Universal Studios is one of the few places in Los Angeles where the entertainment industry opens its doors. It’s part theme park, part working studio, and one of the city’s most visited attractions—for good reason.
You can ride through movie sets, walk past live productions, and see how decades of film and television history still shape what’s made today. But the experience depends on how you approach it. Crowds build quickly. Ticket options vary. And without a clear plan, even the most exciting rides can feel like a wait in the sun.
This guide breaks down how to visit Universal Studios Hollywood with less guesswork and more payoff—whether you’re heading there after a morning in the Hollywood Hills, or building out a full Hollywood itinerary that covers more of the city with fewer compromises.
Want to see where the blockbuster stars actually live before stepping behind-the-scenes into the world where they work?
Our Hollywood Celebrity Homes Tour covers celebrity homes, legendary stories, and must-visit LA attractions—an ideal lead-up to your Universal day. Book your tour today!
Choosing the Right Universal Studios Hollywood Ticket
There isn’t one “best” Universal ticket for park admission — only the one that matches your pace. Some travelers want the freedom to explore on their own time. Others are trying to see as much as possible before the park gets crowded. And for a few, the priority is access: smaller groups, private lounges, and guided time on the backlot.
Understanding the differences between General Admission, Express Pass, and VIP Experience can help shape the kind of day you actually want to have—before you’ve even scanned your ticket.
Ready to book your Universal Studios tour? Lock in dates for your private Universal Tour here.
General Admission
This is the standard entry ticket and includes access to all thrill rides, shows, and attractions. It’s the best fit for travelers visiting on a weekday or during a quieter season, when lines move quickly and the park feels more open. For families with flexible timing or anyone who prefers to take their time between rides, it’s often all that’s needed.
Express Pass
The Express Pass includes everything in General Admission, with the added benefit of expedited entry—one time per ride—at most major attractions. It’s especially useful during weekends or school breaks, when wait times can stretch past an hour. For visitors pairing Universal with a Hollywood bus tour or arriving midday, this is often the smoothest way to stay on pace without skipping headliners
VIP Experience: Go Behind The Scenes
The VIP Experience goes beyond faster entry and is a memorable studio tour at Universal Studios. It includes a guided walking tour through working sets and soundstages not open to the public, along with unlimited Express access, reserved seating, valet parking, and a full-service lunch in the park’s private VIP lounge.
It’s a significant upgrade in price, but for guests who want the most in-depth look at Universal’s production spaces—or simply prefer to avoid the crowds entirely—it’s the clearest path to that kind of day.
Each tier offers a different rhythm and unique experience at Universal Studios Hollywood. Matching that to your schedule, season, and attention span is what makes the visit feel seamless.
You can also opt for a private Universal Studios Tour, which is a great way to save time and money. Plus, you’ll be able to skip the line at some of the most popular rides and attractions
What the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour Actually Includes
Universal Studios operates as both a theme park and a famous studio with working production lot. The Official Studio Tour gives guests access to the backlot tour by open-air tram tour, passing through staged streets, historic sets, and effects-driven scenes tied to films like Jaws, War of the Worlds, and Fast & Furious.
The tour runs throughout the day and lasts about an hour, with live narration that highlights current productions when available. It’s included with all admission types, but access can vary depending on demand and time of day.
Guests who want a closer look at Hollywood history and a full studio tour experience can opt for the VIP Experience, which adds a guided walking tour through closed-to-public areas. This version includes small-group access to active soundstages, prop warehouses, and production spaces not visible from the tram.
The upgrade also includes valet parking, unlimited Express access to rides, and a catered lunch inside Universal Studio’s VIP lounge—details that make a difference if you’re visiting for a behind-the-scenes look during a peak season or want to avoid the crowds
Visiting a Real Working Movie Studio
Behind the Scenes of a Real Working Set at a Movie Studio
As highlighted above, Universal Studios operates as a real working movie studio, not just a theme park attraction. The backlot you see on the Studio Tour includes active sets, functioning soundstages, and production areas that are used year-round.
On any given day, part of the tour route may be closed off for filming, and crews are often prepping scenes or moving equipment between buildings as guests pass through. These aren’t replicas—they’re sets built for real productions, from commercials to feature films. The tour offers a rare look behind the scenes of a working studio, giving visitors a sense of how the industry operates when the cameras aren’t visible.
How to Plan Around Your Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour
If Universal Studios is part of your trip, a Hollywood Bus Tour is an ideal place to begin. Our Celebrity Homes Tour offers a fun, open-air ride through Hollywood with live commentary, top attractions, and a close-up look at some of the most talked-about homes in LA. It’s a chance to take in the neighborhoods you’ve seen on screen, hear stories tied to the industry, and maybe even catch a real celebrity sighting!
If you’re looking to explore beyond Hollywood, the Taste of LA Tour adds stops in Beverly Hills, The Grove, Griffith Park, and other parts of the city.
Universal Studios focuses on studio sets, themed rides, and curated experiences tied to film and television. Our Hollywood and Beverly Hills tours offer the context: the places, streets, and stories that shape what ends up on screen. For many visitors, doing both is the best way to see how LA works—behind the scenes and in real life.
Smart Tips for a Better Universal Visit: Take The Studio Tour, Find Tour Guides, and Visit Top Attractions
- Visit on weekdays when possible: Tuesday through Thursday usually means lighter crowds and shorter lines, especially before noon.
- Book Express Pass during peak season: It helps avoid long waits for headliner rides and keeps the day moving if the park is busy.
- Start with the Studio Tour: It runs every 15–20 minutes and tends to be smoother earlier in the day, before queues build or filming pauses the route.
- Listen to the live guide: The tram is hosted in real time, and guides often point out active sets, production updates, and park history you won’t get elsewhere.
- Hit top rides early: Attractions like Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and The Secret Life of Pets draw the longest lines—go to those first if you’re not using Express access.
- Know what to bring (and not): Outside food isn’t allowed in the park, but City Walk has quick options just outside the gate if you want to eat beforehand.
- Consider rideshare instead of parking: Standard parking often exceeds $30. If you’re staying nearby, a drop-off might be simpler and faster
- Dress for changes: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a light layer make a difference—mornings can start cool even when the forecast looks warm.
Two Ways to Experience Hollywood
Hollywood means different things to different people. Some come for the studios, others for the skyline views, celebrity sightings, or the chance to see something familiar in real life.
Our Hollywood Bus Tours are designed to show you the city version of that story—where the landmarks are, what’s behind the gates, and how it all connects.
Universal Studios offers its own version just down the road. For many guests, doing both creates the full picture.
If you’re ready to explore the real Hollywood and still leave time for the rides, booking a Hollywood tour is the best way to start!
