Universal Studios Hollywood Express Ticket

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 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 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 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
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