Universal Studios Hollywood Express Ticket

People enjoying an express ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

Maximize your day at Universal Studios Hollywood with the Express Ticket!

This pass lets you skip the regular lines, enjoy priority seating at shows, and make the most of your visit with reduced wait times.

Perfect for busy days and peak seasons, the Express Ticket ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Discover why it’s worth the investment:

Highlights of Express Ticket

  • Full-day admission to Universal Studios Hollywood with one-time express access to each ride, attraction, and show (excluding Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge).
  • Bypass regular queues and reduce waiting time, allowing you to experience more during your visit.
  • Get reserved seating at popular shows like the WaterWorld Show and others throughout the park.
  • Access the iconic Studio Tour without waiting in line.
  • Make the most of your day with reduced wait times, giving you more freedom to explore the attractions
  • Perfect for busy periods like summer, holidays, weekends, and special events when the park sees large crowds.
  • Skip the lines during special events such as Halloween Horror Nights.
  • Only a set number of Express Tickets are available daily—purchase in advance to secure yours.

Ticket Price: $215 

*Note that the ticket price may vary depending on the date of your visit and demand.

Key details

  • This ticket was previously known as the ‘Front-of-Line Pass’.
  • You will receive a confirmation upon booking.
  • Once purchased, the ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable.
  • Please bring a passport or ID card for verification.
  • Large bags are not allowed inside the park.
  • Outside food is prohibited, but you may bring bottled water, fruit, and baby food.
  • The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and rentals are available on-site.
  • Transportation and parking are not included with the ticket.
  • Includes free admission to Universal CityWalk.

Why you should buy an Express Ticket

Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass
Image: Eticketsz.com

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 activity.

In addition, when you buy tickets on-site, you might spend 10 to 20 minutes at the ticket counters, depending on the crowd and how quickly transactions are processed. 

Here’s why the Express Ticket is a game-changer: 

        Benefit                    Description
Skip the linesBypass regular lines at top attractions like Harry Potter Ride, Jurassic World, Transformers, Revenge of the Mummy, and the Studio Tour.
Enhanced experienceProvides smoother and more enjoyable visits, ideal for families with young children or those with limited time.
Priority seatingGain front-row seating at select shows, such as the WaterWorld Show.
FlexibilityAllows you to plan your day, with reduced wait times to explore the park. 
ConvenienceEnjoy a stress-free day at Universal Studios Hollywood without the rush to cover all your favorite rides. 
Peak season benefitsParticularly useful during busy periods like summer and holidays when the park is packed with visitors. 
Limited availabilityOnly 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 peak summer months of May to August when the schools are out. 

The ticket is also useful during peak periods such as Halloween Horror Nights, Christmas, New Year’s, or other special events.

Is the Express Pass worth it?

If you plan to go on eight rides, waiting in line without an Express Pass could take up to six hours, as each ride might have a wait time of 30 to 60 minutes.

With an Express Pass, the wait time drops to about 10 minutes per ride, so you’d spend just 1.5 hours in line.

That’s a time savings of around 4.5 hours, which makes Universal Studios Hollywood’s Express Pass totally worth it!

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

Upgrade to Express Pass
Image: Mickeyvisit.com

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?

Does Universal Express include express access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™?

Are all the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood included in the Express pass?

Do I need to bring any other documents apart from the ticket?

What is the cancellation policy for this ticket?

Are food and drinks included with the Express ticket at USH?

Is parking included with this ticket?

Why should you buy Universal Studio Hollywood tickets online?

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

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