With nearly 10 million visitors each year, Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular theme parks in California.
On peak days, the park welcomes over 35,000 guests, which means ride wait times can easily exceed an hour—especially on weekends, school breaks, and public holidays.
If you want to skip the long lines and experience more of the park in less time, you have two main options:
- The premium VIP Experience, priced between $379 and $479
- The more affordable and flexible Universal Express Pass, typically ranging from $217 to $317
The Universal Express Pass offers fast-track, one-time priority access to each ride, attraction, and show—helping you beat the crowds without breaking the bank.
For those looking to ride multiple times with no wait, you can also upgrade to an Unlimited Express Pass directly at the park.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before buying the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass—including pricing, how it works, when it’s worth it, and insider tips to make the most of your visit.
Top Tickets
# Universal Hollywood Express Pass
# Universal Studios’ VIP Tour
# General Universal Studios Admission TicketExpress Passes are limited and often sell out early—secure yours now before they’re gone.
Table of Contents
What is Universal Studios Express Pass
The Universal Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles is your fast-track ticket to skip long lines and save time at top rides and shows. Instead of waiting in standard queues, you’ll use special Express entry lines, which are much shorter and move faster.
This means you’ll join closer to the front — sometimes walking right in — dramatically cutting down your ride wait times, especially during busy seasons like summer and holidays.
The Express Pass includes crowd-pullers like:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Jurassic World – The Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- The Secret Life of Pets
- The Simpsons
- Silly Swirly
- DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
- Fast and Furious
- The World-Famous Studio Tour
- Water World, the seated action show
- Super Nintendo World (once per day)
Note: The Express Pass grants access for rides only; it doesn’t cover restaurant queues or parking fees.
There are two Express Pass options to choose from:
- Universal Express Pass – Skip the line once per ride or show
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass – Enjoy unlimited Express access to participating rides and attractions
These passes are a smart upgrade for anyone planning a one-day visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, especially when crowds are high and time is limited.
Love Trivia? The Universal Express Pass was formerly called the Front of the Line ticket.
What’s Not Included in the Universal Express Pass?
While the Universal Express Pass is your shortcut to most rides and shows at Universal Studios Hollywood, it does have a few exclusions.
- The Ollivander’s wand selection experience inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not included in the Express Pass.
- More notably, Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge — the main attraction inside the newly opened Super Nintendo World — is also excluded from both the Express Pass and Express Unlimited Pass.
How to Access Super Nintendo World with an Express Pass
Although Express access doesn’t apply to Mario Kart, your Universal Express Pass still gives you non-reserved entry into Super Nintendo World — even when the park is using a virtual line system during high crowd days. This means:
- You don’t need a timed virtual reservation to enter the land.
- You can access Super Nintendo World freely at any time during your visit.
This is a huge benefit, especially on busy weekends and holidays, when non-Express guests often need to secure a timed entry slot.
How the Virtual Reservation System Works: Download Universal Studios Hollywood’s app (Android, iOS). Once inside the park, you can use the app to reserve a time slot for select attractions. Instead of standing in line, you’re free to explore other areas of the park until your turn arrives. When your reserved time approaches, head to the designated Virtual Line entrance, where you’ll enjoy a significantly shorter wait before boarding the ride.
How Express Pass works at the rides
The Universal Express Pass — also known as the Universal Express Ticket or Priority Pass — is a premium upgrade to the General Admission Ticket, the standard and most budget-friendly way to enter Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles.
With this pass, you get one-time front-of-line access to most major rides, live shows, and attractions, including the world-famous Studio Tour, a 60-minute tram ride through Hollywood’s working backlots and movie sets.
Entry Made Easy
After purchasing your Express Pass online, it will be sent straight to your email. On the day of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance gate — no printing or paper tickets required.
Skip the Lines, Ride More
At each participating ride or attraction, look for the Express entrance, usually located next to the regular queue.
- Scan your Express Pass
- Walk into a much shorter line
- Enjoy the attraction without the typical 30–90 minute wait
It’s a great way to maximize your visit, especially during peak seasons in Los Angeles.
One-Time Use Per Ride
The Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the line once per ride or show. If you’d like to ride the same attraction again, you’ll need to join the standard line unless you upgrade to the Express Unlimited Pass.
Express Pass vs. Regular Admission: Which Ticket Should You Choose?
Deciding between a Regular Admission ticket and the Universal Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood comes down to your budget and park experience goals.
If you want to spend less time in line and more time enjoying rides, shows, and attractions, the Express Pass is a smart upgrade. It offers front-of-line access to most major experiences, helping you make the most of your visit — especially during peak seasons in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, if you’re watching your budget and don’t mind waiting in longer queues, the General Admission ticket still grants you full access to the park, including all rides, the Studio Tour, and entertainment.
Insider Tip: The Express Pass can save you 3 to 5+ hours on busy days — well worth the extra cost for many visitors.
Must Read: Popular rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
How to use Express Pass at the shows
The Universal Express Pass includes one-time priority access to select shows, most notably the action-packed WaterWorld stunt show, a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
Express Pass holders can enter the venue before the general audience and are granted access to premium seating areas, provided they arrive at the Express line at least 10 minutes prior to regular entry.
Once Express guests are seated, the theater opens to General Admission ticket holders. This perk is one of the most underrated advantages of the Express Pass.
Cost of Universal Express Pass
The cost of the Universal Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood varies based on the date, crowd level, and season. On average, prices range between $217 and $317 per person in 2025.
Expect higher prices during peak seasons like:
- Summer holidays
- Spring break
- Halloween Horror Nights
- Christmas and New Year
If you purchase the Express Pass at the park entrance, you’ll pay $10 more per person compared to online prices.
Book Online to Save Money
Although you can buy the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass at the gate, it’s smarter and more cost-effective to purchase it online in advance.
- You’ll often pay less
- Skip the ticket counter
- Start enjoying Express benefits immediately upon entry
Do Kids Need a Universal Express Pass?
Yes — at Universal Studios Hollywood, all guests aged three and above are required to have their admission ticket, and this includes the Universal Express Pass if you want to skip the lines.
However, keep in mind that many rides have height restrictions, and younger children may not meet the minimum height for several major attractions. As a result, they may not be able to benefit from the Express Pass fully.
Tip for parents: Before purchasing an Express Pass for your child, review the park’s ride height requirements carefully.
Visual Story: 13 must-know tips before visiting Universal Studios Hollywood
Is the Express Pass worth it?
While the Universal Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood comes at a higher price than standard admission, the value it delivers in saved time and reduced stress is significant, especially during peak travel season.
With Express access, you can skip long standby lines and breeze through the park’s most popular rides, shows, and attractions.
Even on less crowded days, the Express Pass can save you 60 to 90 minutes.
On busy weekends and holidays, that number can climb to 2–3+ hours — time better spent enjoying the park, not waiting in line.
Why It’s a Smart Upgrade
- Saves valuable time on major rides and experiences
- Includes priority seating at select shows like WaterWorld
- Ideal for one-day visitors trying to cover more in less time
- Stress-free experience, especially with kids or larger groups
Why buy early? Express Passes are available in limited quantities each day and often sell out in advance, especially during spring break, summer, and holidays. To ensure availability, it’s best to book your Express Pass online in advance.
When to Buy the Universal Express Pass
Crowds at Universal Studios Hollywood peak during summer, weekends, school holidays, and special events, making the Express Pass a valuable time-saver.
The busiest times include:
- May through mid-August (summer vacation)
- Thanksgiving week
- Christmas to mid-January
- Spring break and Easter holidays
During these high-traffic periods, wait times for popular attractions can exceed 90 minutes, and the Express Pass helps you skip the lines and experience more of the park in less time.
When You Might Not Need It
If you’re visiting on a weekday during the off-season (like mid-January, early February, or late September), crowd levels are typically low.
In these cases, a regular General Admission ticket may be sufficient, and you might not need to upgrade.
Express Passes Are Limited
Universal Studios Hollywood limits the number of Express Passes sold each day to ensure a premium experience for those who purchase it.
Due to this cap, Express Passes often sell out well before the park opens, especially on weekends and holidays.
If you plan to wait until you arrive at the park to decide based on the crowd, you’re taking a real risk — by then, Express Passes may already be sold out.
How Many Universal Express Passes Do You Need?
When planning your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, you may not need to purchase an Express Pass for every person in your group, especially if you’re traveling with young kids or non-riders.
If someone in your group:
- Doesn’t meet the minimum ride height requirements
- Is too young for thrill rides
- Or simply prefers to skip certain attractions
…then buying them a General Admission ticket instead of an Express Pass makes more sense. This helps you save money without compromising the experience for the rest of the group.
How to use Express Pass with Child Switch Room
Universal Studios Hollywood offers a convenient feature called the Child Switch Room (also known as Rider Switch or Child Swap). Here’s how it works:
- One adult stays behind in a designated waiting area with the child.
- The rest of the group rides using their Express Pass.
- After the ride, adults can swap places without waiting in line again.
This means you can fully enjoy attractions with your Express access, then rejoin your family in minutes, even if they didn’t ride.
FAQS on Express Pass
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this Priority Pass.
Does the Universal Express pass include admission to the theme park?
Yes, a Universal Express Ticket includes general admission to the park along with the Express Pass, allowing you to bypass regular queues for rides and shows.
What is a Universal Express ticket?
The Universal Express ticket is just another name for the Universal Express Pass. It provides admission to the theme park and the benefit of skipping lines at all rides and shows.
Is it possible to purchase a Universal Express Pass on-site at the park?
Yes, visitors can purchase Universal Express passes directly at the park. They are available at the counters at the front gates and inside the theme park. However, it is better to buy them ahead of time. These passes are in high demand and have a limited supply, especially on busy days when they sell out quickly.
Why is the Universal Express Pass so expensive?
The Universal Express Pass is costly because it allows you to skip the regular lines and save precious time. This exclusivity is maintained through its pricing strategy – if the passes were more affordable, many visitors might purchase them, leading to longer queues even for Express Pass holders. The high cost ensures a faster and more efficient experience for buyers.
How long are the lines with the Universal Express Pass?
With an Express Pass, more often than not, you will skip the ride’s queue and be the next person to board the ride.
Does Universal Express Pass sell out?
Only a limited number of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Express Passes are available daily. During the peak summer months, school vacations, long weekends, etc., they are in high demand and sell out early in the day. That’s why you should purchase your Express Passes in advance if you plan to visit during a busy season.
What is the difference between the Universal Express Pass and the Unlimited Pass?
The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass allows you to skip the lines for rides and shows once, whereas the Unlimited Pass lets you bypass the lines as many times as you like.
Does Universal Studios Hollywood have a Fast Pass?
Universal Express Pass and the Universal Express Unlimited Pass are Universal Studios’ equivalent of Fast Pass. They help you skip the long lines at rides and attractions, saving you time.
What Is the Unlimited Universal Express Pass?
If you want unlimited access to skip-the-line privileges at Universal Studios in LA, the Universal Express Unlimited Pass is your best bet.
Unlike the standard Express Pass, which allows one-time front-of-line access per ride or show, the Unlimited Express Pass lets you ride your favorite attractions multiple times without waiting in the regular queue — all day long.
This upgrade is especially valuable for:
- Families with kids who want to repeat their favorite rides
- Theme park enthusiasts who enjoy re-riding thrill attractions
- Visitors on peak days who want full flexibility and minimal wait time
How to Get It and What It Costs
You can upgrade your ticket to the Unlimited Express Pass at the park, subject to availability. It can be upgraded from General Admission tickets, Standard Express tickets, and Season Passes (on eligible dates).
Here’s how the pricing typically works:
- Upgrade from General Admission: $100 to $170 per person
- Upgrade from Express Pass: $35 to $45 per person
Universal Studios Hollywood VIP ticket
If you’re looking for the most premium way to experience Universal Studios Hollywood, and budget isn’t a concern, consider upgrading to the VIP Experience — a step above the Universal Express Pass.
The Universal VIP Tour includes:
- Unlimited front-of-line access to all rides, attractions, and shows
- Guided access to the world-famous Backlot, with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences
- A personal VIP tour guide for the entire day
- Continental breakfast on arrival and a gourmet lunch in the VIP dining room
- Valet parking included
This luxury experience is designed for visitors who want maximum convenience, comfort, and insider access to everything the park has to offer.
VIP Ticket Price and Booking Tips
When purchased online in advance, VIP tickets are often priced lower than at the gate.
Online price range: $379 to $489 per person (varies by date and season)
Due to the limited group size and exclusive perks, VIP tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak travel periods in Los Angeles.
Book VIP TourHardcore theme-park fans visit both Universal and Disneyland. Find out how to go from Universal Hollywood to Disneyland Park and vice versa.
If you are not on a budget, the Express Pass are a definite plus. You can do so much more when you have the ability to skip the lines and move ahead. The only thing was – I felt guilty skipping the lines while the ones without the pass waited in long queues.
Such a high cost for an Express Pass for a theme park is not worth it. I took my kids to a movie instead. For now, I have convinced them that we will visit the Universal Studios two months later – after the crowds have left. There is no way I am going to pay so much for the rides!!