Top Reasons to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

3, 2, 1… Action! Set in the San Fernando Valley area in Los Angeles County, a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is one for the bucket list. The "Entertainment Capital of LA" has been operating as a theme park since 1964 and is now ranked one of the top 10 theme parks to visit in the U.S. From thrilling rides to live shows and play areas, there's something for everyone at Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Know Before You Go

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City and opens from 10:00, daily. Depending on the season, the park closes between 17:00–19:00. Because the theme park sees approx. 35,000 visitors on peak days, the average waiting time per ride can last around 30 minutes on weekdays and be as long as an hour during the weekend. The best days to visit Universal Studios Hollywood and avoid ride queues are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Top Tip: Head to the Lower Lot once you enter the park to avoid long lines since most visitors start with the rides and shows in the Upper Lot.

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The cheapest Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are the General Admission tickets. Depending on the season, prices fall between US$99.99–US$109.99 - tickets generally cost US$139 at the main ticket counter. From now till the end of this year, save 50% off 2-Day Flexible-Date Tickets when you book with Trip.com.

If you're planning to spend only 1 day at Universal Studios Hollywood, a top tip to consider is getting Universal Express Tickets. Off-peak season express tickets cost from US$188.19 and peak season ones cost from US$207.10. Each Universal Express Ticket allows you to skip the line once at each ride, allowing you save a substantial amount of waiting time.

Movie and TV show buffs, this one's for you! Book VIP Experience Tickets for a fully exclusive (and immersive) experience as you're taken behind the scenes for an in-depth studio tour. On top of Backlot access, you'll also get to enjoy unlimited express lane entry to all the rides, VIP lounge and dining privileges, and complimentary valet parking. VIP Experience Tickets cost US$348.85 on Trip.com.

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If you're flying in domestically, the closest major airport to Universal Studios Hollywood is Burbank Airport (BUR) - located 6 miles (9.6 km) away. International flights tend to land in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), approx. 13 miles (20.9 km) away.

The cheapest way of getting to Universal Studios is via public bus. From Downtown Los Angeles, Metro Local lines 150, 155, 224, 240, and Metro Rapid line 750 stop at Universal Center Drive (the front entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood). A quicker public transport option is to take the subway. The B Line (formerly Red Line) of Los Angeles Metro runs from Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles to Universal City/Studio City Station. To get to Universal Studios Hollywood, take the park's complimentary tram service or walk on the new Metro pedestrian bridge - both located at the corner of Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive.

If you're driving to Universal Studios Hollywood, parking fees are calculated based on the number of days you plan to visit the park. If you choose to visit for one day, you'll only have to pay for one day of parking. At the time of writing, General Parking costs US$30 before 17:00 and US$10 after 17:00. The park's valet parking rates are US$25 for the first 2 hours and US$45 after 2 hours.

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Hop onboard the iconic Universal Studios tram as you cruise through 13 blocks of historic studio lot with your video host, Jimmy Fallon. The "The Tonight Show" host and funnyman offers a real, behind-the-scenes secrets and you'll even get to experience the largest street movie set in Hollywood history. Through the 60-minute tour, expect to come face-to-face with some all-time famous celebrities before hitting the grand finale - Fast & Furious — Supercharged

Unleash your inner wizard as you wander into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. This recreation of the famous novel and film series is home to 2 rides and an array of themed restaurants and shops strewn across Hogsmeade™. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ is a motion simulator that takes you through and around Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Flight of the Hippogriff™ is a family-friendly outdoor roller coaster that spirals and dives through the Care of Magical Creatures grounds.

Be sure to stop by Hog's Head™ - located in the back of Three Broomsticks™ for a Butterbeer™ or Pumpkin Juice™ for to complete your magical experience.

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Step into "the lost world" at Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic World™. Set in the park's Lower Lot, the immersive land is home to a thrilling raft ride - Jurassic World — The Ride, DinoPlay - an activity area for younger guests, and Blue - Jurassic Park's most beloved Velociraptor. As you cruise through Jurrasic World's jungle, be prepared for dinosaur encounters. We've been told Blue and its friends tend to roam freely around the area.

Top Tip: Bring a poncho along if you're planning to ride Jurassic World — The Ride. We hear it can get quite wet!

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Adjacent to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is the colorful Super Silly Fun Land. A literal interpretation of the seaside carnival from "Despicable Me", the outdoor area features an array of play areas - including over 80 different water-play features. Head to the dry zone to take a spin on Silly Swirly Fun Ride before getting close and personal with more than 50 of your new Minion friends.

For a more adrenaline-pumping time, don't miss Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride and Transformers: The Ride 3D, located in the Lower Lot. Alternatively, get your checklist of characters you've spotted throughout your visit out. Shrek, The Simpsons, Scooby, and Optimus Prime are a few of the famous character sightings at Universal Studios Hollywood. Whatever you make of your day(s) at "The Entertainment Capital of LA", it'll definitely be nothing short of entertaining!

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