Major city · United States
Universal City
Go for one day if you want the studio tram and one or two rides; stay 2 nights only if you add CityWalk and a studio taping nearby.
Universal City is a single-purpose stop in the San Fernando Valley: the world's largest working film studio plus Universal Studios Hollywood and the CityWalk strip beside it. Almost everything is walkable from the two on-site hotels or a 10-15 min uphill walk from the Metro Red Line station. One full park day covers the tram tour and the headline rides; a second night only pays off if you pair it with Studio City, Burbank or Hollywood.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar-May, Sep-Nov (midweek)
- avoid Jul-Aug, Thanksgiving week, late Dec, Halloween Horror Nights nights
- Airports
- BUR · LAX
- Nights
- 1-2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Universal City911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Universal City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a theme-park district; the real risks are heat and dehydration in Jul-Sep, long unshaded queues…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBUR Hollywood Burbank (Bob Hope) (About 4 mi north; short taxi or rideshare hop, no freeway needed.).
- Getting aroundThe area is small enough to walk: park, CityWalk and both hotels sit within about 15 min of each other.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or soft drink in the park$4-7
- Sit-down mealCityWalk sit-down dinner, per person$25-45
- Street or quick mealThree Broomsticks English breakfast with a 12-oz drinkServed early; best value in the parkabout $13
- BeerButterbeer or Duff beer$8-15
- Metro or bus rideMetro single rideCheck the current fare$1.75
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed nearby (Studio City, NoHo), a night, per personUS$60
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room nearby, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedMid-range double room nearby, a night, per roomUS$380
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$200 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BUR Hollywood Burbank (Bob Hope) (About 4 mi north; short taxi or rideshare hop, no freeway needed.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About a 45-min drive in normal traffic; allow 60-90 min at peak.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Feb
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Dec
Avoid*
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Dec (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Universal City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Feb
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
6 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5 rd
Apr
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Nov
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Dec
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The area is small enough to walk: park, CityWalk and both hotels sit within about 15 min of each other. Metro Red Line stops at Universal City/Studio City station on Lankershim Blvd; a free park shuttle runs from the station up the hill, or walk it in 10-15 min via the pedestrian overpass. A bus hub across from the station links to Valley routes. Driving in means the 101 (Universal City exit) or the 134 (Cahuenga or Lankershim, then south).
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 25-35 min
Metro Red Line from Universal City/Studio City to Hollywood/Highland, or the 101 south
Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and studio tours; easy half-day add-on.
Burbank
goDoor to door: About 20-30 min
Metro bus or a short drive over the hill; BUR airport is here too
Studio lots and downtown Burbank dining; useful before a BUR flight.
Studio City
goDoor to door: About 10-15 min
One Red Line stop, or a 10-min drive down Ventura Blvd
Best nearby dinner strip when CityWalk chains wear thin.
Glendale
cautionDoor to door: About 25-35 min
Drive via the 134, or bus connections from the Valley hub
Brand Blvd shops and restaurants; a car makes this much easier.
Van Nuys
skipDoor to door: About 30-45 min
Metro bus routes from the Universal City hub
Mostly residential and industrial; no reason to detour unless you have a specific errand.
North Hollywood
goDoor to door: About 10 min
Red Line to North Hollywood terminus
NoHo Arts District theatres and cheaper food; handy budget base.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
On-property (Hilton and Sheraton)
Walk to the park gate and CityWalk in under 10 min; highest rates, no parking needed.
Studio City / Ventura Blvd
One Red Line stop or a short drive; cheaper rooms and real neighbourhood restaurants.
North Hollywood (NoHo)
Red Line terminus, 2 stops away; budget motels and easy metro access.
Burbank
Closest to BUR airport; good for a one-night stop before an early flight.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $120-180 excl. bed
- Mid
- $180-300 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room nearby1 × 1 night × US$220 | US$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$200 | US$400 |
| 1-day park ticket, off-peak2 × US$109 · From $109; rises in summer, Halloween and Christmas | US$218 |
| 1-day park ticket, peak summer date2 × US$150 · July one-day tickets can reach about $150 | US$300 |
| Express Pass add-on2 × US$100 · About $100; usable once per ride | US$200 |
| Theme-park parking, before 5PM1 × US$32 · Minimum; tiered by distance to the gate | US$32 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$142 |
| Trip total≈ US$781 per person per day, bed included | US$1,562 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or soft drink in the park | $4-7 |
| Theme-park burger or chicken plate | $15-22 |
| Three Broomsticks English breakfast with a 12-oz drinkServed early; best value in the park | about $13 |
| Great Feast, family-sized, serves 4 | about $67 |
| Lard Lad giant donut | about $6 |
| Butterbeer or Duff beer | $8-15 |
| CityWalk sit-down dinner, per person | $25-45 |
| Rideshare, Universal City to Hollywood | $15-30 |
| Metro single rideCheck the current fare | $1.75 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Parking is tiered: general is a minimum $32 before 5PM and $10 after 5PM, more the closer you park to the gate.
- Peak dates (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween Horror Nights) push most ride waits past an hour.
- Off-peak visits mean shorter park hours and possible ride refurbishments: check the official calendar before you book.
- Express Pass is sold as an add-on of roughly $100 and works once per ride, not unlimited.
- Studio areas beyond the tram route are closed to the public; do not expect to wander the backlot.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Universal CityUniversal City
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; consulates-general sit in Los Angeles, about 30-45 min south. Check your own country's Los Angeles consulate before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Metro Red Line, Universal City to Hollywood: about $1.75, 15-20 min
- Park shuttle, station to gate: free, about 5 min; walking takes 10-15 min
- Theme-park parking: minimum $32 before 5PM, $10 after 5PM
- Rideshare, BUR airport to Universal City: $15-25, about 10-15 min
Say or show
- Where is the tram tour entrance? — Where is the tram tour entrance?
- How long is the wait for this ride? — How long is the wait for this ride?
- One adult ticket, please — One adult ticket, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the nearest restroom? — Where is the nearest restroom?
- Is there a locker for this bag? — Is there a locker for this bag?
Tipping is expected: 18-22% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 a drink, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Universal City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar-May, Sep-Nov (midweek) · avoid Jul-Aug, Thanksgiving week, late Dec, Halloween Horror Nights nights · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for BUR and LAX: taxi and rideshare bands, Red Line fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Two walking clusters with anchors: park gate and CityWalk, plus the Red Line station and Lankershim bus hub.
- Ticket-date fixtures so the park-day planner can price a midweek off-peak date against a summer date.
- Cross-links to Studio City, Burbank and Hollywood eat pages with last orders.