Universal Studios Hollywood
A working Hollywood backlot AND a thrill park — Wizarding World, Super Nintendo World, and the original Studio Tour.
Distance
10 mi
Drive time
~25 min
Route
US-101 N to Universal Studios Blvd / Lankershim Blvd exit
Best window
Mid-January through February and late September through early November have the lightest crowds
About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is the original Universal park — a working movie studio backlot in Universal City that doubles as a theme park, about 10 miles and 20–30 minutes northwest of downtown LA via US-101. It's the only Universal park where you can ride the legendary Studio Tour through real soundstages and standing sets (Bates Motel, the Mexican Street, Wisteria Lane), then jump straight into Hogsmeade, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic World. CityWalk's free-entry dining and music strip wraps the entrance. A 12–15 passenger van keeps the whole group together for a single-park day and easy late-night CityWalk pickup.
Why it's worth the drive
- World-famous Studio Tour — 60+ minutes through real backlot sets (Psycho house, Jaws, War of the Worlds, Wisteria Lane) plus King Kong 360 3-D.
- Super Nintendo World — opened February 2023 with Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, the first Nintendo-themed land in the U.S.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- Universal CityWalk — free-entry entertainment district at the park entrance with restaurants, live music, and a movie theater.
Things to do
What groups actually do at Universal Studios
World-Famous Studio Tour
Tram tour through Universal's working backlot — only at Hollywood. Skip the standby line with a Universal Express upgrade.
Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
Centerpiece ride of Super Nintendo World — AR goggles, throwing shells, and the Bowser's Castle finale.
Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey
Inside Hogwarts Castle — KUKA robot-arm ride through Quidditch, dementors, and the Whomping Willow.
Jurassic World — The Ride
Reimagined river-rapids drop ride with the Indominus Rex and a 84-ft splash finale.
WaterWorld
Live stunt show with jet skis, fireballs, and a seaplane crash — the most-watched live show in the park.
Universal CityWalk
Free-entry dining + music strip — Bubba Gump, Hard Rock Cafe, the Voodoo Doughnut, and a 19-screen AMC.
Group + van tips
Driving a 12-15 passenger van to Universal Studios
- Use the Universal Studios Boulevard exit off US-101 N, not Lankershim — the boulevard exit puts you directly into the park-entry traffic flow.
- General parking is in the multi-level Frankenstein, Curious George, and Jurassic structures — all accept 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Transits.
- Preferred Parking ($45) puts you in the closest structure with a covered walk to CityWalk — worth it for groups who want a short walk back at midnight.
- If you're only doing CityWalk in the evening, parking is free after 6 PM with a $5 validation from any CityWalk restaurant or theater.
All Universal parking structures fit standard Sprinters and Ford Transits; oversize / RV parking is at the back of the Jurassic structure.
When to go
Best time to visit
Mid-January through February and late September through early November have the lightest crowds. Halloween Horror Nights (mid-September – early November) is the park's biggest event — adults-only after 7 PM, separate ticket. Avoid Christmas week unless you specifically want Grinchmas.
Need a van for the trip?
Our LA fleet of 12-15 passenger Sprinters and Ford Transits delivers to LAX, Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Hollywood / DTLA hotel doors.
See LA vansPlan your visit
Official Universal Studios resources
Universal Studios Hollywood — official site
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Universal Studios Hollywood — park hours
www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
www.citywalkhollywood.com
Discover Los Angeles — Universal guide
www.discoverlosangeles.com
More background
Universal Studios FAQ
How far is Universal Studios Hollywood from downtown LA?
About 10 miles and 20–30 minutes northwest via US-101. From LAX it's roughly 22 miles / 45–60 minutes depending on traffic on the 405.
Can I park a 15-passenger van at Universal Hollywood?
Yes — all of Universal's main parking structures (Frankenstein, Curious George, Jurassic) fit standard Sprinters and Transits in regular spaces. Oversize spots are at the back of the Jurassic structure.
Is the Studio Tour worth it?
Yes — it's the only thing you can't do at any other Universal park. Real backlot sets, the Bates Motel, the Fast & Furious finale, and King Kong 360 3-D in 60+ minutes.
Is CityWalk free to enter?
Yes — CityWalk has no admission charge. Parking is free after 6 PM with a $5 validation from any CityWalk restaurant or AMC theater.
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