Best Ways To Get To Universal Studios From Disneyland | Tips & Deals
The two most popular theme parks in Southern California are by far Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood is approximately 35 miles from Disneyland with multiple factors to consider when traveling between the two theme parks.
In this guide, we'll break down the most popular transportation options to get to Universal Studios Hollywood from Disneyland as well as some helpful hints to make your travels easier.
How To Get To Universal Studios From Disneyland:
- Driving To Universal Studios Hollywood
- Flying To Universal Studios Hollywood
- Shuttle To Universal Studios Hollywood
- The Best Way To Get To Universal Studios Hollywood
Driving To Universal Studios Hollywood
Driving to Universal Studios Hollywood from Disneyland can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over two hours depending on traffic.
TIP: We recommend making this drive first thing in the morning (6-7 AM) to prevent hitting Los Angeles rush hour which could extend your drive by hours!
Luckily it's a relatively easy drive that mainly only requires driving along a stretch of two major highways, Interstate 5 and the 101 Freeway. Aside from traffic, it's a smooth and easy drive.
RIDESHARE TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
If you don't have a car then ridesharing is going to be your best option.
Depending on the time of day (again, avoiding rush hour traffic is key) an Uber or Lyft can cost anywhere from $80 to $100+
Outside of peak periods we've seen prices around $50 one-way, so if you plan your visit carefully (on weekends to avoid rush hour or between the house of 10AM-3PM- you'll see the best prices.
Flying To Universal Studios Hollywood
Yes, you actually can fly to Universal Studios Hollywood from Disneyland despite only 35 miles being between the two theme parks!
Helicopter service between Orange County (Disneyland) and Hollywood-Burbank (Universal Studios Hollywood) is quite popular though not specifically used for theme park hopping, you surely can do so.
Helicopter service between the two cities start at $200 per person and varies throughout the year and how many people you're willing to share with.
Of course chartering a whole helicopter just for your party results in a much more expensive ride.
Bus To Universal Studios Hollywood
There are two different types of busses you can take to Universal Studios Hollywood from Disneyland, chartered/shuttle busses or public transportation.
SHUTTLE BUS
Shuttle busses between the two theme parks have become less popular over the years and are much harder to find recently.
Shuttle busses are now only offered during peak seasons (summer, holidays) if at all!
These shuttles are typically run by private operators like SuperShuttle and cost anywhere from $40-$60 per person, run only at specific times, must be reserved in advance and are shared with multiple other groups.
TIP: If you're interested in a shuttle bus start looking at availability ahead of your trip. If they aren't available during your visit you'll need to start planning alternatives!
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood from Disneyland via a public transportation bus is actually requires the use of the Metrolink system which is similar to a train or above ground subway system.
While it's one of the cheapest ways to get between the two theme parks (less than $10 per person), it'll take a minimum of two hours and multiple stops and transfers to complete this journey.
It isn't practical to do for a day trip, but if you'll be staying at Universal Studios Hollywood for a few days then it might be worth your time.
Best Way To Get To Universal Studios Hollywood
We recommend driving or ridesharing from Disneyland to Universal Studios Hollywood. The convenience, comfort and price are the overall best deal and make for a much less stressful vacation!
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