Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood

Planning a trip from Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood? With approximately 35 miles (56 km) between these two popular destinations, choosing the right transportation is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Navigating LA traffic can be tricky, especially if you want to arrive early and make the most of your day at Universal Studios. Fortunately, there are several public and private transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

This guide will break down the best ways to get from Anaheim to Universal Studios Hollywood, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each method based on cost, convenience, travel time, and comfort.

Are you in a hurry? Book the transfer now!

Universal Studios Hollywood attracts more than 9 million visitors annually, so booking tickets in advance makes sense. A general admission ticket is the cheapest and most popular way to experience the park. Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, while VIP Pass offers the ultimate premium experience.

Getting to Universal Studios – private or public transport?

Anaheim and Universal City Plaza are approximately 56 km (35 miles) apart, with a typical drive time of around 45 minutes.

However, LA traffic can be unpredictable, especially in the morning when many visitors head to Universal Studios Hollywood for its 9 am opening.

As a result, if you take private transport, you will reach Universal Studios Hollywood in 45 to 90 minutes.

On the other hand, while public transportation is the more budget-friendly choice, it can be both time-consuming and tiring.

The train and subway route takes around 90 minutes, while the bus option requires up to 2.5 hours, making it a less convenient choice for those looking to maximize their time at the park.

Private round-trip transport to Universal Studios

Round-trip transport services provide direct transportation from Anaheim hotels to Universal Studios Hollywood and back, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

By booking this service, you can avoid the stress of navigating traffic and searching for parking, making your visit much more enjoyable.

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8.15 am in an air-conditioned vehicle, such as a Chevy or Ford Mini Bus.

Then they wait for you at the attraction – the total trip duration is around 10 hours, allowing ample time to enjoy the Universal Studios park.

This private transportation offers added comfort and convenience, especially with hotel pick-up and drop-off, which can be a major advantage when traveling with children.

Key details

• Duration: 10 hours
• Vehicle: Chevy or Ford Mini Bus
• Pick-up: Included from select Anaheim hotels
• Minimum Group Size: Three adults
• Start Time: 8.15 am
• Admission: Universal Studios Hollywood ticket not included
• Booking Confirmation: Received immediately after booking
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible but stroller accessible
• Service Animals: Allowed
• Infants: Must sit on laps
• Capacity: Maximum of 14 travelers
• Cancellation Policy: Full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance

Cost of transport

Adult (12+ years): $89
Child (2 to 11 years): $79

When booking your transportation to LA, it’s essential to purchase your Universal Studios tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. You can choose from three ticket options for entry:

Taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft can also provide direct transport. However their estimated cost is between $160 and $200 each way.

Private transfers are also available from San Diego and Burbank

Related reading
# Special events at the park
# Behind-the-scenes Studio tour
# Wait times for rides
# Essential tips
# Height restrictions

Public transport to Universal Studios

If you’re on a budget holiday or traveling as a large group, public transportation is an option to consider.

However, keep in mind that buses and trains are your only choices, and the journey can be time-consuming.

While affordable, this route involves multiple transfers, so it’s best suited for those willing to trade convenience for cost savings.

Metrolink Train and Metro Rail

This option involves taking the Metrolink train from a station near Anaheim to Los Angeles Union Station, then transferring to the Metro Rail to reach Universal Studios.

Starting Point: You can access the Metrolink at the Fullerton Station. You can reach the station via taxi, ride-share or the OC Bus 543. Alternatively, you can take the OC Bus 50 or ART to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) to catch a Metrolink train.

Train: The Metrolink train ride from Fullerton to Los Angeles Union Station takes approximately 39 minutes. From Anaheim, the Metrolink ride takes about 50 minutes to reach LA Union Station. The Metrolink fare is around $6-9, or $8.50 per adult each way, and includes a transfer to LA Metro.

Subway: At Union Station, you transfer to the Metro B Line subway towards North Hollywood. The subway ride to the Universal City/Studio City station takes about 27 minutes.

Tram: Once at the Universal City/Studio City station, you’ll take a free tram to the Universal Studios park.

The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes. The estimated total cost of this option is around $8 to $11, or approximately $17.50 round trip.

Insider Tip: The LA Metro B line, formerly the Red Line, has been reported to have issues with crime and misbehavior.

Get more details about the rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Bus and Subway

This option involves taking a bus to a station from where you can catch the Metro Rail.

Bus: The Metro bus 460 runs from Disneyland Employee’s Entrance to 6th/Hill. This bus ride takes about 1 hour and 57 minutes.

Subway: From 6th/Hill, you transfer to the Metro B Line subway.

This option takes longer than the train – you may travel for about 2 hours and 42 minutes. The total journey by bus and subway will cost about $4.

Public transport is the most cost-effective option but involves more transfers and time. Private transportation is more expensive but can be more convenient.

Find out more on how to reach Universal Studios Hollywood.

Insider Tip: You can use a TAP card, a contactless payment method, for LA public transit.

Get ready for the ultimate scare fest at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.

FAQs on USH transfer from Anaheim tickets

Here are some frequently asked questions about the round-trip transfer to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Recommended reading on Universal Studios Hollywood:
# CityWalk
# Rider safety
# Accessibility
# First-aid stations