas season.

September, October and March are considered mid-season, that is, you will find fewer visitors inside the park.

Finally, in the months of January, February and November, the lowest number of visitors is recorded , so it is the best time to go to Los Angeles and visit Universal Studios Hollywood.

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How to get to Universal Studios Hollywood?

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

The Universal Studios theme park is located at 100 Universal City Plaza and is easily accessible either by public transportation or in your own car.

For public transportation, you can use Universal Studios Cahuenga lines 240, 222 or 155. If you decide to take the subway, you can hop on the B LINE (RED), which will take you just a few minutes walk from the park.

If you want to drive your car and 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 join the 105 freeway to the 110 Harbor Freeway North.

In any of these cases, you must take the 101 freeway from downtown to Universal Studios Boulevard. Finally, turn right to get to the park.

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What you can't miss at Universal Studios in Hollywood

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

Universal Studios Hollywood has for you a series of attractions and shows, which have been distributed throughout the different thematic areas of the park.

In them you can enjoy different scenarios, set in major film productions, 3D simulators and 4D experiences, among other attractions.

Among the themed areas you can not miss:

  • Springfield: there you will see cafes and stores decorated like in the animated series.
  • 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 tour, since, thanks to the 3D simulator, you will see the autobots fight against the deceptions.

In addition, there are the Universal Studios Hollywood shows, among which you will be able to see:

  • 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 shined on the big screen and in some series.
  • Waterworld: this is a show inspired by the famous movie "WaterWorld".

Tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Ben and Jerry Ice Cream and Universal| ©Ansel Adams
Ben and Jerry Ice Cream and Universal| ©Ansel Adams

If you want to enjoy your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood to the fullest, you should take into account the following tips:

  • 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 won't 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.