With nearly 10 million visitors annually, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most iconic and entertaining destinations in Los Angeles, California.
Located in the heart of Hollywood, this working movie studio and theme park delivers a unique blend of thrill rides, movie magic, behind-the-scenes tours, and immersive attractions.
From the world-famous Studio Tour to thrilling rides based on beloved franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and Fast & Furious, it’s a must-visit spot for families, couples, solo travelers, and film enthusiasts.
Top Tickets
# General Universal Studios Admission Ticket
# Universal Hollywood Express Pass
# Universal Studios’ VIP TourUniversal Studios Hollywood Express and VIP tickets are limited and often sell out. Booking online in advance guarantees your spot and saves you money.
Table of Contents
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
There are three main ways to experience Universal Studios Hollywood, each offering different levels of access and convenience.
General Admission Ticket
The General Admission ticket is the standard entry ticket. It gives you full-day access to all rides, attractions, and shows, including the Studio Tour.
This is the most affordable option, ideal for budget-conscious visitors. However, you must wait in regular queues, which can be long on busy days.
Buy This TicketUniversal Express Ticket
The Universal Express Pass includes all the benefits of General Admission, plus one-time Express access to each ride, attraction, and show.
This pass significantly reduces wait times, making it perfect for those with limited time or who want a more relaxed experience.
Buy Express PassUniversal VIP Experience
The VIP Experience is the most premium option. It includes:
- Unlimited Express access
- Guided tour of the park
- Exclusive access to the Universal Backlot
- Continental breakfast and gourmet lunch
- Valet parking
This pass is ideal for visitors seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive day at the park.
Which Universal Studios Ticket Is Best for You?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best ticket for your visit:
| Feature | General Admission | Universal Express | VIP Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ride Access | ✅ All rides | ✅ All rides | ✅ All rides |
| Express Access | ❌ No | ✅ One-time per ride | ✅ Unlimited |
| Studio Tour | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Guided + Backlot Access |
| Shows | ✅ Included | ✅ Priority seating | ✅ VIP seating |
| Meals Included | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (breakfast + lunch) |
| Valet Parking | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Price Range | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Parking Guide: The main parking structure is located near the Upper Lot entrance. General self-parking is available for a daily fee (ranging from $30 to $50). Valet parking is available at a premium rate, ideal for VIP or Express ticket holders seeking added convenience. Arrive early for the best spots.
Opening Hours of Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood’s opening hours vary by month and day of the week.
Peak seasons (April to August, December, and January) have longer hours, opening as early as 8:00–9:00 AM and closing between 9:00–10:00 PM.
Off-peak months (September to November and February to March) have shorter hours, typically 10:00 AM – 6:00 or 7:00 PM on weekdays and slightly later weekend closing times.
Let’s examine the monthly opening and closing times at Universal Studios Hollywood.
| Month | Weekdays | Weekends |
| January | 9 am – 9 pm | 8 am – 10 pm |
| February | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 7 pm |
| March | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 8 pm |
| April | 10 am – 7 pm | 10 am – 9 pm |
| May | 10 am – 7 pm | 10 am – 9 pm |
| June | 9 am – 8 pm | 9 am – 10 pm |
| July | 9 am – 10 pm | 9 am – 10 pm |
| August | 9 am – 9 pm | 9 am – 10 pm |
| September | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 8 pm |
| October | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 8 pm |
| November | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 7 pm |
| December | 8 am – 9 pm | 8 am – 10 pm |
Always check the official Universal Studios calendar for the latest timings on the day of your visit.
Height Restrictions at Universal Studios Rides
Safety is a priority at Universal Studios. Most thrill rides have minimum height requirements.
| Ride | Minimum Height |
| The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash | 34″ (86 cm)* |
| Flight of the Hippogriff | 39″ (99 cm)* |
| Mario Kart – Bowser’s Challenge | 40″ (102 cm)* |
| Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | 40″ (102 cm)* |
| TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D | 40″ (102 cm)* |
| The Simpsons Ride | 40″ (102 cm)* |
| Jurassic World — The Ride | 42″ (107 cm)* |
| Silly Swirly Fun Ride | 48″ (122 cm) |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 48″ (122 cm) |
| Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride | 48″ (122 cm) |
*All children under 48″ (122 cm) must be accompanied by an adult (14 years or older).
Rides with no minimum height requirements
There are no height requirements for a few attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood like:
- Kung Fu Panda at DreamWorks Theatre
- King Kong 360
- Fast & Furious Supercharged
- WaterWorld
- Studio Tour
Additionally, the Studio tour and shows like WaterWorld are accessible to all, regardless of height.
Wait Times at Universal Studios Rides
Wait times vary based on season and day of the week:
- Off-peak weekdays: 10–30 minutes per ride
- Weekends and holidays: 60–120 minutes for top attractions
Here’s a list of average wait times for each ride at Universal Studios Hollywood.
| Universal Studios Ride | Average Waiting |
| Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge | 65 minutes |
| Jurassic World – The Ride | 55 minutes |
| The Simpsons Ride | 45 minutes |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 40 minutes |
| TRANSFORMERS – The Ride | 35 minutes |
| Revenge of the Mummy | 35 minutes |
| Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem | 30 minutes |
| Studio Backlot Tour | 30 minutes |
| Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash! | 30 minutes |
| Ollivanders | 25 minutes |
| Flight of the Hippogriff | 20 minutes |
| Kung Fu Panda Adventure | 20 minutes |
| Super Silly Fun Land | 10 minutes |
| Fast and Furious | 10 minutes |
To avoid long lines:
- Visit early in the day
- Use the Universal Express Pass
- Check the Universal Studios app (Android, iOS) for real-time wait times
Visiting Both Universal Studios & Disneyland? California is home to 33 theme parks, with six major ones located near Los Angeles, out of which the two most popular ones are Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. If you are planning to visit both, we’ve got you covered – find out how to go from Universal Studios to Disneyland.
Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood offers an action-packed lineup of 13 thrilling rides, a world-famous Studio Tour, and a must-see WaterWorld stunt show, all spread across two main zones: the Upper Lot and Lower Lot.
These two areas are connected by the StarWay, a massive outdoor escalator system that not only links attractions but also provides breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills.
While the Lower Lot is smaller, it features five of the park’s most adrenaline-pumping rides, including:
- Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World)
- Jurassic World: The Ride
- Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- DinoPlay – a fun, interactive area for younger kids
The Upper Lot features the rest of the park’s attractions, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Simpsons Ride.
The Upper Lot offers a mix of family-friendly rides, shows, and themed experiences inspired by blockbuster films and TV shows.
Note: Each ride comes with its height restrictions to ensure guest safety. Always check signage or the Universal Studios app before joining a queue.
Universal Studios’ Studio Tour
The Studio Tour is Universal Studios Hollywood’s signature attraction. It’s a 60-minute tram ride that takes you behind the scenes of real Hollywood movie sets. Highlights include:
- King Kong 360 3D experience
- Earthquake – the big one (a simulation)
- Fast & Furious: Supercharged finale
- Flash Flood
- Boeing 747 from War of the Worlds
- Amity Island’s Jaws
- Bates Hotel & Mansion
It’s included with all tickets and a must-do for first-time visitors.
Show at Universal Studios Hollywood
Don’t miss these fan-favorite shows:
- WaterWorld: Live-action stunts and pyrotechnics
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter performances
- Animal Actors Show
With Express or VIP tickets, you also enjoy priority seating.
Download the map (pdf, 2.5 Mb) to understand Universal Studios Hollywood’s layout better.
FAQs About Universal Studios Hollywood
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, especially for Express and VIP passes, which sell out quickly. Online tickets are also cheaper than gate prices.
Can I upgrade my General Admission ticket?
Yes, you can upgrade to Express or VIP at the park if availability allows.
Is the Universal Express Pass worth it?
Yes, if you’re visiting on a busy day or want to avoid long waits. It saves 2–3 hours in line.
Are Express Passes available for children?
Yes, but only recommended if the child meets the height requirements for multiple rides.
Can I enter Super Nintendo World with Express Pass?
Yes, but Express does not work for Mario Kart. Entry may require a timed reservation.
What happens if I miss my VIP tour time?
You should arrive early. Late arrivals may not receive the full experience and may forfeit parts of the tour.
From Burbank & Anaheim: Tickets with transport
If you’re new to the city and concerned about transportation, consider packages that include entry tickets and round-trip transportation to Universal Studios.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel at 9.30 am and taken by coach to the attraction. Explore this LA highlight for eight hours before being driven back to your hotel.
I visited Universal Studios Hollywood years ago with a General Entry ticket and always regretted not getting the VIP pass. This time, I splurged on the VIP experience, and it was totally worth it! Valet parking was a breeze, and breakfast in the VIP lounge was a nice touch. We got to go on all the rides, something you just can’t do with regular admission. It made for a truly terrific day!
Universal is a blast with attractions like Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Nintendo, and more. The Studio tour was fun- it has a tram that kicks in and shakes all over. But there aren’t many lower-intensity options for younger kids. The lines were long, but we bought express tickets and were really glad we did.
Had a blast with my 12 and 15-year-old boys at Universal Studios Hollywood in June—right in the middle of summer. It was as hot and crowded as we expected. There’s not much shade, and it’s mostly concrete, so not many spots to take a break.
But seriously, the fast passes were a game-changer! We didn’t have to queue at all and got to skip some ridiculously long lines. Totally worth it!
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What about senior citizens do they get a discount?
Handicapped adult accomidations to get around park
Handicapped adult accomidations