Is it easy to get around the Universal Orlando theme parks? Do you need to make reservations or purchase tickets? In this guide to Universal Orlando transportation I will share all the details for how to use the transportation at Universal Orlando.
When taking a Universal Orlando vacation you don’t need to worry about how you will get to and from the theme parks. Universal Orlando offers transportation to guests staying on property at any of the Universal Orlando hotels.
These transportation options take guests to Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and soon to Universal’s Epic Universe.
This is included in your stay as a guest at the resort and it is a convenient way to get to and from the parks. We have stayed at resorts that have walking access, bus, and water taxi transportation to the parks and today we are going to share the ins and outs with you.
- Overview of Transportation at Universal Orlando from the Resorts
- Universal Orlando Shuttle Bus
- Universal Orlando Water Taxis
- Can you Walk to the Parks from Universal Hotels and Resorts?
- How to Get to Universal Orlando from Orlando International Airport?
- Do you need a car when visiting Universal Orlando?
- Do you need to make reservations for transportation at Universal Orlando?
Overview of Transportation at Universal Orlando from the Resorts
There are 8 resorts at Universal Orlando, soon to be 11, and all of them have transportation options for their guests.
They fall into three categories: Signature Collection (SC), Prime Value Hotels (PVH), and Value Inn & Suites (V).
- Hard Rock Hotel (SC): Short Walk, water taxi, shuttle bus. Hard Rock Hotel is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Florida.
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (SC): Short Walk, water taxi, shuttle bus.
- Universal Helios Grand Hotel (SC): Entrance to Epic Universe connected to hotel, shuttle bus to other parks
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort (SC): Walk (15+ minutes), water taxis, shuttle bus
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (SC): Walk (15+minutes), water taxis, shuttle bus
- Universal Aventura Hotel (PVH): Walk (15-20+ minutes), shuttle bus
- Universal Stella Nova Resort (PVH): Shuttle bus
- Universal Terra Luna Resort (PVH): Shuttle bus
- Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort (V): Walking path (20+ minutes), shuttle bus
- Universal Endless Summer Resort: Dockside Inn & Suites (V): shuttle bus
- Universal Endless Summer Resort: Surfside Inn & Suites (V): shuttle bus
Universal Orlando Shuttle Bus
Every hotel at Universal offers shuttle bus service and they are a convenient way to get around the resort.
At the Prime Value and Value resorts, where we typically stay, we have had positive experiences with the buses. There never seems to be much more than a 5 minute wait for the next bus to pick people up.
Of course at park close the wait to get back to the hotel can take a little longer but overall the buses are efficient and a positive experience.
You do not need to use the shuttle bus at the hotels within walking distance to the parks. When we stayed at Hard Rock Hotel we never even saw a bus because the walking path is so convenient.
All shuttle buses will drop guests off at a designated entrance where you will go through security and enter CityWalk before heading to your theme park of choice.
Universal Orlando Water Taxis
The water taxis will take guests from Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls. It is a pretty ride along the water canals that flow through CityWalk and around the resort.
There are designated water taxi pick-ups at CityWalk and at the resorts that offer water taxis.
In my opinion water taxis are the slowest way to get around the resort but if there is little to no wait and you are not in a rush it can be a nice way to get around.
Can you Walk to the Parks from Universal Hotels and Resorts?
You can use the garden walk walking paths from many of the Universal Hotels but not all and some walks are much longer than others.
If you are walking from Hard Rock Hotel or Portofino Bay you will have a short walk to Universal Studios Florida, Universal CityWalk, and Islands of Adventure. This takes less than 10 minutes.
If you are walking from the resorts along the garden path like Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, Aventura, and Cabana Bay Beach Resort it will take on average 20 minutes or more. The walk is very lovely along the water but if you have tired legs or small kids it might not be the best option.
The walking path has guests arriving at the side of Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville before guests go over the bridge to Islands of Adventure.
A big perk to walking is guests have a designated security check entrance that is much less busier than the main entrance to the parks.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the newest hotel opening in 2025 and it will have a guest entrance to Epic Universe connected to it. The hotel will overlook the theme park. This will be the shortest walk from resort to park entrance at the Universal Orlando Resort.
How to Get to Universal Orlando from Orlando International Airport?
We talked a lot about getting around Universal Orlando but what about getting to Universal from the airport.
This is a personal preference because you can book an Uber/Lyft/Taxi, reserve Mears, or take public transportation. We have never done public transportation but it is the least expensive option.
Uber and Mears are pretty comparable for a family of 5 wanting to get from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Universal. The ride is around 25 minutes and costs around $60.00 for an XL car. These prices and duration fluctuate depending on time of day.
Overall we found Uber/Lyft to be the best option for us.
Do you need a car when visiting Universal Orlando?
You do not need a car when visiting Universal Orlando if you rely on the transportation at Universal and Uber/Lyft from the airport.
If you are staying at a Universal hotel you will have a nightly parking rate for the car. Be sure to factor this into your budget when deciding if renting a car is worth it.
Parking rates are as followed(as of 9/2024, subject to change):
- Signature Collection $28.00+/night self parking and $37.00+/night valet parking
- Prime Value Hotels and Value Inn & Suites $18.00/night
Do you need to make reservations for transportation at Universal Orlando?
You do not need to make reservations for any of the Universal Orlando transportation options and it is free to all guests. If you need transportation to/from the airport research ahead of time the best option and make reservations as needed.
Overall the transportation options at Universal enhance your vacation. They allow guests to stay inside the bubble and not worry about traffic or parking. It is a great perk worth taking advantage of.
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Are you planning a Universal Orlando Vacation? Check out these helpful posts:
–14 Helpful Tips for Universal Orlando First Time Visit
–Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure (Best Universal Park)
–Best Universal Hotels for Families for 2024
Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.