Universal Studios Hollywood Express Ticket
Ever wanted to get priority access to all your favorite attractions?
Enjoy a premium experience with a Universal Studios Hollywood Express ticket.
Say goodbye to long waits and hello to nonstop excitement.
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.
Highlights of Express Ticket
- All-day admission to the park with one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show, excluding Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
- Skip the regular lines and maximize your time at the park by reducing wait times
- Priority seating for the WaterWorld Show or any other shows at the park
- Express access to the world-famous Studio Tour, bypassing the line
- More flexibility to plan your day and explore attractions
- Beneficial during peak seasons like summer, holidays, weekends, and special events when the park is busiest
- Skip the lines during special events like Halloween Horror Nights
- Only a limited number of Express Tickets are available each day, so buy your ticket in advance to utilize these benefits
Ticket Price: $215
*Note that the ticket price may vary depending on the date of your visit and demand.
Key details
- This ticket was formerly known as a ‘Front-of-Line pass’
- You will receive the confirmation when you book
- Once booked, your ticket will be non-transferable and non-refundable
- Bring your passport or ID card for verification
- Large bags are not allowed inside the park
- Outside food is not permitted on-site. However, you can carry bottled water, fruit, and baby food
- The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible. They are also available for rent at the park
- Transportation and parking are not included in the ticket
- Free admission to Universal Citywalk
Get ready for the ultimate scare fest at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Why you should buy an Express Ticket
Universal Studio Hollywood attracts thousands of visitors daily, making it one of the most popular attractions.
This means there will be long waiting queues for entry to rides and attractions, with wait times ranging from 20 to 60 minutes per attraction.
In addition, when you buy tickets on-site, you might spend 10 to 20 minutes at the entrance, depending on the crowd and how quickly transactions are processed.
By purchasing tickets online, which usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, you can save yourself valuable time.
Here’s why the Express Ticket is a game-changer:
| Benefit | Description |
| Skip the lines | Bypass regular lines at top attractions like Harry Potter Ride, Jurassic World, Transformers, Revenge of the Mummy, and the Studio Tour. |
| Enhanced experience | Provides smoother and more enjoyable visits, ideal for families with young children or those with limited time. |
| Priority seating | Gain front-row seating at select shows, such as the WaterWorld Show. |
| Flexibility | Allows you to plan your day, with reduced wait times to explore the park. |
| Convenience | Enjoy a stress-free day at Universal Studios Hollywood without the rush to cover all your favorite rides. |
| Peak season benefits | Particularly useful during busy periods like summer and holidays when the park is packed with visitors. |
| Limited availability | Only a limited number of Express Tickets are available daily, so buying in advance assures you can take advantage of these benefits. |
You can also choose from other ticket options, such as the VIP Ticket or the L.A. All-Inclusive Pass.
Best time to use the Express Pass
The Express Pass is valuable during holidays, weekends, and the summer months of June through August when the schools are out.
The ticket comes in handy for events like Halloween Horror Nights, Christmas, New Year’s, or other special events at the park.
Let’s assume you plan to experience eight rides.
Waiting in line without an Express Pass could take up to 6 hours, with average wait times of 30 to 60 minutes per ride.
With an Express Pass, the wait time drops to around 10 minutes per ride, meaning you’d spend just 80 minutes (about 1.5 hours) in line.
That’s a time savings of about 4.5 hours!
In short, this Front-of-line ticket is a great way to avoid long lines and maximize your visit by allowing you to explore more in less time.
Express ticket or General Admission ticket – which one to buy?
When deciding between an Express Ticket and a General Admission ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Express Ticket is definitely the better choice.
For about $600 more, a family of four can save up to 6 hours of waiting time, making your visit less stressful and more enjoyable.
The Express Ticket gives you one-time express access to all the top attractions and preferred seating at shows, making it perfect for families, couples, teenagers, or anyone who wants to maximize their fun.
While it’s pricier than the General Admission ticket, the time saved is worth every penny.
However, if you’re on a budget, visiting during off-peak times, or don’t mind waiting in lines, the General Admission ticket still offers unlimited access to all rides, shows, and attractions—just with longer wait times during busy hours.
Upgrading General Admission ticket to Express ticket
Some visitors start with a regular ticket, thinking it’s a cheaper option, only to find themselves stuck in long lines.
To avoid this, many choose to upgrade to an Express Pass for a smoother experience.
How do you upgrade it?
You can upgrade your ticket either online or at the park.
If you plan to upgrade on-site, head to the ticket booth or guest services upon arrival to check your options.
There’s usually a dedicated counter for Express Pass upgrades, separate from regular ticket buyers.
Keep in mind that Universal Studios sells a limited number of Express Passes each day, so it’s wise to buy your Express Ticket in advance to avoid missing out.
Related reading:
# Tips to visit Universal Studios Hollywood
# Universal Studios Hollywood height restrictions
# Opening hours of the park
# Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood
FAQs on Universal Express ticket
To help you get the best experience, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Does Universal Express include express access to Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge?
No, it includes one-time express access to each ride, excluding Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge attraction.
Does Universal Express include express access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™?
Sometimes, virtual line reservations are required to enter the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™. With the Express Pass, you can save time and enjoy one-time free entry into the land.
Are all the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood included in the Express pass?
The Front-of-Line ticket includes express access to all the rides, shows, and events. Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge is the only ride that is not part of this ticket.
Do I need to bring any other documents apart from the ticket?
Yes, you must bring your passport or ID card to enter Universal Studios Hollywood.
What is the cancellation policy for this ticket?
Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Are food and drinks included with the Express ticket at USH?
No, food and drinks are not included with this ticket. However, you can purchase various food and drink options available throughout the park.
Is parking included with this ticket?
No, parking is not included with the Express ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood. Parking fees are additional and can be paid at the parking facilities.
Why should you buy Universal Studio Hollywood tickets online?
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue. Moreover, when you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters and save time.
Recommended reading:
# Transfer from Anaheim
# Private transfer from/to Burbank
# Private transfer from/to San Diego
# Universal Studios Hollywood rider safety
# First aid stations at USH
